FOCUS ON – Manteo Waterfront Marina, Pamlico Sound
We heartily recommend a visit to Manteo, NC, with its really good restaurants, plentiful shopping and access to multiple historical attractions. And, you simply can’t do better than to coil your lines at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina. Tell Captain Carl we sent you!!!
Cruisers who have not visited Manteo in the past fifteen years will hardly recognize the waterfront or the downtown district. The city docks have been completely rebuilt and expanded and the downtown is filled with interesting shops, restaurants, shoreside businesses of all descriptions with classical-style buildings that await exploration by visiting cruisers.
The Manteo Waterfront Marina was constructed as part of Manteo’s redevelopment for the celebration of America’s 400th Anniversary, but its history starts long before the pleasure boats and boardwalk. The waterfront in Manteo acted as the hub of industry and commerce in Dare County for many years. There were oil tanks and fishing boats dotting the old wharfs and fish houses. There was an ice plant to package fish for transport, where Roanoke Island Festival Park now hosts concerts and performances. What was once the center of life in Dare County with busy court days and mail arriving by ship is now host to a quiet marina, maritime history center, and a replica of the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse.
The Manteo Waterfront Marina, situated on Doughs Creek, is one of three marinas in Shallowbag Bay and the best escape from a hard northeast wind on the north end of Roanoke Island. A short pleasurable cruise following the alternate route Manteo Waterfront Marina is approximately five miles off the ICW. Numerous boatyards and service providers are close by and can be contacted with information provided by Dockmaster, Carl Jordan. It needs to be noted, that Carl runs a `tight ship’ for Manteo Waterfront Marina and is a wealth of local knowledge as to what is happening in the area. Visiting cruisers’ can rest assured they are in excellent hands while staying in his marina.
Manteo Waterfront Marina welcomes transient cruisers. This quaint marina has 53 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 150′. Power (30, 50, and 100 amp) service is available along with water, cable and wifi. There is a well-kept comfort station with laundry services, shower facilities, and boater’s library with varied titles. A pump station is available with fuel docks close by. The amenities at Manteo Waterfront Marina are complemented by colorful landscaping set against idyllic Doughs Creek. Few will find a visit here to be anything less than appealing. There is over a mile of public boardwalk with on ground grilling facilities and dining area set up to host clubs.
There are restaurants and shops steps from the marina and the grocery store is a quarter of a mile away. Roanoke Island is also host to numerous attractions. The Lost Colony, the longest running outdoor drama in the country, plays nightly from May through August. North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is open daily and features numerous exhibits. Also on Roanoke Island are Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the Elizabethan Gardens and the Alligator River National Wildlife Visitors Center. See where your seafood really comes from by visiting the very southern end of Roanoke Island and pick up todays catch straight from the docks.
A quick drive over the Washington Baum Bridge and you are at the beaches of the northern Outer Banks. There are many sites to visit and restaurants. Be sure to catch the sunset from Jockey’s Ridge State Park and don’t miss the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Wright Brothers at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
For more information please visit: http://www.townofmanteo.com/marina
Or contact Dockmaster, Carl Jordan at 252-305-4800
The Marina monitors channel 16 and uses Channel 9 as their working channel
Already on your way? Check this video for helpful tip to approach the marina:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNIMU1Uspqg
Still contemplating a trip? This should seal the deal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VKRALDBaOY
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina
Comments from Cruisers (2)
We had the privilege to stay here for a week a couple years ago. Wonderful town and excellent marina staff. The Lost Colony Brewery is not to be missed if you like craft beer. One of our favorite stops in 8 years of cruising along the east coast. We had absolutely no issue with the entrance channel and neither will you if you follow the well-documented instructions and watch the video (5 ft draft).
Manteo Waterfront Marina is, by far, my favorite marina! I always try to plan 2 trips there per year, and Carl and George take great care of their customers. The whole charming town is right there at your doorstep, and within mere minutes you can be enjoying a world class cappucino, replenishing your supplies at the ship’s store or just browsing the wonderful shops. Lunch at the Full Moon Cafe has incredible food and fabulous home brewery beers. Don’t miss this special town and very special marina. Captain Carol, Big Kahuna