Northwest Creek Marina and Fairfield Harbor are south of New Bern, NC on Northwest Creek off the Neuse River and due north of marker #17 below Hampton Shoal.

Carol & I bought our boat (Whitby 42) in February ’11, local to New Bern. We berthed her here at the marina intending to stay a month. The marina and marina staff and the staff of the Hurricane hotel/restaurant were so pleasant and helpful and the work we got done was done so well and promptly that we extended to 3 months. Then, in addition to the friendliness of the people (staff and berth-holders) we decided that we should really be cruising here while we had the chance… extension to 6 months!
We have lived-aboard in many marinas up the east coast but we totally agree that this is the most enjoyable one we have stayed at (although not live-aboard). We live in Florida and have to feel confident that the boat will be well taken care of; and we are. The staff are excellent at the marina.
We know it’s a long chug or sail up to New Bern but this place is well worth a visit at least and if you are leaving your boat for a while, this is one of the most reliable places to do so. If you want work done on the boat, there are people who will set a schedule and actually stick to it (what a concept!) and do a great job (am I allowed to mention Harvey Smith, a very local diesel expert who does tremendous work at an excellent rate?).
Carol and Fergus

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Northwest Creek Marina and Fairfield Harbor

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Northwest Creek Marina and Fairfield Harbor

This is welcome news to those of us who have tried to find dockage in Oriental during the busy seasons. Cruisers’ Net would like to hear your opinions on the proposed town dock. Oriental harbor lies northwest of flashing green marker #1 in the Neuss River.

Cruising News:
A second Town Dock has been proposed in Oriental. For details of the proposal, and a map showing the location, go to:
http://towndock.net/news/second-town-dock-proposed-for-oriental-harbor
Richard Ross

Good news. This is one of our favorite waypoints. The deli (now called the Bistro) [I suspect this is SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, the Village Food Emporium - Editor] has the best Rubin sandwiches in the world.
Jim Powell

I think another town dock would be great as the current one is always full every time we have tried to use it.
Larry & Margie Ross aboard Wanderin L&M Hampton 55

We stayed at a private dock once in Oriental. Other than that, we’ve had to pass by Oriental because there was no place to over-night. We’ll be hoping to visit Oriental for a few days this fall to visit friends … if we can find dockage. We certainly encourage the town to create more space for cruisers.
Greg & Marian Riach aboard S/V Muskoka Moon

Current town dock has room for only 2 vessels. Anchoring space is very limited. Marinas there are relatively expensive. We like the town, but space is currently too limited…another place to tie up, or mooring balls would be a great improvement.
Terry

Oriental would certainly benefit by the addition of another town dock. The only limitation to a significant increase in visitors is dockage/anchorages. We skipped Oriental because of a lack of sufficient overnight space.
Douglas Paddock

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental, NC

River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located off the AICW’s run along Neuse River, in Broad Creek between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2.

Stayed at River Dunes Marina just north of Oriental. What a delight! Lovely main building with billiards, great library, super sailing photos of J boats and a great Rest. (Thurs-Sun). New tile heads, laundry, great pool and cabanas, hot tubs, workout room and even croquet on the lawn. New floating docks and $1,50/’. Free courtesy van with Oriental a 15 min. drive. Manager, CJ, is a delight as is the facility. Next time we’ll spend two or three days. A real “resort” atmosphere at a good price. Try it – you’ll like it! Cheers from Queen Ann’s Revenge @ Okracoke,
Hank Evans

River Dunes is a real treat! Dont pass it up and plan on staying a week.
Knot tide down

Cruising News:
After reading and hearing all the positive comments regarding River Dunes Marina up the Broad Creek north of Oriental, we were looking forward to the possibility of spending some of our summer cruising season with them. When we contacted the Dock Master and inquired about transient monthly rates we were informed that River Dunes has a ‘no live-aboard policy’ for stays in excess of one week. Oh well, I guess we’ll be looking elsewhere to spend a month.
Linda Bernabucci M/V Live Wire II Selene 43

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Dunes Marina

South River branches off the the Neuse River east of Oriental, NC. Southwest Creek branches southwest (what else?) off the South River about 2 miles south of our last listed anchorage for these waters. Both river and creek are unmarked beyond flashing marker #6, so keep a sharp eye on your chartplotter to reach this 8-9 feet of water in Southwest Creek.

