South River Anchorage
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Broad Creek
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West Bay
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South River is located toward the
mouth on the Neuse River. Even though
its probably the most popular weekend
anchorages its size makes it anything
but crowded. Meandering close to 6nm
with min depths of 6.5' up to over 11',
South River has many secluded places
to drop the hook. Situated near one of
Eastern Carolina's oldest human
settlements, the creek and tributaries
once housed populations of Neusk and
Algonquin Indian settlements. South
River is graced by great fishing, good
swimming holes, and plenty of creeks
to explore in the dinghy or kayak. A
true 'Gunk Hole', the length of the river
is very protected and has a good
bottom. South River's quiet, pristine
unaltered landscape is pure tranquility.
Vandemere, NC to South River 20nm
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Flowing through the towns of Pamlico
and Whortensville, Although the banks
are lined with homes and docks, Broad
Creek has a wildness that is unchanged.
The mouth of Broad Creek lies on the
north portion of the Neuse River and
was the location of the fabled Neuse
River Lighthouse. The pilings of the old
lighthouse can still be seen between NR6
and NR4 markers. It has an easily
navigable entrance with min of 7ft
depth. The main anchorage is located in
the vicinity of R4 with 12ft' of depth and
good holding adjacent to the new River
Dunes Marina. Just a short dinghy ride
down Pittman Creek is the famous
Paradise Shores Marina and Bar. A
hideaway truly reminiscent of the
islands, proprietors Paul and Rose have
brought together an eclectic mix of
people, artifacts and entertainment to
Pamlico County. Anchor out Sat.
Evening and attend the weekly potluck
dinner, have beer and wine and enjoy
the atmosphere.
Vandemere, NC to Broad Creek 15nm
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Sail from Vandemere Creek to the NR
marker at the junction of Neuse River
and the Bay River, take a heading of
130deg for 10nm and you will be at a
truly spectacular anchorage. A long
white sand beach reminiscent of South
Florida awaits you with clear blue/green
water great for frolicking. The
anchorage has a good bottom and 15-20'
from shore has 10 feet of depth. During
a SW breeze anchor on the north side of
the spit, in a N or NE wind follow the
channel inside West Bay and anchor on
the SE side. Your view is of Cedar Island
National Wildlife Preserve and just to
the SE of Cedar Island Village which is
the jumping off point for the Ocracoke
Ferry. Cedar Island has deeply ingrained
maritime traditions, and a tour of its
homes and people will feel like a step
back into simpler times. Great fishing,
oystering, clamming, and crabbing are to
be found in these waters.
Vandemere, NC to West Bay 20 nm
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Ocracoke Island
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Cape Lookout
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New Bern
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There isn't much to say about Ocracoke
that hasn't already been said. America's
#1 Beach, home of the infamous Black
Beard, Howard's Pub, Arts and Crafts,
the native islanders drogue, and more
fresh fish, crab and oysters that you
could possibly eat. Ocracoke is a one of
a kind place. Throughout the year there
are several festivals featuring local
artist and musicians. But for a change
try it in the off season. You'll meet more
of the local people and have more time
to wonder the streets without the
hustle of beach goers. If you like surf
casting, you'll be in heaven. The beaches
are lined with beach buggies of all
shapes and sizes sporting their rod
holders and scores of friendly
fishermen enjoying the setting with a
cold one. If you are in need of a brew
they will happily offer one up in
exchange for your ear.
Ocracoke is probably the most popular
destination for sailors and power
boaters around North Carolina. There
are several marinas and reservations
are necessary from Memorial Day
through Labor Day. The National Park
Service has inexpensive moorings on a
first come first serve basis with
30/50amp service and water. But Lots
of folks prefer to anchor out. Be
cautious, everyone seems to know
someone who has drug anchor in Silver
Lake.
Vandemere, NC to Ocracoke Island
38nm
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Cape Lookout, among all the anchorages
in the North Carolina Coast, would
probably rank #1. It’s the kind of spot
that makes you feel guilty for having the
opportunity to experience this truly
perfect setting. Although the Bite is a
tranquil place there is plenty going on to
entertain you while lounging on your
boat. Lookout is a hub of activity for
pleasure boaters and fishermen but by
evening the anchorage quiets down and
is only disrupted by schools of jumping
Mullet fish and the Pelicans that dive
after them. Watch the weather, Lookout
is a very protected anchorage but can
get a little choppy during a N wind. For
boats any boats above a 3’ draft, you
will be in the Atlantic Ocean for a little
bit and it can get exciting. Beaufort
Inlet, one of the most stable and easily
navigable in North Carolina, can be
quite busy on weekends and during
fishing tournaments. Be alert, but
prepare yourself for a wonderful sail as
you approach the Bite. Cape Lookout
Bite is reached by sailing NE, 6NM from
Beaufort Inlet up the coast of
Shackelford Banks to Lookout Day
Beacon #1. Lookout is not just a
cruising destination; it can be reached
by private car or passenger ferry from
Atlantic and Harkers Island. From
Vandemere Creek follow the ICW to
Morehead City, the channel to the inlet
is clearly marked. Vandemere, NC to
Cape Lookout 47nm.
