Whittaker Point Marina lies east of marker #5 on the Whittaker Creek marked entrance channel. I just visited Whittaker Pointe Marina in April of 2012, and found it to be a quiet facility, with superb showers and a welcoming swimming pool. This facility lies at the entrance to Whittaker Creek, a bit downstream of Oriental’s primary harbor.
We kept our boat at Whittaker Point Marina this summer. It is a pretty sparkling facility, meaning new. Nice fixed docks in great condition, beautifully clean and comfortable clubhouse, nice pool. Ashley the dock master really looks out for your boat and he called a time or two when the wind got rough and toyed with our ailing bimini. It is close to Oriental, but remote enough to be super peaceful. The frogs chirping a bit at night is the only sound you’ll hear. Take heed on the markers though, it goes from 6+ feet to knee deep in a hurry if you drift outside the markers. Saw about a 24 foot shoal keel sailboat get stranded once, and was only 1/2 an oar deep when I was fiddling in the dinghy on the other side of them. Ben Matthews
The New Bern Grand Marina lies in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina, along Trent River’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges.
We stayed at the New Bern Grand Marina for a month. (June ‘“ July 2012). Loved it! Clean facilities, staff very gracious and professional, rates reasonable. Great location to restaurants, shops, tourist attractions. Well done waterfront. Plan to return. David and Mary
Eastman Creek anchorage. Hang a left at the duck blind!
While successful entry can be just a tiny bit tricky for first timers, South River provides what is, for my money, the best set of anchorages off the Neuse River. We particularly like to drop the hook off the long deserted community of “Lukens,” or, if time is not a concern and/or heavy weather is in the offing, Eastman Creek is almost idyllic! While Diana and Mark don’t cover all the South River anchorages we list in our Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net North Carolina Anchorage Directory, they have caught most of the best ones, and they list one on Big Creek that I’ve never tried due to the presence of a commercial fish processing operation! Of course, all the info below is taken from the Doyle’s just released, two volume paper set of AICW AnchorGuides. Learn more at http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com.
Hi Claiborne, Admit it, how many times have we all anchored off Oriental’s waterfront or at nearby Cedar Creek along Adams Creek?
Hardy Creek's end-of-the-road dinghy landing and shore access
If you’ve had enough ice cream at The Bean, what about trying something different next time you have a few days in the area? Off the Neuse River is the lovely South River, at STM 178.1, a worthwhile 6- to 9-mile detour off the ICW’s Magenta Line. Reminiscent of Chesapeake Bay cruising, South River has many anchoring options, varied protection, and scenic wooded shorelines. Here’s a quick overview of two anchorages “on the way” and then our favorite, Eastman Creek.
Hardy Creek Anchorage This is the South River anchorage closest to the ICW, so it’s a good place to stop if you don’t have time to continue up South River until the next day. Pet owners will particularly like this stop, with easy shore access at a street-end bulkhead (look for three street signs), good for an evening walk through a quiet rural residential neighborhood.
Big Creek Moving further upriver to explore South River, Big Creek is much more protected than Hardy Creek. It’s a quiet anchorage in a broad spacious river set in wooded marsh, with an easy entry off South River. But no shore access and, lately, a reputed 11-footer. Alligator that is!
Eastman Creek If you like quiet, scenic, solitude, then continue up the South River (9 miles off the ICW) to Eastman Creek. It’s worth the detour’”presumably the quest for a bucolic anchorage is what motivated you to explore the South River in the first place!
Shrimpers working the South River
Other than a prominent house at the creek entrance, it’s a pristine setting of marsh and woods. There’s no shore access, but you can splash the kayaks, dinghy explore, or toss in some fish lines. And Diana has an insider naturalist’s tip for you if you visit this anchorage in the early spring: Take your sundowner on deck at dusk and listen for a nasal “peent” call followed by an eery winnowing noise. Those are male American Woodcocks, aka timberdoodles, doing their “sky dance” aerial courtship displays. If you look closely you may actually spot a bird zig-zagging downward. The winnowing noise is created by the rushing air vibrating their tail feathers as the bird plummets from about 300 feet in the air. It’s one of the unique sounds and spectacles of spring’”which you can view from the box seats of your cockpit or flybridge. Best and see you On the Water, Captains Mark & Diana Doyle http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Well, clearly I’m a little behind the times when it comes to Big Creek (see below). I know what happened. After encountering an unhappy smell here years ago, we have always just anchored elsewhere on South River, and have not stuck our nose in this sidewater for many years. I’ll know better now!
