After more than 10 years of Corolla vacations, we know our routine well. This year, we wanted something new: a boat ride into the Sound to look for dolphins. My kids had never been on a boat before, so this was new territory for all of us.
Most of the larger boat tours leave from the Manteo Marina on Roanoke Island, not from Corolla, since the Currituck Sound is very shallow and only kayaks and small boats can navigate it. So we headed to Roanoke Island to board our boat in the deeper Roanoke Sound. If you want the full dolphin-watching experience, you’ll need to make this drive south. It’s a longer trip from where we stay, so we turned it into a full day rather than a quick there-and-back.
Packing Up and Heading Out
The drive from Corolla to Manteo runs about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. Our boat ride started at 3:30pm, with a 3pm arrival time, so we planned to visit the aquarium first. The aquarium recommends reserving your arrival time in advance to avoid sell-outs, so we bought our tickets online ahead of time for a 12:30pm entry slot.
We went at the end of August on a hot, sunny day. It was busy, but not overcrowded. With our aquarium slot set, we left the house in Corolla around 11am. That gave the kids a relaxed morning and gave us time to pack the cooler. If you’re planning more than one or two activities like we did, head out earlier.
First Stop: The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Our first stop was the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Once we arrived, we easily checked in with advanced tickets, and headed in to see the underwater creatures. One of the first stops, and clear highlight, was getting to touch the stingrays. Beyond that, there’s a solid lineup of fish, snakes, sharks, and turtles. You’ll even spot a couple of alligators.
We also stopped by the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Center (STAR), which the kids really enjoyed. It added a meaningful touch to the visit, showing the kids that animals need care too. It also showed them that people dedicate their careers to helping injured animals and gave the kids a new answer to “what do you want to be when you grow up.”
I’ll be honest: this aquarium suits younger kids best, and it’s on the smaller side. If yours are older, they may move through it a bit faster than the littles will. Once you’re through the exhibits, walk the nature trail out to a dock on the Sound. The view is worth the extra steps. Keep an eye on the sky, too — we spotted a helicopter taking off nearby. It was its own kind of excitement. The aquarium only takes about 1 to 1½ hours on its own. Pair it with another nearby attraction to round out your day.
Lunch at Festival Park
From the aquarium, we headed back toward the Manteo waterfront and over to Festival Park, about a 10-minute drive. Festival Park sits right across the small waterway from the Manteo waterfront boardwalk and there’s plenty of free parking, plus picnic tables outside, where we set up our cooler lunch.
It’s also only about a 10-minute walk from Festival Park to the marina, so it doubles as overflow parking. On the way, you’ll cross a little bridge over the waterway, always a hit with the kids. It drops you right onto the main thoroughfare.
Exploring Downtown Manteo
After lunch, we walked over the bridge to check out the waterfront. Downtown Manteo is a quaint little town packed with local shops and good food. A boardwalk wraps around the marina allowing you to wander past the docked boats and walk out on a few piers. There’s also a small playground for younger kids who need to burn off energy before the boat ride (ours did!)
One practical note: you’ll find two public restrooms in the area. One sits near the maritime museum, the other is back by the shops. Give yourself time to browse and soak in the local flavor before you move on.
One shop worth calling out is Salt Coast Outfitters. It carries a different selection than the typical souvenir stores. Think Outer Banks clothing with trendier prints and designs, rather than the usual beach-tee fare. We also picked up our family Christmas ornament here, a tradition tied to whatever activity we did that trip. Since we went sailing, I found a sailboat ornament with tiny presents sitting on the dock — it fit perfectly. Most of the other ornaments leaned Christmas-themed too. That’s a nice change from the beach-themed ornaments you’ll find at most other shops in the area.
We also spotted several local shops we didn’t get to. That list includes a couple of local wine shops, Old Tom’s Beer, Wine and Wares, and Charis Coffee Company. Guess that just gives us a reason to come back!
All Aboard the Downeast Rover: Our Dolphin Cruise
After walking around, we headed to the dock to board the tour we’d booked: the Downeast Rover. This one stands apart from most other dolphin tours in the area because you’re on an actual sailing ship, not a pontoon boat. It gave the whole outing a more intimate feel. The captain and first mate stayed interactive and knowledgeable, and cracked plenty of good jokes throughout the two-hour ride.
They took us out into the Sound with a few history lessons along the way and then they steered toward an area where dolphins like to hang out. And what a surprise that was — we counted about 20 dolphins swimming and jumping around us. We happened to visit during mating season, so the activity we saw was well above average, which was a total treat.
Being on a sailboat added something extra, too. Once they cut the motor after leaving the bay, the ride turned relaxing and quiet. We could really take in the scenery and the dolphins without any engine noise. You do have to stay aware of your surroundings though as the captain and first mate move the sail back and forth to change direction. It’s genuinely cool to watch, but keep an eye on little heads. The crew keeps life jackets ready for kids, too, which gave us peace of mind.
A few practical tips if you book this trip. You can bring your own food and drinks on board in a small cooler. I’d recommend a soft-sided bag cooler over a hard one. There’s not a ton of storage space, so something you can squish into a corner works much better. Having a drink on hand is especially important on a hot day. If you eat before boarding, you probably don’t need snacks, just something to sip on.
They also recommend using the restroom before you board, and I’d echo that strongly. The bathroom on the boat is small and hot. Picture an airplane bathroom, but with a lower ceiling, no real flush, and a strict no-toilet-paper-in-the-toilet policy. I had to take my 5-year-old, so we got the full experience. Save yourself the trouble and go before you leave the dock.
Cooling Off at Big Bucks
We took the 3:30 sail, so it was still a hot day when we got off the boat and we were all ready to cool down. We stopped at Big Bucks, which is famous around the Outer Banks for its homemade ice cream. The kids kept it simple with cookies and cream and vanilla. I branched out and got the espresso chocolate chip cookie flavor — delicious. Highly recommend it if you need a little pick-me-up after a long day.
Other Things to Do in Manteo
Manteo on Roanoke Island offers plenty more, depending on your group’s interests. Probably the most popular is the Lost Colony show. I saw it years ago and still remember it today. That alone says something about how good it is. The show starts late, because it needs to be dark out, and runs about two hours. It’s worth the trip if you have older kids, or don’t mind driving back to where you’re staying late at night.
If your group is into history, Elizabethan Gardens is worth a visit. It’s a botanical garden that pays tribute to the lost colonists. The paid exhibits inside Festival Park take you back into history, with costumed interpreters and a tour of the Elizabeth II ship.
Manteo genuinely offers so much to do. Figure out what your group is interested in, then plan your day around that. The good news: most attractions sit within 10 to 15 minutes of each other, so it doesn’t take long to get around the island no matter what you choose.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this was a nice break from our usual pool and beach routine in Corolla. If your family wants something a little different, a day trip to Manteo is well worth the drive. It packs in the aquarium, the town, and a dolphin cruise.
