Captain Healy gives us a detailed description of his passage into Ocracoke from Pamlico Sound.

The route across Pamlico Sound is, likewise, unremarkable. Follow it to the Big Foot Slough Channel from the sound into Ocracoke. Note here that the North Carolina State Ferry System uses this channel. Draft for pleasure craft is not a problem, but if you encounter a ferry in that channel, watch the prop wash! The prop wash is very, very strong, and definitely enough to set you out of the channel. There is a red-over-green junction marker just beyond R3 and G4. Watch for the correctly charted shoal there, and turn 120 degrees or so to port, into the entrance channel into Ocracoke harbor, called “Silver Lake” on the charts. In the harbor, inexpensive dockage with water and electric is available at the National Park Service docks adjacent to the ferry docks. In this harbor, there is also plenty of room to anchor; 20 boats or more. The harbor is very well protected from the strong periodic winds that frequent this island 20 miles into the Atlantic.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Nine Foot Shoal Channel, Big Foot Slough Channel, Silver Lake and Ocracoke

Click Here To View An Earlier Article on Ocracoke

Captain Healy gives us a good description of the passage from Manteo to Ocracoke via the Roanoke Sound Old House Channel, and Pamlico Sound. Note that Old House Channel, which connects Roanoke Sound to Pamlico Sound, is very changeable, and markers are constantly being changed. And, that’s just what Peg and Jim discovered.

We departed from Waterfront Marina in Manteo, turned south into the Roanoke Channel through Roanoke Sound, joined the Old House Channel into Pamlico Sound, southwest across the sound to the Big Foot Slough Channel into Ocracoke Island’s Silver Lake, and to the National Park Service docks. This is a transit of 67.1 StM which we did in 8.26 hours (so an average speed of 8.12 Stm/hr).
Here’s a synopsis of the navigation between Manteo and Ocracoke. The Roanoke Channel, from it’s beginnings north of Manteo, carries as little as 7ft to it’s intersection with the Manteo Village entrance channel. South of the Manteo entrance channel, the Roanoke Channel carries at least 9 ft for it’s entire length; in most areas, 11ft to 14ft. There are no draft-related problem areas (at this time). In fact, the Elizabeth II, which draws 8 ft, regularly uses this channel. So, no draft problems, but the channel is quite narrow, probably 100 ft. And, it is not a “No Wake” area. Thus, our plan was to “take our half out of the middle,” which was OK at 0700 on a Monday morning.
There were, however, two areas that caused some confusion for me. A couple of miles south of Manteo is the US64/US264, 65 ft fixed bridge. Southbound, as you emerge from under that bridge, there is a square “No Wake” sign on a post just on the east side of the channel. With the sun low on the morning horizon, I nearly mistook that sign, by shape, for a green marker. It’s not. The second area of confusion was another 2 – 3 miles south of the bridge, where there is a side-channel that runs off to the west, into the village of Wanchese (pronounced: WAN-cheese). In that area, the Roanoke Channel takes a small dog-leg left, and then another, back to the right. It took me a minute looking through the binoculars to actually realize there was a side-channel intersection there, and it was confusing; and narrow. Carefully pick out the markers for the Roanoke Channel.
At it’s south end, the Roanoke Channel turns sharply west. In another mile, it intersects with the Old House Channel where the Oregon Inlet Channel comes in from the ocean. There are several new markers there that are not mentioned in the cruising guides and are only reflected on electronic charts that have recent LNMs incorporated. On the Roanoke channel, the new markers include 37A, 37, 36A, 36, 34A and 34. At the entrance of the Old House Channel (which is just a continuation of the route from the Roanoke Channel into Pamlico Sound) there is a new green-over-red marker, “OH.” The rest of the Old House route into Pamlico Sound is well marked and unremarkable.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary

Click Here To View An Earlier Article on Entering Ocracoke

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Showing the Roanoke Sound Channel

