Things to do in Wanchese
Discover amazing Wanchese activities and premium in-home experiences.
Tucked at the southern tip of Roanoke Island, Wanchese is a quiet, working waterfront village that offers a deep connection to the sea and the traditions that have shaped North Carolina’s Outer Banks for generations. With its rustic charm, thriving fishing docks, and unfiltered coastal beauty, Wanchese is a destination for those who appreciate authenticity and a slower pace.
Popular Activities in Wanchese
Sandbar Boat Party in Waves NC with Water Slide
Host a private 3-hour floating party with slide, SUP and water toys on a sandbar
2-Hour Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise on Roanoke Sound
Spot playful bottlenose dolphins and coastal birdlife on a scenic 2-hour Roanoke Sound cruise
Private 3-Hour Catamaran Sunset Cruise Manteo
Savor a private 3-hour sunset cruise for up to six on the Roanoke Sound
Outer Banks Private Catamaran Sail for 6 Guests
Sail Roanoke Sound on a 40-foot catamaran with up to 6 guests for a relaxed, private cruise
Bodie Island Lighthouse Private Clear Kayak Tour
Paddle crystal-clear kayaks through Roanoke Sound for a personalized view of Bodie Island Lighthouse and local wildlife.
2Hr Guided Clear Kayak & Lighthouse Tour
Paddle crystal-clear kayaks near Bodie Island Lighthouse and spot coastal wildlife on a relaxed 2-hour guided tour.
Manteo Ghost Tour with Lanterns & OBX Legends
Hear chilling Outer Banks legends on a family-friendly evening walk through historic Manteo.
Manteo Candlelight History Tour with Police Chief
Discover 450 years of waterfront history on an entertaining evening walk with Manteo's retired police chief.
Outer Banks Dolphin Watching Cruise with Captain
Spot playful bottlenose dolphins on a relaxed two-hour cruise with engaging commentary from your captain
Morning Dolphin Watch Cruise on Roanoke Island
Spot bottlenose dolphins during a relaxed two-hour protected-water cruise.
Roanoke Island Dolphin Watching Sunset Cruise
Spot playful bottlenose dolphins aboard The Captain Johnny while enjoying an Outer Banks sunset.
Learn Kite Control Skills on Hatteras Beach
Learn essential kite control skills in a focused 2.5-hour beach and water session.
4-Hour Kiteboarding Rental in Waves, NC
Enjoy four hours of wind-powered fun with quality gear from a waterfront shop
Pamlico Sound Jet Ski Rental in Waves, NC
Feel the thrill of speeding across Pamlico Sound on a high-performance jet ski
Safe Family Tubing with Expert Captain in Salvo
Bounce across Salvo’s waves on a safe, captain-led tubing ride for all ages.
In-Home Experiences
Outer Banks Private Chef with French Cuisine
Elevate your coastal stay with a private chef experience that blends French finesse with fresh, local flavor—served right in your vacation home.
Private Yoga Session at Your Kitty Hawk Rental
Elevate your vacation rental stay with personalized, in-home yoga sessions tailored just for you.
Private In Home Massage in Outer Banks
Elevate your Outer Banks getaway with a rejuvenating in-home massage.
Discover More in Wanchese
Wanchese invites you to experience coastal life at its roots. This small village is steeped in maritime tradition—home to generations of fishermen, boatbuilders, and seafood harvesters. Strolling through the harbor, you’ll see working boats bringing in the day’s catch and smell the salty breeze that defines this place. It's less about beach umbrellas and more about oyster shucking, fish markets, and watching pelicans dive beside wooden docks.
Just beyond the boats, you’ll find opportunities to explore nature up close. Charter a local fishing trip, paddle through the calm waters of Roanoke Sound, or visit the nearby NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island for a deeper dive into the region’s marine life. While Wanchese doesn’t have the beach crowds of the neighboring towns, it offers something just as special—real, rooted coastal culture.
Greetwell guests can tap into locally led experiences, from seafood tastings and heritage boat tours to guided excursions that explore the natural and cultural legacy of the Outer Banks.