Navigating Our Waterways

Named for an Indian tribe that once lived along its banks, the Neuse River is the southernmost of two major rivers that empty into southwestern Pamlico Sound. It's 34 nautical miles long from its mouth to New Bern and 6 nautical miles wide at its widest.

Nautical charts covering the Neuse and its various sidewaters are: 11548 for navigation of the river’s entrance from Pamlico sound, certain areas of Bay River and the Broad Creek area; 11553 for navigation of the Bay River section of the ICW and the Bay River’s entrance from the Neuse; 11552 for general navigation of the Neuse River and all sidewater bodies from Oriental to New Bern (including the Trent River); and 11541 for navigation of the Neuse and Adams Creek section of the ICW, as well as certain sidewater bodies between Bay River and Oriental.

THE BAY RIVER

One of two major auxiliary waters of the Neuse, the Bay River is found near the Neuse's exit into Pamlico Sound. The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) enters Bay River from Gale Creek, passes into and down the Neuse for 15 nautical miles and then enters Adams Creek.

The Bay River serves two small coastal towns, Vandemere and Bayboro, and a variety of established subdivisions. Seldom will you find a sidewater with a lovelier shoreline or picturesque bays and creeks:

Bonner Bay is a good body of water with a shoreline in its natural state. It's a popular spot for duck hunters.

Vandemere was once the seat of Pamlico County. It is now a quiet fishing village where fresh seafood can often be purchased at the village's extensive commercial seafood docks.

Moore Bay offers fairly good protection and minimum depths of 8 feet to within 0.2 nautical miles of the shoreline.

Mason Bay (shown here) is shallower than Moore Bay. Minimum depths of 6 feet can be found within 0.2 nautical miles of shore.

Chapel Creek's shoreline is heavily wooded and sparsely populated. This creek has a true feeling of isolation.

Trent Creek is uniformly deep and well protected. Its waters are rich in fish as is evidenced by the large numbers of traps and net lines that can often be seen there.

A trip to Bayboro by water is strictly a gunkholing excursion. However, for those who have the time, the trip is highly recommended for its beautiful natural scenery.

BACK ON THE NEUSE

The wide waters of Broad Creek (shown here at moonrise) attract many sailors who also enjoy safe anchorage in its many  protected tributaries. Here, also, are a variety of established subdivisions.

At Pierce Creek boaters can expect minimum depths of 5 feet in the entrance channel and 8 and 9 feet past the creek's entrance. Home to Sea Harbour Yacht Club (pictured above).

Whittaker Creek has a well-marked channel with minimum depths of 7 feet. Occasionally dredged, most crafts should be able to enter easily. Home to Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor.

Oriental is located almost halfway between the river's mouth and New Bern. It offers excellent facilities for coastal cruisers and is a favorite stop on the ICW. The entrance to its harbor from the Neuse is very well marked and maintains a minimum depth of 8 feet. As you approach the harbor, you will see Pecan Grove Yacht Club (to port), Oriental Harbor Marina (to starboard) and a very large fixed bridge dead ahead. These marinas provide depths of 5-7 feet. Green Creek begins at the bridge. The two tributaries running off Green Creek (to starboard) are Smith (where you'll find Clancy's Marina) and Kershaw Creeks further on.

The best of both worlds can be found at the championship greens of Minnesott Beach Golf and Country Club and protected deep-water dockage at Wayfarer's Cove Marina (previously known as Minnesott Yacht Harbor). With the Cherry Point air base just across the river, this area has also become a popular spot for retiring military.

MARINAS & MARINE SERVICES

Clancy's Marina is home to Marine Mechanical & Electrical Repair Company. It offers a complete line of mechanical and electrical services for gas or diesel engines, outdrive or inboard transmissions, AC or DC electrical, hydraulic and other auxiliary systems on site. 309 Midyette Street, Oriental, 252-249-2925.

Deaton's Yacht Service is a full-service boatyard offering complete boat repair/service, 25-ton travel lift, 24-hour Boat/US towing/salvage and licensed captains. Do-It-Yourselfers are welcome! 1306 Neuse Drive, Oriental, 252-249-1180. Online at www.deatonyachts.com.

Oriental Harbor Marina is Oriental's newest marina with slips to accommodate boats of all sizes. Amenities include a full-service clubhouse, restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, gasoline and diesel fuel and pump-out services. Ship's store on site. 516 Water St, Oriental, 252-249-3783. Online at www.orientalharbor.com.

Pecan Grove Yacht Club accommodates boats of all sizes. Amenities include a beautiful clubhouse overlooking Oriental's harbor, swimming pool, laundry facilities, gasoline and diesel fuel and pump-out services. 685 Oriental Road, Oriental, 252-249-2532.

Sea Harbour Yacht Club (shown at start of this section ) does not offer facilities for transient boaters. Slip Amenities for slip owners and renters include a clubhouse, bathhouse and pool, plenty of storage boxes, dinghy racks and a gas dock. 6001 Harbour Way, Oriental, 252-249-2292. Online at www.seaharbour.org.

Wayfarer's Cove Marina is a turn-key boatyard conveniently located on the Neuse River. It offers cruising boaters overnight berths with all power and water connections, an air conditioned lounge, restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, a swimming pool, gasoline and diesel fuel and pump-out services. Complete boat repair/service/cleaning with 60-ton travel lift. Ship and variety store on site. Off NC Hwy. 306 and Bennett Road in Minnesott Beach, 800-922-1424. Online at www.wayfarerscove.com.

Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor is a large, well-equipped marina that welcomes cruising boaters. It offers overnight berths with all power and water connections, a clubhouse and lounge, swimming pool, private baths with laundry facilities, gasoline and diesel fuel, pump-out services and minor repairs. Ship's store on site. Other amenities. 200-A Whittaker Point Road, Oriental, 252-249-0666. Online at www.whittakercreek.com.