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    1. Local experiences/
    2. Morehead City, NC/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Boat Tours/
    5. Shackleford Banks Horses & Cape Lookout Charter
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    Shackleford Banks Horses & Cape Lookout Charter

    Spot wild horses and visit Cape Lookout Lighthouse on a private 5.5-hour charter

    From$799

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    Discover what we've curated for you

    Duration

    5.5 hours

    Ideal For

    Up to 6 people

    Includes

    Drinking water, Cooler with ice

    Highlights

    Explore Cape Lookout National Seashore on a private 5.5-hour charter. Search for wild horses on Shackleford Banks and visit Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the lightkeepers quarters.

    • Spot wild horses among the dunes at Shackleford Banks
    • Walk the boardwalk to touch Cape Lookout Lighthouse
    • Visit the lightkeepers quarters museum and gift shop
    • Travel via ocean or protected Back Sound, conditions permitting
    • Pass Beaufort, Morehead City, and the Rachel Carson Reserve
    • Stay refreshed with bottled water from a cooler with ice

    What's Included

    • Bottled water
    • Cooler with ice
    • Instructional review from the captain

    Things to know

    The lighthouse is closed for climbing in 2025. Small Craft Advisories may affect timing, route, or cause rescheduling or cancellation. Bring a photo ID.

    Cancellation policy

    75% refund if canceled more than 8 days in advance; no refunds within 8 days. Balance charged 8 days before. No-shows are not refunded. Tours may be canceled or stopped for weather, safety, mechanical, or passenger behavioral issues. For weather delays, they may wait, reschedule, or refund if unable to reschedule.

    Meeting location

    1516 W Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, USA

    Experience provided by H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions
    Experience provided by H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Reference #CBMUQC

    Double Trouble Shack Attack and Lighthouse Tour

    $799

    4 passengers included in base price • Up to 6 passengers total

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • Greetwell Approved

      This experience meets our quality and safety standards

    • Includes Concierge Support

      Our team is here to help with questions, timing, or special requests

    • Flexible Cancellation

      Plans change? Most experiences offer flexible cancellation

    5.0 stars• 141 reviews

    Review summary

    5.0
    Excellent
    141 reviews•Google Maps

    Captain Mark has built an exceptionally loyal following with his private boat excursions around the Beaufort area. Guests consistently praise his extensive knowledge of local history, wildlife, and the coastal ecosystem, along with his genuine warmth and accommodating nature. He's described as safety-conscious, punctual, and excellent at customizing trips to match what families want to experience. The typical excursion includes visits to Shackleford Banks and Sand Dollar Island, where you'll likely spot wild horses roaming freely, collect beautiful shells, and possibly encounter dolphins along the way. Several reviewers mention returning multiple times, which speaks volumes. His boat comfortably fits groups of 2-6 people, and he's particularly attentive to guests with special needs or mobility concerns. The tours work well for diverse groups, from young children to seniors, and he even handles more sensitive occasions like memorial services with compassion and professionalism.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    ​A Fantastic Day with Captain Mark! ​We recently took a repeat BWB (Bulls, Water, Beach) tour with Captain Mark from H2O Captain, and it was just as fantastic as our first trip. Right from the start, Captain Mark was on time and prepared, waiting for us to arrive. ​As we coasted out to the Intracoastal Waterway, he gave a detailed safety briefing while also pointing out the sights we were passing along the way. We crossed the inlet and quickly arrived at our destination to find a group of wild horses waiting for us. After watching them for a bit, we took a walk further into the island. Thanks to Hurricane Erin, there was a flooded area we had to cross, which added a bit of a unique adventure to our trek! We continued on to the beach and were amazed by the incredible number of beautiful shells we found. ​What truly made the trip exceptional was Captain Mark's vast knowledge. He not only identified the different types of shells we found but also provided fascinating information about the wild horses and the island's ecosystem. We even spotted more horses on our way back to the boat! The excitement didn't stop there. On our return to the marina, we enjoyed a show from a family of dolphins near Beaufort. ​The trip was a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and natural beauty. Captain Mark is a wonderful guide, and we would absolutely book with him again. We're already planning our next trip down!

    Photo of Justin Dalton

    Justin Dalton

    August 27, 2025

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    ​A Fantastic Day with Captain Mark! ​We recently took a repeat BWB (Bulls, Water, Beach) tour with Captain Mark from H2O Captain, and it was just as fantastic as our first trip. Right from the start, Captain Mark was on time and prepared, waiting for us to arrive. ​As we coasted out to the Intracoastal Waterway, he gave a detailed safety briefing while also pointing out the sights we were passing along the way. We crossed the inlet and quickly arrived at our destination to find a group of wild horses waiting for us. After watching them for a bit, we took a walk further into the island. Thanks to Hurricane Erin, there was a flooded area we had to cross, which added a bit of a unique adventure to our trek! We continued on to the beach and were amazed by the incredible number of beautiful shells we found. ​What truly made the trip exceptional was Captain Mark's vast knowledge. He not only identified the different types of shells we found but also provided fascinating information about the wild horses and the island's ecosystem. We even spotted more horses on our way back to the boat! The excitement didn't stop there. On our return to the marina, we enjoyed a show from a family of dolphins near Beaufort. ​The trip was a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and natural beauty. Captain Mark is a wonderful guide, and we would absolutely book with him again. We're already planning our next trip down!

    Photo of Justin Dalton

    Justin Dalton

    August 27, 2025

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