Claiborne, I live on Big Creek and I can assure you that any commercial fish processing operation is long gone. Nothing here but a few homes and the 11 foot aligator. Dave Boxmeyer
I just visited Whittaker Pointe Marina in April of 2012, and found it to be a quiet facility, with superb showers and a welcoming swimming pool. This facility lies at the entrance to Whittaker Creek, a bit downstream of Oriental’s primary harbor.
Whittker Point in Oriental,clean friendly great Club House and Facilities,.If you want more city Bridgepoint Marina New Bern conveient resonable good Facilities. Casual
River Dunes, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, found just off the AICW’s run up Neuse River, on Broad Creek, is battling it out with several other marinas for the greatest number of POSITIVE reviews here on the Cruisers’ Net. Below, Captain Cheoah, in a message copied from the Cruisers’ Forum, chimes in below with more words of praise!
River Dunes in Oriental, NC is about as nice as it gets. It is out in the boonies, but they have floating docks, a nice club house, hot tubs, swimming pool, bikes, wifi, exercise room and primo showers with AC. Oriental is a ten minute drive. They have a very nice loaner car, so no beater, and very competitive long term rates. I don’t care for marinas much and stay on a private mooring nearby, but we use River Dunes for all their services before and after cruises and feel at home there. Cheoah
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 spent the night of Sunday 20th May at River Dunes on our Beneteau 50′. The marina facilities are first rate, the staff are helpful and professional, one of the nicest we have visited. We could not eat at the restaurant as it closes at 3pm on Sunday and doesn’t reopen until later in the week. The one big negative as far as we are concerned was the lack of cell phone reception ‘“ if you are with AT&T, basically there is no service, I am told others have spotty reception, to make thing worse the wifi does not really cover the marina docks well. Andrew
Oriental Marina is located on the eastern banks of inner Oriental Harbor off the Neuse River and is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising News: The Oriental Marina in NC continues to provide great accommodations and a wonderful stop. We are so glad that some fine things remain consistent. Here and Now
Upper Broad Creek Northern Anchorage is 18.7 nautical miles off the waterway on Neuse River in the centerline of Upper Broad Creek’s gentle turn to the northeast, north of the charted pilings; Upper Broad Creek indents the northeastern shores of Neuse River, well northeast of Neuse River marker #19.
We anchored here last night in SW 10-15 and were VERY comfortable. The wind was NE when we entered and the pilings were completely submerged save one lonely post with a cormorant sitting atop. This morning we saw 15-20 pilings where only one was visible the previous afternoon. There is a lot of water in this curve, so stay on the port side going in. Doug Sligh
The New Bern Grand Marina lies along Trent River’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges. Galley Stores Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – guards the western banks of the Neuse River, just north of marker #32 and Union Point, hard by downtown New Bern, NC.
We docked at the New Bern Grand Marina today and went for a walk around town. The Galley store has a pretty good selection and their wine prices are very competitive. The staff inside are very friendly. Doug Sligh
Turnagain Bay is a seldom visited sidewater of the Neuse River, almost directly opposite the ICW’s entrance into the Neuse at Maw Point Shoal.
