Reviews: Carolina Beach Marina and Mooring Field

Reviewed by: Teresa Scott on May 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Stayed for two nights to wait for storms and frontal system to pass. Moorings are in great condition. There are a limited number of them so gets full pretty quickly. Two dinghy docks and some shopping within walking distance. One of our favorite stops.

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Reviewed by: Captain Gene Of Galene on Oct 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

October 25, 2023 came here for free pump out. Unfortunately it is broke on this date. Spoke to Larry the dock-master who advised the new additional docks will be ready fairly soon and an additional pump out station will be added. This is a good location for access to town. Also docked at Stokes restaurant and had a nice lunch. 9'at the dock mid tide. Washrooms are just OK. Limited to 55' LOA & 17' beam. 50A (new ELCI , so older boats without on board may trip breaker repeatedly) good water, public restrooms, close to beach (1 block) Publix (1/4 mile) very close to multiple restaurants/bars. $60/ night-booked exclusively on DockWA

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Reviewed by: Janet Gannon on Jul 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

What a terrific stop! The moorings were in top-notch condition and you can tell the Larry the harbormaster really cares about them. He came out to make sure everything was in good shape several times during our week here. There are 2 dinghy docks -- one at the end of Sandpiper Lane (this one is great for beach walks or to use the bathrooms), and the other at the far south end of the harbor (across the street from Island Burgers and Bites, which has terrific burgs). One negative is the lack of showers, but we walked down to the state park and used the campground showers (yes it was a long way but it's a beautiful hike). There is a dog park on the island as well -- at Mike Chappell Park, again a long walk but worth it for the pup. You can walk to Publix, less than a mile from the dinghy dock. There is also a more beachy grocery at Sea Merchants -- closer to the dinghy dock but limited selection. Auto parts store on Cape Fear Blvd, close to the dock. Plenty of great beach walking and good food, so this is terrific stop.

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Reviewed by: Jason Spitz , Breathe, on May 16, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great mooring field with well maintained and clean mooring balls. Painters are always placed on top of the mooring by dockmaster. Make reservations through Dockwa. Response time is fast, but if you come in last minute, just put in the request and call the dockmaster. Upon confirmation, you'll receive an email with lots of information about Carolina Beach. Two nice dinghy docks. Public restrooms at both. Outdoor showers at beachside restrooms. As of mid-May, there is construction on the seawall at the south end of the basin near town. If you arrive late in the day, it's well worth trying out a mooring for a night before anchoring. You can watch the tides and see where the bars are in the anchorage areas. Anchors take some time to settle in the soft mud of the basin.

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Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

It's a very comfortable mooring field. We stayed for two nights. Larry the harbormaster was really helpful. The mooring balls were spaced out to feel private. There was minimum wake. The beach was nice, although the walk to town was a bit long and there was no sidewalk.

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Reviewed by: Tim on Oct 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

First time actually stopping here in Carolina Beach although we've tried several times. Wound up here for 3 days, 2 on a mooring and 1 (the middle day) at anchor. The moorings are so popular, especially on the weekends during the snowbird migration, that Larry (the most excellent Harbormaster) just couldn't figure out how we could stay. No matter, loved the town and Larry was awesome. Leading up to our stay he called several times to update us on availability and provided us with great information on the area. My only "complaint" is that there needs to be more moorings! There certainly is room for more and since the bottom of the harbor is not conducive to anchoring (goody mud that defy a good anchor set), the safest course of action is to provide more moorings! I also look forward to seeing the new city marina completed. Will definitely come again.

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Reviewed by: Teresa Scott on Oct 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Spent a few days here to rest and provision. Nice dinghy dock and a short walk to the beach. Very protected and wakes were at a minimum despite the number of boats that move around.

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Reviewed by: Christopher Pope on Jul 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.4'

Rating: 5

Great place to moor - I would recommend it. Location is great, and perfect for larger boats.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Apr 15, 2022
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Between Snow's Cut and Wrightsville Beach there is not much joy for the boater just trying to get by. Carolina Beach Municipal Mooring Field offers an island of peace and tranquility in the middle of one of the most congested sections of the AICW. This nine mooring field is one mile south of the AICW just east of Snow's Cut and provides a good staging point for both south and northbound cruisers. The mooring field is set up for larger boats so there is no problem with space. There is no current to speak of in the southern arm that defines Carolina Beach so all boats align themselves appropriately with the wind. Depth is not an issue; we tied up in 14 feet MLLW and, after properly tying ourselves off to the clean (!) mooring pendant, setting a strict anchor alarm and never had a moments worry. Carolina Beach seems to strictly enforce their "No Wake" zone. We never experienced a wake issue during the evening or in the morning. We had 20+ mph winds from the northeast overnight and into the morning so it was a bit bouncy but totally manageable. The dinghy dock on eastern shore at 291 Canal St., just in from the southernmost moorings in the field. The beach is a block away. There is at lone restaurant in the neighborhood. We had excellent cell reception on all three carriers.