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Silver Lake Harbor

As Captain Healy observes, there is much to see and do along this portion of the Outer Banks. And, of course, Sanctuary was moored at Manteo Waterfront Marina, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Sanctuary and crew made our first transit between Manteo and Ocracoke across Pamlico Sound yesterday, Monday, 10/25/2010. This route is 20 miles shorter than the ICW route from Coinjock to Oriental, but it is more exposed to open water. The portion of the Pamlico Sound crossing that is in truly “open water” is about 35 StM, so pay particular attention to the marine forecast when you do go. That said, Manteo and Ocracoke are neat little towns, and we learned things here that we never knew. This is a really excellent “side-trip,” and also a refreshing alternative to the same-old Alligator River, Alligator River Swing Bridge, and Alligator-Pungo Canal!!!!!!!
We got to Manteo by crossing the Albemarle Sound from Elizabeth City to Croatan Sound. No problems; unremarkable navigation except for the trillions of crab pots in the Albemarle. From the Albemarle, we took the Croatan Sound Channel to the north end of Roanoke Island, and then the marked traverse across the north of Roanoke Island through Roanoke Sound to the Roanoke Channel. We stayed at Manteo at the Manteo Waterfront Marina, an excellent facility and staff.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary Monk 36

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina

Silver Lake Harbor Anchorage lies in the venerable shadow of the 75 ft. Ocracoke Light and is accessible from the NW via Nine Foot Shoal Channel or by Big Foot Slough Channel, which has been recently dredged, and from the south via the Ocracoke Inlet.

Have been here several times. Most recently the Saturday after Hurricane Earl. Silver Lake is very nice and relaxing. Nice to just bring the boat in and tinker. Cannot beat the view. Ocracoke is in a whole other pace and time zone. Very slow and nice. It’s especially nice after high season is done.
Capt. Ben Matthews

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Silver Lake Harbor

The Roanoke Sound Channel runs along the eastern side of Roanoke Sound and, as mentioned in earlier posts, requires constant vigilance to markers in the narrow channel. Captain Brian seems to have managed very nicely.

On August 13, 2010, we headed for Ocracoke, NC by way of the Roanoke Sound channel. No problems with depth, however we did notice some shoaling into the channel around marker 16, the entrance into Mill Landing Creek. The entrance buoys have been moved slightly into the channel and accurately reflect the good water.
Captain Brian Campbell

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

Shallowbag Bay is essentially Manteo Harbor. While less than 5 feet in many spots, there are good anchorages as Brian points out. The channels into Shallowbag Bay are narrow and require vigilance as Claiborne warns with these comments:
“A word of caution, one of the two approaches for vessels northbound on Pamlico Sound, and the far shorter of the two, is by way of the Old House Channel from the Pamlico, to southern Roanoke Sound, and then north on the Roanoke Sound channel. There is NOTHING easy about this passage, and I do not recommend it for vessels drawing 5 feet or more.
The other, far deeper and navigationally easier route is by way of Croatoan Sound, and then a southerly cruise through northern Roanoke Sound. The caveat for this route is that you must pass under a fixed bridge with 45 feet of vertical clearance, plenty for almost all powercraft, but not enough for many sailboats. The safest and easiest route to Manteo is by way of the AICW to Albemarle Sound. Then, a turn to the east will lead to northern Roanoke Sound, and then a quick trip to Shallowbag Bay and Manteo. However, you get there, Manteo is worth the effort!”
Claiborne

I have gained great knowledge in reading others posts on this site and thought it was time to return the favor. On August 12, 2010, we visited Manteo, NC aboard Tranquility. Tranquility has a tall mast and 6′ draft. We had no problem entering Shallowbag Bay and anchoring just east of the charted sewer outflow. Holding was good as a pretty severe thunderstorm rolled through with 30 mph gusts.
Captain Brian Campbell

Click on the Chartlet Below for a Chart View Window for Shallowbag Bay.