Cruising News: This is a very flat landscape of marshes and one hammock. It is a nice place to hide when the Pamlico is acting up. Soft mud bottom holds extremely well. Very pleasant when it’s cool. Imagine the mosquitoes will drain you dry on a warm afternoon. Jim and Talley Powell
You’re right about the mosquitoes, Jim and Talley. I anchored in upper Turnagain Bay near the cut-through to West Bay last October and was eaten alive. I have never seen mosquitoes so dense, and I’m from South Louisiana. The entrance to Turnagain Bay was quite shoal, I dropped sail and motored in real slow, saw some 5 foot water but my CD25 draws less than 3 1/2 so I got through it. I poked my nose into the West Bay canal, but turned back as I realized if it was blocked or shoaled too shallow I’d have to back out ‘“ it’s too narrow to turn even a CD25. Other than that, a great trip! Seriously, it’s some of the most remote and beautiful lowland scenery I have seen in North Carolina. Paul Clayton
The New Bern Grand Marina lies along Trent River’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges. It seems pretty clear both from our own experience at this facility as well as the wealth of contrary views below, that the predominant opinion is, and should be, that New Bern Grand Marina is a fine facility
The marina and hotel are now two seperate amenities. NO SECURITY at night. The grounds are littered and it looks like a third rate glorified lawn mowing company has tried to landscape..the day I visited they blew their lawn clippings and leaves in the water for your boat pumps to get stopped up. This marina is not what it was when I visited two years ago..we are very disappointed and will not be staying there. Mike Thompson
These comments are contrary to everything I have experienced at the New Bern Grand Marina. The marina is neat and clean. The staff is great, always going the extra mile to insure those of us who actually have boats there are happy and comfortable. Jim Powell
The negative comments above are from a man having a bad day for some reason. We keep a boat at New Bern Grand and we couldn’t be more pleased. The staff is helpful and courteous, the docks and grounds in top shape, the atmosphere and neighbors friendly and pleasant. We get a weekly email of news, status, reminders, and are kept informed of all events. New Bern Grand is in the middle of downtown New Bern and is convenient to everything. The unhappy boater is right in one thing, there are now two separate business entities. It’s been transparent to the slip holders thus far. One other thing, though New Bern experienced a 9-foot water surge with Hurricane Irene and it’s streets were under 2 feet of water, the marina and residents suffered no real damage. Ben
We stay at this marina every spring on our way north, usually for a month, and are headed there in two weeks. Called a good friend who is a longtime liveaboard there, and he confirmed that the marina has changed hands, but says he hasn’t noticed much change. We look forward to going back. Dennis Jay
The negative comments above are from a man having a bad day for some reason. We keep a boat at New Bern Grand and we couldn’t be more pleased. The staff is helpful and courteous, the docks and grounds in top shape, the atmosphere and neighbors friendly and pleasant. We get a weekly email of news, status, reminders, and are kept informed of all events. New Bern Grand is in the middle of downtown New Bern and is convenient to everything. The unhappy boater is right in one thing, there are now two separate business entities. It’s been transparent to the slip holders thus far. One other thing, though New Bern experienced a 9-foot water surge with Hurricane Irene and it’s streets were under 2 feet of water, the marina and residents suffered no real damage. Ben
We stay at this marina every spring on our way north, usually for a month, and are headed there in two weeks. Called a good friend who is a longtime liveaboard there, and he confirmed that the marina has changed hands, but says he hasn’t noticed much change. We look forward to going back. Dennis Jay
Baird Creek, charted as Beard Creek,liess on the north shore of the upper Neuse River north of Wilkinson Point. As Cat. Ben points out, it is marked by a single marker #1. All of us who have done any gunk-holing will enjoy this delightful tale of keel versus bottom, which will also explain why this particular creek is NOT in our North Carolina Anchorage Directory. Thanks for sharing, Capt. Ben.
Cruising News: The long keel, forever hallowed be its name. I may not lay claim to being the dumbest boater, but I strive for the top-five. In North Carolina, we have three types of bottoms, pecan-sandy, chocolate-pudding mud, and occasionally rocky-road-oyster shoal. Hungry yet? We love to gunk hole. It’s almost not an adventure if I cannot jump out of the boat and pull it along with the rope or kedge the anchor. Where’s the fun in being sensible? Markers in our waters are usually inaccurate because last month’s hurricane made a shoal where the channel used to be. Soft groundings come with the territory. What has saved us in our limitless search for shallow waters and low-cost barnacle scrapings has been our beloved full keel. That and our craft tops out at about eight knots. With a wind. In shallow waters I have the deep sagacity to reduce speed to around 3 knots, so as not to bump anything too hard. One day, I hope to be a smarter captain, but our current mode of gunk-holing has provided hours of adventure, angst, and amusement to my first mate, and I for one refuse to deprive her of the joys of seeing mud churn off our stern. She’s become quite the expert