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Indepth Information and Live Local Updates for the Outer Banks

Corolla Wild Horse Tours

Corolla Wild Horse Tours knowledgeable guides will ensure you and your family have a great wild horse tour! Along the way the guides will stop and point out interesting sites and local history and details of the Corolla Wild Horses history. Be sure to ask them lots of questions and keep them honest! Call or book today and come see our living history!

Winner of Best Wild Horse Tour for 2024 Best of the OBX by Outer Banks Coastal Life magazine.

Corolla Wild Horse Tours Focus on Family

Corolla Wild Horse Tours Reviews

Relax, unwind and have a good time, with Corolla Wild Horse Tours! With more than 20 years of experience, we are great family fun!

“Great Experience!”

Definitely recommended for all ages! Everyone in the group (10 including 3, 2 year old boys) loved seeing all the horses not to mention a 1 week old foal! Our guide Wiley couldn’t have been better as he very knowledgeable of the area/horses and has a great sense of humor. Thanks to everyone at Corolla Wild Horse Tours for making our vacation to Duck that much better!

“Wild horses on the beach!”

Had a great experience and our tour guide Gator was so knowledgeable and kind! We will share this memory with our friends and family forever! I can’t say enough about how beautiful it was! Especially seeing the horses on the beach ❤️

“Wild horses and a safari style drive”

The tour was 3 hours long with a tour guide who was very knowledgeable. We saw almost 30 of the 110 wild horses on the island and the ride up and down the dunes, through large puddles, and on the beach was worth the money even if we hadn't seen any horses. The scenery was picturesque and a lot of fun!

“Walk away with a smile.”

This is our second year of going on the Wild Horse Adventure Tour. There was a group of 13 of us and we drove the jeeps following the guide. We had so much fun. The jeeps had much better suspensions and were easier to get into then last year’s, so you weren’t tossed around as much, but the terrain added to the fun. ...

See all of our reviews on Tripadvisor !

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Corolla’s Wild Horses!

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Back Country Wild Horse Safari Tour

Scott Trabue’s Wild Horse Safari is an off-road eco-adventure that will deliver you and your family directly to the wild Spanish mustangs that have thrived on the northern Outer Banks for nearly 500 years. Your naturalist guide will carry you in custom open-air Safari Cruisers through 30 miles of beaches, dune and back-country sand lanes to discover the Outer Banks’ unique wildlife. Shore life including pelicans, dolphins and osprey are almost always present. You will hear stories about the Ghost Fleet and Outer Banks maritime history and learn about the mysterious petrified forest. Back Country Outfitters has exclusive access to the Spanish Mustang Preserve, where sightings of these regal wild horses are guaranteed, while your tour guide explains their Spanish Colonial heritage and the local preservation efforts. Reservations are required.

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Corolla, NC

Back country safari tours, corolla,  nc 27927.

Corolla wild horses still roam our beaches, dune fields, and maritime forest as they have for hundreds of years. Join us on this unforgettable adventure into the back country in search of the Corolla wild horses!

More popular webcams

Live from Wanchese Marina

Wanchese marina.

View this webcam from Wanchese Marina Roanoke Island on the Outer Banks.

Live from Manteo Marina

Manteo marina.

View this webcam from Manteo Marina in historic Manteo, NC on the Outer Banks.

Live from Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head

Jennette’s pier in nags head.

Enjoy this live oceanfront webcam of Jennette's Pier in Nags Head, NC on the Outer Banks.

Back Country Safari Tours

Our 4x4 Wild Horse Safari will deliver you to the wild Spanish mustangs who have survived more than 400 years on the northern Outer Banks. Or glide into the past via a Segway! Go off-roading with a fat tire Segway XT, perfect for navigating beach sand, on our adventurous Mustang Trail Segway Tour; or discover historic Corolla via Segway. Our Kayak Safari tour navigates protected waters in search of horses and other wildlife, while also focusing on the nuts and bolts of how to kayak. Wildlife abounds on this trip and your adventure will be packed full of the natural history of all things Outer Banks! This trip is designed to not only cater to the novice or beginner kayaker, but also to families with children as well. Please call or visit our website for schedule information and reservations.

107-C Corolla Light Town Center Corolla, NC 27927

(252) 453-0877 www.outerbankstours.com [email protected]

Local Information

Currituck county dept. of travel & tourism.

(252) 453-0877 - www.outerbankstours.com

Wild Horse Safari

This Wild Horse Adventure is the most relaxing way to see Wild Horses of Corolla.

Load the crew into our custom safari style trucks with open air seating and take in the views and the salt air as you cruise down the coast and behind the dune line in search of the horses and other native wildlife.

This is a 24 mile round trip searching for the horses and other beach treasures like Fulgarite, Conch Shells, Sting Ray eggs, Welch eggs, and many other things normally overlooked by the untrained eye.  

As with all our tours, you and your guide will drive right to the top of “Penny Hill” which is the second largest “living” sand dune on   the east coast!  Here we will stop to take in the view, get pictures and let the kids run wild! This dune is migrating south and has a very steep side that is a highlight to jump down. All our tours offer a lot of narratives on our unique coastal area.

Group rates are availiable for 6 or more adults

Tour time : 2 hrs

Corolla Jeep Adventures

Excellent Reviews

Experience the Magic of Wild Horse Tours in the Outer Banks

Have you always dreamed of seeing wild horses in their natural habitat? Now, you can! The wild horses of Corolla are one of several herds that roam freely along the coast of North Carolina. When you take one of the  Outer Banks wild horse tours , you can see these magnificent Spanish Mustangs firsthand.  Read on to learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Then, be sure to  request access to our free  Outer Banks Vacation Guide  for more great tips about tours, events, and area attractions.

Your Guide to the Best Outer Banks Wild Horse Tours

Their Local History

North Carolina’s wild horses are believed to be descendants of Spanish Mustangs who were brought to America in the 1500s. Historians can trace the colonial Spanish mustangs’ presence back 500 years! This makes them the earliest settlers of the Outer Banks, second only to the region’s Native American tribes. Many theories exist about why the horses dwell on North Carolina’s barrier islands. Some say they appeared after escaping a shipwreck off the coast. Others conclude that they remain as remnants of early colonial settlers’ livestock.

The proposed theories need more evidence to make a solid judgment on the origin of the horses. How they arrived remains a mystery. The elusive ancestry of Corolla’s wild horses  continues to draw curious visitors to the Outer Banks to learn more about them. The herd currently consists of about 100 beautiful stallions and mares that free-roam the sandy dunes.

Where the Wild Horses Can be Found

Beautiful, wild, and free, it’s easy to see why these powerful beasts have enchanted visitors for centuries. The herd is located north of Corolla on an 11-mile stretch of remote land between the Atlantic Ocean and The Currituck Sound. As well as offering breathtaking views, this secluded and natural area protects the horses from urban development. It is accessible by 4-wheel Drive, which begins at the end of Route 12 (around Milepost 12) in Corolla. For more great information about where to see Corolla Wild Horses, click here .

Outer Banks wild horse tours take visitors on an exhilarating 4-wheel drive beach safari out to the herd. Most tours take approximately two hours. There is no “best time of day” to see wild horses in Corolla, as your guide will know where to find them. For safety reasons, all visitors must always stay at least 50 feet away from the horses. The beach speed limit within 300 feet of other persons or animals is 15 mph.

What to Expect on an Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour 

The guided Corolla horse tours allow for family fun with a little dash of local history sprinkled throughout. Equestrian experts guide you through the area in a four-wheel drive area and point out the daily routine of our local horses. The knowledgeable tour guides lead you miles off-road and teach you about the challenges the horses face in their environment and what you can do through the  Corolla Wild Horse Fund  to help.

It’s important to remember that you must always remain 50 feet away from the wild Spanish mustangs. Admire their beauty from a distance, allowing for both your and the horses’ safety. Their mystique captivates anyone who gets the chance to see them in the wild. Expect phenomenal photo opportunities and the experience of a lifetime!

7 Wild Horse Tours to Witness the Natural Beauty of OBX

1. Back Beach Wild Horse Tours

View the wild horses in an open safari-style vehicle with  Back Beach Wild Horse Tours ! This is the perfect option if you are looking for a family-friendly experience. The tours are safe for all ages, even for small children in car seats. Back Beach has large capacity vehicles with seating for up to 14 people. Trucks transition easily from beach driving to the network of sandy roads in the 4WD area. Hours may vary by season. (252) 453-6141; Address: Monterey Plaza 817 B Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC

2. Back Country Safari Tours

From wild horse safaris and segway tours to 4×4 and kayak adventures, there are countless ways to see the Mustangs with  Back Country Safari ! No matter which tour you choose, trained naturalists will give you an up-close look at this area’s natural beauty. Back Country Safari Tours has been providing tours here for over 20 years. As a result, they have been granted exclusive access to private and public preserves that are not accessible to other tour companies. They are open year-round, seven days a week, 8 am-8 pm. (252) 453-0877; Address: 1159 Austin Street, Corolla, NC

3. Bob’s Wild Horse Tours

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure with  Bob’s Wild Horse Tours ! All tours are given in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. The trucks can accommodate up to 15 people and car seats for small children. On your tour, you’ll learn all about the history of the Outer Banks, local tales and legends, information about the wild horses, and more. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the northern beaches. Hours may vary by season. (252) 453-8602; Address: 817-B Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC

4. Corolla Jeep Adventures

Are you looking for a thrilling off-road adventure? Bring the whole crew and buckle up because Corolla Jeep Adventures will take you on a wild ride! Enjoy the fresh ocean breezes as you explore over 25 miles in your custom safari truck. Learn local ecology, often overlooked by an untrained eye, from your guide and see wild horses, the rural beach communities, and a lot of nature. Open year-round. Launch time varies with sunrise and sunset times. (252) 453-6899; Address: 1070 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC

5. Corolla Outback Adventures

A leader in the field,  Corolla Outback Adventures has been offering “outback” tours for 50 years. This tour company also has private access to the Wild Horse Conservation Easement, situated on a beautiful and secluded stretch of land. Experience a memorable 2-hour round-trip drive in the 4WD area up to Carova Beach. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Filled with picturesque scenery, you’ll find many photographic opportunities. Open seven days a week, 8 am – 6 pm. (252) 453-4484; Address: 1150 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC

6. Corolla Wild Horse Tours

Another family-friendly option,  Corolla Wild Horse Tours,  offers 15-passenger open-air trucks that are safe for any age. Kids in car seats are welcome! Enjoy the ride while your expert guide tells you about the history of Corolla, the wild horses, and the North Carolina Beaches. (252) 207-0511; 1159 Austin St. F, Corolla, NC

7. Wild Horse Adventure Tours

See the wild horses of Currituck in an entirely new way: cruise through the Corolla “outback” in a luxurious open-air Hummer with  Wild Horse Adventure Tours . No two hours are the same, so if you enjoy history, nature, and a quick-witted, friendly guide, prepare yourself for a fun and memorable adventure. Now, with exclusive rights to the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Swan Beach, this experience is like no other.

Please take advantage of our Wild Horse Adventure Tours coupon! Guests of Paramount Destinations can receive a  $5/person discount  for Wild Horse Adventure Tours when you book a Saturday, Sunday, or Monday tour! Just mention that you are staying with Paramount Destinations to receive the Paramount Perks discount. Certain restrictions apply.  Open seasonally. (252) 489-2020; Address: 610 Currituck Clubhouse Drive, Corolla, NC

Other Things to Do in the Outer Banks

After you see Corolla’s wild horses, check out these other great tours and family-friendly attractions in the Outer Banks!

• Outer Banks Horse Riding
• Dolphin Tours
• Mini Golfing
• North Carolina Aquarium
• Corolla Adventure Park
• Outer Banks Water Park

Plan The Ultimate Outer Banks Vacation With Paramount Destinations!

Now that you know about the best Outer Banks wild horse tours, it’s time to start planning your trip! Known as one of the best lodging options in the Outer Banks, Paramount Destinations offers the ideal accommodations for your stay. We offer a wide selection of vacation rentals in Corolla , Duck , Southern Shores, and The Currituck Club . Whether you’re searching for a dog-friendly rental , a home with a private pool , or an oceanfront property, we are sure to have your perfect home away from home.

You can browse  all available properties and book your Outer Banks getaway with Paramount Destinations today. Remember to secure your FREE copy of our Vacation Planning Guide! We are excited to see you soon.

GET THE GUIDE

An adventure your whole family will enjoy. Book your tour online today!

Outer Banks Wild Horse Tours Corolla, NC

Outer banks wild horse tours in corolla, nc, with more terrain, no two tours are ever the same..

IF YOU LIKE HISTORY, ECOLOGY, & ADVENTURE, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

Feel the ocean breeze and taste the salty beach air as you cruise the Outer Banks beaches in our exclusive open-air Hummers with one of our seasoned guides in search of the Colonial Spanish Mustangs! View the horses in their natural environment as we transport you into three distinct ecosystems teeming with wildlife accessible only by off-road vehicles.

Tour with us to find the Outer Banks Wild Corolla Spanish Mustang Horses and discover some of the most unique sights OBX has to offer. Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides take you onto pristine northern beaches that are accessible only with a 4×4 off-road vehicle. Book your tour online today!

OUTER BANKS WILD HORSE TOUR

off-road Hummer adventure in Corolla, NC

Feel the ocean breeze and taste the salty beach air as you cruise the Outer Banks beaches in our exclusive open-air Hummers with one of our seasoned guides in search of the Colonial Spanish Mustangs! View the horses in their natural environment as we venture into three distinct ecosystems teeming with wildlife accessible only by off-road vehicles.

Users All Ages

Clock 2 Hours

Bus Up to 13 Passengers

ABOUT WILD HORSE ADVENTURE TOURS

Voted the #1 tour company in the USA by TripAdvisor

Wild Horse Adventure Tours is proud to offer Hummer Adventure Tours. Navigate the picturesque Outer Banks beaches in our exclusive, open-air, 13-passenger Hummers. Our hummers provide 4X4 transportation, led by one of our seasoned guides, taking you on a journey in search of the Colonial Spanish Mustang (Banker) Horses.

Thanks to the superior capabilities of our custom-designed, open-air Hummer H1s, we can access previously unreachable ecosystems, each teeming with diverse wildlife. Our new exclusive transportation rights to the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Swan Beach allow us to view these majestic horses in their natural habitat, offering an unparalleled viewing experience.

Safety and comfort are paramount in our transportation design. Our Hummer H1 vehicles have been meticulously customized for maximum safety and comfort. Each seat is equipped with seat belts and restraint systems suitable for child seats. Unlike traditional boat-style bench seats or plastic bucket seats, our vehicles feature actual car seats. An additional upper glass windshield and soft-top afford a 360-degree view, enhancing your adventure. With more legroom than any standard SUV, 21-inch wide seats, and a stadium seating configuration, we ensure ultimate comfort and visibility for every passenger.

Voted the #1 tour company in the US by TripAdvisor

Certificate of Excellence Awards won since 2012.

Tripadvisor Hall of Fame Winner since 2012.

Over 10,000+ 5-star reviews from our previous customers!

"All good things are wild & free."

– HENRY DAVID THOREAU –

TOP-RATED OUTER BANKS WILD HORSE TOURS

with over 10,000 5-star reviews on tripadvisor

With over 10,000 5-star reviews.

This was such an awesome unique experience. I’ve personally been around horses and ridden horses many times but to see them in the wild is definitely a new experience. My kids had a lot of fun on the hummer ride right on the beach. Loved our guide and his silly pirate jokes.

This was our first trip to to the Outer Banks and one of the few "experiences" we had planned. I was really looking forward to this and my husband was quite skeptical. By the end of the tour he was amazed and had a great time! We cannot say enough good things about our tour guide Stu. Very knowledgeable not only about the history of Corolla and the horses.

Really fun ride on the sandy beaches and lanes of this wild horse sanctuary. Stu rocks as a tour guide, being very knowledgeable and a great guy. We saw lots of horses and learned a lot. Highly recommend. It was early November so appreciated being layered.

This was our second time doing this tour with Richard and it was the highlight of our trip! He is such a great guide and we saw several groups of beautiful horses. He does a great job of explaining the laws that help keep the horses safe and is very passionate in his job! Can't wait to come back again.

