shackleford banks

shackleford banks印象

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  Pbuda57

  Shackleford Banks is an ideal location if you want to feel like you have miles of beach to yourself. The ferry headquarters are located within Beaufort Town Hall, although you can purchase tickets directly at the booth by the docks. There's also a ferry service running from Harkers Island if you wish to be dropped off on the east side of Shackleford Banks with views of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.The ocean side of Shackleford Banks tends to be less visited than the sound side, meaning you may potentially not see a soul for what appears to be miles of pristine beach. It's a great place for shelling, although the waves can sometimes make swimming difficult. The sound side is better for swimming and snorkeling due to the calmer waters, although that's where most people congregate. But whatever side you choose, you'll be sure to have a wonderful time.

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  Mkd2014

  We took a ferry over to the island and stayed about three hours. We did not see any horses, but I got lots of large sea shells. You must get out in the ocean to find them. One can not take anything that is not alive. Bring a very large bag for your shells. Also bring water, beach towels, sunscreen and bug spray and a trash bag as you have to take back anything you bring. There are no trash cans for toilets. I brought a regular umbrella since there is no shade. Two to Three hours are the most you need to stay unless you bring an umbrella. One group had a tarp they ties to some brush near the edge of the dunes. Smart idea! You can stay overnight if you are the adventurous type. Make reservations and leave early. You will also need to let the ferry service know what time you will be picked you. You can call and change it if you decide to stay longer. The horses hide in the brush, so expect to hike if you want to see them. There are two sides of the island and you might want to do both for a better change to see the horses.

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  MicheleC698

  My family and I spent a weekend in Beaufort and finally made a trip to Shakleford Banks, and boy are we glad we did! We left on the earliest ferry to the island and began our shelling excursion around the right shoulder of the ferry drop. I must have found at minimum, ten to fifteen intact conch shells! Others on our tour came back with buckets! You do needs get in the water at low ride to find the best ones. We took the 9 am ferry and came back on a 12:30 pm ferry.When we were done shelling and swimming, we headed back to the ferry drop to seek out the wild ponies. To our surprise, there was a full herd right in front of us, grazing on the tender marsh grasses. You can get within 50 yards, but no closer or you will be fined. We got some amazing photos of the herd, which included a new colt, and even witnessed the male of the herd chasing off his male progeny to separate him from the herd. They galloped and chased each other within two to three feet of us! It was quite exciting!Tips for when you go: go at low tide for the best shelling, bring water shoes so you can to walk in the water and across the dunes to see the ponies. Wear your swim suit and bring lots of sunscreen of you plan to stay, as there's no shade. Being a camera to take picture of the ponies! Bring something to carry back your shells-they're quite heavy when intact!

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  aruba247

  Shells, horses, sand, water. If that's all you want, you will be delighted. The ferry drops you on the sound side. The sound is very calm and great for small children to play in the water. Walk across the dunes to the ocean side, walk along and find some really nice shells. The banks are long enough that the horses can be down on the other end and you'll never see them. Or, you can hike to get to them, but I belive in keeping a distance from them so we didn't work to get too close - better that they're left alone. I read someone's review who wanted people to pick up trash that was left behind by others. I did. But please note that a lot of that trash washes up from the ocean too. A hurricane had just past when I was there, the current and tides where very strong and it was clear that we can do a better job of taking care of our planet. Take EVERYTHING that you may need while you're there (wet wipes, sanitizer, etc.). There are NO facilities of any kind on Shackelford Banks, not to be confused with Cape Lookout - different piece of land that does have facilities.

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  jocole74

  During our weeklong visit to Beaufort, we visited Shackleford Banks on three different days, taking the ferry from Beaufort. If you enjoy beach combing, swimming in calm waters (sound side), tracking wild horses or staring at the beautiful Atlantic, then this is the place. The water and sand is beautiful, the shelling is amazing and the wild horses can be elusive (but were waiting for us one day on the sound side). Be prepared if you plan to spend any time on Shackleford Banks - water, sunscreen, a bag for shells, hats and snacks - as there are no services or shelters. God bless the National Park Service for protecting this beautiful barrier island - it is a lovely place to explore if you like getting away from it all.

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  SwissIrene

  I visited a friend in NC and we decided to head out on an overnight kayak trip to Shackleford island. As it was early in the season, we were almost the only people on the island for the 2 days we stayed. The long beaches make for great walks and the seeing quite a few wild horses was definitely a highlight.

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  RoseEmerald

  When they say uninhabited island, they mean it! This can be a great experience if you bring everything you need--water, food, shade, trash bags, bathroom toiletries, etc. We did see the wild horses, and that was interesting and different. People say the shell collecting is great. We have a one year old, so our visit was basically sand, sweat and tears. Probably will go over better with adult couples or a family with older kids. Ferry ride over from Beaufort was fun and informative.

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  Lickcreek

  I love making trips out to the Shackleford Banks. Is enjoyable to see the islands in a natural state most of the time and the wild horses support the almost unchanged atmosphere. This trip I did experience something very concerning. There were a large number of visitors to the island who failed to recognize that they were visitors. They allowed their children especially the younger ones to run freely around the horses. These horses are wild and very protective of their young. While I also enjoy taking pictures of the horses in their environment, I do it at a distance quietly making sure they can always see me.The parents since they are adults should keep an eye on the children and not let them run up to the horses. This is also true that the adults should keep their distance. There was a potential issue as a young child approached a young colt. The mare took off running towards the colt but luckily stopped before it reached the child.Visitors are very lucky that the horses are used to people so they do feel less threatened. But remember they are wild animals.It was unfortunate that we were there at low tide with a strong wind so we could not anchor away from the groups of people. I enjoy that much more.As long as you are careful and respect the animals I do recommend this trip. If you go, remember to take everything you might need. Take chairs an umbrella or chairs and plenty of bug spray. There are combinations of suntan lotion and bug repellent that work great. Remember to pack it in and pack it out. I did see more trash than usual that people had left on the beach.It does not matter how you get there but do enjoy a beautiful day on at the Shackleford Banks but remember there are wild horses and with that comes other things left on the ground. I would make sure that you wear shoes at all times. There are also beautiful shells that can be collected.Enjoy and leave it as you find it or better!

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  fantasticallons-y

  We visited in 2008 and it was magnificent! The weather was so beautiful. We saw many wild ponies strolling down the beach and on the dunes. We plan to return again soon! You must visit here if you come to the area! Don't forget the mosquito repellent!

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  Sealife1960

  My husband and I took the state ferry out to Shackelford island. It costs $15 per person. We sat under an umbrella for four hours watching eight horses meander around the beach. One was a seven week old beautiful tan colored baby. The island has a sound side and a beach side with waves. We swam in the sound and collected whelk and conch shells on the beach. What a gorgeous day!!!! I would go back every day if I could.