at spotting it. On our last adventure, we decided to explore the deep reaches of the Northern Neuse River on Baird Creek just after Thanksgiving. It is marked by a single green “1” daymark and a smattering of private PVC pipes with colored tape jammed in the ground. If you were a golfer, you would call this one hazard-filled course. For a boater it generally tracks around 5 feet deep if you are mostly lucky and very careful. Ours is a single-screw trawler with the aforementioned full keel. Believe me, this captain needs it. Drawing a hair over 42 inches of water, I make it a point to scout out sailboat masts in any unfamiliar harbor, because it’s a good bet that that captain will need a full five feet to knock around in there. Seeing a few masts, we gingerly entered Baird Creek in the afternoon, threw out anchor and proceeded to lounge a bit. I had some minor wiring repairs to do with the generator, so went about that a little after some engine cooling.\ Around dusk we fired up the generator, only to realize the repairs made did not fix the root problem, which was the transmission of current from the output leads to the rest of our craft. Including the Two-cycle AC (It’s November and a little chilly. After some mutual frowning and head-scratching, my first mate advises me that with the low temperature forecast, we might do better comfort-wise back at our slip, about 10 miles up the Neuse. So after some long deep breaths, inhale/exhale style – to draw in air for the work ahead of course, I agreed with my mate and decided to get about hoisting the anchor. Now, this is where the real adventure begins – Anchor, up, no worries. Despite scrubbing and rinsing we still brought a good amount of chocolate pudding aboard as we pulled chain in the dark. In addition, what I failed to notice upon coming into little Baird Creek, was that the wind had shifted to the North, blowing water up the Pamilco Sound and draining the Neuse a bit – lowering the water with one of the Neuse’s famous – or infamous – wind-tides. Our depth finder gets psychotic under 4 feet and we start showing about 700 feet of water whenever this happens – so 700 feet showing usually means we’re near a touch-point, and we were seeing this. We get going about a hundred yards and feel the slow, gentle shudder of bottom. OK- no good. Adrenaline and dismay. We back off a little, free ourselves, and try in a different direction. OK, not so bad, but not for long. We find bottom again. Gentle shudder. Chocolate pudding again. It’s pitch black out except for the small lights of the relatively few homes on Baird Creek. So we back off again and track slowly and surely very close to some of the homes with modest piers. This seems to work. Eventually, gingerly, and nervously we were able to exit Baird Creek with our running gear and some portion of our wits intact. But I can assure the reader any future trip there – in or out – will be in daylight and with a south wind keeping the water high in the Neuse. For Baird Creek – boater beware! Thanks once again to King Neptune for providence and our long keel for its patience – it’s saved us from ourselves many a time. Capt. Ben M/V Sand Castle Neuse River
Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor lies on the point separating the two major branches of Whittaker Creek, northeast of Oriental Harbor’s flashing daybeacon #1.
Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor just northwest of Oriental NC is one of the most relaxing stays I have experienced in 5 years of cruising. The $11.00 a day slip with electricity included (that’s right Eleven) way more than made up for the less than new docks. It’s a short bike ride to a lot of fine restaurants and coffee shops. There’s a marine consignment shop with more stuff than I’ve seen in the Defender catalog. There is a hardware store close by, a grocery store, a marine supply store and a West Marine. They’re all within walking distance but might be to far for someone not used to walking, They are all withing less than 10 minutes biking distance. I spent three weeks there during the end of November and beginning of December, the best part of my stay was all the great people I met. I was invited to the Orphan Sailor Thanksgiving feast and spent quality time on board other sailor’s boats enjoying adult beverages. I highly recommend visiting, the owner, Knute, will make you feel welcome. If your boat draws more than 5’5″, you have to enter when there is no wind or when the wind is from a northerly quarter, a southerly wind drops the channel depth to less than 6 ft. It’s 6 1/2 ft with no wind and more than 7 with a wind from the north. For those unfamiliar with the Carolinas, there are no lunar or solar tides and the water levels are influenced by the winds. Henry Zalegowski on S/V Turn’er Loose
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.
Property is all the above comments say it is. Be aware Irene moved markers in Broad Creek around (more than a bit). You will come to a #4 private buoy well before the daymark #4. Coming in the creek, the pipes driven into the bottom mark the ~4 foot line. Stay to the creek side of these marks if you draw more. Lunch at M&M’s was well provisioned, well prepared, and very well served. Would certainly return. Oriental hardware store and Town and Country grocery are much more than they appear from the outside. Chris
We kept our boat at River Dunes for two weeks while visiting family up north. We view the location as a perfect place to keep a boat secure. The staff is great and the showers are the best on the east coast! We will be back!! Dick Anderson
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.
