Yesterday, proof positive our cruising friend’s 50 ft Gulfstar with a 6 ft draft can enter/leave Alligator Marina and visit Ms Wanda. See http://cruisersnet.net/156673 Bruce Franz s/v “Hemisphere Dancer” Dickerson 41
We stayed at the Alligator River Marina in early October and found both the staff and the facilities to be great. We used their ramp to launch our 22 ft sailboat and stayed for two nights at the marina while sailing on the Alligator River and touring the nearby Alligator Wildlife Refuge. (We saw a mother black bear and two cubs playing in the road while in the Refuge.) Upon our arrival at the marina one of the staff members even assisted me in lifting our outboard motor onto its mount. Although we came prepared to cook meals on our boat the food and service at the marina grill was so good that we quickly changed plans. As long as they had extra slips they spaced the boats out in the marina so that we all had plenty of privacy. As noted by one of the other reviewers there was a beautiful moon out over the Alligator River on our first night there. Mrs. Wanda and the staff went out of their way to make our stay a pleasant one.
On our way North this spring we attempted to anchor in the alligator river but the wind was too strong and getting stronger – the radio was busy with boaters looking for alternatives – we hailed the marina and were told there was plenty of room with a side too tie up we requested. The marina is very sheltered and well taken care of – Wanda is great – and for all those who still like good old fashioned marketing and customer service I got a card from Wanda thanking me for using the marina!!!! Wells Moore “Flying Corgi”
We stayed in Alligator River Marina for the first time June 11 and 12, 2014. The entrance is well marked. The 17 or so individual docks are on starboard as you enter. The first few are longer and have four posts on each side. The smaller docks are further in and have three posts on each side. Most of the posts have cleats on them. The bulkhead is supported by a line or rip-rap so be careful backing in. The piers are about 25 feet long. The rest of the marina has alongside tie-up with ample power stations.
A slender man named Logan came to greet us and help with our lines. I could hear the hospitality in his southern drawl. He was knowledgeable about clove-hiches and spring lines.
We met Wanda in the restaurant. Despite her reputation, she was sweet as southern tea to us. She told of the recent death of a local favorite alligator called ‘Cheeseburger”. He had wandered onto the highway one night and was hit by a passing car. Pictures on the wall of the restaurant tell the story of him and the many black bears that live nearby.
They have free Wi-Fi but we never used it. We did use the roomy boater’s lounge with Dish TV. The restrooms, washers/dryers are in the same house north of the boat ramp.
I loved watching the moonrise at the end of the long pier that looks over the river.
We recommend this marina and hope to get back in the fall.
I saw no issues with depth entering this marina (at least 8 feet everywhere). The staff was very helpful with docking. There is a lot of very nice grass for the dog to run and a nice clubhouse and laundry facility as well. There are limited hours for service in the small restaurant attached to the gas station out front, but the food was very good. I particularly enjoyed the alligator bites appetizer (couldn’t resist). This is a perfect stop to wait out any weather before crossing Albemarle Sound going northbound. Larry Freedman
In 15 years of cruising coastal NC we have probably spent more nights here [Alligator River Marina] than anywhere else – probably 25% were weather related delays Our stays with Miss Wanda have always been good but realize some visitors have not shared our opinion. Food in the convenience store-truck stop –marina is well priced, fast and welcome break from the boat. Gray & Betty Riddick
We stopped here today for fuel. They were not quite fully open for the season, but we had no problems. Everyone was pleasant and helpful. We were in and out in about 30 minutes.
Diesel fuel was $3.94 a gallon. This is less than I am paying to fill my truck.
We brought our boat down from Baltimore, Maryland to Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina. One of the highlights of the trip was Alligater River Marina. Mrs. Wanda is the nicest and most helpful marina owner I have ever met. The food and hospitality was incredible. Do not miss this marina.
Cruising News: The Alligator River Marina is the oasis we all try to find when we’ve been out too long. It is the fertile ground where new friendships spontaneously grow, and where old friends are glad to see you again. Great fried chicken and hamburgers. Outstanding breakfasts. Clean showers and laundry facilities. Friendly staff. The only reason we ever leave Wanda and the gang is so we can have all the fun of coming back again. And, we will. Again and again. Jim and Talley Powell
We have completed dredging the entrance to the Alligator River Marina and now have a depth of eight (8′)feet. We apologize to our boater friends for their inconvenience the last few weeks. We appreciate each and every one and look forward to your visits. We wish for you a joyful and safe summer and look forward to seeing you soon. Ms. Wanda
On a recent ICW trip we were unsure about stopping at Alligator River Marina after reading some reviews. On March 22,2012 we stopped and were met at the gas pumps. We ate in the grill and found all of the staff very friendly and helpful. Wanda went out of her way to help our overnight stay comfortable. We were in a small ( 19′ ) boat so our spending was limited to 20 gal. gas, slip fee, two meals in the grill. Very pleased, they had only been open one week after being closed for Winter.
