Boating Adventures with River Dunes Social Clubs in Coastal North Carolina

River Dunes is an exceptional waterfront neighborhood near the New Bern area. Just north of Oriental, North Carolina, this Inner Banks boating community lies in an inland-basin harbor very near the Intracoastal Waterway. Highlighted by its well designed protected 400 boat slip marina, the community is made strong by the like minds of the residents and their shared love of boating.  

At this time of year, residents enjoy taking to the water for day trips to a variety of waterfront neighborhoods in North Carolina. With so many Intracoastal Waterway marinas, it’s easy for boaters from the River Dunes social clubs to tie up and explore different places hugging the panoramic North Carolina coastline.  The areas of particular interest for day trips are places such as North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Beaufort, and New Bern. Where the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound meet, the marina at River Dunes provides quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway making it easy and pleasurable for residents to cruise to different spots throughout the area.  

One of the most popular day trips is to the Outer Banks. There, enthusiastic boaters from River Dunes find all sorts of things to do and explore. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is an iconic feature of the area and, during certain times of the year, worth the climb up the circular staircase to the top for the sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. They also find Hatteras Village with galleries, boutiques, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum waiting to be explored and browsed.  

More day trips from River Dunes are trips to the romantic island of Ocracoke with its impressive 16 miles of unspoiled beach due to its absolute lack of development. This beach is peaceful and beautiful. The members of the River Dunes social clubs, especially those boaters or sailors preferring a day of outdoor relaxation are able to bathe in the warmth of the sun, create and build sandcastles with the kids, fish the surf, or channel their inner shell-seeker. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

A favorite day trip for mariners from River Dunes is cruising down the Neuse River to the New Bern, NC area. Exploring the history of the Tryon Palace is magical and educational as it was the original state capitol of North Carolina and where George Washington once danced. During December, Tryon Palace presents Candlelight Masquerades bringing history to life with fun and fantasy. Did you know that New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi Cola? Check out the old fashioned museum in downtown. Not to be left out, there are restaurants to be enjoyed including the ever-popular Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant where River Dunes boaters dock and enjoy lunch, afternoon cocktails, and/or dinner while admiring the views, vistas, and other boats cruising by.  

From their boats, River Dunes boaters who cruise east to Beaufort have been known to witness dolphins jumping gracefully and playfully before them. Boaters who have kept their sights toward the beaches have experienced the wonder of wild horses grazing peacefully along the shore. And day trippers who stay beyond nightfall have taken the Beaufort Ghost Tour before heading home to River Dunes. Eating is a pleasure when boaters can pull right up to the Dockhouse Restaurant for some great food and conversation. When a bit of leg stretching is necessary, an art gallery, a variety of small specialty shops, and a fudge factory are a walk down Front Street from the Dockhouse Restaurant.  

Harkers Island is also an interesting day trip from River Dunes, an award winning Inner Banks boating community who loves to have fun. Boaters to the area have been intrigued by Shell Point. It is a mountain of shells created by members of the Tuscarora tribe, former residents of the area, and is thought to be the beginnings of a bridge meant to cross Core Sound. Found on Harkers Island is The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum  filled with local carvings and artifacts.  

With so many Intracoastal Waterway marinas available in this New Bern, NC area, sun drenched boating days are waiting to be enjoyed by the boaters at River Dunes  and members of all the River Dunes social clubs.

If you're searching for a boating community in coastal North Carolina, be sure to take a look at River Dunes.

Call River Dunes direct at 800.975.9565 to schedule a tour.