Agree with all the other reviews. This tour is absolutely worth the extra money. Our tour guide was amazing and WORKED IT to find the horses for us on our tour. Thanks for the tip to bring a warm coat! Phenomenal tour.

Great tour! Nice and knowledgeable staff. Well worth the investment. We appreciated the fact that the owners and our guide were locals to the area. Our guide Stu really cared about the preservation and protection of the wildlife in Corolla. Highly recommend this company! Thank you for the anniversary experience!

Sit back and enjoy the exhilarating ride down a 4WD beach with the wind blowing through your hair and the surf by your side. Our guide Karen was great, her driving skills are amazing. She was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Although I did not see the picturesque bucking mustangs on the beach, this was an AWESOME tour. Definitely recommend!

Excellent tour for those who want to learn about the wild mustangs and see Corolla. Rode onto the beach, which was amazing and found tons of horses. Richard did an excellent job teaching us about the history of the horses and the local area. Would highly recommend this tour for the learning experience and seeing horses that come from 500 years ago.

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Dolphin Tour: Safari

Book online, pick a date range that best matches your visit.

Select a start AND end date. Select the same date twice to choose only one day

Selected Dates

Call 1-877-359-8447 to Reserve over the phone.

Daytime trips.

• Adult - $32
• Child (12 & Under) - $18
• Infant (1 & Under) - $1

Sunset Trips

• Adult - $37
• Child (12 & Under) - $22

Location(s)

Oregon inlet fishing center, nags head, nc.

Our Dolphin Tours are VERY popular so we encourage you to book well in advance to secure your spot on this wonderful experience.

One of the closest tours to observing the bottlenose dolphin that visit the Outer Banks every summer!

Join us on a unique eco-tour to search for wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and view the wildlife of the Outer Banks. Aboard our covered 40 foot pontoon boat, you will observe bottlenose dolphins, pelicans and osprey. Trained on-board naturalists will provide a fascinating commentary on the history of the Outer Banks and describe the life history and behavior of bottlenose dolphins. Learn about the research that the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research has been conducting on these local bottlenose dolphins for the past 12 years. A great trip for families and people of all ages! Dolphin Watch Tours are approximately 2-2.25 hours in length. The boat has a lavatory on board. Drinks and snacks are for sale on board.

The Nags Head Dolphin Watch is the perfect outing for large and small groups* and is suitable for people of all ages. For reservations you may reserve online or call 1.877.359.8447 or 252.441.4124, ext 1 for reservations. The Dolphin Watch Tour is very popular so we encourage you to book well in advance to secure your spot on this wonderful experience.

*Private cruises are available by phone reservation depending on availability.

Dolphin Watch Tour Location and Route

The Dolphin Watch Tour departs from Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

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Things to Do

Back Country Wild Horse Safari Wild Horse Safari Tour

Wild horse safari tour.

Embark on the ultimate off-road eco-adventure and discover the wild Spanish Mustangs. Delve into the captivating shore life, maritime history, and unique ecology of the Outer Banks. Our expert naturalist guides will take you on an exciting journey through 30 miles of unspoiled beach, rolling dunes, and winding sand trails. Travel in our custom-designed open-air Safari Beach Cruiser, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view for a fully immersive experience. This tour promises unforgettable encounters with nature and wildlife

Where is the activity?

Back Country Wild Horse Safari

Dolphin Watching Tours - Nags Head

Dolphin tours aboard safari tours.

Pushing out from the docks of the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center offers our guests an incredible amount of marine life, and dolphins are one of the favorite tourist attractions. Dolphin watching tours range from adventurous to relaxed, suitable for the whole family or geared to the avid naturalist.

All tours aboard the Safari give you the chance to watch the most personable creatures in the ocean in their natural habitat.

If you are looking for a relaxing and informative dolphin watching tour with the most experienced dolphin cruise company in Nags Head on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

You have found it at Safari Tours OBX!

A Dolphin Watching Tour with Safari Tours is the essential trip for both the aquatic enthusiast and the fun-seeking vacationer. 

