Reviews: Oriental - Greens Creek

Review for Oriental - Greens Creek

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel, Cruising Editor, Janthina, on May 14, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

When we arrived in Oriental there were already a dozen boats anchored in the outer harbor and two more tied up to the outside wall of the Oriental Harbor Village Marina. Both free docks were also occupied. It was a full house with 10 to 15 mph wind from the southwest leaving little whitecaps on the water. Because we could easily fit under to harbor bridge (45' posted) we simply moved in about a third of a mile to anchor just north of Green 1 at the entrance to Greens Creek. We still had wind but no waves and, unlike the harbor entrance, there was only one other boat in the half mile long stretch available for anchoring between Green 1 and 3.

There is normally 7 feet of water in this anchorage, with depths shallowing the closer you get to the western shore and the further up the creek you go. "Normal" is not tidal as there really is no lunar tide in either Pamlico or Albemarle Sounds. Changes in water levels are due to wind direction and strength. In Oriental winds from the North and East will bring higher water while winds from the South and the West will shove the water up into the Albemarle. Consult www.towndock.net for the current water levels as well as for all information on what is happening in the town.

Every time we have anchored here we have dragged slightly while setting the anchor. The bottom is sticky mud and it takes a while for the anchor to grab. Once set we have not had problems but have always had a muddy anchor to clean before getting underway. Wave and wind protection are good with the exception of strong winds from the southeast. There is passing small boat traffic during the day but we were not bothered by too many wakes during our stay. Cell reception is adequate but not great.

There are two dinghy docks in town. The town dinghy dock is located adjacent to the NC boat launch inside the bridge and about three blocks from downtown. The second dinghy dock is between the Oriental Harbor Village Marina and the Oriental Yacht Club. It has trash bins and is only a block from "Downtown" Oriental. M&M's restaurant and Toucan Grill are both within easy walking distance and are worth a visit for lunch or dinner. Inland Waterways Provisions is in the same neighborhood and has a good selection of marine hardware and consumables as well as limited provisions. For full provisioning there is the Oriental Piggly Wiggly, locally known as the "Piglet." It is about a mile and a quarter away from the docks with everything you need for provisioning. As an added bonus the Piglet offers a free (with $60 purchase) two-way shuttle service from all docks in town. Call 252-249-3100 for pick-up. The town is definitely pet friendly.

For nautical supplies there is a small West Marine Store and Village Hardware, both on Broad Street and both with good marine supplies. Seacoast Marine Electronics, located right next to West Marine, is a full service sales and service operation for all your electronic needs. For larger jobs there are two working boatyards; Zimmerman's and Sailcraft.

Oriental is a welcoming stopping point on the Intracoastal and Greens Creek puts you just outside of the center of town. You may find, as we have, that it's worth an extra day or two to kick back and enjoy.

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Review for Oriental - Greens Creek

Reviewed by: Rich Kohler on Oct 5, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 4.0'

Anchored here just passed the first green marker after the bridge. Depths are consistent 5-6 feet. A little shallow but Just fine for a cruising power boat. Minimal currents or tide. Short ride to the dinghy dock. Small fishing boats passed by with minimal wake. Worked great for us.

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Review for Oriental - Greens Creek

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel, Cruising Editor on Apr 11, 2023
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

To get better protection from wind and waves move to the north side of the Oriental Bridge (clearance 45'). Oriental does not have a lunar tide but depths can easily change a foot either way with wind driven water surges. Strong winds from the North and East will add to depths, South and West winds will lower water levels so care should be taken when anchoring. Shallow draft boats have many choices but deeper draft boats will find 6-7 feet of water at the anchorage icon and between Green "1" and Green "3"in the Greens Creek Channel to the west of Teach's Point. 7 foot depths extend a good distance further up Green Creek as well.

The inner harbor provides much better wind and wave protection than the outer harbor. This anchorage has adequate holding in mud. Care should be taken to make sure that anchor is properly set before turning off the engines. The anchor came up covered in mud in the morning. The anchorage is just off the channel but boat traffic is not too bad during the day and falls off to nothing at night. Weekends will have more boat traffic in season. Wave and wind protection is good except when the winds are from the east when it is only fair. As the anchorage is open, heavy weather from the south might make the stay a bit bumpy. There is no current to speak of so you will swing with the wind.

Shore access is at the dinghy dock in the inner harbor right next to the boat launch. The center of town is three blocks away and there are several good restaurants within easy walking distance. The local Piggly Wiggly is well stocked and caters to boaters. They have a courtesy car and will pick you up at the boat launch, take you to the store and bring you back after your shopping. Call 252-249-3100 for service. There is a local West Marine Store as well and a well-stocked hardware store about a mile from the dinghy dock. Cell service is good for ATT, Verizon and T-Mobile

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Review for Oriental - Greens Creek

Reviewed by: Richard Trumper on May 12, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 34'
Draft: 4.5'

Water can be shallow, but if you can get under the bridge there is good wind protection from most directions. This creek is all residential with little or no access to town other than by dinghy. A great place to anchor and watch the 4th of July fireworks that are set off from the bridge.

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Review for Oriental - Greens Creek

Reviewed by: Skipper Bob on Jun 1, 2016
Draft: 0.0'

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