M/V Ruby Slipper anchored on South West Creek (maybe 6 miles up the South River. We had a BIG blow 25-30 k constant, gusts to 40 all from the SE & S. Had 150′ of chain on our 44 lb Delta out in 8′ & rode very well! Very buggy (April ) when the wind wasn’t blowing. Landed the dogs on the north shore of the creek. It had a sign that said, No Trespassing. A derelict dock & abandoned structure were there. Tied dink to “dock.” Boards missing. Be careful. Dirt roads appeared used & grass mowed nearby. We walked briefly on the roads. Saw no one, but wild turkeys. Cleaned up any dog waste & moved on. Felt bad about trespassing. But ZERO options. Brushed dogs for ticks! Check yourselves too.
Skipper Linda Hughes

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southwest Creek

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For South River Anchorages

Some 48 hours ago, we put up a posting (linked below) about River Dunes Marina hosting the Coastal NC 2011 Leukemia Cup Regatta (6/4/11 to 6/5/11). Soon after this article appeared, we received the following inquiry:

Is the approach to River Dunes still a maze of crab traps? I tried a few years ago and it was impossible to figure it out.
Tedd Greenwald

Now, the “approach” to River Dunes from the AICW/Neuse River is by way of Broad Creek, which cuts into the Neuse’s northern banks, near AICW/Neuse River marker #4. Personally, we’ve never had an unusually bad problem with crab pots on this stream, though we have certainly seen plenty of these pests on here over the ears. Anyway, I forwarded this above inquiry to Director of Operations, J. C. Cappelman, at River Dunes, and received the following reply.

There probably will be a fair amount of pots in the creek.They do however leave room for passage.By June 1st they have to be in shallower water anyway,so this tends not to constrict the channel.
J.C. Cappelmann,
Director of Operations, River Dunes

Click Here To View An Earlier Article About River Dunes and the Coastal NC 2011 Leukemia Cup Regatta

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Dunes Marina and Broad Creek

We continue to hear good things about this new marina in Bridgeton, across the Neuse River from New Bern. The northwest flow of the Neuse departs the ICW at the northern entrance to Adams Creek, statute mile 185. Click on the second link below for further information.

Bridgeton Harbor Marina. Dock master: Thomas Wynn. Phone 252 349 1194 or 252 514 6728. Location. 35:07:555N by 77:01:747W. On Neuse River, south and east of rail road bridge at Bridgeton.
Off the north / south migration route but an ideal, safe location to rest awhile or to leave your vessel while attending to shore side commitments. New Bern Airport is convenient to the marina.
Wide, stable floating docks. each with electricity, water and TV hook ups. Shore side facilities include a clubhouse, which incorporates lounge with wide screen TV, large tiled bathrooms and cooking facilities also a computer for use of guests. Special feature are the free washer/ dryers.
Outside is an extensive deck fully equipped with comfortable chairs, tables and LPG grills and smoker for dockside cook outs. There is also a large workshop area which can be used with the Dock Masters approval.
A courtesy car is freely available. Family type restaurant with in walking distance, a pizza store that will delver and a fully stocked Food Lion and pharmacy within 5 minutes drive.
The Dock Master Tom Wynn is an experienced boat owner who understands and is able to meet the needs of his customers. Tom recently retired as a boat builder and can, when asked, offer solution for most shipboard problems.
We came for a month , stayed for two and are totally satisfied and will break our future migrations here again.
Captain Colin Day. M/V LILY MARIA

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bridgeton Harbor Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bridgeton, NC

Click Here for Earlier Comments on Bridgeton Harbor Marina

Our “fearless roving reporter,” Captain Jane Tigar, is once again on the AICW, and filing stories for the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net. Captain Jane’s first installment below deals with her home port, Oriental, North Carolina.
Watch out for “dragons” in this otherwise charming riverside village!

I’m biased and admit our hailing port is Oriental, NC. I also admit we might have passed her by had our first Lady Jane not needed repairs an hour north of Oriental on our maiden ICW voyage a decade ago proving there’s an advantage to everything.
Bias aside, don’t pass Oriental by even if you don’t need an emergency repair by the reliable and friendly folks at Deatons boat yard, or a good dinner at the Steamer or M&Ms or the upgraded Toucan Grill or breakfast at Brantley’s where some mornings a baker stops in selling fresh baked fruit and lemon meringue pies.
Stop in Oriental if for no other reason than because it is the only place in the world — we are quite sure of this –where you can observe an actual nesting site of the rare elusive North Carolina dragon.
Anchor out just out by the bridge or use the free town dock if you can snag a space. Walk across the street to The Bean, an essential local and cruisers hang out featuring coffee, tea, ice cream and breakfast pastries and, drum roll … Free wifi!
But I digress.
Don’t go up to The Bean yet. You are really close… Facing The Bean, look to your left, in the tall grasses until you find this official wildlife sign … Now you are on your own to catch sight of the rare North Carolina dragon.
Good luck and let us know if you enjoyed your visit in Oriental, NC, a must-visit stop on the ICW.
Captain Jane
S/V Lady Jane

Captain Jones exposes his sailor’s soul as he cuts corners to shorten the distance traveled. Such tactics do have advantages for the slow boat, BUT keep a sharp eye on the chart and on your depth finder!