We, too, have had a very bad experience with the Alligator River Marina. It was several years ago, we were traveling south and needed fuel. We, of course, did the usual callings and everyone was polite and nice. Upon arrival at the fuel dock, the wind was blowing very hard (~25k) directly away from the pier. We tried to approach normally but could not. So I called to the dock attendant that we would approach nose on and asked if he could take a line from us and tie it off so we could then use the prop wash on the rudder to force the stern in. He used some choice words about my bad seamanship and told me if I didn’t know how to bring a boat in properly I shouldn’t be boating. He started to walk away. I called to him that I really needed his help and he turned back to us. When we got the bow of the boat near the pier, Suzi tossed him a line and indicated the cleat where we would like him to tie it. He ignored her and short tied the bow to the pier so tightly that there was no way we could bring the stern in. And again he walked away, ignoring our protests. Another boater volunteered to help and we got tied up. Then, the dock attendant came up to us carrying the fuel pump nozzle and laid it next to our boat, gave me what I would consider a dirty look and walked away. A few moments later I picked up the nozzle and started to fuel our boat. After pumping several gallons the dock attendant came back cursing at me and saying he had not told me to pump yet, and that he was in charge and I wasn’t to do anything until he told me to. I apologized (probably not too sincerely) and he said that he wasn’t finished taking the reading from the last boat which had taken on fuel and that since I had pumped before he zeroed it out, I was going to have to pay what the pump showed was owed and that the previous boat had taken on over a thousand gallons. I explained to him that that was simply not going to happen. We were quite low on fuel or I would have paid for the 3 gallons which I pumped and left. We had intended on taking on over 100 gallons. As it was, we took 30 and went in to pay. I told the lady inside that her dock attendant was extremely rude. She said, rather coldly, “That’s my husband.” I said, “I’m sorry.” We will never go back there. Larry McDonald
Well, I’ve never before posted negative comments concerning a marina… but after 40 odd years of cruising, Captaining and being in the marine industry, our experience at the Alligator River Marina merits commenting… We were heading North during Mid/late August 2011, called ahead during the late afternoon to see if a slip was available. A very pleasant young lady advised that there would be space available and to tie up on the south dock and come inside to register. We called again just prior to arrival and ordered food, as the store/restaurant closes at 1930. Upon arrival we found the staff (gas station attendant and grill cook) to be pleasant, accommodating and rather friendly for being at the end of a days work. Our food was ready, we filled out the dockage form- paid for the slip and food and tipped the clerk and cook well for their kindness. There was only one other transient boat at the marina, the place was essentially empty. In the morning we took on almost $1,400.00 in fuel and bought breakfast for our crew of three. Between the prior night’s dinner, dockage, breakfast, and some odds and ends from the store, we spent near $1,700.00. Our main concern was staying ahead of Hurricane Irene, as she was about 4 days behind us when we arrived. Our destination was Long Island. In fairness, the marina is an adequate, no frills facility, with clean hot showers, laundry, a lounge with TV and internet access, all in a good location. The owner, Ms. Wanda on the other hand is someone we won’t soon forget… Shortly after departing, we had a minor mishap and damaged one propeller. We telephoned the marina and asked (as their welcome package indicated) if they could arrange for a diver to change the prop. Ms. Wanda indicated that she would arrange for a diver to come to the marina, took our phone number, and said to come back. Upon returning to the marina, she advised (with a smile) that the diver would not be available until the following afternoon. I explained that we would explore other options, as we wanted to stay ahead of the Hurricane, and that I wished we had known about the diver’s availability prior to returning. Her displeasure (actually anger to near the point of rage) over our electing to explore our options was evident in her tone of voice, facial expressions and posture…. She simply said, “I doubt you’ll find another diver”. We telephoned a local marine surveyor friend and were able to arrange for a diver who could have been there in two hours. I advised Ms. Wanda that we had located a diver who would be there by late morning, thanked her for calling her diver, and asked that she please cancel his appointment for the following day. A short while later she came to the boat… banged on the hull and said, “Make sure your diver gives me a certificate of insurance naming me and my marina”…. I called the diver and relayed her message… he said it was not a problem, and that he had dealt with “Wicked Wanda”(His characterization…not mine!) in the past. He then asked that I give her the phone… This is where it got rather interesting… Ms. Wanda repeated the issue about the insurance and then told the diver that he would have to see her upon arrival, and pay her $30 “for the pleasure of diving from her dock”… an argument ensued between the diver and Ms. Wanda…she returned my phone and said, “I told you you wouldn’t find another diver” I would have gladly paid the additional $30 to be on our way and ahead of the hurricane. As I walked back to the boat she turned and said, “I guess you’ve got a real problem now”… Throughout this situation I chose to maintain my self on the high road and was nothing less than polite… I simply responded, “Well Ms. Wanda, I must tell you, never will I spend $1,700.00 at anyone’s establishment to be treated this way… you have a nice day, we’ll be leaving shortly” Before I could hit the start button she had us untied and free of the dock….simply unbelievable! We got underway and arranged for the diver to meet us at Coinjock later that evening. Upon arriving at Coinjock we learned that she had called ahead… we assume in an effort to get us shut out. As always, Coinjock was a pleasure with Louis’ pleasant staff, excellent food, and live music. Unfortunately, the diver was unable to remove the prop… we limped up to Portsmouth, VA where we were hauled by Full Throttle Marine at Tidewater Marina. It is without reservation that I recommend Full Throttle. They were prompt, friendly, courteous, and quite reasonable for the short haul and changing of both propellers. Later we were told (but could not confirm) that Ms. Wanda had actually requested the diver to come the following day… If that is true I find it unconscionable that she would attempt to delay us by more than a day in the face of a hurricane for a few paltry dollars in dock fees and food from her store. Would I stay there again?