Exploring the natural wonders of North Carolina’s coastal region has never been easier. Private Island Eco Tours offers an unforgettable adventure that captivates guests with its 5-star experience. From the knowledgeable captain to the engaging activities, this eco-friendly tour promises an immersive encounter with the area’s marine ecosystem. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique getaway, this private setting for booked groups is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Good To Know
- Shackleford Banks Eco Tours offers a private island eco-tour experience, including activities like fishing, crabbing, and clamming.
- The tour departs from Portside Marina and provides guests with all necessary gear and bait.
- The engaging, hands-on activities allow participants to explore the marine ecosystem firsthand.
- The tour receives consistently high reviews, with guests praising the knowledgeable captain and stunning scenery.
- While not wheelchair accessible, the private tour ensures a personalized experience for up to 6 participants.
Tour Overview
Private Island Eco Tours on a Private Boat from Shackleford Banks offers an immersive eco-tourism experience in North Carolina’s coastal region.
Operated by Shackleford Banks Eco Tours, the tour takes visitors on a private boat to explore the natural beauty of the area. Priced at $550 for up to 6 people, the tour allows guests to participate in activities like fishing, crabbing, and clamming.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Meeting at the Portside Marina, guests should arrive early and walk to the docks to board the boat.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in North Carolina.
Meeting and Pickup
Guests should arrive 5-10 minutes early at the Portside Marina, located at 209 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA.
They’ll find parking in the long lot next to the marina building. Once there, guests can walk towards the docks to locate the boat.
If any assistance is needed, they can call, text, or ask a Marina attendant. The captain and crew will be ready to welcome guests and guarantee a smooth start to their private island eco tour adventure.
Onboard Experience
Once aboard, guests can look forward to a range of engaging activities. The tour offers the opportunity to try fishing, crabbing, and clamming during the excursion. Gear and bait are provided, and no fishing license is required, as the tour holds a blanket license that covers all participants. To enhance the experience, guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks and snacks, which can be kept in a cooler (soft or hard, up to 40 quarts).
Activity | Provided | Bring Your Own |
---|---|---|
Fishing | Gear, bait | Drinks, snacks |
Crabbing | Gear, bait | Drinks, snacks |
Clamming | Gear, bait | Drinks, snacks |
Accessibility and Participation
Is the Private Island Eco Tour wheelchair accessible? No, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
However, service animals are allowed on the boat. Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Most travelers can participate in the activities offered, such as fishing, crabbing, and clamming.
This is a private tour, so only your group will be on the boat. The tour operator provides all the necessary gear and bait, and no fishing license is required, as it’s covered under a blanket license.
All you need to bring are your own drinks and snacks in a cooler.
What to Expect on the Tour
The Private Island Eco Tour kicks off with a scenic boat ride from the Portside Marina in Morehead City, North Carolina.
Once aboard the private boat, adventurers can try their hand at fishing, crabbing, and clamming. The captain provides all the necessary gear and bait, plus a blanket fishing license that covers the entire group.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own drinks and snacks to enjoy during the tour. The boat ride offers opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Highlights and Unique Features
The Private Island Eco Tour offers several unique features that distinguish it from typical sightseeing excursions.
To begin with, the tour provides a rare opportunity to explore the secluded Shackleford Banks, a private island accessible only by boat. This allows guests to enjoy the island’s pristine natural environment, free from the crowds and commercialization found at many tourist hotspots.
Plus, the tour’s hands-on activities, such as fishing, crabbing, and clamming, offer an engaging and educational experience, enabling participants to connect with the local marine ecosystem.
With a knowledgeable captain leading the way, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Travelers who’ve experienced the Private Island Eco Tour rave about the knowledgeable captain who brings the tour to life.
According to reviews, the captain’s expertise and passion for the local environment create a truly immersive and educational experience. Guests appreciate the captain’s ability to point out unique wildlife and share fascinating insights about the ecosystem.
With a perfect 5-star rating across multiple platforms, the tour receives high praise for its engaging activities, stunning scenery, and overall value.
Reviewers consistently recommend the Private Island Eco Tour as a must-do adventure for anyone visiting the North Carolina coast.
Planning Your Private Island Eco Tour
How can travelers best plan their Private Island Eco Tour experience?
First, arrive 5-10 minutes early to the Portside Marina and park in the long lot adjacent to the building.
Upon arrival, head towards the docks to find the boat. If assistance is needed, be sure to call/text the tour operator or ask a Marina attendant.
Next, pack a cooler with your own drinks and snacks, making sure it’s no larger than 40 quarts.
Finally, keep in mind this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infants can sit on laps, and service animals are allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Wildlife Are Typically Spotted on the Tours?
Visitors on the Shackleford Banks Eco Tours can typically spot wild horses, birds, crabs, clams, and other marine life native to the coastal ecosystem. The knowledgeable captain provides information about the diverse wildlife inhabiting the private island environment.
Can Visitors Bring Their Own Fishing/Crabbing/Clamming Equipment?
Visitors can bring their own fishing, crabbing, and clamming equipment for the tour. However, the tour operator provides all necessary gear and bait, and participants don’t need a fishing license since a blanket license covers the group.
Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Provided Snacks?
According to the tour overview, visitors can bring their own drinks and snacks packed in a cooler, but the tour doesn’t specify any dietary requirements for the provided snacks. Guests should pack whatever they prefer.
What Is the Average Group Size for the Private Tours?
The private tours are limited to groups of up to 6 people. This small group size guarantees a personalized and intimate experience on the private boat tour of Shackleford Banks.
How Long Does the Entire Tour Experience Typically Last?
The private tour experience typically lasts around 3-4 hours. Guests can expect to spend the majority of this time exploring the private island and engaging in activities like fishing, crabbing, and clamming during their eco-tour adventure.
The Sum Up
Private Island Eco Tours offers an exceptional opportunity to explore North Carolina’s stunning coastal region. With its knowledgeable captain, engaging activities, and private setting, this eco-friendly tour is a must-try for anyone seeking to enjoy the area’s natural wonders. Highly recommended for its 5-star ratings and rave reviews from guests, this adventure awaits those looking to experience the beauty of the local marine ecosystem.
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