With the sound serving as Roanoke Island’s backyard, so who can resist the temptation to head out and play on the water? Set sail or start your engines and venture out to explore the island’s soundside. Several marinas offer docking locations and boat services island-wide to enjoy nautical things to do in Manteo, NC. You can dock your boat there, or if you don’t have your own, meet head boat services and charter boat captains here who will get you on the water. Watersports companies also offer avenues for getting your maritime adventures underway with rentals and tours on sailboats, skiffs, motorboats and other Roanoke Island things to do.
Featured for Your Visit
Boating & Sailing in Nags Head, NC
2000 Sailfish Drive, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Manteo
Just about every afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m., a dozen or more sport fishing boats return from the Gulf Stream to the Pirate’s Cove Marina to unload their catches of tuna, dolphin, wahoo and other deep-sea fish. If you’re interested in seeing the fish before they’re cleaned, head down to the docks and watch the mates hurl the whopping creatures onto the docks. Kids love this, and the anglers are friendly about sharing their experiences of the day.
If you’re more of a hands-on type, escape from the same old beach routine and head over to Pirate's Cove Marina and Yacht Club to experience the thrill of a lifetime fishing from one of their offshore charter boats. Your adrenaline will be pumping listening to the scream of the drag while you are reeling in your tuna, dolphin, wahoo and marlin. Or book a near-shore trip and drop deep to catch tile fish, sea bass, trigger fish and grouper, or troll for Spanish mackerel and bluefish. No matter what you choose, Pirate's Cove’s charter fleet will show you a great time. Back at the docks you can stop by the Pirates Cove Ship's Store, where you'll find a great selection of t-shirts, resort wear, gifts and one of the best selections of sunglasses on the Outer Banks. Or you can visit Mimi's Tiki Hut, a dockside bar open in the warmer months, and Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar, a full-service restaurant on the second floor overlooking the marina.
The Pavilion at Pirate's Cove Marina is home base for three renowned summer fishing tournaments – Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament, Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament and Dare County Boat Builders Foundation Tournament – as well as other events. The Pavilion is the largest venue on the Outer Banks and is available for rental, including 24-hour rental, for weddings and other events. A variety of accommodations are available on-site through Pirate's Cove Realty.
Just about every afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m., a dozen or more sport fishing boats return from the Gulf Stream to the Pirate’s Cove Marina to unload their catches of tuna, dolphin, wahoo and other deep-sea fish. If you’re interested in seeing the fish before they’re cleaned, head down to the docks and watch the mates hurl the whopping creatures onto the docks. Kids...read more
Just about every afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m., a dozen or more sport fishing...read more
Boating & Sailing in Manteo, NC
A great place to stroll and pass some time is the boardwalk that winds along most of the Manteo waterfront. One end is quiet, with benches that look out over the sound and marsh grasses tickling the edges of the walk. The boardwalk stretches from Marshes Light development marina to downtown Manteo, past Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and a children’s playground with swings and a pirate...read more
Boating & Sailing in Manteo, NC
To access Shallowbag Bay and Roanoke Sound, a free public boat launch is located at the waterfront, right beside the bridge that leads to Roanoke Island Festival Park. Parking is located here, too, for easy access, but note that the parking lot is often full and there isn't much room for trailers.read more
Boating & Sailing in Manteo, NC
Enhance your vacation with a dolphin or sunset cruise adventure brought to you by the Nags Head Dolphin Watch. These folks promote Atlantic bottlenose dolphin research through their commercial operation and offer two-hour dolphin trips. Naturalists explain coastal ecology and area history during sound excursions aboard either the Phoenix (Nags Head) or Miss Bodie Island (Manteo), both pontoon boats with shade. Drinks are sold, or...read more
Boating & Sailing in Wanchese, NC
Located in the fishing village of Wanchese, OBX Marina is at the heart of Outer Banks fishing. The ship’s store at OBX Marina offers everything you need for a day of fishing. Pick up your snacks, beverages and ice here before heading out. They also stock boating accessories and maintenance supplies. OBX Marina offers a large selection of seasonal tackle and frozen bait. Don’t forget to...read more
Boating & Sailing in Manteo, NC
OBX Tiki Time is a one-of-a-kind floating tiki boat experience on a custom-built pontoon boat with a thatch-roof shaded deck, comfortable cushioned seating, a festive tiki bar, an onboard head (bathroom), fun custom LED lighting for evening cruises, a bluetooth sound system and island-style ambiance. Run by locals, the captains are U.S. Coast Guard-certified, safety-trained and incredibly knowledgeable about the area’s waters, wildlife and history. They offer public tours for dolphin watching,...read more
Outer Banks Adventures offers a variety of guided outdoor adventures on the Outer Banks, including airboat rides, jet ski rentals, standup paddleboard (SUP) and kayak tours, and wildlife and bear tours in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The only airboat adventure tour on the islands, their one-hour airboat eco-tours cover 27 miles of the sound near Nags Head and Roanoke Island in their high-speed, open-air...read more
Boating & Sailing in Manteo, NC
Originally a boathouse used to build world-record–holding speedboats, this building has seen a variety of boat-building uses in its day. The building’s double-wide doors and barn-like roominess create the perfect setting for this working boathouse museum. The Roanoke Island Maritime Museum is a treasure-trove of local seafaring history. Come inside for a look at some locally built boats and possibly to see boat building in...read more
Boating & Sailing in Wanchese, NC
Located in the fishing village of Wanchese, Safe Harbor Outer Banks is at the heart of Outer Banks fishing and boating. Home of the famous National Geographic show Wicked Tuna North vs. South, this state-of-the-art marina and service facility has a ship's store, drystack storage, floating docks, inshore and offshore charter fishing boats, a dolphin tour boat, a fuel dock, in-slip fueling and a tiki bar with weekly...read more
Boating & Sailing in Manteo, NC
Shallowbag Bay Marina is a full-service 72-slip marina located just off the inter-coastal waterway on Roanoke Island in the town of Manteo. Boats up to 65’ can be accommodated, and the marina offers diesel and ethanol-free gas, 30/50 amp shore power, water and pump-out station. Slips are available for short- and long-term rentals and overnight transients. Shallowbag Bay Marina provides first-class facilities including a well-stocked...read more
Spend a day with family and friends on the beautiful Croatan Sound as Captain John Silver takes you to his backyard fishing grounds. You'll catch shrimp and crabs and create memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, you get to keep what you catch! Silver Charters offers specialized private two-, three- or four-hour inshore crabbing and shrimping charters on the Silver Dollar, a 43-foot Donelle that...read more
Boating & Sailing in Wanchese, NC
Big things are happening at Wanchese Marina, located in the heart of Wanchese. New owners totally revamped and added to the restaurant, marina, fleet and property in 2018 and are continuing to grow. The on-site restaurant, The Landing Grill, has been totally renewed with a bright dining area upfront, a new kitchen and a new steam bar that looks out over the marina in back....read more
Boating & Sailing in Manteo, NC
For youth who want to learn to sail, Roanoke Island Maritime Museum offers its Youth Sailing Programs from the second week in June through the first week in August. Youth ages 8 to 16 can learn to sail with certified instructors in week-long (Monday to Friday) sailing programs. Depending on their age and skill level, kids are taught on Optimist, Sunfish or Club 420 sailboats....read more
