The Town of Manteo wraps around Shallowbag Bay on the eastern side of Roanoke Island, part of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Named the seat of government for Dare County in 1870, this waterfront community incorporated in 1899.

In those early days, every store lining the waterfront had two doors - one for those coming by boat, and the other for those coming from the courthouse or one of the inns on Water Street.

Today, county business still brings people to town, as well as many reminders of the island's history, including the representative 16th century ship at Roanoke Island Festival Park, or the George Washington Creef Boathouse and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, part of the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Each summer, the town welcomes singers, dancers, and actors back to Waterside Theatre, where they perform the nation's oldest outdoor symphonic drama, The Lost Colony.

Weather is always a topic on an island, and in Manteo, the day's weather report takes the form of signal flags flying from a restored US Weather Bureau tower.

No matter the weather, there's always something different to do in Manteo, and another reason to return. Maybe there's a concert or art show or nature program that brings you back. First Fridays, Dare Day, July 4, Virginia Dare's Birthday, Halloween, and Christmas are special times in the town for residents and visitors alike.

But often it's the everyday interaction with people that makes you pause, turn back, come again. You might meet an island native who traces his family back four generations. Or then you might meet someone from your own hometown.

What's special about Manteo is that, if you're willing to take a moment of your time to say hello, you may very well make a friend.

Manteo Waterfront Marina is situated in a picturesque and tranquil village sitting less than a mile from the Roanoke Sound. Quaint tree lined streets, with over 40, 0000 square feet of specialty shops on the waterfront, along several excellent restaurants and inns makes staying at the Manteo Waterfront Marina an experience you will want to repeat year after year. Right in the center of Old Town Manteo is where you will find this impressive marine.

Manteo is the principal town on Roanoke Island, the site of the first English settlement in North America. In 1587 Sir Walter Raleigh established the first English colony in the New World _ the settlement now known as the “Lost Colony.” For over 400 years the disappearance of these original pioneers has remained a mystery and cause for speculation to countless visitors and historians

A short walk from the marina is Festival Park and Elizabeth II , a faithful reproduction of a late 16th century sailing vessel which brought the first settlers to Roanoke Island. Some of the near by attractions are Theatre under the Stars where you can see the play “Lost Colony” also The North Carolina Aquarium, Fort Raleigh and the Elizabethan Gardens, along with the beautiful beaches of Nags Head and Hatteras Island.

The Manteo Waterfront Marina has only 53 slips available, making it the perfect marina for that extra personal service. With approximately 20 transient slips and 33 slips dedicated to seasonal and annual boaters, we offer transient, weekly, monthly and annual rates. We will gladly arrange for repairs and fuel and pumpouts are close by as are rental cars. We can also arrange for shuttle services to the international airport in Norfolk VA.

When you are traveling north or south stop by and visit Manteo Waterfront Marina at the heart of Historic Manteo.

The harbor is small, deep and well protected.

The water is calm with virtually no tide so our docks are stationary with finger piers and tie off pilings

53 slips that can accommodate boats up to 140’.

2-30 and 2-50 amp outlets at each slip.

Modern air- conditioned showers and laundry

Adjacent to great shopping, fine dining and elegant accommodations in Old Town Manteo

A magnificent marina for visiting yachtsmen. Take the ICW alternate route and discover Manteo Waterfront Marina and the Outer Banks.

The Manteo Waterfront Marina is located on the east side of Roanoke Island at the head of Dough’s Creek, in the northwest corner of Shallowbag Bay.

Coming south out of the North River head southeast (about 170mag and 12 miles to the north shore of Roanoke Island. Coming north on the Alligator river head east and then southeast. From either route, then follow the Alternate ICW markers around until you get to marker 29A in the Roanoke Sound channel. Leave green 29c can to starbord and do not get too close! Then head down Shallowbag Bay channel favoring the south or green side. At marker 10 turn to starboard and head diectly to the Gazebo and marina docks.

If you are coming from the south and Pamlico Sound, make your turn West at marker #30A and follow the directions for the Shallowbag Bay channel above.

Controlling depth in Roanoke Channel and in the Shallowbag Bay Channel is greater than 7 feet.


At the end of Roanoke Sound there is no measurable astronomical tide. Strong and persistent Northeast winds will lower the water level, reducing the depth in the thinnest spots to around 5.5 feet, but as soon as the wind moves out of the Northeast or east, the water level returns to normal within hours. Strong Westerly wind can increase the depth by several feet.