Fun in the sun, is what you will get when you visit Hatteras Island, North Carolina. The outdoor and water activities offered here will have you feeling like you have gone on a real island retreat. The locals here are very laid back, creating a relaxed, simple, and slow paced place for an epic beach vacation. While you are visiting, take advantage of the surf and catch some waves or jump on a charter boat and go deep sea fishing for the day.

Kiteboarding, paddleboarding, windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling are all things many enjoy doing in the warm ocean water. Fresh seafood, pizza, bbq, italian, and asian food is available throughout the island so enjoy something tasty to eat after you enjoy your day in the sun. Hatteras has tons of fun places to shop, art galleries, craft galleries, surf shops, tackle shops and so many more places to explore, and of course while you're on this adventure don’t forget to check out one of the stables that offer horseback riding in Hatteras Island.

Horseback Riding On the Beach in Hatteras Island

Hatteras Island Horseback Riding

Locally owned and operated since 2006, you will be taken care of by their fantastic horses and staff. Your beach ride with Hatteras Island Horseback Riding will take place on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, located on the southern, most part of the island. You will ride on the pristine beaches on the Outer Banks and if the day is clear you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Ocracoke Island, Hatteras Inlet, and the Pamlico Sound. This is the only ride in the US where you can see all four of these landmarks in the same place.

Family packages are available as well as private rides. All of the horses are kid friendly and are safe for all skill levels. Unlike many guided beach rides, Hatteras Island is able to accommodate special needs guests. Children and adults with mental and/ or physical limitations can still safely participate and enjoy a ride on the beach. Wheelchair bound paraplegics, MS suffers, cancer patients, down's syndrome, and the elderly, can be safely accommodated.

Family Packages, special moments, or just a ride on the beach solo can accommodate to make your experience everything you had in mind. Short and a tee shirt are what is usually worn by riders and shoes are not necessary, helmets are not mandatory but they do encourage all riders to wear one, riders may go faster than a walk at the discretion of the trial guide and and rides are available Monday through Sunday with morning rides at 8am, 9am, and 10am and evening rides at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm. Rain will only cancel rides if it is a heavy rain but in light rain rides will still continue as planned. Call to make a reservation or book online.

Equine Adventures

Those who have ridden on the beach with Equine Adventures say this is one of those “must do'' activities. All of the horses are beginner friendly and fun for riders of all levels. Guides do their best to match riders with a horse that best meets their riding ability so everyone has a fun experience. (Per the request of Equine Adventures please do not overestimate your riding ability when scheduling your reservation.) Riders should be ages 10 or over but under 10 may be accommodated under special circumstances. Equine Adventures advises riders to wear closed toed shoes, and long pants, and applying bug spray and sunscreen is highly recommended. Video cameras are not allowed but you may bring a small camera on the ride and the guides are happy to assist in taking photos.

Equine Adventure’s herd of horses consists of different breeds including Quarter Horses, Percherons, Appaloosas, Paints, and Drafts. All horses are selected and trained to ensure the safety of the horses and guests on the beach rides. A professional saddle fitter comes to visit the herd twice a year to ensure proper fit of the horses saddles so they remain comfortable and uninjured. The guides will also only schedule rides during the coolest parts of the day and the herd gets to relax the rest of the time. All of the guides truly love their jobs and are eager to share their knowledge of Hatteras Island and surrounding areas with visitors.

All beach rides are 2 hours and offer two ride times each day but the times change depending on the time of year, and they are open year around for visitors during all seasons.

Lighthouse Horse Rides

Lighthouse Horse Rides offers a variety of beach ride options and are also happy to make special accommodations for handicapped or elderly who would love to participate in this activity. Lighthouse allows riders as young as three to ride on the beach on their own horse, but is handled by one of the guides, during the ride time. Rides begin at 8 am and go throughout the day depending on the reservation time picked. They also offer rides for advanced riders that offer a bit more of a challenge, and allow the rider to move out to a trot and only allow two riders per outing for this ride. Carriage rides are also available at certain times of the year for special occasions and to accommodate special requests. Book your beach ride easily online or call ahead for reservations.

Some beaches have far more stables that offer guided rides than others, and Hatteras Island is one of those places. So if you the places above happen to be full or you’d like to try another stable give one of these a try also. Outer Banks, OBX Horseback, Charlie Horse Stables, Cedar Island Stables, Wild Horse Adventure Tours, Corolla Wild Horse Tours, and Back Beach Wild Horse Tours are all great options for a beach ride and all come with a minimum of four star reviews!