AICW Shortcut Around Maw Point Shoal – Bay River into Neuse River:
I see no point in going all the way out to the Neuse River Junction marker when it is easy to take the hypotenuse from #1 off Deep Point to #2 marking Maw Point Shoal. The minimum depth between these markers is 8 feet approaching #2. Moon River said he didn’t want to have to explain to his insurance company why he was out of the channel when he ran aground. Point taken, but the purple lines drawn on the chart are meant for powerboats who hardly notice the few extra yards. I guess it’s the racer still in me which refuses to take the long way around.
Captain Ted Jones

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bay/Neuse Rivers Intersection

Not only a great marina, but great food as well! River Dunes is located off Broad Creek that departs the Neuse River between AICW markers #4 and #6 and they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Please be aware that while the main dining room in the Harbor Club is open only on weekends,there is a chef prepared family style dinner served downstairs in the gathering room Sunday -Thursday. This is a great venue and has become a big hit.The fireplaces will be roaring and the wine a’flowing
J C Cappelmann

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Dunes Marina

We continue to receive such positive comments about River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! River Dunes is located in Broad Creek off the Neuse River north of Oriental.

Just spent two nights at River Dunes off the Neuse River in Oriental, N.C. and toured this fantastic facility with J.C. Cappelmann, Director of Marina Operations and our former Dockmaster in Oxford. Very upscale and well thought out.. if you’re traversing the ICW and are near Oriental this is worth checking out … it’s definitely got my 5 star rating ! This is, indeed, the Ritz-Carlton of Marinas and will become your favorite stopover for a little quiet R&R in a most beautiful & protected setting … give it a shot … you can Thank me later.

Captain John Wolfe

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes MArina

This sounds like fun! Broad Creek is off the Neuse River north of Oriental. Click the chartlet below to view this area.

When staying at River Dunes or anchored in Broad Creek, take a dinghy ride up the north side tributary at marker #4 to Paradise Cove (252/249-2025), a blue building with cupola at the end of the first or second side channel to your right. It’s a hoot. Rose, the proprietor will keep you entertained. Ask about the huge (12 ft long) dinosaur bones on the wall. No food served, but on weekends the locals do a pot luck there and boaters are welcome to join in.
Alice and Phil Priemer, aboard M/V Wonderland, 49′ Gulfstar

River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located off the AICW’s run along Neuse River, in Broad Creek between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2.

We just spent another wonderful afternoon & evening at River Dunes Marina, ICW Mile Marker 173 up Broad Creek about a mile. Where can a cruiser find such a hospitable marina that for $1.25 per foot you can enjoy the outdoor pool & Jacuzzi’s, exercise room, laundry, two courtesy cars, bikes, and I’m sure other items I have yet to experience. If you’re there on the weekend you can enjoy the fantastic view from there top-notch restaurant. Since stopping there last spring, J.C. and his team have installed outdoor fire pits that are sure to be a hit this fall & winter! If you find yourself thinking about stopping in the Oriental, NC area, give River Dunes a try, you won’t be disappointed! And no, we have no affiliation with River Dunes…other than satisfied customers!
Todd & Brenda Lanning aboard Life’s2Short, 1985 40′ Oceania Trawler

When staying at River Dunes or anchored in Broad Creek, take a dinghy ride up the north side tributary at marker #4 to Paradise Cove (Tel
252/249-2025), a blue building with cupola at the end of the first or second side channel to your right. It’s a hoot. Rose, the proprietor will keep you entertained. Ask about the huge (12 ft long) dinosaur bones on the wall. No food served, but on weekends the locals do a pot luck there and boaters are welcome to join in.
Alice and Phil Priemer, aboard M/V Wonderland, 49′ Gulfstar

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina

Long a major center of North Carolina sailing, the weak economy seems to be taking its toll on this wonderful old town on the Neuse River.

Oriental is getting sadder each day, for boaters. Whittaker Creek we hear no longer sells fuel. Inland Provision Company is out of business due to personal reasons, and locals are not so sure about its re-opening. Oriental Hotel and Marina still sells fuel. Oriental Harbor Marina no longer takes transients unless you stay for a month or more. They do have an arrangement of some sort with Oriental Motel, we are told, for overflow on occasion. Fortunately, M&Ms and most shops are still there along with the neat Boating Consignment shop on Broad Street.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental, NC

River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located west of the AICW on the southeastern shores of Broad Creek between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2.

