Frequently Asked Questions
💸 What am I paying for when I buy your services?
Great question: You're paying a small fee for us to tell you all the important insider info you need to know about visiting Cape Lookout and/or Shackleford Banks, and answer any additional questions. We can even book your trip.
We have a short phone call to learn about any specific needs you/your family have-- and we tailor your trip to exceed your expectations. Personalized itinerary and recommendations are included.
We can also take care of booking of the ferry, cabins, beach truck to shelling, UTVs, etc. for you. These are additional charges.
☎️ Who can I call if I have a question?
If you're not sure our service is the right fit for you, call us! We'll help you decide.
Once you buy our service, we will have conversations prior to your trip and go about planning your day and answering questions. But, we want you to feel exceedingly prepared for your trip to Cape Lookout. We'll give your our personal cell phone number to ask any last minute questions, or email us at explorecapelookoutnc@gmail.com.
🧭 Do you guide tours to Cape Lookout? Do you guide tours to Shackleford Banks?
No. I won't be there throughout your day, but National Park Service employees are available to help you or answer questions. We provide a personalized service to plan and book you/your family the best time possible at Cape Lookout- but we don't lead tours.
🤔 What's your refund policy?
We are here to help you plan the perfect Cape Lookout and/or Shackleford Banks experience. To that end, we have a 20-30 call to determine your needs, we send you tons of insider advice, and a personalized itinerary. If after your day has wrapped up and you don't feel our service was of value, we'll refund you asap.
We can book your ferry tickets, UTV rentals, etc., too. Once booked, these sales are final.
🐚 Where's the best shelling at Cape Lookout? Where can I find the best shells at Shackleford Banks?
Talk about a million dollar question! The uninhabited barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore (this includes Shackleford Banks) are prime territory for shell collecting. Book our Plan a Family Day Trip to Cape Lookout with Shelling! excursion and you'll be driven right down the beach to what's considered some of the best shelling on the Atlantic coast.
🐶 Are dogs allowed on Cape Lookout? Are dogs allowed at Shackleford Banks?
Yes! Well behaved dogs - ON LEASH - are allowed. Please note that it's exceedingly important for you to pick up after you dog (and pack it out), take extra water for your dog, and Never let your dog of their leash.
*Be aware of horses! You must keep at least 50 feet from horses (about the length of a school bus) - but if you have a dog, stay away even farther.
⛺ Can we camp at Cape Lookout? Can we camp at Shackleford Banks?
You sure can, and we encourage it! But, please note: camping on these remote stretches of sand takes extra preparation. When you plan a camping excursion through us, we'll tell you everything you need to know. We can even rent you camping gear!
🏊♀️ Is swimming permitted at Cape Lookout? Is swimming permitted at Shackleford Banks?
Swimming is AT YOUR OWN RISK, and we mean RISK! We STRONGLY advise to NEVER swim on the ocean side of Cape Lookout or Shackleford Banks. The currents are very dangerous. And sadly, nearly every year people drown.
That said, swimming/playing in the water on the "sound side" (non ocean side) of the islands is considered "safe". At both Cape Lookout and Shackleford, you'll see families enjoying the calm waters. Still, there are no life guards anywhere on the beach- so keep this in mind.
🚢 Where do the ferries leave from for Cape Lookout? Where do ferries leave from for Shackleford Banks, and when?
This seems like a simple question, but it's just one example of how planning a trip to Cape Lookout isn't all that easy. The truth is, there are a handful of ferry departure locations, and times (which vary seasonally). The good news is, we will tell you which one is best suited to your needs- recommend a departure and return time- and we can book your ferry ride, too!
👮 Is Cape Lookout safe? Is Shackleford Banks safe?
If you ask around, most locals will say these areas are safe- and I agree. But, when you book our service I'll tell you about the biggest potential hazards and how to help avoid them. Safety is exceedingly important to me- especially as a former police officer and having spent much time alone there with my girls- starting when they were infants. I'm happy to answer any safety questions you have.