Adventure Travel Private Excursion Packages
“Father, oh father, Please let me go with thee. I long to see old England, across the deep blue sea.” — From “The Rum Barrel Girl of Beaufort, NC” by Gumbo Lily
Fulfilling our mission to spread the power of bringing water and people together we take pleasure in creating unforgettable experiences for visitors amid the charm of our scenic waterways and islands.
As an authorized tour operator of the National Park Service at Cape Lookout National Seashore, we prioritize your safety with a USCG Licensed Master Captain at the helm. Our excursions highlight comfort with cushioned seats and are pioneers in engineering safe, enjoyable, and educational journeys. Depart with ease and enjoy complimentary parking for all your vehicles at the tranquil waters of our marina, Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City!
Money On The Horses: A Two-Island Tour of Sand Dollar Island and Shackleford Banks
Our private excursion begins along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), passing the NC port of Morehead City before crossing Beaufort Inlet to Sand Dollar Island. Here, we will beach the H2O Captain boat, allowing you the pleasure of discovering sand dollars scattered along the shoreline.
Quick Tip: If you find an intact, white, and smooth-to-the-touch sand dollar, it's likely a dead, dried-out specimen with a hard exoskeleton, often featuring a flowery star-shaped pattern. These creatures resemble a flattened version of their relative, the sea urchin. While you're welcome to collect these delicate treasures, handle them with care, as they can easily crumble.
Returning to the boat, our journey continues to the heart of Shackleford Banks, inaccessible to ferries. Here, we'll either beach the boat or anchor a short distance from the shore, allowing you to explore, guided by your Captain, one or two trails in search of the renowned Shackleford Wild Horses. A walk across the island to the oceanside promises excellent shelling opportunities, with each party receiving an official reusable H2O Captain Shelling Bag.
As we navigate back to our marina, we'll either cruise through the waterfront of the charming town of Beaufort or alongside Bird Shoal within the Rachel Carson Reserve, keeping an eye out for more wild horses. Our route may also include a scenic ride through the seaside village of Morehead City.
Before booking, please contact Captain Mark at 202-369-1063 to ensure favorable conditions for visiting Sand Dollar Island, as high tides may render it submerged. In such cases, we often opt for Carrot Island in the Rachel Carson Reserve as an alternative.
Duration: Up to five hours. $669 for up to four passengers ($699 on weekends and holidays), with an additional $30 per passenger for parties of five or six. Prepare to bet on the horses!
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Double Trouble: Shack Attack and a Lighthouse!!
This excursion is the epitome of what The Crystal Coast, The Outer Banks, and The Southern Outer Banks have to offer at The Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina. Whether we travel through the North Atlantic Ocean to get to our destinations or in the protected waters of Back Sound our goal is to find the wild horses of Shackleford Banks for you amongst the dunes with the Cape Lookout Lighthouse as our backdrop, as well as to walk along the Boardwalk to touch the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, walk through the Lightkeepers quarters which has been turned into a small museum and breathe the wonderful salt air from its porch while sitting on its rocking chairs, as well as visiting the National Park Service's Gift Shop a short walk from the Lighthouse. Please note: The Lighthouse is closed again for climbing in 2025.
The iconic landmark is a 163-foot-high lighthouse located on the most southern point in The Outer Banks. It flashes every 15 seconds and is visible at least 12 miles out to sea. It is one of the very few lighthouses that operate during the day. It became fully automated in 1950.
On our return, we will go through the quaint town of Beaufort, the seaside fishing village of Morehead City, and the Rachel Carson Reserve.
This excursion, lasting approximately 5-6 hours, can be tailored to your preference for walking. Special Rate: $799 for up to 4 passengers, with an additional $30 per passenger for parties of 5 and 6.
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A Three-Island Tour: Sand Dollars, Wild Horses, and a Lighthouse Adventure!
Depending on the time of day and tidal conditions, our journey begins as we navigate the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) towards the NC State Port, then cross the Beaufort Inlet, a natural gateway to the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, amidst the shallow waters and along the beach of this ephemeral island, you'll have the chance to discover Sand Dollars, treasures awaiting discovery on this fleeting landmass that disappears beneath the waves at high tide. Please note: It's important to consider the environmental impact before collecting Sand Dollars from the beach.
Next, we'll return to the H2O Captain boat and anchor just yards from the shoreline of Shackleford Banks, an area inaccessible to ferries. Here, we'll embark on one or two trails, tailored to your preference for walking, and explore the pristine shores, including the opportunity for excellent shelling. Each party will receive an official H2O Captain Shelling Bag as a memento. Keep an eye out for the island's famed wild horses, inhabitants for over 400-500 years!
Continuing our voyage, we'll head towards the third island, the iconic Cape Lookout Lighthouse, navigating protected waters for an up-close view of this historic landmark. You'll have the chance to explore the lighthouse and the former Lightkeeper's home, now a charming museum. On our return journey, we may cruise through the quaint town of Beaufort or pass alongside Bird Shoal, an island within the Rachel Carson Reserve, where we might catch a glimpse of more wild horses. Our route also takes us through the picturesque seaside village of Morehead City.
This unforgettable adventure can last up to six hours, depending on your desired duration on each island. Please note: This excursion is subject to specific times and tide levels. Call us at 202-369-1063 before booking online to ensure favorable conditions. Special Rate: Starting from $899 for up to 4 passengers, with an additional $30 per passenger for groups of 5 and 6. In the event of unfavorable conditions at Sand Dollar Island, we may opt for an alternative excursion to Carrot Island, where we'll explore its boardwalk and venture into the Rachel Carson Estuarine Sanctuary.
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