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Reviewed by: Capt Eric , Drunken Monkeys, on Apr 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.3'

Rating: 5

We stayed in the mooring field, because they are in the process of building new docks. Was there for a 40 knot blow, great place to hunker down. Great restaurants and easy on off tender dock to access the town. Thumps up to Larry for making our stay a great one.

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Reviewed by: Jason Williams on Mar 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Great place to hook up. We stayed here Saturday night 3/5/2022. Depth was 12 feet and plenty of room to swing. I would definitely recommend this mooring field.

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Reviewed by: Robert Sherer on Jan 11, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

The moorings are excellent! The leads are coiled around the top of the mooring so they don't collect barnacles and stay clean. A dinghy dock for the mooring field is by the southern most mooring for a walk into town. The field has 360 protection from waves and is in a no wake zone. Fees are collected over Dockwa so be sure you're going to use the mooring before paying. I was unable to get a refund one time when my plans changed early in the afternoon one day.

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Reviewed by: Donna Arnott on Jan 10, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Great mooring field with plenty of room to swing. Larry, the harbor master, is full of useful information and guidance.
Beware the prickly burrs hiding in an grassy or sandy patch, they are magnets to your furry mates!

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Reviewed by: Jane Hawkey , Explorer II, on Jan 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 57'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Good protection (no fetch to speak of) and secure mooring balls with easy grab loops. At $20/night, a dinghy dock and nearby restaurants and shops, who could ask for more? Just beware if you're taking your pooch ashore, any empty sand lots in town will likely be full of very prickly burrs hard to get out of fur and between toes. And that includes your bare feet! ;+)

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Reviewed by: Benjamin Resch on Dec 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 47'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Tremendous value on the ICW. We moored our boat here to return to see family for the Thanksgiving week. Mooring balls are in really good shape, easy to grab and secure. NOTE: there is a 7-day limit.

Also, gas/diesel is available at a few nearby spots. We fueled up just north of the mouth of the Carolina Beach Harbor while we waited for Snows Cut bridge clearance.

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Reviewed by: Heath Phillips , Philyria , on Nov 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Great stop. Dinghy dock is an easy row away, and the beach is about a 5 minute walk. There are a few restaurants nearby to walk to. These are probably the nicest mooring balls I have used. The pennant is always placed nicely on top of the ball.

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Reviewed by: Simon Anderson on Nov 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

Very easy to get in. Buoys all have good quality pickup line. Very sheltered and near to the dinghy dock which leads to rest rooms. Outdoor rise off showers and Carolina Beach.
Harbourmaster Larry is great and helpful.
Dinghy dock at the port is 1/2 mile south from mooring field then 1/2 mile walk to Publix store.
Plenty of bars and restaurants.
Recommend stopover just off the ICW.
1 1/4 mile walk to Melissa Laundry with lots of huge machines.
Only gave 4 stars because no access to west side of the anchorage which would be a 2 minute walk to the store. But that's a council problem not the anchorage.

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Reviewed by: Jeanne N , Telesto, on Nov 11, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 4

Floating docks, great staff, easy walk to everything including … THE BEACH!

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Reviewed by: Alex Tarlecky on Oct 31, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Moorings with a standard pendant seem to be in great shape. No wake zone and protected 360 degrees. Little to no current from what I can tell. Larry is as nice as can be. T-Mobile has 5G service with 192 down and 80 up.

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Reviewed by: Robert Hedrick , Morning Starr, on Oct 2, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Stayed September 27, 2021. A very nice and well kept mooring field. Easy to snag the line and they are well maintained. We stop here often.

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Reviewed by: David Merchberger , Slo Pace, on Jul 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 4

Mooring field in great shape. Pendants are kept in a 'bowl' atop the mooring balls so they are cleaner than most. Entire bay is designated 'no-wake', even with a fair amount of traffic there was never an issue.

Two dingy docks to choose from. The closest is east of the southern end of the mooring field, the other is at the far southern end of the bay.

Easy beach/restroom access from the closer dinghy dock but not much else. To get to restaurants/Publix, head to south end of bay. If walking to Publix, be sure to take the side roads along the bay because the main road is very busy with no sidewalks.

Carolina Beach is quite 'touristy', not at all like Holden Beach to the south.

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Reviewed by: Drew Goddin , Jenelle, on Jun 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.9'

Rating: 5

Great place to stop with the security of a good mooring field. Larry is fantastic and very easy to work with. Easy dinghy ride to the town dock or beach. Publix is a 20 minute walk from the town dock.

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Reviewed by: Ross Wiltse on May 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

More towns would be advised to offer features like this mooring field. Carolina Beach offered dinghy docks in two locations. Mooring balls are resonably priced and well maintained. Well protected, from most directions within the bay. Worth the stop over.

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Reviewed by: Karen Ratte on May 20, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Moorings were in excellent shape, easy access to two dinghy docks at either end. Bonus that the beach across the street from the nearest dinghy dock (opposite mooring 1) welcomes dogs before 0900 and after 1700. Larry was out there in the late afternoon coiling all the lanyards into the tray on the unused moorings, prepping for the next day. Well sheltered area.

