Sept 2009 – Sea Breeze visited Spooners Creek Marina on the 8th. It is a condo development that rents some slips on a monthly basis and also a nightly basis to transients. They have gas and diesel. It’s entrance is just north of ICW Green # 9 ( not 12 as reported elsewhere). We found controlling depth in the entrance channel to be 6′ MLW. Deeper water in the basin (8′ +). At the entrance channel – #1 was a temporary green floating aid and red 4 was a piling with no sign board (#4 sign missing). When you enter the creek there is a sharp turn to port that is a blind turn due to a high concrete bulkhead to port. Well, it’s only blind to sailboats and others who have cockpits low to the water. If your helm station is 10′ or more off the water you can see over the bulkhead. Capt Keith is right…..this is a first class facility. Cleanest shower facilities we have seen on the ICW. Pool and boaters lounge. No laundry. Dockmaster Terry is very helpful and can be reached on his cell phone at 252-241-0770. He had no VHF when we visited. In additon to the Wal-Mart less than a mile away, there is a strip mall across the street from W-M that has the some mom & pop restaurants – italian, chinese, subs. Or Outback and others are a little further away but not too far. If you are craving pizza try Louigi’s in the stip mall near Sears and Hallmark.
I did a short little delivery trip on the ICW this past Sunday (1/24/09) from Morehead City to Wrightsville Beach. I had my first opportunity to visit Spooners Creek Marina. While I picked the boat up from a private residence back in Spooner?s Creek, I did have an opportunity to check out the marina before I departed. This is a class “A” facility. The entrance is deep and well marked. The yacht basin is also very deep and the docks and facilities are new and top of the line. While the marina is not on the main strip in Morehead City, it is a very reasonable walk (about a mile or so through the neighborhood) up to HWY 24 where the Super WalMart is located and an Outback Steakhouse is just another 2 or 3 blocks. The marina is directly off the ICW and is well protected. I hope this is helpful. With kind regards, Capt Keith
We stayed here May 26, 2019, that is Memorial Day weekend. It was very rolly due to boats passing very nearby without slowing down. This is an exposed piling type dock where you need fenderboards or long fenders turned sideways. The constant rocking and rolling did a number on our fenders and lines, but we kinda expected that. The marina staff are great, but the marina is still rough around the edges. We would stay there again, but I would prefer an interior slip versus the face dock we were on. We are planning our next trip to dock further south on the ICW and miss Dudley's when we go back south. Great town and great food. They also have a courtesy vehicle which was great. Also a little less than 6' depths in some areas around the docks.
I docked there several times. Sure, it is not by any means upscale but who cares, it still has the flavor and atmosphere of what boating was like in the old days before Yuppies started to throwing money around, demanding fancy enmities and destroying what boating was all about “Messing-about-in-boats”.
Capt. Bobby T.
yuppies started to throw money around increasing prices and demanding amenities which destroyed the meaning of “Gunk-Holeing and Messing-about-in-boats.
Paula Spence, M/Y Sea Eagle- July 15, 2014 - 5:15 pm
We stopped in Swansboro last weekend to visit with a friend who lives there. We’ve stayed at Dudley’s twice before and will do so again in the future, but NEVER, EVER on a weekend! The boat traffic was on the river was very heavy, which I would expect on a weekend in July, but virtually non one pays any attention to the No Wake zone. Boats of varying sizes flew by us not 20 feet from our hull. The heavy wakes were almost constant, starting very early in the morning and going on well into the evening. I don’t understand why there is no enforcement in areas like this.
Stayed here for two nights this week. It was our second time stopping at Dudley’s this year. The docks are still rough and there are shallow areas around for sure. The wind was blowing pretty good against the dock when we got there and when we left. The dock workers there really know their stuff and were very helpful getting us in and out of there. The place is nothing fancy by any means but it serves its purpose well. We are walkers so we went across the bridge to town (a mile or so?) to check out all the shops again. There is a Wed and Sat street market but we were very disappointed to find that there were no produce vendors, only arts and crafts.