…Likely not, but anything is possible while on the water! Granted her fuel prices are as good as you’ll find in NC… but whoever you buy fuel from, she gets a piece of the pie… she is the local marine fuel fuel distributor! Capt. Jerry
I have stayed here a number of times over the last few years. It provides the only fuel on the 75 mile stretch between Elizabety City / Coinjock and Dowry Creek / Belhaven. It also provides a rest stop before or after you cross the Albemarle Sound and on a bad day, you are going to be glad it is there. Entrence is easy via a well marked channel just north of the Alligator River bridge. However the passage thru the breakwater can be a bit tricky during high winds. Once in the marina, protection is pretty good. Both gas and diesel fuel are available at reasonable prices. The slips are a bit narrow with short finger piers on one side. The slips have both electric and water. Showers and a lounge are just a short walk away as is the main building with its small restaurant. Food in the restaurant is limited, but what I have had has been very good. This is a marina, not a resort. They provide ll of the basics at a very reasonable price with no frills. Most of the staff is friendly and will help you, if you ask. They are not thrilled with pets, but I have never had a problem. One thing to keep in mind is that they may be closed during some winter months. It is always a good idea to call ahead and get the current conditions. Dave Boxmeyer
Glad to hear that things have changed so dramatically at this marina when we experienced some of the worst customer service…no, make that THE worst service we have encountered up and down the east coast….that is in 5 years of cruising. There were no dock hands because “it was raining” the service was curt and definitely not helpful. We felt unwelcome and could not leave fast enough the next day when things were no better. We are polite, nice people and easy to deal with. We took the high road with our manners but left as soon as we could. I suppose in a fix we would stay there again, but it is doubtful. Sami and Bari
What y’all may not know is the Alligator Marina restaurant is “Known” for its N. C. BBQ. I know boaters that call there by VHF to order some BBQ and then just do a touch and go to pick up the food. Also, the diesel fuel prices are very competitive and sometimes even better than in Coinjock. Don R, m/v Andante
Alligator River Marina is just in the right place, 42.5 miles from Dowry Creek Marina and 32 miles to Elizabeth City or 31 miles to Coinjock. Good dock hands. Nice store and personnel. The Grill closes PROMPTLY at 7:30pm, so they encourage you to be in no later than 7pm. They give you an informative handout with souvenir pen in a baggie. Nice touch. Nice place. Week Verizon coverage, but it works. We’ll make this a regular stop on the ICW north and south. Jim and Talley Powell
This is a difficult marina to get into after dark. The boss lady said that most of her business is daytime. However, if weather changes across Albamarle Sound and you get delayed it would be nice for clearly marked entrance thru breakwater.
Alligator River Marina was only $1 a foot! We were able to knock out the whole Alligator River by planning to go there, and we were ready to jump on the Albermarle Sound in the morning when the forecast changed to lower winds. It was a very nice stop. Good anchorage in the Chesapeake was at Chisman Creek off the Poquosan River just before the York River.We also anchored off the Patuxent River, by Solomons island in Mill Creek. MTOA Captains Good-Mikki and Joe Heinrich, aboard Asian Lady
We pulled into the marina on Feb. 17th after a long day on the Albemarle Sound. The marina is closed for the season but fuel is available from the pumps at the Shell station if you use a credit card and jerry jugs. We had called several days ahead and told Wanda, the owner that we would be staying there and would send her a check for the amount due. We promptly did that at our next stop. There is electirc service but the water has been turned off because of the cold weather.
Sadly we did not have the most pleasant experience here ever. We arrived and there were no other boats in here at all, no sign, we couldn’t even tell if they were still an open marina. We walked around for about 20 minutes and could not find anyone at all (late November) and we needed fuel so we couldn’t leave. Granted it was Thanksgiving afternoon, but there was not a soul in siight. We tied up and were working on the boat when 3 hours later a lady walked out of her house, around to us and said we are closed. We apologized and said we tried to call several times over the past few days and tried you on the vhf too but noone replied and she said ya, because we are closed. It was starting to get dark so she said, fine you can stay, it will be $30. We thought that was reasonable so we paid her and went on with our business (come to find out she overcharged us as it was supposed to be a $1 a foot.). The lady was VERY COLD to us. The next morning in the gas station the cashier was also quite unpleasant to us too. We aren’t demanding people but given how friendly everyone in the Carolinas has been to us we were taken aback by these unfriendly folks. It was a safe place for our boat but we were unimpressed and we would have gone elsewhere had we not needed to re-fuel. The place also has very little personality and his VERY un-dog friendly. The showers are hot though, decent wifi and tv room.