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Reviewed by: Mike Worsley , Islena, on May 20, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We fell in love with the town and the people. Larry manages the mooring ball and by far has been the nicest harbor master. Plenty to do in town, beach and restaurants. Two dinghy docks available for either side of town. Mooring balls are new and high up ..easy to reaching just 20.00 USD.

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Reviewed by: DBrian on Apr 27, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Nine balls here in great shape, the eye hook lines were even neatly stowed in the top of the ball rather than sinking in the water. The balls are well spaced out in good depth so you have room to approach from whatever angle you need. A short dinghy ride gets you to the beach and many amenities and its just a great deal for $20, we will stop here again.

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Reviewed by: Tom Hedge , Manifest, on Apr 21, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This is the best location for stopping in Carolina Beach. It's right at the end of the basin, a 5-minute walk to the beach, restaurants, bars, and biking. A Publix grocery is about 1/2 mile away, with a True Value hardware on the way. Larry, the dockmaster, was gracious and professional in all interactions, and was very helpful with local knowledge. We had some fairly strong current when we came in and, coupled with 10 mph winds, it made it tough getting into the slip. But Larry was very patient and helpful, and several of the local charter boat captains came to assist our docking. The wood docks are beautiful, as is the FREE pumpout system. They have an outside berth for pumping out, but the hose will also reach slip 1 and possibly slip 2 if your tank emptying receptacle is positioned in the right place. We loved our stay... especially our Scottie dog as it was a 5-minute walk each morning to the beach... stop by Nollie's Taco Joint for lunch on the way back to the boat! There are many good restaurants and bars within walking distance, and it's an easy bike ride to the Carolina Beach State Park.

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Reviewed by: Bruce Stewart , Escape, on Apr 17, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Moorings are in great shape, lines were almost brand new. No Current, protected from most wind. Very little wakes.

Dingy dock due east of Mooring ball #1, beach 2 blocks east, town(boardwalk area) 8 blocks south.

Napa Auto parts store 1 mile south if needed.

Charts are accurate and easy in and out

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Apr 3, 2021
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

The Carolina Municipal Marina mooring field is an excellent, safe, low cost stop on the way north or south on the Intracoastal. The mooring field is laid out with sufficient swing room and enough depth for any vessel traveling the ICW. The mooring pendant is usually stowed in a "basket" on the top of the ball so it is not full of slime and gunk. Very nice.
The new feature for this marina is a trio of floating docks with water, power and sufficient depth for a 50' boat, although the bow will be hanging out beyond the outside mooring piers. Water and 50 amp power is also provided for a $60 Dockwa reservation. These three slips are about a mile south of the mooring field, almost at the end of the cut, located on the shore side just beyond a restaurant named "Stoked." This is a public landing with several fishing ad tourist boats sharing the dock and parking. Shopping, grocery and food choices abound. It was cold when we were here and we appreciated the electricity but, on a normal day, we would prefer to be in the mooring fie.d.
Larry, the dockmaster, is about as responsive as you could ever wish for.

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Reviewed by: Jeremy Hatch on Aug 15, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

In addition to the mooring balls there are 3 new overnight transient slips adjacent to the dinghy dock/ day (free transient dock). Limited to 55’ LOA & 17’ beam. 50A (new ELCI , so older boats without on board may trip breaker repeatedly) good water, public restrooms, close to beach (1 block) Publix (1/4 mile) very close to multiple restaurants/bars. $60/ night-booked exclusively on Dockwa but Larry the Dockmaster is very responsive. Great spot as an alternative to anchoring out when you need supplies or a lazy meal out.

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Reviewed by: Robert Sherer on May 30, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Brand new moorings, very nice.

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Reviewed by: Connie & on Jun 19, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Very good moorings. Dinghy dock is located to the south of the mooring field. Beach was right across the street and had public restrooms and outside showers. Uber's were available to take us into this beach town, but it is within walking distance as well. Larry who manages the moorings was very cordial and helpful. Reserved and paid $20.00 for mooring via Dockwa. Summer Fireworks held every Thursday night at 9:00, which we enjoyed! It is a NO WAKE zone and people obeyed those signs near the mooring field.

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Reviewed by: Noel Leeson , Amazing Grace, on Apr 20, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Nicely maintained moorings, well spaced and easy to pick-up. Dockmaster Larry was very helpful. Dingy dock is feet from No 1 mooring. Protected and not a lot of current.

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Reviewed by: Robert Sherer on Jun 30, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

We counted nine town moorings when we were there in May of 2018. There have been upgraded considerably since last time. The pennants are stored on top of the mooring ball to keep them clean. You must pay for the mooring ball through DOCKWA by reservation over the internet which is actually very convenient. There's no trip into a dock office required. There is a dinghy dock by the southmost mooring ball where you can take a two block walk to the ocean beach and pass by a 7/11 type store on the way.

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Reviewed by: Tom Hale on May 20, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Very convenient moorings. Reservations must be made through Dockwa. The only dinghy landing is the kayak dock on the eastern side of the harbor. The primary dinghy dock at the head of the creek was destroyed in 2017 and is not back in operation as of May 2018.

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