The Best Wild Horse Tours in the Outer Banks
Want to cross an Outer Banks must-do off your list? Our readers love the 2-hour Wild Horse Tours that roll across the sand in open-air 4WD vehicles. Not only will you spot the famous Corolla wild horses, but you'll also get insider stories about the island’s history, ecology, and culture — plus plenty of chances to snap those “wish you were here” photos. Some tours even offer exclusive entry into the Wild Horse Conservation Area!
Our Favorite Wild Horse Tour
Tours frequently spot the wild horses along the beach between Corolla and Carova in what's now called the Northern Outer Banks.
Outer Banks 2-Hour Wild Horse Tour (Reader Favorite!)
🐎 Book now: 2-Hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD
Set out from Corolla for a 2-hour adventure through the Northern Outer Banks, traveling by open-air, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Along the way, you'll ride over sand dunes and along the shoreline, hearing fascinating stories about the history and ecology that shaped these islands — and the famous Colonial Spanish Mustangs that still roam here today.
Enjoy multiple photo ops as you explore highlights around Corolla, including private access to the Wild Horse Conservation Area, where the horses live protected and free. With small-group tours and several departure times each day, it’s an easy, unforgettable way to experience the wild side of the Outer Banks.
Keep the good times rolling with more Outer Banks Tours!
Other Tour Companies Offering Wild Horse Adventures
Corolla Wild Horse Tours
📞 252-207-0511
With over two decades of experience, Corolla Wild Horse Tours specializes in family-friendly outings aboard their open-air safari trucks. These 15-passenger vehicles are perfect for all ages, and yes — car seats are welcome! Your guide will lead you through 25 miles of pristine dunes and coastal neighborhoods in search of the island’s wild mustangs.
Bob’s Wild Horse Tours
📞 252-453-8602
Pioneers of the open-air wild horse tour, Bob’s Wild Horse Tours has been guiding visitors since 1996. Ride the four-wheel-drive beaches while hearing tales of OBX legends and history. Their 15-passenger vehicles accommodate families comfortably — making it a laid-back, educational two-hour ride you won’t forget.
Corolla Jeep Adventures
📞 252-453-6899
For a little extra adrenaline, check out the Wild Horse Safari with Corolla Jeep Adventures. Hop aboard an open-air safari truck for a two-hour expedition to spot wild horses. Bonus: the tour includes a trip up “Penny Hill,” a giant sand dune where kids (and adults) can run, jump, and play.
Wild Horse Adventure Tours
📞 252-489-2020
Wild Horse Adventure Tours ups the off-road game with customized H1 Hummers — roomy, rugged, and perfect for adventure. These two-hour tours include exclusive access to the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Swan Beach, offering an up-close look at the horses in a private, natural setting most visitors never get to see.
Wild Horse Tours for the Adventurous
How can I see the wild horses for free?
Infrequently, the horses can be seen in Corolla, but they spend their time between Corolla and Carova in the Northern Outer Banks. Most people see them on the way to Carova, and in and around the beach houses there. Before you search Google maps, Carova is a very small and very remote community (with no services). There are no paved roads to Carova. If you want to make the drive you need a 4-wheel drive vehicle and sand-driving skills. Social media is filled (daily) with images of people who got stuck in the sand — making the “free” sightseeing quite expensive.