MILE 84.1 ALLIGATOR RIVER MARINA. THE FUEL IS RESONABLY PRICED, BUT THE ONLY THING THIS MARINA HAS TO OFFER IS A YOUNG MAN NAMED LOGAN. HE WAS VERY INTUNED TO OUR NEEDS AND MADE DOCKING A BREEZE. I WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE BATHROOM FACILITYS. THEY WERE CLEAN BUT THEY OFFERED NO HAND SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS. BECAUSE OF THE H1N1 VIRUS I WAS JUST SURPRIZED THEY DIDN’T PROVIDE THEM. WE ATE AT THE TAKE OUT ONCE AND FOUND THE STAFF VERY STAND OFFISH. WE ALSO DID NOT GET A VERY FRIENDLY WELCOME ON CHANNEL 69. LIKE SO MANY OTHER COMMENTS THIS IS THE BEST THIS AREA HAS TO OFFER.
Mile 84.1 – Alligator River Marina. Still offers the lowest priced fuel I have found on the ICW – $1.99 a gallon for diesel. Best to fuel up here – and get water and ice etc – since going south there is no other fuel stop for some 30 odd miles. Heading up the Alligator River I faced strong headwinds all the way and it took me almost double the normal time, and thus double the fuel, to get to the Fairfield Canal. Arnold
First off, we never saw anything less than 8.4ft of depth, and most of the time it was over 10ft, on the way into the marina. From what I understand, the only thing driving the depth is changes in wind speed and direction, and even then it doesn’t vary much. I can’t speak to that though. The entry was easy – turn to the west immediately north of the bridge, follow along the bridge to the green mark and then head straight for the green/red entry markers to the marina. We came in with a 20kt south wind with some uncomfortable choppy seas, and the second we entered the marina the wind stopped and the waves were gone. Interestingly enough, a small bobcat was swimming across the entry channel just as we were entering. That’s the first time I had to yield right of way to a feline!!!! The marina is comprised of slips with short piers (i.e. you have to back in and put lines on pilings) or face docks. The face docks are slightly more expensive. The facility is basically an automobile gas station with a marina added behind it, but it seems just fine. They have a separate building with clean, private bathrooms with showers, laundry and a “TV Room” with a 13″ TV with satellite. The free WiFi signal is strong. I can’t say that my phone call to make the reservation or our reception upon arrival was overly friendly. They did seem annoyed to have to talk with us, but they are the only game in town and the facilities are decent. The station part of the facility has a short order restaurant (burgers but also steaks, alligator, and HARD ICE CREAM) and the regular assortment of drinks and snacks. Outside of that, it’s in the middle of nowhere, so there’s nothing else to see. Chris S/V Pelican
We stopped at Alligator River Marina twice this past summer – mid-June and end of July – on a trip up to the Chesapeake from Oriental. The facility is very good for fuel (good price) and overnighting, with very nice bathrooms / showers and laundry. The TV room with tiny TV was OK, but the room could use additional lighting to facilitate reading & card playing. The dockage rates are reasonable and we were able to dock bow-in just fine. The folks are friendly, especially if you are, but are not overly outgoing as you often find at larger, commercial full service marinas. I think this is because the ‘gas station / restaurant’ staff is pressed into doing the fueling and dockage assistance. There is no marina staff as such, once you have fueled and docked. The food is great – cooked to order. Our grandsons really enjoyed the ‘alligator bites’. The cook handled our docking and fueling (give that nice lady a raise!). Overall it’s a well placed stop after the boring Alligator / Pungo Canal and long run up the Alligator River, or a good rest after a rough crossing of the Albemarle. We plan to stop every time we pass thru. Lee & Penny – S/V Gypsea
Alligator Marina has low priced fuel for sure. People very friendly. Store is more attuned to the road traffic than boats. Best wishes Arnold Parkinson The British Club Worldwide http://www.britishclubworldwide.com
We are very saddened to report the passing of Morris Pritchett, co-owner of Alligator River Marina (Statute Mile 84), after a short battle with cancer. Morris will be missed by many in the cruising community, and his sage advice to cruisers plying the waters of the Alligator River and Albemarle Sound, will not be heard again. Fare you will Morris. May the road rise to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, and may God hold you in the palm of HIs hand!