Once again, our roving reporter, Captain Jean Thompson, gives us an excellent review of all the attractions found in this portion of the Outer Banks. And, of course, DOVEKIE was moored at Manteo Waterfront Marina, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Manteo is a local cruising destination for DOVEKIE and we usually stay for a week (the 7th day is free) at the Waterfront Marina. We come here for all the things there are to do. In town there is the Boat building facility of the NC Maritime Museum and a replica of the Roanoke Marshes screw-pile lighthouse, as well as shops and restaurants. Several excursion boats leave from the waterfront, including a pirate experience for young children, and parasailing boats. Across from the waterfront is Festival Island with its museum, good film, replica of the Elizabeth II sailing ship, living history encampment, Indian village, art shows and concerts. The Pioneer Theater shows one movie at 8:00 PM and costs $5.00 admission. On Saturday morning a craft fair/ market is set up near the waterfront. There is a fine bike path from town to the northern end of the island where one will find the Ft. Raleigh National Historic Site, the Waterside Theater (Lost Colony and other productions), and Elizabethan Gardens. There is also an NC Aquarium a little out of town. We are here June 14-21, 2010.
Captain Jean Thomason

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina

Click on Chartlet Below to Open a Chart View Window,
Centered on the Location of This Marina:

The route outlined below by Captains Chris & Alyse Caldwell is certainly do-able, and an interesting alternative to the AICW. The advantages are you can depart from a straight track and visit, Ocracoke, Hatteras village, Engelhard, and, particularly, Manteo, a wonderful port of call on Roanoke Island. The down side is that for much of this cruise you will be traversing wide and relatively shallow Pamlico Sound. When the wind gets its dander up, the sound’s long fetch, coupled with depths of only 8 to 15 feet, can produce a chop that can jar the fillings out of your teeth. Choose times of fair weather and winds under 12 knots when cruising Pamlico Sound!

The ICW is a wonderful journey, north and south BUT if you’re tired of the slow zones, bridges (Alligator River bridge closure?) and constant overtaking of slower boats consider this shortcut around the entire Alligator – Pungo Canal in NC. This is an open water passage from the Neuse River mouth to Croatan Sound up to Coinjock, NC. You only save 18 miles BUT the time savings is incredible in a 7knot boat. You can run on autopilot in open water instead of traversing narrow cuts and canals. Unfortunately the fixed bridge crossing to Roanoke Island is only 45 feet air draft preventing most sailboats from using this route. Still want to try this in a sailboat? Run east of Roanoke Island in Roanoke Sound Channel where there is a 65 foot bridge. Marshes Light is a new marina that looks interesting. Tell ’em Captain Chris sent you.

Northbound.
After departing Adams Creek or Oriental, NC follow the ICW northward in the Neuse River to the opening into the bay. The ICW veers west at marker NR into the Bay River.
Use these landmarks as references to open water towards Coinjock, NC. These are not guaranteed waypoints for navigation. I used MapTech Chartkit Region 6 Seventh Edition for reference. and created initials NC 1 thru NC 8 to enter in my GPS. North Carolina 1-8. Remember to check my coordinates against the newest charts for accuracy.

1. Marker, 24 ft, NR (Neuse River), intersection of Neuse River and Bay River (ICW veers west).
NC1 N35.06.6 W76.28.5

2. Brant I Shoal, Marker 40 ft. BI
NC2 N35.07.8 W76.17.4

3. Bluff Shoal, marker 41 ft. BL Caution, chart shows 10 ft water here.
NC3 N35.12.9 W76.04.4

4. Long Shoal, Marker 15 ft. LS2
NC4 N35.33.8 W75.43.7

5. Stumpy Point, Marker 35 ft. N
NC5 N35.42.9 W75.37.7

6. Roanoke Marshes, Marker 42 ft. RM
NC6 N35.48.6 W75.42.0

Go through Croatan Sound and under two fixed bridges. The older bridge is only 45 ft air draft preventing most sailboats from passing underneath. Some older charts (year 2000?) may not show the newer 65 ft bridge so be aware you will see two bridges on the horizon as you near them. Yes, you are in the correct location.

7. Reeds Point, Marker 42 ft. Red #3
NC7 N35.56.7 W75.46.6

Cross Albermarle Sound to entrance of North River at Camden Point. Coinjock is north up the river.

8. Camden Point, Marker 16 ft. Green #173
NC8 N36.08.5 W75.53.6

Depending on your speed, weather and available daylight we have used a few anchorages along this route.
– Adams Creek at the 90 degree turn just before entering the Neuse River.
– Oriental, NC. We go under the bridge and anchor to the left. This is a more open area and no sailboats can pass beneath the low fixed bridge.
– Bay River just after turning west from the Neuse River ICW at marker NR.
– Anywhere along the lee side of Croatan Sound near either bridge.
– Just above Camden Point in the lee.

Great Prime Rib Diner for two at Coinjock Marina. We recommend you stop here and enjoy this huge delicious dinner. Leftovers for days afterward.
Sincerely,
Chris & Alyse Caldwell
Captain Chris Yacht Services

Just completed that transit today 10/26 in a power boat with 39’³ draft. Passed several sail boats. no problem with depths. Bridge clearance board read 65′
Dead head at entrance outside the channel southbound. Favor the green
Roy Adler

Like Captain, we adore Manteo, and when we are docked at Manteo Waterfront Marina, it’s even better. There’s generous shopping and great dining with an easy stop of the docks, and dockmaster Carl is simply one of the very best. And, let’s not forget, this facility and the city of Manteo is supporting the cruising community by being a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

We really love this little town! It’s only a short jog off the ICW and a great stop. We have brought our 44 ft boat here from Baltimore for the winter months for the last few years. As noted by others, the turn into Shallowbag Bay can be a little confusing, but take it slow and you should find plenty of water in the channel. There are lots of big boats that make it in without problems. There was a 100 footer here at the town marina last week.
Jim Milner

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina

Big Trout Marina is the only cruising craft friendly marina on the mainland shores of mid-Pamlico Sound. It is located in the tiny but friendly and commercial fishing craft rich village of Engelhard, NC. There is a little cafe at Big Trout, open for breakfast and lunch only, and a small grocery store is within walking distance of the docks. Glad to hear (below) that the Far Creek entrance channel, which serves Big Trout Marina and Engelhard, is in good shape!

Hi Claiborne
We just arrived at Big Trout after calling Edna and Frank at home (they did not answer the Marina number, but it is very early in the season ‘“ March 14). Frank met us at the dock when we arrived at 6:30 PM and was very accommodating.
The Channel in was never less than 10 feet ‘“ we stayed about 30 feet off the green markers as one of the posters suggested.
Thanks for the recommendation ‘“ we found it in your book and then went to the website. We had planned to go to Manteo, but a 5 hour bridge closure yesterday at the Onslow bridge kept that from happening.
Fair Sailing
Glenn
PS: Verizon service is fine, ATT is non-existent.

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Big Trout Marina

Sounds like it would be a GOOD idea to use your own vessel’s head and showers when docking at Ocracoke’s National Park Service Docks.
These piers are located immediately adjacent to the car ferry terminal on Silver Lake Harbor. In the past, we have been somewhat bothered by all the auto traffic running through the terminal, but, at other times, this has not been a problem.
Clearly the Ocracoke National Park Service Docks are bare bones, but inexpensive dockage. For more amenities, try nearby Anchroage Marina (see posting just below this one)

Unless you have a Golden Age Passport from the National Park Service (for those of us 62 years young) when you arrive, you will need to get one to be eligible for the reduced dockage fees. They are not sold at the ferry terminal where you register your boat. They are sold at the campground, which is a good five miles away (it seemed longer). New topic: The only on shore restroom facilities are the ones used by the ferry passengers, and they can get grody to the max. No reflection on the Park Service – there are just tons of tourists using them. In spite of this shortcoming, realize that, as a boater, you are paying far less than the average tourist per night at this location. For some very interesting and unique shopping, try the Village Craftsman. It’s off the beaten path, but worth the visit.
HB Koerner

We have stayed at both the Park docks and Anchorage Marina. If space is available I would go with the Anchorage Marina. The park docks dock pedestals are very rough and there is only 1 working 50 amp connection that I did not trust, so we ran the genny for 3 days. The Anchorage Marina is expensive but it is worth it atleast for my family as they like the cable TV and the pool. You know the saying if Momma aint happy nobody’s happy.
R. Brugh

The posting about the Ocracoke docks stating there were no restrooms other than the Ferry docks is not correct. I called the Park Service Visitor Center adjacent the docks. There are restrooms open 24 hours a day, but no showers. Their ph is 252-928-4531 (select bookstore to talk to the people at the center)
Tom

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke’s National Park Service Docks

It’s easy to pick out Anchorage Marina on Ocracoke’s Silver Lake Harbor. Just look for the marina sitting in front of the only high-rise building on the waterfront. When this structure was built some years ago, there was more than a little said about its not fitting the local architecture, but, now, everyone accepts it and its adjoining marina as part of the Ocracoke scene.
Your only other choice for dockage in Ocracoke are the Park Service piers, and, as you will see in the posting above, they don’t offer anything like the amenities of Anchorage Marina.

