Insiders' Guide to North Carolina's Southern Coast and Wilmington
Insiders' Guide to North Carolina's Southern Coast and Wilmington Insiders' Guide to North Carolina's Southern Coast and Wilmington

Marinas

Because the Intracoastal Waterway serpentines along the shores of eastern Pender County, marinas old and new dot the coastal landscape. While some marinas have state-of-the-art facilities with sprawling docks, a clubhouse, laundry rooms and spacious showers, others are small and have limited amenities. So whether you're piloting a 60-foot yacht or just want to launch your john boat, you can find the perfect marina in Pender County.

Pender County

Harbour Village Marina
101 Harbour Village Dr., Hampstead
(910) 270-4017

Just off U.S. Highway 17 in Hampstead, turn into Belvedere Plantation and follow the road and signs to the marina. From the water, this beautiful and serene marina is to the north of flashing day marker #96 and south of red marker #94. The marina has all the amenities a boater could want, including a boaters' lounge area, clean showers and delivery from area restaurants. A limited number of transient boat slips are available, and boaters must call in advance for a reservation.

Scott's Hill Marina
2570 Scott's Hill Loop Rd., Wilmington
(910) 686-0896

This full-service public marina and yacht club offers its members and guests wet/dry slips, supplies, bait, tackle and groceries. The clubhouse offers a panoramic view of the inlet, beautiful barrier islands and the Atlantic ocean in the background. Boaters may call ahead for concierge service and have their boat ready and stocked with ice, beverages, portable grills, bait, tackle, food, wine and cheese. Located north of Ogden, Scott's Hill Marina can accommodate boats up to 38 feet. There is also a boat ramp that is open to the public.

The ICW is shallow in some areas, occasionally with very narrow cuts. Almost constant shifting of sand and mud bars are associated with storms, especially hurricanes. A good depth alarm is helpful. So is the knack for reading the water. Most groundings are only temporary inconveniences — careful attention to steering is usually all that's needed to stay out of trouble.

Topsail Island

Beach House Marina
111 N. New River Dr., Surf City
(910) 328-2628

This new marina has 192 dry-storage spaces, which can be rented by the month or year. There are also some permanent water slips available and limited docking on a daily or weekend basis for transient boaters. Diesel fuel, gasoline and ice are available on site, and boating supplies can be purchased across the street. The marina is located in downtown Surf City and is within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops and the beach.

Swan Point Marina and Boatyard
123 Page St., Sneads Ferry
(910) 327-2777

Located in Sneads Ferry on the New River Inlet, between Mile Marker 2 and 4, is Swan Point Marina and Boatyard. The marina has 450 feet of transient dock space, gas, diesel, free wireless Internet access, showers and restrooms, washers and dryers, pump-out services and a courtesy vehicle. Live-aboards are welcomed. The do-it-yourself boatyard has a 40-ton lift, and contract boat repair is available. There is always a pot of coffee brewing at their ship’s store that carries marine supplies and parts, as well as popular clothing and accessory lines such as Billabong, Patagonia and Costa del Mar.