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
• Air Tours
• Dolphin Tours
• Mini Golfing
• Go-Karts
• North Carolina Aquarium
• Corolla Adventure Park
• Outer Banks Water Park
• Golfing

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.

Located in The Currituck Club, Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses would be an excellent choice for your next family vacation. This spacious home can comfortably accommodate 29, providing endless opportunities to relax and reconnect with your loved ones under one roof. Enjoy sweeping ocean views and Currituck Sound from the top floor, gather for a meal in the enormous dining room, or lounge by the private pool and outdoor bar. The possibilities are endless!

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.

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