Reviews from Cruisers (28)
Yesterday, proof positive our cruising friend’s 50 ft Gulfstar with a 6 ft draft can enter/leave Alligator Marina and visit Ms Wanda. See http://cruisersnet.net/156673
Bruce Franz
s/v “Hemisphere Dancer”
Dickerson 41
A very nice place to stop and Wanda [owner] is a gem.
We stayed at the Alligator River Marina in early October and found both the staff and the facilities to be great. We used their ramp to launch our 22 ft sailboat and stayed for two nights at the marina while sailing on the Alligator River and touring the nearby Alligator Wildlife Refuge. (We saw a mother black bear and two cubs playing in the road while in the Refuge.) Upon our arrival at the marina one of the staff members even assisted me in lifting our outboard motor onto its mount. Although we came prepared to cook meals on our boat the food and service at the marina grill was so good that we quickly changed plans. As long as they had extra slips they spaced the boats out in the marina so that we all had plenty of privacy. As noted by one of the other reviewers there was a beautiful moon out over the Alligator River on our first night there. Mrs. Wanda and the staff went out of their way to make our stay a pleasant one.
Philip & Genie Safriet – The Venture
On our way North this spring we attempted to anchor in the alligator river but the wind was too strong and getting stronger – the radio was busy with boaters looking for alternatives – we hailed the marina and were told there was plenty of room with a side too tie up we requested. The marina is very sheltered and well taken care of – Wanda is great – and for all those who still like good old fashioned marketing and customer service I got a card from Wanda thanking me for using the marina!!!!
Wells Moore “Flying Corgi”
We stayed in Alligator River Marina for the first time June 11 and 12, 2014. The entrance is well marked. The 17 or so individual docks are on starboard as you enter. The first few are longer and have four posts on each side. The smaller docks are further in and have three posts on each side. Most of the posts have cleats on them. The bulkhead is supported by a line or rip-rap so be careful backing in. The piers are about 25 feet long. The rest of the marina has alongside tie-up with ample power stations.
A slender man named Logan came to greet us and help with our lines. I could hear the hospitality in his southern drawl. He was knowledgeable about clove-hiches and spring lines.
We met Wanda in the restaurant. Despite her reputation, she was sweet as southern tea to us. She told of the recent death of a local favorite alligator called ‘Cheeseburger”. He had wandered onto the highway one night and was hit by a passing car. Pictures on the wall of the restaurant tell the story of him and the many black bears that live nearby.
They have free Wi-Fi but we never used it. We did use the roomy boater’s lounge with Dish TV. The restrooms, washers/dryers are in the same house north of the boat ramp.
I loved watching the moonrise at the end of the long pier that looks over the river.
We recommend this marina and hope to get back in the fall.
I saw no issues with depth entering this marina (at least 8 feet everywhere). The staff was very helpful with docking. There is a lot of very nice grass for the dog to run and a nice clubhouse and laundry facility as well. There are limited hours for service in the small restaurant attached to the gas station out front, but the food was very good. I particularly enjoyed the alligator bites appetizer (couldn’t resist). This is a perfect stop to wait out any weather before crossing Albemarle Sound going northbound.
Larry Freedman
In 15 years of cruising coastal NC we have probably spent more nights here [Alligator River Marina] than anywhere else – probably 25% were weather related delays Our stays with Miss Wanda have always been good but realize some visitors have not shared our opinion. Food in the convenience store-truck stop –marina is well priced, fast and welcome break from the boat.
Gray & Betty Riddick
We stopped here today for fuel. They were not quite fully open for the season, but we had no problems. Everyone was pleasant and helpful. We were in and out in about 30 minutes.
Diesel fuel was $3.94 a gallon. This is less than I am paying to fill my truck.
We brought our boat down from Baltimore, Maryland to Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina. One of the highlights of the trip was Alligater River Marina. Mrs. Wanda is the nicest and most helpful marina owner I have ever met. The food and hospitality was incredible. Do not miss this marina.
Steve Chapman
Cruising News:
The Alligator River Marina is the oasis we all try to find when we’ve been out too long. It is the fertile ground where new friendships spontaneously grow, and where old friends are glad to see you again.
Great fried chicken and hamburgers. Outstanding breakfasts. Clean showers and laundry facilities. Friendly staff.
The only reason we ever leave Wanda and the gang is so we can have all the fun of coming back again. And, we will. Again and again.
Jim and Talley Powell
We have completed dredging the entrance to the Alligator River Marina and now have a depth of eight (8′)feet. We apologize to our boater friends for their inconvenience the last few weeks. We appreciate each and every one and look forward to your visits. We wish for you a joyful and safe summer and look forward to seeing you soon.
Ms. Wanda
On a recent ICW trip we were unsure about stopping at Alligator River Marina after reading some reviews. On March 22,2012 we stopped and were met at the gas pumps. We ate in the grill and found all of the staff very friendly and helpful. Wanda went out of her way to help our overnight stay comfortable. We were in a small ( 19′ ) boat so our spending was limited to 20 gal. gas, slip fee, two meals in the grill. Very pleased, they had only been open one week after being closed for Winter.
