Quick Details
A Cruise for the Sand Dollar Collector
When the tide is low, it’s time to go…collect sand dollars on a hidden sandbar island! Ride in comfort aboard the Miss Morehead City, the largest boat to Sand Dollar Island, an excellent location for shelling due to the shallow tidal pools found there. The island is only accessible at low tide.
There is plenty of room aboard the cruise boat, which means no crowding. Passengers can ride to Sand Dollar Island from Morehead City while enjoying a fast, safe, fully narrated ride past the Morehead City State Port, Sugarloaf Island, Fort Macon, and the famous Shackleford Banks.
Our Sand Dollar Island tours stop at different points depending on wind conditions to maximize your chance to collect beautiful sand dollars. Our local captain, Captain Rusty, has been navigating these waters for the last 45 years. If anyone can help you find the sand dollars, Captain Rusty can!
Sand dollars are a great souvenir to take home with you, and we encourage you to do so. However, please keep in mind that you should leave live sand dollars behind in their natural habitat. Live sand dollars are brown or purple in color, have tiny moving bristles on the bottom, and will sometimes stain your hands yellow. Sand dollars that are not alive will be white, smooth, and feel more like shells. Be sure to bring a small container or bucket to put them in!
What to Bring:
Sand Dollar Island is a very large sandbar that reveals itself during low tide. There are no concessions on the island and there is no shade. There are wonderful tidal pools on the island that range from ankle deep to neck deep. Sand Dollars are mostly found in and around these tidal pools. Children and adults love to dive into the tidal pools with goggles and snorkels and find sand dollars. Wear your bathing suits and water shoes or flip-flops.
Here are some ideas on what to bring:
Beach towels
Portable Beach Chairs
Small cooler
Bottled water, snacks
Goggles
Snorkels
Beach toys
Sunscreen
Suntan lotion
Hat
Sunglasses
Cover-up
Shellbag for sand dollars (dead ones only). Shellbags can be purchased at the ticket booth.
Beach wagons or carts are an additional fee and must not exceed 36 inches in width.
Reservations are required, as these trips sell out fast. Although infants (ages 2 & under) are free, they must still be included in your reservation.
Cancellation Policy
We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. In order to receive a refund or to reschedule your trip, you must contact us at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.