A pool, the shower and restroom facilities made this marina worth the expense to this sailor on his second trip to Ocracoke. Another benefit is that you are not as close to the ferry dock and thus not subject to the crowds and the noise. The staff was quite helpful in securing my boat. You can rent bicycles and motor scooters from the dockmaster, and enjoy the bar adjacent to the docks. It’s a short bike ride to the lighthouse from here – a must see experience. Though it is closed to the public, it is a wonderful challenge to photographers. Come early, or late, though, to avoid the crowd.
HB Koerner

We have stayed at both the Park docks and Anchorage Marina. If space is available I would go with the Anchorage Marina. The park docks dock pedestals are very rough and there is only 1 working 50 amp connection that I did not trust, so we ran the genny for 3 days. The Anchorage Marina is expensive but it is worth it atleast for my family as they like the cable TV and the pool. You know the saying if Momma aint happy nobody’s happy.
R. Brugh

My wife and I spend two nights last week (Sept. 16 & 17) at Anchorage Marina and were very pleased with the service and helpfulness of Tom (Dockmaster) and the other personal who worked there. We plan to return in the very near future’¦..
Randy Umstead

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Anchorage Marina

On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

21. Finally, back to the AICW. From Albemarle Sound, the Waterway tracks its way south down broad Alligator River. There is already a HUGE discussion string on the Net about shoaling, plus marker and electronic charting problems at the intersection of the AICW and northern Alligator River. So, I won’t repeat that question here. However, just north of the Alligator River bridge, Alligator Marina guards the western banks. Who has stopped here recently? Please describe your experience.

Responses follow:

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
www.britishclubworldwide.com

Stopped [at] Alligator River Marina couple years ago.. As we walked dog on leash we were told no dogs allowed.. wonder if that has changed since 03.
Craig

Click Here For More Information Concerning Alligator River Marina

On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

19. Probably Pamlico Sound’s most popular port of call is Silver Lake Harbor on Ocrocoke Island. This is still a great place to visit. Cruisers can choose between the US Park Service Docks, a private marina, or you can anchor out in Silver Lake. Who has visited Ocracoke? Did you dock or anchor? What did you find ashore? Please provide some Ocrocoke dining recommendations.

Responses follow:

We stayed in Ocracoke for four days the week of July 12. Arrived in a 30 knot southwester from Oriental and docked at the empty National Park Service Docks on the north end of Silver Lake (first-come-first-served, $1.25/foot/day and $3/day for 30 amp electric, no dockside showers). The docks are very rough and badly in need of maintenance; make sure your fenders are adequate. One boat did join us before we left on Wednesday. All of the restaurants we visited were good: smacnally’s at the Anchorage Marina, Jolly Roger, Back Porch (try their Vietnamese style Bluefish dish). We usually try to go to Howard’s but have heard relatively bad things about them in terms of service and food quality recently. Ashore this time of year is the usual mix of tourists from the upper banks and the ferries down for a day trip (very crowded in town, not so much at the docks or the beach). There is still a shoal building out from red 10B and from auxiliary uncharted green can 9C. You should give them both a wide berth when exiting or leaving from Big Foot Slough Channel .
Chuck Tontsch

Stay at Park Service Dock or anchor out. The only other marina has gone to $2.50 per foot, plus $10 for a 50 amp service. Ocracoke is a great place to go. As you come in the channel, stay in it until you see a green and red marker near marker #4 on the Silver Lake entrance channel. Leave the green and red to starboard as you turn into Silver Lake ( I watched the ferries do this), then follow the markers as usual. Do not cut across into the Silver Lake channel until the green and red. Otherwise, the channel from Pamlico Sound is very well marked.
Norman Mason
Peggy Sue, Monk 36

