Shakleford Banks

Shackleford Banks is an undeveloped barrier island in the North Carolina Outer Banks, and part of the Cape Lookout National Sea Shore.  Only accessible by ferry, the isolated island offers a day of uninterrupted relaxation, far removed from the hustle and bustle of over crowded beaches and boardwalks on other parts of the coast.  

Sea Shell Shimmies 

Beyond laying out and taking dips in the salty sea, a meandering walk will uncover excellent sea shell hunting. Due to its proximity to the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Currents, the waters stir up a great deal of shells during the storming summers of the hurricane season.  The weather systems have proven that Shackleford was not a friendly habitat to build in. Shackleford had originally been a part of Cape Lookout until a hurricane widened an island inlet in 1933, permanently separating the two islands and leaving Shackleford on it's own. 

Banker Ponies

Shackleford's main claim to fame however,  are the "Banker Ponies!" These hardy and docile "wild" horses have been roaming around since the 16th century when it is believed they were likely shipwrecked or abandoned by Spanish expeditions.  Over the years arguments over their natural place in the island have raised eyebrows. Naturalists attested to the fact that the ponies trample and devour natural wildlife, threatening the habitat. This of course was met rebellious cries from locals and visitors alike who viewed the Banker ponies as a state treasure and thus the research commenced! Had the horses not been of a bloodstock traced directly from domesticated Spanish horses who knows what would have come of our feral friends. 

How to Get There



Bonus!  

They let you bring dogs!