My friends and I are looking to paddle to Shackleford Island this May, and I have found a couple of routes, but I am not sure which one would yield the best results.
1) Put in at Beufort and paddle around Carrot Island, then over to Shackleford.
2) Put in at Harker's Island at the Visitors Center and paddle over.
Both ways seem to be about the same distance, but I am looking for a pretty smooth ride if I can get it, and don't want any nasty surprises.
Has anyone been to the island that can give some good advice?
shackleford banks i’ve paddled from the visitor center over to shackleford before. easy route, protected all the way until you turn the corner and come down the ocean side. watch the shallows just behind the island (can strand even a sea kayak). may is a great time to visit the island. hope you have good weather, that the skeeters aren’t too bad, and that the wild horses don’t step on your toes! -harry
Beaufort area I live in Beaufort and paddle the area waters often. Either route you are suggesting should be an easy paddle and is mostly protected waters. There will be some boat traffic to contend with as it gets warmer but that is a minor nuisance for the most part. If you plan on camping on the island there are little to no amenities available. You will need to pack in your water and food and pack out your trash. Be certain to check the tide tables so you will be paddling out and back with the tide.
shackleford The bug alert is well worth heeding. Sand fleas in abundance. Also the flats behind the dunes can flood in high tides even in seemingly fine weather. This can result in a flooded tent if you should happen to set up camp in one of these protected looking areas and then go off exploring.