We tied up at Dudley’s on April 26. The fixed piers are still rough so get out your old lines and fenderboards. But Dudley’s is still $0.75 per foot and they are generous with their courtesy car and their hospitality. There is a Walgreens Pharmacy and a grocery in town (too far to walk). I didn’t see a West Marine but Dudley’s has more parts and fishing supplies that I have ever seen in a West Marine and at reasonable prices. Folks here in Swansboro are proud of their seafaring and boatbuilding history. One of the Dudleys published a pictoral history of the town. They have a copy in the office. They might let you view it. The wind was blowing a 30-40 the day we arrived. Every hand from the marina was on the dock landing boats. Each of them, mechanics, yard workers, and all, knew how to handle a line and tie a clove hitch. One sailboat ran aground when entering a slip and the dock boys brought the towing skiff around to pull him off. The senior Mr. Dudley stepped aboard, took the helm, and, with a near gale blowing, impressed us with as fine a demonstration of boat handling as I have ever witnessed.
We stopped by Dudley’s on 11/23/11 on a short Thanksgiving cruise to Beauford, NC. A thank you from the Halifax Crew to Dudley’s for keeping the dockage fee and the price of gasoline/fuel affordable so we can continue to boat. Very friendly staff and helpful with docking. I recommend them and wil stop in again. Easy walk over the bridge to town from their location.
Bob & Lynne /Traveller- November 15, 2011 - 7:45 am
Make no mistake about it, Dudley’s is a great local sport fisherman’s marina with dockage for cruisers. We love the service and the helpfullness of the staff and it’s working boat yard atmosphere. It’s a great value for the cruiser at 75 cents a ft., electric, water and courtesy van included. Their facilities are “seasoned” and more than adequate.
We stayed at Dudley’s Marina for three days just after January 1, 2010. It was so cold that we had to cover the engine room vents to keep it from freezing, even with heat on. Dudley’s is a great place, and we should all support them for helping us keep the cost of cruising down. We were there simply because it was too cold to move. The cost was minimal, because of the $.75 per foot rate. A car is available for the short run to Swansboro and necessary grocery stores and even a Lowes. We look forward to returning in the spring.
8-17-09 Currently staying at Dudley’s Marina in Swansboro, NC. Not much of a tide change daily, so the old fixed wooden dock is fine. Especially for .75 per foot and free electric. Plus a car to use for short trips. The owner is a bit curmudgeonous, but the rest of the employees are great. The historic district is nice, with lots of shops and restaurants. LuAnne Woods
Subject: Marina Cruising News: Dudley’s Marina in Swansboro,NC is a good deal! Not in the cruising books but has docks for .75/ft and free electric 50a.They have clean restrooms and a van for going to store, etc. Patty Mitchell
Located at the intersection of Front and Church Streets, centrally located in the historic downtown district, within on block of the Visitors Center and Olde Towne Square.
Be sure to call the Rec desk on City website, even if the dock schedule shows all reserved. She took our reservation over phone and we were only boat there. BORO for dinner, Yana’s for anytime, get the fritters, stop by Poor Man’s Hole for a step back in time and a great visit with a local. Steve Sanford
We stayed at nearby Caspers Marina and had the same thing [heavy wake]. Center consoles flying about and even the park service boat was speeding with wakes. Not good! That said, Swansboro is worth a visit and they are finishing the new town docks this summer? Any updates as of mid July? Are they open? Ben Matthews
We spent a night here on the way up the ICW. This marina is right in town and very close to all the restaurants. There is not a lot of dock space here and you’re right on the ICW so it’s a bit rocky during the day from wakes, but it calms down at dusk. The staff is very friendly and helpful and there is a nice marine store. Larry Freedman
Located in Swansboro this marina is at the east end of Bogue Sound near the Bogue Inlet and the White Oak River. It is easily accessed but is fairly exposed in windy conditions. It has fixed docks with slips and one T-head. Fuel is available and there are several restaurants nearby. NOTE: This stop is a convenient spot just before the ICW stretch going south that has five bridges with the names, heights and opening schedules shown below. Because the two that open only hourly are 22 miles apart, at trawler & sailboat speeds (with frequent no-wake areas for all boats) transiting this area often makes for a long day. Any boaters that can fold down their mast and antennas to go under a 20 ft bridge are well advised to do so. Ray Kurlak
On Saturday 19th May 2012 we spent an overnight at Caspers on our Beneteau 50′. The proximity to the local town makes this an ideal stopping place. The marina staff go out of their way to be helpful from the dock hands on arrival to the ride to Piggly Wiggly for groceries. The docks are fixed and in good condition and as the tidal range seemed small no extra tie up measures were necessary. The Ebb tide brings a strong current but it is in line with the docks and therefore isn’t a problem. The one both possitive and negative is Caspers lies more or less directly on the ICW and unfortunately not everyone slows to a no wake speed!