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When you live here at Port Vandemere
going to New Bern will be more likely
for running errands than for just
pleasure. New Bern is a great little city
and shouldn’t be just a trip to Lowes,
that’s why we have to go by boat. Going
some place by boat changes everything
and allows us to see New Bern for the
quaint, historic city that it is. There are
several options. Anchoring out is
popular and there is several nice places
to drop the hook, but most people like to
tie up to either the Sheraton Hotel, now
called the SkySail Marina, or the
Bridepoint Marina. Prices are reasonable
and the proximity to some fine
restaurants is perfect. A perfect
afternoon is just a few steps away in the
historic neighborhoods with many
homes dating back to the early 18th
century. Wonder through town for some
shopping and have some oysters at
Captain Ratty’s, on the rooftop if the
weather is good. Basically if you like to
walk, shop, eat, and look at pretty
houses you’ll like New Bern. There are
many festivals through out the year if
you need an excuse. Tryon Palace does
garden tours, the homeowner open their
doors for the parade of homes and the
annual Ghost Walk, which is really a lot
of fun, and Mumfest, when the town
decorates its streets with thousands and
thousands of flowers. Go to
visitnewbern.com for the schedule of
events. Vandemere, NC to New Bern
41nm.
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Oriental
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Manteo
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Elizabeth City
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Oriental is the center of activity in
Pamlico County. With quaint shops,
several great restaurants, historic tree
lined streets, fish market, and harbor,
its no wonder people keep coming to
Oriental time and time again. When you
live in Pamlico County you can still
enjoy the excitement of cruising to
Oriental. It may seem silly but locals
sometimes take their boats and anchor
out in the harbor and one local (me) has
been known to take a slip at the
Oriental Marina and Tiki Bar for the
weekend, even though I could walk
there from my house. I am not alone in
this strange practice, along with
yachtsmen from the four corners of the
globe, you find us locals at the town
docks pretending we are on some epic
voyage. The water influences life here
to the up most degree, that people tend
to put more hours on their boats than in
their cars. Pamlico County has a very
high population of cruisers and quiet a
few circumnavigators, so conversations
at the bar tend to be very salty indeed.
Oriental has festivals and seasonal
events happening year round. Check
out towndoc.net What’s Happening for
the schedule. Cruising to Oriental from
your berth at Port Vandemere will be a
delightful experience, even if its just for
an afternoon.
Vandemere, NC to Oriental 20NM
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Manteo is located on Roanoke Island.
Now if you remember your American
History, you'll recall that the first ever
'European' child to be born in the
colonies was Virginia Dare of the ill
fated Lost Colony. If you are a history
buff, like me, a cruise up the inner banks
to Manteo is a must. Besides being
wonderfully interesting, Manteo is a
village to enjoy on foot, with fine
eateries, coffee shops, used book stores
and lots of shopping. The city docks
offer boat slips that are nice, convenient,
and offer friendly services to transient
boaters. Manteo Waterfront Marina is
truly first rate and I highly recommend
a visit, phone (252) 473-3320.
From Port Vandemere a direct sail to
Manteo would make for a long day.
With the prevailing winds from the SW,
its almost certain to be a nice run. I
suggest breaking the trip by stopping in
Ocracoke for the night, or leaving late
afternoon and doing a night sail during
a full moon arriving the next morning.
Pamlico sound is somewhat like being in
the ocean, with few obstructions. The
markers are well lit and easy to see at
night. A trip to Manteo can be a magical
experience indeed.
Vandemere, NC to Manteo appx. 80NM
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Red roses anyone? Elizabeth City
represents many firsts. Its the first town
to stop after transiting the Great Dismal
Swamp. Home of our courageous Coast
Guard rescue swimmers if you get in
trouble off the coast, they eagerly come
to your assistance. Sailing into Elizabeth
City is the highlight of many passing
along the ICW, especially for the ladies
who are greeted with red roses. The
“Rose Buddies," the world-renowned
waterfront ambassadors, greet visiting
boaters with a rose, wine and cheese.
From the 48 hour free public dock you
can explore all the charm of this historic
town. Bookstores, coffee shops, along
with many open air markets fine dining
to your neighborhood pub. My favorite
is the German beer house next to the
sushi restaurant. Both excellent. Also
explore the Museum of the Albermarle
when it opens up its new 50,000 sq foot
facility on the waterfront. From the four
masted schooners, Wright Brothers,
Blackbeard the Pirate, to George
Washington all found safe harbor in the
waters of the Pasquotank River and so
can you.
From Port Vandemere head north on
the ICW to mile marker 51.
Vandemere, NC to Elizabeth City 95
NM
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