I’m a big fan of the Caribe so have been trying to find the Abacos or Barbados on the ICW – pretty much unrealistic. But Okracoke has the flavour of the Caribe about – much more so than Cape Lookout further south. Some good bars and joints there – not too expensive. Easy to moor and dinghy in. But no Reggae, Limbo or De Rum and Coca Cola……
Best wishes
Arnold Parkinson
The British Club Worldwide
www.britishclubworldwide.com

Ocracoke is always fun. We have been several times including last fall. We love the Ocrafolk Opry – there are the locals who sand and played in the movie, Nights in Rodanthe. Several of them are teachers at the local school. We anchor but the dock is park operated so your park pass gets you a discount. Local art shops are numerous. Good restaurants and bakery and ice cream shop
Wright and Gladys Anderson
First & Ten

We anchored in Silver Lake this trip in June. Was the first time anchoring out there among several trips there by water. Was excellent and would do again. State docks are excellent if you can get a spot with full power, water and very reasonable most especially if you purchase for $10 the Passport for State Parks
and a Sr. Citizen – cuts dock price to under $1.00 / ft. We love Jason’s out near
Howards. Anchorage Marina is definitely a “gotcha” marina – prices are out of reason from dockage to fuel. I had to get fuel, it was $2.00 per gallon more than I paid anywhere from Bath, NC to Norfolk; I also needed to fill up my water tanks – that was $10.00
Pat Kenefick

We go to Ocracoke regularly and love it there. The channel in is a bit daunting due to shoaling. Went hard aground there in a power yacht last spring between marker 9 and 9A I believe. The Coast Guard relayed this happens more often than you’d expect. Be sure to stay mid channel or follow the route of the ferries that regularly visit the town. Shopping is fun (lots of jewelry and unusual crafts) and there are many places to eat that are good, our favorites being the Back Porch and Flying Melon. We usually stay at the private marina but have friends who anchor out. Silver Lake is truly a beautiful spot.
Pat Cummins, s/v Kentris

The Admiral and I spent the 2nd week of July docked at Anchorage Marina in Silver Lake, Ocracoke. We found the staff most helpful, very friendly, and welcoming overall. The cost of dockage was a bit higher than we experienced in other locations. Additionally, pump outs are on the expensive side, 30.00 per 30 gallons. Also, the lack of laundry can be a pain. However, we are talking about Ocracoke and the marina staff worked very hard to make up for these few negatives. Due to wind, we constantly heard the slap of water on the swim platform each night.
There were a number of boats anchored in the lake proper, including two good sized Marine Trader trawlers.
The island recently passed liquor by the drink so a few of the restuarants now offer cocktails. Unfortunately for those who drink hard liquor, the current law doesn’t allow outdoor venues to offer this choice. Apparently the law specifies a venue must provide indoor seating for greater than 32 to apply for a liquor license.
My wife and I enjoyed a number of lunches at Dajio which is a very short walk from the marina. Our favorite entree being the “ciabattia chicken sandwich.”
Additionally, the Creekside Cafe served a good sampling of bar/grill food and a decent sampling of seafood. They also serve cocktails for those interested.
Of course we had to sample Howards. The Admiral had a rueben which, according to her (native of NY), wasn’t quite up to par.
Perry & Kathy Sellars
M/V Marsh Mellow

We have been anchored out in Silver Lake the last three nights; it has been windy, in the 20 knot range from the south and southwest, very choppy on the sound. We rented bikes today at the Surf Shed, which has the best prices (not to be confused with the Surf Shop across the street). It is about a 20 minute leisurely bike ride to the excellent Park Service beach. I walked by the Anchorage Marina and noted that diesel was going for $2.69, so am not sure about the comment above about fuel prices. Ocracoke is a true island, only accessible by boat or ferry, so it doesn’t surprise me that things like fuel, water and pump outs are expensive, as they often are in the Bahamas, for instance. Anyway, it is a fun stop, reminiscent of a cross between Cuttyhunk, Memensha, and Vineyard Haven up north.
George Hechtman
Incentive, Hatteras 56MY

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For The Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Anchorage Marina

On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

16. Let’s continue our `off the Waterway’ queries, by journeying east from Albemarle Sound to the northern headwaters of Roanoke and Croatan Sounds. These bodes of water are divided by historic Roanoke Island. Cruisers can follow the Roanoke Sound channel south to Shallowbag Bay and the Manteo city waterfront and marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). Who has visited Manteo by water? Did you discover any shallow water or marker confusion on either the sound or Shallowbag Bay channels? Please describe what you found ashore in Manteo. Did you discover any particularly good places to slake a healthy appetite?