River Dunes, near Oriental that has been advertised and posted on many sites does have the $1.25/ft, and all the amenities that everyone mentions and is a must stop for R&R. HOWEVER, they told us this deal is only temporary in order to get more people in to look at property. Look for them to raise prices to the $1.75 range next year if they sell more lots/build houses. So, I caution your readers to call for pricing before making reservations and then be surprised. But, even at $2, if one wants hot tubs, swimming, etc. first class, then, the $2 would be worth it. After you go up the Broad Creek, turn sharp to port up a small canal. You will not see the marina from Broad Creek as you would think, and could possibly end up traveling a couple more miles to another private facility that you can see from marker 4 by accident.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina

The New Bern Grand Marina lies just inside the intersection of the Trent and Neuse Rivers, along the Trent’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges.

The marina at New Bern is now called “New Bern Grand Marina” if I remember correctly, hopefully they will not change their name anymore (Was Sheraton Grand). Still a fantastic place, but they no longer sell fuel, but do have pump-out. BOATUS. The hotel will take you for shopping for $5 each way. Dockmaster’s phone is 252/637-0318 (versus the hotel desk number in the book).
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina

Matthews Point Marina is located in Clubfoot Creek off of the Neuse River just west of where the AICW turns south into Adams Creek.

Matthews Point Marina up the Neuse on Clubfoot Creek is a good haven per your book. Water depth is 5.5′, but it is easy to get in and out (N34.54.383, W076.45.804). Facilities are still about the same as described in your book. We recommend it for a stop on the way to/from New Bern/Trent River.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Matthews Point Marina

River Bend Marina is located off the Trent River departing at Marker #18 (35 04.488′N, 077 07.814′W). River Bend Marina sounds interesting if your draft doesn’t keep you away.

Took a couple days off work to move the boat out of Earl’s way. So I moved our “Sand Castle” way up the Neuse River into the Trent [River] and found “River Bend Marina”. This is a nice, pleasant establishment off of marker #18 on the Trent River hidden way, way back via canals in a neighborhood. Nice tavern there just getting started by friendly owner George. Good very helpful and accommodating staff. A few convenience/grocery stores in walking distance, and another sports-bar/tavern “Attitudes” which is pretty nice. I took our boat this deep inland to avoid any run-ins with Hurricane Earl, and thoroughly enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere of the marina and it’s surroundings.
If you want that “Heart of Darkness” feeling (NARROW waterways) of cruising and can tolerate the occasional – and unpredictable 5-foot depths of the Trent River, River Bend Marina is a nice place to stop on the way up the Trent however far you choose to go.
One more note about the Trent – depths average 8-20 feet most of the way, but early on, there are variable changes down to about 5 foot of water. I never kicked up mud in our 3-1/2 draft trawler, but got a little concerned a couple times nonetheless. You will also find some 30 foot holes. Not a river for 6+ drafts, but definitely out of the way, and probably best after bug season. Look hard at chart 11552, check fuel (no diesel past New Bern) and have a good idea how far you want to go. It’s remote. Enjoy.
Captain Ben

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Trent River Marker #18,

New Bern, NC is located 21 miles up the Bay River departing the AICW at statute mile 161. Neuse Starter and Generator Service, Inc. is located at 104 Duffy Street, New Bern, NC 28560 252-633-0719

Had a great experience with Neuse Starter and Generator Service in New Bern, NC. Two Thumbs up service!
Capt. Ralph Chappell

Click Here To View an Earlier Discussion on New Bern, NC

Eastern Propane is at 13588 NC 55, Bayboro, NC‎ 252-745-7346‎. Bayboro is at the head of the Bay River departing the AICW at statute mile 161, northwest of the Bay River/Neuse River/Pamlico Sound Junction at statute mile 166.

Had a delightful experience with Eastern Propane in Bayboro, NC. Two thumbs up to the folks there. Lots of hoses, regulators, fittings conveniently hung on the wall, no wait refills, and very nice folks!
Capt. Ralph Chappell

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bayboro, NC

The mouth of the South River is on the south side of the AICW and directly across the Neuse River from Oriental, NC. via flashing red marker #2.

For those of us who sail out of Oriental, South River is by far the most favorite anchorage. Once you get inside the mouth, the depth is good pretty much from shore to shore and you can pick either side depending on whether or not you want bugs and no waves or no bugs and a little chop! My favorite spot is Southwest Creek which further up stream or you can just keep going up the main channel and anchor in the middle where it gets narrow.
Capt. Sykes DeHart

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For South River Anchorage