Manteo Historic Walking Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Outer Banks, USA
- 1 to 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Go beyond the beaches and see how Manteo is one of the country’s most historic—and mysterious—places. Following your local guide, you’ll hear all about the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke, how pirates (like Blackbeard) lived and pillaged right here, the Underground Railroad, and more. In just one short excursion, you’ll traverse 400+ years of history at its wildest.
- Get a guided look at the Historic Waterfront of Old Manteo and beyond
- Learn all about the hidden histories of Manteo, from Andy Griffith to astronauts
- Get access to a local guide for tips, recommendations, and more
- Travel in the comfort and safety of a group, led by a local
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Mother Vine Muscadine Preserves
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 101-A Budleigh St, Manteo, NC 27954, USA
We meet on the corner of Budleigh St. and Queen Elizabeth Ave. Inside the Gourmet Olive
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.6:00 pm
Itinerary
1
Manteo Waterfront Park
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 246 reviews
Lesley_B, Jun 2025
Our guide was passionate and funny while sharing island and outer banks history with us. It was a great tour! Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much. I do enjoy sharing our unique history and many “firsts “ with all of our special guests. We are called “The Land of Beginnings” for a real reason. Frankly, American history really all began right here! Please have safe travels and thanks again for joining us. Chief D
Rita_M, Sep 2024
The chief is a great storyteller. We loved his stories and would highly recommend his tour to anyone.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much! Your group was great to host as well! I do love to share our unique place in American history. Mateo is such a special place with oh so many firsts in history which took place here. It seems that time zooms by during out time together. Please come home to Manteo again and also have safe travels. Chief D
Laura_O, Aug 2024
It was a great tour with many great local lure stories, just the experience you want to connect you to the region.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you so much! We have a great time sharing our unique history. We stand alone in America as “The Land of Beginnings”. Please know that you are welcome home to Manteo anytime. Chief D
Tyler_B, Jun 2024
Chief D is extremely knowledgeable and very entertaining! He also gave recommendations of other places to check out during our stay.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you so much. We are so glad that you visited with us here in Manteo. This place is truly unique and has oh so much fascinating history. I’m glad that you took some of my recommendations on some of my favorite places to visit in our town. Don’t t forget THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS HOME IN MANTEO. Our special businesses have worked hard to help make your visit here wonderful. Please come again soon. #meetmeinmanteo
Sarah_C, Apr 2024
This tour was amazing! The guide truly knew his history and was able to connect stories of the distant past, more recent past, and the present to make for an engaging and educational experience. The tour was informative, humorous, and inspiring: a great way to learn more about this area of the Outer Banks!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
You are very kind! Thank you so much for spending your spring evening with us. Our history truly is unique and I love Shari g our story with our many special guests from all over the world.. please come again and have safe travels.
Lisa_B, Apr 2024
Pocahontas and her story. Chief D was very knowledgeable, interesting and funny. Would highly recommend this tour!!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thanks so much! Everyone has their own theory about the famed Lost Colony of Roanoke. I’m sure that your guess is as good as mine! It sure is a fun thing to ponder… Please visit again soon and have safe travels.
Karla_M, Sep 2023
Was very interesting and educational. Learned a lot of interesting history that we would not have picked up on otherwise during our week in the Outer Banks, however, it’s really not that much of a walking tour. We basically spent about 2 1/2 hours standing in one of three locations. It’s mostly after dark so there’s not really a whole lot to see. I did really enjoy hearing all of the different aspects of history pulled together, and the Chief is very entertaining. Be prepared to be on your feet the whole time. It was also quite warm and mosquitoes were an issue.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you so much. We really are glad that you had a great time. The weather and the precious estuary’s life is all part of truly experiencing The Outer Banks. It is still quite warm and humid here in September. We do our best to fully explain to guests that the walk is around the beautiful and historic Manteo waterfront and fully try to make the waterfront accessible to all of our guests. We are glad that you had a good time and sincerely hope that you will visit us again in the future.
Timothy_G, Aug 2023
Excellent tour by "The Chief" so much history in Manteo and he made ot so interesting. It was a beautiful night and we are ao glad we did the tour!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you so very much for your comments and for joining us. I am always excited to share our unique history in the Outer Banks as no one else does. The interaction with our guests always makes our history both exciting and relevant. This is why we call it “Living History”. You are a quintessential part of our special story. ThNk you again for joining us and please come back home to Manteo soon.
Louise_L, Jul 2023
I learned do much. Tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. It’s also a great town- worth seeing!! I’m
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you so much. We are glad you had a great time on our tour. Please have safe travels.
Deborah_C, Apr 2023
Was really fun and interesting even though it was a chilly night. Didn't realize all the firsts in Manteo.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Thank you so much for joining us. Manteo is a very special place indeed. As we shared, understanding the weather here in the Outer Banks of North Carolina has always played a pivotal role in our unique history. It was that very factor which drew The Wright Brothers here to complete the first powered airplane flight in history. We are so glad you enjoyed hearing about the very many “firsts” that have happened here. You are always welcome to visit us here. Please have safe travels.