We, too, have had a very bad experience with the Alligator River Marina. It was several years ago, we were traveling south and needed fuel. We, of course, did the usual callings and everyone was polite and nice.
Upon arrival at the fuel dock, the wind was blowing very hard (~25k) directly away from the pier. We tried to approach normally but could not. So I called to the dock attendant that we would approach nose on and asked if he could take a line from us and tie it off so we could then use the prop wash on the rudder to force the stern in. He used some choice words about my bad seamanship and told me if I didn’t know how to bring a boat in properly I shouldn’t be boating. He started to walk away. I called to him that I really needed his help and he turned back to us. When we got the bow of the boat near the pier, Suzi tossed him a line and indicated the cleat where we would like him to tie it. He ignored her and short tied the bow to the pier so tightly that there was no way we could bring the stern in. And again he walked away, ignoring our protests. Another boater volunteered to help and we got tied up.
Then, the dock attendant came up to us carrying the fuel pump nozzle and laid it next to our boat, gave me what I would consider a dirty look and walked away. A few moments later I picked up the nozzle and started to fuel our boat. After pumping several gallons the dock attendant came back cursing at me and saying he had not told me to pump yet, and that he was in charge and I wasn’t to do anything until he told me to. I apologized (probably not too sincerely) and he said that he wasn’t finished taking the reading from the last boat which had taken on fuel and that since I had pumped before he zeroed it out, I was going to have to pay what the pump showed was owed and that the previous boat had taken on over a thousand gallons. I explained to him that that was simply not going to happen. We were quite low on fuel or I would have paid for the 3 gallons which I pumped and left. We had intended on taking on over 100 gallons. As it was, we took 30 and went in to pay.
I told the lady inside that her dock attendant was extremely rude. She said, rather coldly, “That’s my husband.” I said, “I’m sorry.”
We will never go back there.
Larry McDonald
Well, I’ve never before posted negative comments concerning a marina… but after 40 odd years of cruising, Captaining and being in the marine industry, our experience at the Alligator River Marina merits commenting…
We were heading North during Mid/late August 2011, called ahead during the late afternoon to see if a slip was available. A very pleasant young lady advised that there would be space available and to tie up on the south dock and come inside to register. We called again just prior to arrival and ordered food, as the store/restaurant closes at 1930.
Upon arrival we found the staff (gas station attendant and grill cook) to be pleasant, accommodating and rather friendly for being at the end of a days work. Our food was ready, we filled out the dockage form- paid for the slip and food and tipped the clerk and cook well for their kindness.
There was only one other transient boat at the marina, the place was essentially empty.
In the morning we took on almost $1,400.00 in fuel and bought breakfast for our crew of three. Between the prior night’s dinner, dockage, breakfast, and some odds and ends from the store, we spent near $1,700.00.
Our main concern was staying ahead of Hurricane Irene, as she was about 4 days behind us when we arrived. Our destination was Long Island.
In fairness, the marina is an adequate, no frills facility, with clean hot showers, laundry, a lounge with TV and internet access, all in a good location. The owner, Ms. Wanda on the other hand is someone we won’t soon forget…
Shortly after departing, we had a minor mishap and damaged one propeller. We telephoned the marina and asked (as their welcome package indicated) if they could arrange for a diver to change the prop. Ms. Wanda indicated that she would arrange for a diver to come to the marina, took our phone number, and said to come back.
Upon returning to the marina, she advised (with a smile) that the diver would not be available until the following afternoon. I explained that we would explore other options, as we wanted to stay ahead of the Hurricane, and that I wished we had known about the diver’s availability prior to returning.
Her displeasure (actually anger to near the point of rage) over our electing to explore our options was evident in her tone of voice, facial expressions and posture….
She simply said, “I doubt you’ll find another diver”. We telephoned a local marine surveyor friend and were able to arrange for a diver who could have been there in two hours. I advised Ms. Wanda that we had located a diver who would be there by late morning, thanked her for calling her diver, and asked that she please cancel his appointment for the following day.
A short while later she came to the boat… banged on the hull and said, “Make sure your diver gives me a certificate of insurance naming me and my marina”…. I called the diver and relayed her message… he said it was not a problem, and that he had dealt with “Wicked Wanda”(His characterization…not mine!) in the past. He then asked that I give her the phone…
This is where it got rather interesting… Ms. Wanda repeated the issue about the insurance and then told the diver that he would have to see her upon arrival, and pay her $30 “for the pleasure of diving from her dock”… an argument ensued between the diver and Ms. Wanda…she returned my phone and said, “I told you you wouldn’t find another diver”
I would have gladly paid the additional $30 to be on our way and ahead of the hurricane.
As I walked back to the boat she turned and said, “I guess you’ve got a real problem now”…
Throughout this situation I chose to maintain my self on the high road and was nothing less than polite… I simply responded, “Well Ms. Wanda, I must tell you, never will I spend $1,700.00 at anyone’s establishment to be treated this way… you have a nice day, we’ll be leaving shortly”
Before I could hit the start button she had us untied and free of the dock….simply unbelievable!
