This marina—10 or so private dock slips, of which only 1 or 2 are for transients—offers a different side of Oriental from that of the marina and inn at Wall Street. Blackwell Point Marina is just past R10 in Smith Creek. If you can go under the bridge, you can spend an evening or two in a quiet, peaceful creek side neighborhood. Captain Steve Kenney was there to help us dock our 36-foot Monk (4-foot draft), and we stayed secure during a day-long big blow. The electricity is 20 amp, so you need an adaptor (20 amp household plug to 30 amp shore power cable). Steve has it available. While Blackwell Point Marina seems to be worlds away from Wall Street and Oriental harbor, it’s only an easy 1-mile walk away from all the activity and restaurants and an even easier half mile from the Piggly Wiggly. Besides, Steve offers the use of a golf cart for errands and restaurant meals. The wifi signal was only 2 bars, but steady and fast. I would give this marina 5 stars, but it loses a star for the bathroom, which is no-frills functional. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our 3-day stay until the winds died down, and we plan to stop here again next time we come to Oriental.
Waterside is an outstanding marine facility in a great location. But what makes it truly outstanding is the dock crew, in particular Seth. He treats everyone with great courtesy and respect, and he goes above and beyond to ensure that captains and their crew are docked safely and to the satisfaction of the boaters. The only reason I give the marina 4 stars instead of 5 is the long distance--through a highly public, busy restaurant and entertainment area--to the marina showers and bathrooms, which are clean and comfortable, incidentally. However, that one negative doesn't stop me from visiting Waterside because of all its other positives, especially Seth!