Casper’s Marina went out out of their way to make us feel welcome. After hours, they drove us to Piggly Wiggly and back, brought out the manual pump out because we desperately needed one, and even gave crew a thermal undershirt to keep warm. Very friendly and accommodating. Skipper David Clark
Stayed at Caspers Marina on 3/15 while relocating my Hunter 30 up to New Bern. The people at the Marina were extremely helpful and nice. Shortly after the marina store closed I realized that my beer supply was low. I got directions from Mrs.Casper to the local Pig and started the 1/2 mile walk. Shortly after I made it up the hill the bottom fell out of the sky. She looped around and gave me a ride to the store and back to the boat. I’ll be sure to stop by here the next trip down the ICW. Mark
We have stayed at Caspers a number of times on both our Endeavour 42 Sloop and our current Eagle 40 Pilothouse, and we cannot say enough about the marina and the town. Admittedly the marina is a bit exposed, but the docks and skill of the owner have always made us feel safe and secure. We were “stuck” at Caspers with our sailing club for two days of gale force winds, gusting to 60, and everyone had a great time and never felt threatened. The owner is a real professional! Capt Durl and Debbie aboard m/v Season Ticket
I think Swansboro is one of the most overlooked little towns along the ICW. They have a number of small and simple restaurants with great food, some cute little shops and very friendly people. If you stay at Casper’s Marina, it is an easy walk into town. Speaking of Casper’s, this marina is exposed to the ICW right at the place where the channel speed drops from 25 to No Wake. Needless to say, there are plenty of recreational day boaters who don’t respect that go zooming by (or very close) to the marina. If you stay there, insist that you stay on the inside of the fuel dock which acts as a breakwater. I spent a very uncomfortable night on the outside and was “banged” pretty good. In all fairness, I stayed there on a Saturday so the number of fast boats and jet skis was disproportional. They do have fuel, nice shower and heads and a small but ample provision store all on site. Peter
We docked a Casper’s Marina overnight, the staff is very friendly and accommodating, although the one unisex non-climate controlled shower and restrooms are just adequate. The face dock can be very rough from wakes on the White River and Intracoastal and is wide open from the southwest, but with good fenders it is okay. The water normally quiets down in the evening, but the band plays on until late from a shrimper’s bar near the southeast side of the bridge. The music was good, though Chuck Tontsch
We arrived in Swansboro just before the winds started whipping late Saturday afternoon. Caspers was closed and everyone had already gone home except for one of the owners, I think his name is Rick, who happened to have stayed behind to work on something. “Rick” either saw us or heard our hail. He stayed on the radio and guided us away from a shoal near marker 2 (not an ICW marker) into a nice secure slip inside the bulkhead. We were wowed by his courtesy and sense of humor. The marina is extremely well maintained and clean, too. Can’t ask for more than that. The marina is also, by the way, oriented well in relation to the current. Jane S/V Lady Jane Hunter 420
Swansboro, Caspar’s Marina. It is very open from the south with big wakes from the harbor and Intracoastal. Use plenty of fenders on the face dock; only room inside for two cruising size boats. One single non-climate contolled shower was adequate. Good choice of restaurants within easy walking distance; nice, friendly small town; Best regards, Chuck Tontsch s/v Memories Oriental, NC .