• Each 2 hour tour is narrated by our experienced staff who are ready to share their knowledge and answer your questions about the dolphin and the Outer Banks' coastline. 
• Our tour/cruise boat provides a 360-degree view for the ultimate viewing experience.
• The Safari Tour is a 50-feet long, 25-feet wide.
• Book a private tour for your friends and family or book just a couple of seats for your group.

Have A Question?

Give us a call, we'd love to hear from you!

(800) 272-5199

Sunset cruises.

Magical OBX sunsets on the water.

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The 10 Most Beautiful Places In The Outer Banks, According To Experts

People tend to speak about the Outer Banks, often referred to simply as OBX, as if it’s one singular place. In reality, the beloved destination is a string of barrier islands that stretches for more than 175 miles (roughly the distance from Nashville to Louisville) along the coast of North Carolina, encompassing four counties and more than a dozen towns with charmingly odd names like Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head . While each of OBX’s distinctive communities has a feel and personality all its own, one thing the area universally claims is gorgeous scenery. From historic lighthouses to peaceful docks, sprawling resorts to wild horses on the beach , the Outer Banks are teeming with postcard-perfect sights. While you’re bound to find something stunning no matter which parts of the destination you explore, we turned to the experts, folks from the Outer Banks Visitor’s Bureau and Currituck County Travel & Tourism, to get the inside scoop on the Outer Banks’ most picturesque places. Here are the 10 unforgettably beautiful places in the Outer Banks, according to experts.

Duck Boardwalk

Courtesy of The Outer Banks of North Carolina

The entire town of Duck is as quaint as can be, but its waterfront boardwalk that’s sandwiched by a slew of inviting restaurants and boutiques on one side and peaceful boat docks on the other is the epitome of a perfect vacation scene. The weathered wooden boardwalk, the deep blue Currituck Sound, and the added bonus of nautical-themed shops with cedar-shake siding—it’s almost too dreamy to be real.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Sand dunes at the beach you might expect, but the kind found at Jockey’s Ridge State Park are guaranteed to be beyond anything you may have imagined. You’ll find that this natural wonder is more akin to the towering sand dunes of New Mexico’s What Sands National Park than the gently rolling hills of other east coast beaches. As the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic Coast, the state park is a hotspot for hang gliding, kite flying, and sunset watching .

Cottage Row Historic District

There’s something extra romantic about a seaside shack that’s stood the test of time. Stilted above the sea oats with wraparound porches and shingles made from driftwood and other scraps, the historic oceanfront cottages in Nags Head are a sight to behold. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the majority of the remaining late 19 th century and early 20 th century structures have been passed down through the generations and are still owned by family members of their original owners.

Sanderling Resort

Outer Banks is a bit more “salt of the earth” than “glitz and glam,” especially when compared to more luxurious Southern beaches like Palm Beach and Alys Beach . One place you can find a taste of the sweet life is at Sanderling Resort , a long-loved beachfront stay nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound. The rooms are elegantly appointed, but the resort’s expansive grounds—complete with umbrella-lined pools, vegetation-covered dunes, and peaceful stretches of sandy beach—are the real star.

Pine Island Audubon & Sanctuary Center

Getty Images

One of the Outer Banks’ biggest draws is how wild and natural they are. Nowhere exhibits this quality better than the Pine Island Audubon & Sanctuary Center , which encompasses 2,600 acres of preserved marsh, upland maritime forest, and sandy beaches in the northeast portion of the barrier islands. It’s a great place to go birdwatching and spot all kinds of wildlife. A kayak tour through the intricate marsh maze connecting lots of tiny islands is a must.   

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse dates to 1875, when it played an important role in keeping mariners safe in the choppy seas. Today, it presides over Historic Corolla Village as the last brick-and-mortar lighthouse in North Carolina. The 162-feet-high red brick structure gives not one but two gorgeous views. From below, you can marvel at the wonder of this imposing tower. Or for $13, you can climb its spiral staircase and enjoy awe-inspiring views of a never-ending sea of blue thanks to the Currituck Sound and Atlantic Ocean.

