Are there better ways to gather with friends and family on the Outer Banks than on the deck of a boat? We can’t think of many.
Crystal Dawn and Country Girl head boats, based in Pirate’s Cove Marina on the Nags Head-Manteo Causeway, are the perfect way to have an adventurous on-the-water experience for all ages. Depart from a beautiful marina for a fishing trip, boat charter or private sunset cruise and see the Outer Banks from the vantage point of the water.
Cruise on the Crystal Dawn
Offering both local fishing charters as well as laid-back cruises, the Crystal Dawn has been running since 1977. At 65 feet long, the boat can comfortably hold up to 97 people and maintain a smooth and steady ride with twin 6-T1 diesel engines. A head boat with a legacy, the Crystal Dawn can be booked for a half-day inlet and sound fishing trip, a sunset cruise around Roanoke Island or for parties and private cruises.
On a private cruise, you get the boat all to yourself. With the captain doing all the driving, you get time to relax and enjoy the views of nature guided by locals who know the area like the back of their hand.
Tours on the Crystal Dawn offer views of sound islands and shorelines, birds of all kinds, dolphins that play in the wake,and a variety of wildlife. Depending on which trip option you choose, you’ll also see landmarks like Jockey's Ridge State Park, Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse and the 1930s Duck Island Hunt Club.
For a well-rounded experience for all ages, private cruises on Crystal Dawn can host multitudes of celebrations such as family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, engagement celebrations, corporate outings, weddings and memory-making vacation adventures.
New This Year: The Crystal Dawn Boat Bar
Starting this summer, the Crystal Dawn will begin offering beer and wine on the boat, featuring beverages from local breweries like Swells’a Brewing, Lost Colony Brewery, 1718 Brewing and a selection of other North Carolinia beers from Raleigh. The new boat bar of sorts is a swell addition to an already idyllic way of hosting social gatherings for private cruises, creating even more ease when planning.
The happy hour cruise not only offers beer and wine, but also includes a tour of Roanoke Island with commentary on local history and sights like the Elizabeth II, Waterside Theater (home of The Lost Colony), the home of the late Andy Griffith and Wanchese Harbor.
After your cruise you can dine at Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar and Mimi’s Tiki Hut on-site at Pirate’s Cove Marina or make the short drive to numerous nearby restaurants including Tale of the Whale, Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe, Sugar Creek Restaurant and more – all of which offer dining with a water view.
Fish the Crystal Dawn
For the more action-oriented seafarers who want to cast more than a guest list, the Crystal Dawn’s local fishing charters are another exciting way to experience all the water has to offer. The largest head boat on the Outer Banks, the Crystal Dawn is equipped with all new tackle, ship-to-shore and CB radios, fathomers and fish finders. While the boat has room for 97 people to party or mingle, fishing trips are limited to 50 anglers (though up to 55 guests total) to allow for ample room when reeling in the day's catch.
Fishing in the inlet and sound offers a wide range of species like spot, croaker, flounder, grey or speckled trout, puppy drum, sea mullet, blues, sea bass and others. All bait, rod, reel, tackle, fish bags and fishing licenses are provided. You are also welcome to bring your own cooler with refreshments on your adventure, and there is also a concession area offering snacks.
Offshore Fishing on the Country Girl
For offshore fishing, the Country Girl, the sister ship to Crystal Dawn, is the boat you are looking for. At 57 feet long, the Carolina-style charter boat is licensed by the Coast Guard to carry up to 27 anglers to the Gulf Stream, the only Outer Banks charter boat to allow this many anglers. Country Girl is also available for private fishing charters, private cruises, pelagic bird tours and ashes at sea ceremonies.
Book your cruise or fishing trip between now and October with Crystal Dawn or Country Girl for an unforgettable experience from the legendary Outer Banks waters of the Roanoke Sound to Oregon Inlet all the way to the Gulf Stream.
Located at Pirate's Cove Marina
Country Girl Charters
For offshore fishing at its finest, look to Crystal Dawn’s sister ship, Country Girl. This 57-foot Carolina-style charter boat is the only Outer Banks boat that’s Coast Guard licensed to carry up to 27 anglers to the Gulf Stream. Country Girl is available for fishing charters, private cruises, pelagic bird tours and ashes at sea ceremonies.
2000 Sailfish Dr, Manteo, NC
crystaldawnheadboat.com
Tickets sold in advance. Call (252) 473-5577 or book online.
(252) 473-5577
2000 Sailfish Dr, Manteo, NC
countrygirlcharters.com
About the Author Gabrielle Giannone
Gabrielle Giannone is a contributing writer for OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved from Virginia to the Outer Banks in early 2023. Outside of writing and exploring the area, she is a server at three local restaurants and a fine art painter.