Stayed at Caspers Marina ($1.25 a foot) tonight, April 11, 2009. Dock hands were quick and knew how to tie a line. Docks exposed to fetch from west or WSW. Fixeed wood docks in good repair. As with Dudleys this marina is also exposed to passing boat traffic but seems to die off after dark. I personally would not stay at either marina for severe weather if it could be helped. Fairly new power pedestals with cable that works. Wifi worked right off the bat with no issues, fast and stable. New building for bathrooms and shower, one shower and one mens/one ladies restroom. Small shipstore on site. Town is 5 minutes walk, around 3 blocks. 6 or 7 restaurants serving deli stuffs to cooked Prime Cow and seafoods. Also, Ice cream and snacks. Downtown is a small revitalized 5 block section with some gift, antique, and knick knack shops. They have a courtesy car which you can use to drive about 3 miles north to a Lowes grocery store which has a very good selection. Pat Banyas s/v Marguerite
Swan Point Marina is the place for you. Small, family run marina by Tina and her mom. Floating docks that hold 8 boats, good power, a little exciting to get into when the tide current is going, but hey, you are a Looper you can do this. Great dock help, cheap rates ($1.50 per foot, no electric up charge) and the cheapest fuel in NC is right next door. Sold? But wait there is more! The Riverwalk Restaurant will send the manager over to pick you up. Great food, decent wine/beer selection, home made pies. We loved the free hush puppies, our steaks, blacked fish and two giant pork chops. Baked potatoes the size of a Westerbeke Oil filter. And they will cart your “in a food coma” body back to the marina. Get the pie to go. Don’t want to leave the boat? There is a great build it yourself pasta and pizza place that delivers. Laundry? Got it covered. Local boaters to meet and swap tales with? Done. Great Sunset? Why of course, rain or shine the sun sets here every day! Tina, the manager, just brought us a quart of strawberrys. The perfect jump point to Beaufort, catch the bridge, watch the Marines do live fire across the ICW.
You loved the friendly family marinas in Canada, NY, down the Middle Rivers, in Florida and up the coast, this place ranks in the top 10. Foster Schucker
Reviews from Cruisers (2)
Sept 2009 – Sea Breeze visited Spooners Creek Marina on the 8th. It is a condo development that rents some slips on a monthly basis and also a nightly basis to transients. They have gas and diesel. It’s entrance is just north of ICW Green # 9 ( not 12 as reported elsewhere). We found controlling depth in the entrance channel to be 6′ MLW. Deeper water in the basin (8′ +). At the entrance channel – #1 was a temporary green floating aid and red 4 was a piling with no sign board (#4 sign missing). When you enter the creek there is a sharp turn to port that is a blind turn due to a high concrete bulkhead to port. Well, it’s only blind to sailboats and others who have cockpits low to the water. If your helm station is 10′ or more off the water you can see over the bulkhead. Capt Keith is right…..this is a first class facility. Cleanest shower facilities we have seen on the ICW. Pool and boaters lounge. No laundry. Dockmaster Terry is very helpful and can be reached on his cell phone at 252-241-0770. He had no VHF when we visited. In additon to the Wal-Mart less than a mile away, there is a strip mall across the street from W-M that has the some mom & pop restaurants – italian, chinese, subs. Or Outback and others are a little further away but not too far. If you are craving pizza try Louigi’s in the stip mall near Sears and Hallmark.
I did a short little delivery trip on the ICW this past Sunday (1/24/09) from Morehead City to Wrightsville Beach. I had my first opportunity to visit Spooners Creek Marina. While I picked the boat up from a private residence back in Spooner?s Creek, I did have an opportunity to check out the marina before I departed. This is a class “A” facility. The entrance is deep and well marked. The yacht basin is also very deep and the docks and facilities are new and top of the line. While the marina is not on the main strip in Morehead City, it is a very reasonable walk (about a mile or so through the neighborhood) up to HWY 24 where the Super WalMart is located and an Outback Steakhouse is just another 2 or 3 blocks. The marina is directly off the ICW and is well protected.
I hope this is helpful. With kind regards,
Capt Keith