FAQs for an A+ Experience
{helping you have a safe and enjoyable day at Crystal Coast beaches!}
⏰What time will my beach gear be delivered and picked up?
If you're staying in the Beaufort City Limits, we can typically drop off your beach gear at 8:00am and pick it back up at 8:00am on your scheduled rental return date.
If you're staying outside the Beaufort area, we will contact you to make arrangements for pick up/drop off. Currently, we are only delivering within the Beaufort City Limits.
☎️ Who can I call if I have a question?
If you have a question, please give us a call at 252-732-4046. Our typical working hours are 7a-6p, daily. If we can't pick up, leave us a message or text us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
🚗 Do you deliver?
Yes! We deliver free to the Beaufort area, including BEAUFORT HOTEL, INN ON TURNER, & INLET INN. If you're staying at an AirBnB in Beaufort city limits, we will deliver to you, too!
🧭 Do you guide tours to Cape Lookout? Do you guide tours to Shackleford Banks?
No. We don't do that. But, National Park Service employees are available to help you or answer questions. We provide beach gear *AND* a $15 personalized service to plan and book you/your family the best time possible at Cape Lookout and/or Shackleford Banks- but we don't lead tours. For Trip Planning, give us a call and we are happy to help you!
🤔 What's your refund policy?
We are here to help you enjoy the best day at the beach, whether that's Cape Lookout, Shackleford Banks, Ft. Macon, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle or another Crystal Coast beach. To that end, we offer High-Quality beach gear for your use. If after your day has wrapped up and you don't feel our gear or service was of value, we'll refund you asap.
If you reserve gear and can't use it due to weather or a personal situation, we require 12 hours notice by email, text, or call.
🐚 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.
Many shell hopefuls find luck at the southern end of Cape Lookout. The best way to get there is by UTV, as it's a few miles from where the ferry lets you off. The west end of Shackleford Banks also tends to be a great place to find shells. The ferry lets you off right there! Our $15 personalized service can give you more details about how to rent a UTV and also how to find great shelling on Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks.
🐶 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 your dog (and pack it out), take extra water for your dog, and Never let your dog off their leash.
*Be aware of horses! You must keep at least 50 feet from horses (about the length of a school bus) - but we advise if you have a dog, stay away even farther.
⛺ Is camping allowed at Cape Lookout? Is camping permitted at Shackleford Banks?
Yes, and we encourage it! But, please note: camping on these remote stretches of sand takes extra preparation and some special gear.
Depending on where you camp there is no drinking water or limited access to it. There are no restaurants or grocery stores, and no medical facilities. Additionally, the weather can turn dangerous quickly and there is limited shelter. Insects on Cape Lookout and Shackleford are often a problem.
When you choose our $15 personalized service, we'll tell you everything we know about camping at Cape Lookout and camping at Shackleford Banks. We have almost 20 years of experience tent camping at both locations- and we can even rent you camping gear!
🏊♀️ Is swimming allowed 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 can be- and often are- very dangerous.
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 lifeguards anywhere on Cape Lookout or Shackleford- so keep this in mind.
🚢 Where do the ferries leave from for Cape Lookout? Where do we go to catch the ferry to 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, if you book a $15 personalized service with us, 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!
If you're Not taking a vehicle to Cape Lookout, we recommend Island Express Ferry Service. They are the ONLY passenger-only ferry authorized by the National Park Service to transport passengers to Cape Lookout and Shackleford.
If you're taking a vehicle to Cape Lookout (none allowed at Shackleford), you'll want to contact Cape Lookout Cabins and Camps. You can walk on this ferry as a passenger, but typically it's for vehicles.
And, of course, we can rent you all the beach gear you need for an A+ Day!
👮 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 $15 personalized 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.
Crime can happen anywhere- but crime isn't typically an issue at either location. The biggest safety concern at Cape Lookout and at Shackleford, is the environment. Storms, rip tides, and insects, coupled with the lack of nearby medical help, should all be considered before going to Cape Lookout or Shackleford Banks.