Cruising News: Oct 2008 – Dockmaster JC Cappleman and his staff make this beautiful facility feel like home. Pool, spa, exercise room, clean and modern steam showers, loaner cars, new floating docks and friendly boaters’ gatherings in front of the clubhouse fireplace . . . all combine to make River Dunes an unforgettable gem on the ICW. Oct 2011 – We’ve visited River Dunes five times now on our way north or south. If you haven’t stopped by yet in favor of another marina or anchorage, you’re missing one of the best spots on the waterway. Bob Fulton
Stayed at River Dunes twice in 2011. Both visits absolutely wonderful. JC and his staff are first rate, facility beautiful, protected, great food ‘¦ a must stop north and south. Doug Jacoby..m/v CHANGER
Northwest Creek Marina lies off the eastern shores of Northwest Creek, north of charted McCotter Point.
Please excuse me adding to my previous comments on Northwest Creek Marina but, with the passing of Hurricane Irene recently I really feel it’s worth adding: The standard of preparation and service at this marina went WAY beyond anything we have experienced in any other marina. During the storm (`during’,mind you) the staff were OUT ON THE DOCKS checking and adjusting the boats’ lines and hauling boats when needed. Carol & I were safely tucked into the hotel overlooking the marina throughout the storm and took videos (which can be seen at http://www.HurricaneIrene.Muttlets.Com) of the staff working in 60mph winds and water up to their chests. Several owners had left headsails up and the staff went round removing them and stowing them safely (remember, Irene was expected to be a cat2+ hurricane on arrival). They had lines strung across the marina channels to reduce any damage which might be caused if a boat did break away. They dismantled all the mains power units. After the storm, we had power back on the docks just as soon as the power company had returned power to the Fairfield Harbour area and all the cross channel lines cleared ready for the next weekend. I can’t say enough good things about this marina. It just keeps getting better! They really earned the money we pay there and more (although I won’t tell them that, just in case!). Fergus & CarolMcLean
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.
Cruising News: River Dunes, the safest Marina to dock your boat in a hurricane. No damage from Irene and when electric went off we had a generator for the fuel pumps. Just installed more floating docks with a few slips left to rent. What a great place. Clifford Kisby
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.
Many thanks to Durl, Allen and the many volunteers who helped prepare the boats and docks for hurricane Irene. During the storm, Allen and the volunteers stayed outside going up and down the floating docks checking the lines and boats to make sure that everything was as secure as possible.Thanks to them, no boats were lost and all damage was minor. During the storm we stayed inside in the hotel. In spite of the storm damage the building was taking, the staff and manager Michael McMahon worked around the clock to make us as comfortable as possible. I can’t say enough good things about this place, but I will mention that the Coast Guard Station Fort Macon put their boat and people that were not working during the storm here because they knew it was the best and safest place to be. Enough said. Mike And Kim, Ms. Kimberly
We are delighted to learn that this well-known business in Oriental, NC will remain open. For years, it has been the place to get boat gear and clothing in Oriental. McCotter’s Marina, which suffered a devastating fire earlier this year, is located in nearby Washington, NC and is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
A new owner, McCotter’s Marina of Washington, NC has decided to restock and keep the Inland Waterway store open. The decision was made last Monday and it was open for the Memorial Day weekend. Stock will take a while to rebuild. Skipper Jim Duggan
The Inland Waterway Provision Company re-opened in April of 2011 under new management. The folks from McCotter’s Marina (Washington, NC) are now running the store. Captain Ben
And from the new owners:
Inland Waterway Provision Company, ICW Mile Marker 181 Newly re-opened in the heart of “downtown” Oriental! Visit us for all your boating and fishing needs. We have marine hardware, electrical and plumbing components, cleaning supplies, charts, line, and safety gear. We are the local dealer for AB dinghies. We offer clothing, Sperry shoes, and nautical gifts. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, we can order it for you, usually with free overnight delivery on parts. We can help you with fishing equipment, ice, and bait. The helpful advice is free! Inland Waterway Provision Co. is conveniently located on the Oriental harborfront, right between the Town Dock (free dockage for 48 hours!) and the town anchorage. We have free loaner bicycles for visiting boaters. We’re an Oriental landmark! Come see why. Monday-Saturday 9-6, Sunday 12-4 Phone: (252)249-1797 iwpc@dockline.net
I am so glad that Inland Waterway is back in business and I really hope it can stay that way! Show them some love if you’re in town. Jeffrey Sampson
Oriental Harbor Marina is on the northwestern shore of Oriental Harbor’s entrance off the Neuse River, not be confused with Oriental Marina which is on the eastern banks of Oriental’s inner harbor.
This is a nice stop. Very helpful Staff. Restaurant across street. Came in during storm and staff was helpful. Ed Kroposki
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