Outer Banks Marinas

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.

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. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The marina itself has been expanded from the existing 26 slips to 77 and can accommodate boats from 18' to 70'. If you're looking for a great charter, they have inshore, nearshore and offshore charters available. The Harbor Star offers dolphin tours in the summer. The ship's store sells t-shirts, tackle and other marine needs. Across the harbor, a large dilapidated building has been torn down to make way for a pavilion perfect for weddings or bands, a picnic area and possibly a seafood market. The marina area, once built out, will have the feel of a mini-village all on its own.