We got underway and arranged for the diver to meet us at Coinjock later that evening. Upon arriving at Coinjock we learned that she had called ahead… we assume in an effort to get us shut out. As always, Coinjock was a pleasure with Louis’ pleasant staff, excellent food, and live music.
Unfortunately, the diver was unable to remove the prop… we limped up to Portsmouth, VA where we were hauled by Full Throttle Marine at Tidewater Marina. It is without reservation that I recommend Full Throttle. They were prompt, friendly, courteous, and quite reasonable for the short haul and changing of both propellers.
Later we were told (but could not confirm) that Ms. Wanda had actually requested the diver to come the following day… If that is true I find it unconscionable that she would attempt to delay us by more than a day in the face of a hurricane for a few paltry dollars in dock fees and food from her store.
Would I stay there again?…Likely not, but anything is possible while on the water! Granted her fuel prices are as good as you’ll find in NC… but whoever you buy fuel from, she gets a piece of the pie… she is the local marine fuel fuel distributor!
Capt. Jerry
I have stayed here a number of times over the last few years. It provides the only fuel on the 75 mile stretch between Elizabety City / Coinjock and Dowry Creek / Belhaven. It also provides a rest stop before or after you cross the Albemarle Sound and on a bad day, you are going to be glad it is there.
Entrence is easy via a well marked channel just north of the Alligator River bridge. However the passage thru the breakwater can be a bit tricky during high winds. Once in the marina, protection is pretty good.
Both gas and diesel fuel are available at reasonable prices. The slips are a bit narrow with short finger piers on one side. The slips have both electric and water. Showers and a lounge are just a short walk away as is the main building with its small restaurant. Food in the restaurant is limited, but what I have had has been very good.
This is a marina, not a resort. They provide ll of the basics at a very reasonable price with no frills. Most of the staff is friendly and will help you, if you ask. They are not thrilled with pets, but I have never had a problem. One thing to keep in mind is that they may be closed during some winter months. It is always a good idea to call ahead and get the current conditions.
Dave Boxmeyer
Glad to hear that things have changed so dramatically at this marina when we experienced some of the worst customer service…no, make that THE worst service we have encountered up and down the east coast….that is in 5 years of cruising. There were no dock hands because “it was raining” the service was curt and definitely not helpful. We felt unwelcome and could not leave fast enough the next day when things were no better. We are polite, nice people and easy to deal with. We took the high road with our manners but left as soon as we could.
I suppose in a fix we would stay there again, but it is doubtful.
Sami and Bari
What y’all may not know is the Alligator Marina restaurant is “Known” for its N. C. BBQ. I know boaters that call there by VHF to order some BBQ and then just do a touch and go to pick up the food. Also, the diesel fuel prices are very competitive and sometimes even better than in Coinjock.
Don R,
m/v Andante
Alligator River Marina is just in the right place, 42.5 miles from Dowry Creek Marina and 32 miles to Elizabeth City or 31 miles to Coinjock. Good dock hands. Nice store and personnel. The Grill closes PROMPTLY at 7:30pm, so they encourage you to be in no later than 7pm. They give you an informative handout with souvenir pen in a baggie. Nice touch. Nice place. Week Verizon coverage, but it works. We’ll make this a regular stop on the ICW north and south.
Jim and Talley Powell
This is a difficult marina to get into after dark. The boss lady said that most of her business is daytime. However, if weather changes across Albamarle Sound and you get delayed it would be nice for clearly marked entrance thru breakwater.
Alligator River Marina was only $1 a foot! We were able to knock out the whole Alligator River by planning to go there, and we were ready to jump on the Albermarle Sound in the morning when the forecast changed to lower winds. It was a very nice stop. Good anchorage in the Chesapeake was at Chisman Creek off the Poquosan River just before the York River.We also anchored off the Patuxent River, by Solomons island in Mill Creek.
MTOA Captains Good-Mikki and Joe Heinrich, aboard Asian Lady
We pulled into the marina on Feb. 17th after a long day on the Albemarle Sound. The marina is closed for the season but fuel is available from the pumps at the Shell station if you use a credit card and jerry jugs. We had called several days ahead and told Wanda, the owner that we would be staying there and would send her a check for the amount due. We promptly did that at our next stop. There is electirc service but the water has been turned off because of the cold weather.
Sadly we did not have the most pleasant experience here ever. We arrived and there were no other boats in here at all, no sign, we couldn’t even tell if they were still an open marina. We walked around for about 20 minutes and could not find anyone at all (late November) and we needed fuel so we couldn’t leave. Granted it was Thanksgiving afternoon, but there was not a soul in siight. We tied up and were working on the boat when 3 hours later a lady walked out of her house, around to us and said we are closed. We apologized and said we tried to call several times over the past few days and tried you on the vhf too but noone replied and she said ya, because we are closed. It was starting to get dark so she said, fine you can stay, it will be $30. We thought that was reasonable so we paid her and went on with our business (come to find out she overcharged us as it was supposed to be a $1 a foot.). The lady was VERY COLD to us. The next morning in the gas station the cashier was also quite unpleasant to us too. We aren’t demanding people but given how friendly everyone in the Carolinas has been to us we were taken aback by these unfriendly folks. It was a safe place for our boat but we were unimpressed and we would have gone elsewhere had we not needed to re-fuel. The place also has very little personality and his VERY un-dog friendly. The showers are hot though, decent wifi and tv room.
MILE 84.1 ALLIGATOR RIVER MARINA. THE FUEL IS RESONABLY PRICED, BUT THE ONLY THING THIS MARINA HAS TO OFFER IS A YOUNG MAN NAMED LOGAN. HE WAS VERY INTUNED TO OUR NEEDS AND MADE DOCKING A BREEZE. I WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE BATHROOM FACILITYS. THEY WERE CLEAN BUT THEY OFFERED NO HAND SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS. BECAUSE OF THE H1N1 VIRUS I WAS JUST SURPRIZED THEY DIDN’T PROVIDE THEM. WE ATE AT THE TAKE OUT ONCE AND FOUND THE STAFF VERY STAND OFFISH. WE ALSO DID NOT GET A VERY FRIENDLY WELCOME ON CHANNEL 69. LIKE SO MANY OTHER COMMENTS THIS IS THE BEST THIS AREA HAS TO OFFER.
Mile 84.1 – Alligator River Marina. Still offers the lowest priced fuel I have found on the ICW – $1.99 a gallon for diesel. Best to fuel up here – and get water and ice etc – since going south there is no other fuel stop for some 30 odd miles. Heading up the Alligator River I faced strong headwinds all the way and it took me almost double the normal time, and thus double the fuel, to get to the Fairfield Canal.
Arnold
First off, we never saw anything less than 8.4ft of depth, and most of the time it was over 10ft, on the way into the marina. From what I understand, the only thing driving the depth is changes in wind speed and direction, and even then it doesn’t vary much. I can’t speak to that though. The entry was easy – turn to the west immediately north of the bridge, follow along the bridge to the green mark and then head straight for the green/red entry markers to the marina. We came in with a 20kt south wind with some uncomfortable choppy seas, and the second we entered the marina the wind stopped and the waves were gone. Interestingly enough, a small bobcat was swimming across the entry channel just as we were entering. That’s the first time I had to yield right of way to a feline!!!! The marina is comprised of slips with short piers (i.e. you have to back in and put lines on pilings) or face docks. The face docks are slightly more expensive. The facility is basically an automobile gas station with a marina added behind it, but it seems just fine. They have a separate building with clean, private bathrooms with showers, laundry and a “TV Room” with a 13″ TV with satellite. The free WiFi signal is strong. I can’t say that my phone call to make the reservation or our reception upon arrival was overly friendly. They did seem annoyed to have to talk with us, but they are the only game in town and the facilities are decent. The station part of the facility has a short order restaurant (burgers but also steaks, alligator, and HARD ICE CREAM) and the regular assortment of drinks and snacks. Outside of that, it’s in the middle of nowhere, so there’s nothing else to see.
Chris
S/V Pelican
We stopped at Alligator River Marina twice this past summer – mid-June and end of July – on a trip up to the Chesapeake from Oriental. The facility is very good for fuel (good price) and overnighting, with very nice bathrooms / showers and laundry. The TV room with tiny TV was OK, but the room could use additional lighting to facilitate reading & card playing. The dockage rates are reasonable and we were able to dock bow-in just fine. The folks are friendly, especially if you are, but are not overly outgoing as you often find at larger, commercial full service marinas. I think this is because the ‘gas station / restaurant’ staff is pressed into doing the fueling and dockage assistance. There is no marina staff as such, once you have fueled and docked. The food is great – cooked to order. Our grandsons really enjoyed the ‘alligator bites’. The cook handled our docking and fueling (give that nice lady a raise!). Overall it’s a well placed stop after the boring Alligator / Pungo Canal and long run up the Alligator River, or a good rest after a rough crossing of the Albemarle. We plan to stop every time we pass thru.
Lee & Penny – S/V Gypsea
Alligator Marina has low priced fuel for sure. People very friendly. Store is more attuned to the road traffic than boats.
Best wishes
Arnold Parkinson
The British Club Worldwide
http://www.britishclubworldwide.com
We are very saddened to report the passing of Morris Pritchett, co-owner of Alligator River Marina (Statute Mile 84), after a short battle with cancer. Morris will be missed by many in the cruising community, and his sage advice to cruisers plying the waters of the Alligator River and Albemarle Sound, will not be heard again.
Fare you will Morris. May the road rise to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, and may God hold you in the palm of HIs hand!