Outer Banks Wild Horses: How to See Them and What to Know

In the Outer Banks of North Carolina, you’ll find wild horses believed to be descendants of Spanish mustangs brought to America by early explorers. These magnificent creatures freely roam certain parts of the barrier islands, such as Carova, Corolla and Shackleford Banks.

To catch sight of these iconic inhabitants, you can either join a guided wild horse tour or plan your own adventure. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about how to see the wild horses of the Outer Banks.

Where to See Outer Banks Wild Horses

The two main places to find wild horses roaming is in the 4×4 areas of Carova and Corolla on the northern end of the OBX and Shackleford Banks to the south.

Things to Know Before Seeing OBX Wild Horses

Do not feed or touch the horses—it is illegal to come within 50 feet of them.

Spotting the horses is not always guaranteed.

If you are staying in a vacation rental home in the 4×4 area of Carova or Corolla you may see the wild horses grazing between homes.

There is a ferry that runs from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks—you cannot access Shackleford Banks by car.

If you plan to see the wild horses in Carova and Corolla without taking a guided tour you will most likely need a 4×4 vehicle.

Be sure the check out the Corolla Wild Horse Museum in Historic Corolla Village.

You can rent a Jeep from Outer Banks Jeep Rentals in Kill Devil Hills if you don’t have a 4×4.

Wild Horse Tours & Guides

Participating in a wild horse tour offers an exhilarating opportunity to witness the horses in their natural habitat.

In areas such as Carova and Corolla, expert guides lead visitors on off-road adventures through the sandy dunes and secluded beaches, where the famous Corolla wild horses roam freely.

These guided tours provide valuable insight into the history, behavior, and conservation efforts surrounding these iconic animals, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for all participants.

Meanwhile, on Shackleford Banks, another popular destination for wild horse enthusiasts, tours offer a chance to explore the pristine shores of this remote barrier island and encounter the unique herd of Shackleford Banks horses.

Whether you’re exploring Carova, Corolla, or Shackleford Banks, a wild horse tour in the Outer Banks promises adventure, discovery, and an unforgettable encounter with nature’s beauty.

Many wild horse tours allow online booking making it quick and easy to reserve your spot! Keep in mind, however, that tours fill up fast depending on the time of the year. So, if you plan to take a guided tour, go ahead and snag those spots early.

Best Corolla Wild Horse Tours:

Back Country Safari Tours

Open-air Safari-Style Trucks
Must be over one year old to participate
Guests should bring a car seat for riders between age 1-3.
Online booking available

Bob’s Wild Horse Tours

Open air Safari-Style trucks
No age restrictions.
Guests should bring a car seat for those who will need them-no lap riders
Online booking available

Wild Horse Adventure Tours

Portion of tickets sales goes to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund
Exclusive open air Hummer H-1’s
Guests should bring a car seat for those who will require one-no lap riders
Online booking available

Corolla Jeep Adventures

All ages welcome
Custom safari open-air trucks
25-mile adventure
Online booking available

Best Shackleford Banks Wild Horse Tours:

Cape Lookout National Seashore Horse Sense and Survival Tours

Very unique tour
This is a walking tour-plan accordingly as you may walk through marshy areas
Tour is given by a park ranger
Longer tour than most others on the list, but very unique
Isn’t as easy to book, but the walking tour is free! You will have a fee with the ferry service to ride to Shackleford Banks.

Island Express Ferry Service Tour

Unique option where you tour by ferry and foot
Ages 2 and younger are free
Round trip ferry ride
Spend one hour dropped off on Shackleford Banks
Online booking available

Shackleford Banks Wild Horse and Shelling Safari

Walking tour-no vehicles are on the island
Unique experience with shelling also
1.5 hours long
Includes ferry ride to island
Online Booking Available

How to See the OBX Wild Horses on Your Own

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, exploring the Outer Banks wild horses on a self-guided tour can be a thrilling experience.

Start by heading to areas known for wild horse sightings, like Corolla or Shackleford Banks. Once you’ve arrived, keep your eyes peeled as you drive along the beach or through the dunes – you never know when you might spot a group of horses grazing or wandering along the shoreline.

To maximize your chances of seeing the wild horses, consider bringing along a pair of binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens. This will allow you to observe the horses from a safe distance without disturbing them. Remember to always maintain a respectful distance and never approach or feed the horses, as they are wild animals.

While exploring on your own can be exciting, it’s essential to prioritize safety and follow local guidelines and regulations. Be sure to check the tide schedule before driving on the beach. Also, stay aware of any potential hazards, such as soft sand or deep puddles.

With a little patience and some careful planning, a self-guided tour of the Outer Banks wild horses can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Tips for Beach Driving in the Outer Banks

Keep these tips in mind when driving on the 4×4 area of Carova Beach and Corolla to ensure a safe and hassle free experience.

4×4 Vehicles with at least 7.5 inches of ground clearance are strongly recommended.

Do not stop or park on the beach ramp area.

Deflate tires to between 18-20psi prior to driving on the beach-air stations are located at Historic Corolla Park.

Fill up the gas tank before the paved road ends—there are no gas stations on the 4×4 area.

There is no parking for the first 1.5 miles of the beach once entering the 4×4 area.

Beach driving at night gets tricky—there are no street lights and it gets very dark.

Low tide tends to be the easiest time to drive on the beach. Check the Outer Banks Tide Chart before you venture out.

The speed limit is 35 unless posted otherwise. The exception to this rule is when you are within 300 ft of wild horses or pedestrians, then the speed limit is 15.

Do not block the flow of traffic when parking in the 4×4 area. All parked vehicles should be in the middle of the beach (east of the dune line and west of the hard packed sand at the waters edge).

Click here to check out this video from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund about some important information to remember when driving on the beach where horses may be present.

