The Cape Lookout National Seashore

The United States boasts 423 National Parks, encompassing 88 ocean and coastal parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public lands under the management of the Department of the Interior.

In Morehead City, nestled between Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, residents are fortunate to have one such National Park: Cape Lookout National Park, a unique combination of ocean and coastal landscapes.

Among the attractions drawing visitors to this region, which spans from Swansboro to Beaufort, NC, is the opportunity to encounter the legendary wild horses of Shackleford Banks. These horses, believed to have inhabited the island for centuries, offer a captivating glimpse into the area's natural heritage, along with ample opportunities for shelling on the barrier island.

Accessing Shackleford Banks is limited to two options: either by ferry, accommodating up to 49 passengers, which disembarks on the sound side of the island, or by private charter boat. H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions holds a National Park Service permit, serving as the official tour guide for both boat and land excursions to observe the wild horses and explore the island's treasures. Their USCG Licensed Boat Captain anchors the vessel, accompanying visitors on foot for an enriching and educational experience.

As of the end of 2023, the population of wild horses on Shackleford Banks numbered 117, predominantly comprised of females (62%) and males (33%). Among the elder equines aged 17 years and older, 23 are females, while only one is male. The island's eldest inhabitant is a 29-year-old mare, with five foals born during the spring and summer months. Remarkably, these horses roam freely across the island, unrestricted by enclosures.

Spring emerges as an ideal time to visit Shackleford Banks, characterized by minimal human activity, the blossoming of wildflowers, and the vibrant greenery of cordgrass—a true renaissance of nature inviting all to partake in its splendor.

Photo:  Two wild horses on the banks of Shackleford. Courtesy of H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions