Simple, worthwhile tours pack the Outer Banks with unforgettable experiences. The Wild Horse Tour stands out as a practical 2-hour adventure by 4WD truck, offering guaranteed sightings of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. A self-guided 100-mile driving route efficiently connects major landmarks like historic lighthouses and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. History buffs will appreciate Manteo’s walking tours, which effectively cover 400 years of coastal heritage. For something different, evening ghost tours in Manteo and throughout OBX provide atmospheric lantern-lit strolls with spine-tingling local tales. Let’s explore these essential Outer Banks tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
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The Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour offers a unique 2-hour 4WD experience to view wild horses in their natural habitat, with a 95% recommendation rate.
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The Outer Banks Driving Tour provides a scenic self-guided adventure spanning 100 miles, allowing customization to visit lighthouses, museums, and engage in water activities.
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The Manteo Historic Walking Tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide, offers a 2.5-hour exploration of the town’s 400-year-old history, including the “Lost Colony.”
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The Manteo Ghost Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour lantern-lit hike through the town, sharing spooky legends and paranormal encounters, suitable for both believers and the curious.
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OBX Ghost Tours offer 1-hour walking tours in Manteo, featuring engaging guides and the use of EMF detectors to search for spirits, with an average rating of 4.5.
2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck
Travelers seeking an up-close encounter with the famous wild horses of the Outer Banks can embark on a thrilling 2-hour tour by 4WD truck. This highly-rated excursion, with 2,042 reviews and a 95% recommendation rate, offers access to the Wild Horse Conservation Area, where visitors can view the majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Aboard the open-air 4WD vehicle, guests will travel through the scenic coastal landscape, stopping for photo opportunities and learning about the local history and ecology from an expert horse guide. The maximum group size is 12, ensuring personalized service throughout the tour.
While the tour includes transportation and a professional guide, food, drinks, and hotel transfers aren’t provided. Plus, there are some health and age restrictions, so interested travelers should review the guidelines before booking.
With several departure times available, this unique Outer Banks experience is sure to delight nature enthusiasts and horse lovers alike.
Read our full review: 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck Review
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Outer Banks: Driving Tour
For those seeking a self-guided adventure along the picturesque Outer Banks, the Driving Tour offers a flexible and immersive experience. Travelers can explore the region’s stunning beaches, quaint coastal towns, and historic landmarks at their own pace.
The route typically spans around 100 miles, allowing visitors to customize their journey based on their interests and time constraints. Along the way, drivers will encounter breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Currituck Sound, and the iconic Wright Brothers National Memorial.
They can stop to visit lighthouses, such as the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, or learn about the area’s rich maritime history at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. The tour also provides ample opportunities to discover charming local shops, seafood restaurants, and outdoor recreational activities, from kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding.
Whether it’s a day trip or a multi-day excursion, the Outer Banks Driving Tour promises an unforgettable exploration of this captivating coastal region.
Read our full review: Outer Banks: Driving Tour Review
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Manteo Historic Walking Tour
The Manteo Historic Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the storied past of this coastal town. For $30 per person, this 2.5-hour guided experience explores over 400 years of Manteo’s rich history, from the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke to the exploits of infamous pirates like Blackbeard.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, affectionately known as “Chief D,” the tour blends humor, education, and personal anecdotes, making the past come alive. Guests can expect to learn about notable figures and events, such as the role Manteo played in the Underground Railroad and the town’s connection to early American aviation.
With a maximum group size of 19, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing for an inclusive experience.
While some guests note the tour involves more standing than extensive walking, the engaging storytelling and opportunity to interact with the guide make this a must-do activity for anyone seeking to enjoy Manteo’s captivating history.
Read our full review: Manteo Historic Walking Tour Review
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Manteo: Outer Banks Ghost Walking Tour
Although Manteo is known for its picturesque coastal charm, the town’s haunted history casts a darker shadow over the Outer Banks. Brave souls can explore Manteo’s macabre past on the Manteo Ghost Walking Tour, a 1.5-hour journey guided by expert storytellers.
Participants will embark on a lantern-lit hike through the town’s dark streets, learning about the area’s spooky legends and paranormal encounters. The tour covers approximately a mile, allowing visitors to enjoy Manteo’s haunted history.
Highlights include encountering ghosts from the town’s past and capturing potential supernatural phenomena on camera. With an overall rating of 4.6/5 and exceptional value for money, the Manteo Ghost Walking Tour is a must-do activity for those seeking a thrilling and informative experience in the Outer Banks.
Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply curious about local lore, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Manteo: Outer Banks Ghost Walking Tour Review
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OBX Ghost Tours
Visitors to the Outer Banks can embark on a spooky journey through the region’s haunted past with the OBX Ghost Tours. Based in Manteo, these 1-hour walking tours take guests to historic landmarks, regaling them with stories of the Lost Colony and Blackbeard the pirate.
With an average rating of 4.5 out of 198 reviews, the tours are praised for their knowledgeable and engaging guides, who use EMF detectors to search for spirits.
The tours are accessible for wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals, making them suitable for families. While some participants felt the tour leaned more towards a historical walking experience, the general feedback highlights the educational and entertaining aspects of the OBX Ghost Tours.
With a non-refundable policy and a maximum group size of 120, these tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the Outer Banks’ haunted history at a price starting from £20.47 per person.
Read our full review: OBX Ghost Tours Review
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Sum Up
The Outer Banks offers a diverse array of tours for visitors to explore the region’s natural beauty and rich history. From spotting wild horses on a 4WD tour to uncovering the area’s ghostly past, there’s something for all. Whether you’re seeking an outdoor adventure or a deeper dive into the local culture, these tours provide an engaging and memorable way to experience the Outer Banks.