The History of the OBX Wild Horses and Present Day

Where did the Outer Banks Wild Horses Come From?

The Outer Banks wild horses, also known as the Banker horses, have a rich and storied history that dates back centuries. Believed to be descendants of Spanish mustangs brought to the Americas by early explorers, these resilient creatures have roamed the barrier islands of the Outer Banks for generations.

As ships wrecked along the treacherous coastline, some horses found themselves stranded on the islands. Over time, they adapted to the harsh coastal environment and learned to thrive in the wild.

As time went on, the wild horse population on the Outer Banks became an integral part of the region’s culture and heritage. They were used for transportation, work, and even as a source of food by early settlers and inhabitants of the islands.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including habitat loss and human encroachment, the wild horses have persevered, becoming a beloved symbol of the Outer Banks’ natural beauty and resilience.

Today, efforts are underway to preserve and protect the wild horse population, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the wonder of these magnificent animals.

Through conservation initiatives, habitat restoration, and responsible tourism practices, organizations and local authorities are working to safeguard the legacy of the Outer Banks wild horses for years to come.

How many wild horses are there in the Outer Banks?

As of publication of this article, there are around 100 Corolla Wild Horses and also around 100 on Shackleford Banks.

Who Takes Care of the Wild Horses in the Outer Banks?

The wild horses on the Outer Banks are not cared for by any single organization or entity. Instead, they are considered to be feral and self-sustaining. In fact, every effort is made to keep them wild. However, various groups and organizations, such as the Corolla Wild Horse Fund and the Foundation for Shackleford Horses, work to monitor and protect the horses, ensuring their well-being and promoting their conservation.

These organizations advocate for responsible tourism practices, conduct research on the horses’ behavior and habitat, and work with local authorities to implement measures aimed at safeguarding the wild horse populations.

Additionally, efforts are made to address threats to the horses, such as habitat loss, encroachment by development, and interactions with humans, in order to ensure the long-term survival of these iconic animals.

Corolla Wild Horse Fund

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund formed in 1989 to protect the herd of wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs on the Currituck Outer Banks after increased development and tourism led to more interactions between the horses and humans, resulting in numerous accidents and fatalities for the horses. The organization aims to preserve this unique heritage and habitat, designated as a cultural treasure by the state of North Carolina.

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund focuses on breed conservation, herd management, sanctuary observation, rescue, rehabilitation, training, adoption, and education. They offer a summer program called “Mustang Mornings at the Farm,” providing members and visitors with weekly opportunities to observe rescue horses and witness the organization’s work with them.

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund operates with a dedicated team that includes a 24/7 Herd Manager for emergencies. Their headquarters sits in the Historic Old Village of Corolla, nestled between the Island Bookstore and the Corolla Chapel. Here, visitors are welcomed year-round to explore their museum and gift shop.

The Foundation for Shackleford Horses

The Foundation for Shackleford Horses, Inc., a North Carolina non-profit established in 1996, was formed by concerned citizens to protect the wild horse herd on Shackleford Banks from reduction by the National Park Service.

Through collaboration with experts, they advocated for the herd’s preservation, leading to the enactment of the Shackleford Banks Wild Horses Protection Act in 1998. The Act safeguards the wild horses inhabiting Shackleford Banks. It assigns co-management duties to the National Park Service and the Foundation for Shackleford Horses, Inc.

Over the years, these entities, along with Cape Lookout National Seashore, have collaborated to oversee the herd’s welfare, make management decisions, and educate the public on supporting its preservation.

Outer Banks Wild Horses FAQ’s

Can I feed the wild horses in the Outer Banks?

No. In fact, food like apples and carrots that you may be used to giving domestic horses could potentially cause colic and a painful death for an Outer Banks wild horse.

If you are staying in one of the vacation rental homes within the 4×4 area, it’s crucial to ensure that all trash is properly disposed of and outdoor garbage containers are securely closed. When enjoying a picnic on the beach, be sure to clean up all food remnants and trash, taking them with you.

Let’s all play our role in safeguarding the well-being of these majestic creatures.

Can you see wild horses in OBX without a tour?

Yes, it’s possible to see wild horses in the Outer Banks without a tour, particularly in certain areas like the northern beaches of Corolla and the southern beaches of Shackleford Banks.

However, it’s essential to exercise caution and respect the animals’ habitat and boundaries. Keep in mind that wild horses are protected, so it’s important to maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing them.

Additionally, guided tours can provide valuable insights into the horses’ behavior and history while ensuring both your safety and the well-being of the animals.

Where is the best place to see wild horses on the Outer Banks?

The best places to see wild horses in the Outer Banks are in the more remote areas of Carova, Corolla, and Shackleford Banks.

What is the best time to see the horses in Outer Banks?

The best time to see the wild horses in the Outer Banks of North Carolina is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall. This is when they are more active and visible along the beaches and dunes.

Additionally, guided tours are often available during these months to enhance your chances of spotting them.

Can You See the Horses in the Outer Banks in the Winter?

Yes, you can still see wild horses in the Outer Banks during the winter months. While they may be less active and more scattered compared to the warmer seasons, there’s still a chance of spotting them, especially in areas where they can find shelter from harsh weather conditions. However, it’s important to note that sightings may be less frequent during the winter.

Do I need a permit to drive on the beach in the 4×4 area?

While you don’t need a permit to drive on the beach, you will need a permit to park on the beach in the 4×4 area from the last Saturday of April through the first Saturday in October.

If you are staying at one of the vacation rental homes located on the 4×4 area then beach parking permits will be provided to you from the rental company.

If you are planning to park on the beach while looking for wild horses, but aren’t staying in a vacation rental homes on the 4×4, then you will need to purchase a weekly beach parking pass through the county. They can be purchased online here.