Glide across the pristine tidal flats to Shackleford Banks, a barrier island roamed by over 100 feral Colonial Spanish mustangs — wild, untamed, and utterly unforgettable. This is one of the last truly wild horse encounters on the US East Coast.
What to expect
Board a small ferry or private skiff from Beaufort waterfront and cross the channel to Shackleford Banks in under 10 minutes. You'll walk the undeveloped shoreline at your own pace, spotting mustangs up close — sometimes within metres — alongside loggerhead sea turtle nests and shorebirds. The captain provides naturalist commentary on the horses' Colonial Spanish lineage and island ecology. Return at your leisure with time to spare for the waterfront.
Good to know
Ferries depart from the Beaufort waterfront docks, steps from the cruise terminal area. Book a private charter for guaranteed departure times. All-aboard typically allows 4–5 hours ashore — ample for this excursion. Wear sturdy sandals or walking shoes; the terrain is sandy.