Responses follow:

We visited Manteo in June 2009. No shallow spots in the channel that I recall. Our route from Manteo was through the channel east, then north that leads into Albemarle Sound. I nice restaurant, the Full Moon, is directly across the street from the town dock master’s office. Friendly people in town. We enjoyed the side trip to the Outer Banks. Very nice clean showers and laundry at the marina.
Rick

We went to Manteo the next day, the Sound was calm. Plenty of crabpots though. You only have to follow the markers into Manteo, and you’ll be fine. The channel going out Roanoke Sound has the red markers on the left, the cut channel into Manteo has them on the right (you’re returning). Keep that in mind and you’ll have no problem. Had a very good dinner at the restaurant 1587, I think it is, next to the Marina.
Bill & Claudia Bagwell
M/V RUNAWAY

Manteo – we sailed from Ocracoke there last year and loved it. Caught over 50 Spanish Mackeral on the way in and stayed three days. The city dock folks were friendly and it is an easy walk over to the Elizabeth II. Rental cars are sparce so reserve in advance.
Wright and Gladys Anderson
First & Ten

We were traveling South in early June on our sailboat. Coming off of the sound to begin the trek to Manteo I found to be “confusing” ; once rounding the Northern section of the island the channel was quite clear all the way into town.
This was our second trip and stay in Manteo by water. My wife especially enjoys staying in Manteo – obviously the shops which are also suffering this year and some gone due to the economy. One of the items that really makes this a great stay is the park across from the docks; beautiful grounds and free concerts if you catch it on Fridays. Last year we saw the Chinese Acrobats and this year we caught the NC Symphony ; outside , under the stars and FREE. Excellent stop. Ortegas on this trip was good and Poor Richards for standard fare sandwiches, burgers etc.
Having a 48 ft. mast we had to take the route from Manteo down to Wanchese and out to the Pamlico. All well marked and as opposed to last year I found point of transition from Green to starboard to Red Right return marked very well although the numbers have apparently changed ; did not match the chart marker numbers – had I not been through here before I may have really been confused because of this number situation.
Pat Kenefick

Click Here For More Information on Manteo Waterfront Marina

Personally, I’ve never had the nerve to “cross the bar” on the ocean side of Cape Hatteras, but Captain Chis obviously knows a lot more about this passage than yours truly. As you will see below, he found a shallower spot. With the ever changing sands of Cape Hatteras’ Great Diamond Shoals, that’s scarey.
Incidentally, Captain Chris’s company, Captain Chris Yacht Services, LLC is our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!! Please check out his web site (click the attached sponsorship banner) to learn about his many services, and please join with me in welcoming Captain Chris aboard!

We are underway on a delivery aboard a Kadey Krogen 58 Trawler, moving from GA to the Chesapeake. To save time we take the ocean route. The weather is great, the seas calm and we are enjoying the ride. When approaching Cape Hatteras and Diamond Shoals from the south we cut across the bar. Looking at the charts we see 43 foot areas and then a big area showing 27 feet. To straighten our course we head across the 27 foot area. Keeping in mind how shallow the ICW is, 27 feet feels great!
The calm ocean swells start to change shape so we set a more easterly course to find deeper water – the 43 foot section. In three spots we cross 9 foot depths. You may think, `Oh, that’s a school of fish’ but we believe otherwise. The sea swells change form each time the sounder shows 9 feet’¦and each time we can see the water bottom sharply change on the depth sounder screen. Scary to go from 27 feet to 9 feet, wondering if it will get even shallower. We eventually find the deeper water again and steer to Cape Henry & Cape Charles with no other concerns.
NOTE. We saw large Sport fisherman running across the bar so, as they say, `local knowledge is best’. We plan to stay in the 43 foot section of the bar next time’¦no matter how calm the ocean.
Chris & Alyse Caldwell
Captain Chris Yacht Services, LLC