Belhaven Waterway Marina is found on the northeastern banks of Pantego Creek, north of marker #9.
There are a few choices in the Belhaven area, which is the first area when going southbound that offers marina stops after Coinjock, other than the Alligator River Marina (which is a good stop in bad weather). Over the years the choices have evolved as the marinas have changed. We find the Belhaven Waterway Marina to be best because it is located in “downtown” Belhaven near a few stores and several restaurants. All other nearby marinas are some distance away from this area.
The marina is located inside the breakwater on Pantego Creek just off the Pungo River. It is reached by following the marked channel up the creek (past the River Forrest Marina) to the next dock area on the starboard side adjacent to a newly built multiple story condominium development. The entrance is a narrow channel next to the condos that is identified by a marina sign and a prominent gazebo. The dockage is along a fixed face dock on the port side of the channel. Water depth can be an issue when entering the channel, but we’ve brought in two boats with 5.5 foot draft without a problem.
The nearby “Fish Hooks” restaurant is one of a few popular seafood restaurants in the area. There is no fuel at this stop. But the marina owner is a well regarded boat repair mechanic if service is needed.
Ray Kurlak

We are docked today (Oct 5th) at one of our favorite marinas, Bellhaven Waterway Marina. You would never guess that Brenda is working alone this week as her husband is away. Her friendly service is top notch, and she has a new doggy, Marina, that will lick you to death if you let her. The marina as usual is spotless. We stopped here on our way south last year too and she remembered that I was afraid of storms and we bought our boat after our house burned down. There is a new restaurant in town, Georgie’s Sport and Oyster Bar. It is across the street and a few doors down from Wine and Words. The outside isn’t much to look at, but it is a family run restaurant very clean inside and serves just seafood…OK there is a hamburger on the menu too…But order the peck of oysters. You won’t be sorry.
P.S. We saw the boat that hit the marker at Dowry Creek. They are having a very hard time removing it.
Dave and Sandi Lamborne M/V Sweetness II

Subject: A pleasant stop on the ICW
Cruising News: A great little mom and pop marina is Belhaven Waterway Marina, inside Pantego Creek at ICW statute mile 136. It’s small (23 slips more or less) and immaculate, with a green lawn, screened gazebo and fully equipped, uniquely decorated men’s and women’s facilities (men’s in WWII/US Navy, women’s in fish/nautical). The marina is fully fenced with gates closed at night. It’s a block to the hardware store and restaurants (we ate at Fish Hooks Cafe, which was excellent). The owners, Les and Brenda Porter, are your hosts, and they are very good at what they do. Call to be sure there’s space – VHF 16 and 9 or 252-944-0066. It’s a pleasant, quiet stop.
John and Marge Barber