Wild Corolla Horses

Perhaps the most iconic scene to be associated with the Outer Banks, the famous wild horses of Corolla have a worldwide fan base. If you’re keen on seeing these Colonial Spanish Mustangs galloping through the salty spray (and who wouldn’t?), head to Corolla. There, book a tour with outfitters like Wild Horse Adventure Tours or Bob’s Wild Horse Tours , where you’ll jump in a four-wheel-drive vehicle and take a sandy safari to spot these majestic creatures.  

Edgecamp Pamlico Station

Courtesy of Edgecamp Pamlico Station

One of the area’s newest developments, this luxury property in the southern Outer Banks’ town of Hatteras Island, has made quite the splash since opening in June 2024. Its 14 Jonathan Adler-designed suites are a study in understated coastal-cool design, and a dedicated concierge service offers everything from massages to a private chef to boat and jet-ski rental. Visiting with a whole crew? Check out Edgecamp’s waterfront villas.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras Island

Head to the wild and unfettered Cape Hatteras National Seashore to see the striking Bodie Island Light Station . As you approach the classic black-and-white-striped beacon, take in the gorgeous surroundings of marshy grasses, winding boardwalks, and rippling water. If you visit in the summertime, you can purchase a ticket to climb to the top.

Jennette’s Pier

This 1,000-foot-long pier extending into the Atlantic Ocean has been a landmark for generations of Outer Banks vacationers. Though it has seen many iterations since 1939, succumbing to the combined forces of storms, wind, and waves, its current profile may be the most impressive yet. Find a spot along the guardrail to cast a line, or enjoy a sunset stroll to see the sun slip down behind the horizon.

Related Articles

Tourists visiting ‘dangerous’ Outer Banks island risk being swept away, NC park warns

An enticing land bridge growing off North Carolina’s coast has become a potentially deadly trap for tourists, experts say.

Shifting sands are connecting Shark Island to Cape Lookout, and those who dare walk the narrow strip could find themselves swept out to sea, the National Park Service said in a warning posted July 1.

“While the converging currents at the southern tip of Cape Lookout are incredibly beautiful, they are best observed from a distance!” Cape Lookout National Seashore wrote on Facebook.

“In addition to the risk of entrapment, the waters south of Cape Lookout can be incredibly dangerous due to shifting and converging currents. Getting caught by a rising tide while traveling on foot through this narrow band of sand could quickly sweep someone off their feet and out to sea.”

Changing tides are adding to the dangers, officials said. The bridge grows at low tide, but slowly vanishes at high tide.

Storms can also pop up without warning, churning the waters with wind gusts.

“In the past, we have had incidents of visitors crossing to Shark Island at low tide and becoming trapped as the tide rises behind them,” park officials said.

“These situations have resulted in first responders from multiple agencies being dispatched to conduct complex rescues to safely remove them.”

Waters off the Outer Banks are notoriously treacherous as the point where the northbound Gulf Stream collides with the southbound Labrador Current. The nutrient-rich waters are also known to attract sharks in search of prey.

Piece of history lost 100 years ago along NC’s Outer Banks to be recreated, park says

Huge skull found on Outer Banks came from creature that can weigh 40 tons, park says

One of oldest wild horses born on NC Outer Banks has died, fund says. ‘End of an era’

Safari Dolphin Tours

• 800-272-5199

Create an on-the-water memory that you and your family won’t soon forget with an adventure that’s helmed by Safari Dolphin Tours. This local Outer Banks boat tour company offers an array of experiences and literally goes the extra mile to ensure that everyone on board has the best experience possible while capturing plenty of photographs and memories along the way.

Safari Dolphin Tours is located at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center just north of the Basnight Bridge, and as a result, it’s easy to reach for folks staying in Nags Head, Manteo, and throughout the central Outer Banks. There are several tour options to choose from, including exciting dolphin tours that are always a crowd-pleaser, as well as evening sunset cruises that showcase the beauty of the Outer Banks in every direction. Covering the Pamlico Sound and Oregon Inlet waters that are close to shore, and featuring additional tour options like wildlife expeditions or eco-tours, Safari Dolphin Tours is a great resource for plotting an adventure that ventures beyond the beach, and provides exceptional fun for anyyone who wants to experience what life on the water on the Outer Banks is all about.