Mark_L, Apr 2023
Very entertaing but he ran very long on the personal stories. Its hard to stand for an hour move one block , another
30minutes and one block total of on. 2 hours 25 minutes we left. He went on for another 20 minutes.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Thank you so much for your input. We certainly try our best to be entertaining and enthusiastic. When we have smaller groups, we like to share some extra stories. We are very glad that you found us very entertaining. Please come again and have safe travels.
Carole_H, Apr 2023
The “chief” is an excellent storyteller and brought history to life-very interesting and enjoyable experience!
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Thank you so much! Your group was especially delightful. It makes telling the story so much fun when our groups interact so well together. Please come back anytime and have safe travels.
Paula_L, Oct 2022
Really in enjoyed the walk. Learned a lot about the area. In I can't wait to come back to explore more.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you so much! We do have a great place here in Manteo. What makes us so special is the very unique role we played in our American story. You are now and forever a part of this living history. Please come back and visit us again soon!
Jill_F, Oct 2022
Chief D was energetic, funny, and knowledgeable. We learned so much about Manteo and this area’s importance to the country. Deep history dive! Also fun to hear about his friendship with Andy Griffith. The town of Manteo is super cute as well.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you so much! I certainly enjoy having groups like your join me for this special journey through our history. Our American story is well worth remembering and Manteo’s unique place in that story is what is so astonishing. You are always welcome home to Manteo. Don’t ever forget that you are now a part of the living history we call the Outer Banks!
Denise_N, Oct 2022
All the stories the Chief told were very interesting. He is a very good presenter and has a great sense of humor. I loved hearing about all the “firsts” that took place in the Manteo area.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you so much. There are oh so many firsts indeed. We enjoy sharing our American story with our guests. Please come again soon and have safe travels.
Charles_F, Oct 2022
The chief makes this a very interesting tour. He involves everyone in it. You can here the passion he has for the town of Manteo. Suggest this for all ages.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you so much. I am passionate about our history and the unique place Manteo plays in our American story. We have so much to offer here. From the first attempt at English colonization in the New World to modern aviation and space explorers, Manteo is truly a gemstone in history. Please do come and visit us again. Remember, you are now a part of the living history which is the Outer Banks of North Carolina!
Sam_G, Sep 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Guide was very knowledgeable of the history of not only Manteo but all of the Outer Banks.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
We are so glad that you enjoyed our tour. We really love to share the unique history of the town and our special place in American history. Please don’t forget to come back to the area in late November to see the migration of the Tundra Swan from the Arctic Circle to Lake Mattamuskeet.
Please visit anytime and have safe travels.
Jean_M, Sep 2022
Chief was very knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the Manteo area. The walk was enjoyable and worthwhile to do.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you very much. I am so glad that you were able to join us on our tour. It was our pleasure to share our unique history with your group. Please come again and learn more of our special place in our American story.
Kara_S, Sep 2022
What a wonderful and fun tour! We laughed and learned so much about Manteo, its historical significance, geography, people and culture. And about Andy Griffith, our beloved neighbor, who brought Americans so much joy through the years. Retired Chief Francis De’Ambra made my mom, sister and I feel at home and it’s an experience we will not forget.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you so much! It’s always good to have folks from Stokes come our way. Andy was such a wonderful person to know. He also loved Manteo so much. I am truly blessed to host a tour in such a place where the American story comes together like no where else. It is a privilege to call Manteo home. Now that you have come here, remember that you are forever a part of our living history, so welcome home anytime.
KathrynS_K, Sep 2022
The history of Manteo and the Outer Banks is incredible and was presented by Chief as if he lived it himself! He loves his hometown and it shows with every story he shared with us. We enjoyed being swept back time with him!
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thanks for the kind words. I do enjoy sharing our unique American story with our guests. It truly is special that you were swept back in time with me. We always strive to make the tour an interactive and personal experience. That is what we have specialized in since 2004 when I began the tour. Please visit us again soon and never forget that you are now part of our outer banks story.
George_A, Sep 2022
The Chief provided an extensive history lesson to the group in a fun & entertaining delivery. We are amazed at all the info he delivered. The personal stories certainly added to the evening! Thanks Chief, we truly appreciate & enjoyed the tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thanks for the kind words. I am always happy to have folks from all over the world who take our tour, have such a good time. Our history here is quite significant and in many ways undiscovered. It is truly my pleasure to share our unique story with guests like you. You are welcome on our tour anytime. And never forget that you are now a part of our living history. Safe travels!
Meghan_M, Sep 2022
The chief was very knowledgeable and made the history come to life. I would recommend this tour for anyone curious about outer banks history.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Living history is what we specialize in here in Manteo! We call it living history because you are part of our legacy here in the Outer Banks. We are glad that you had a great time as I really like to share extra stories when time allows. Thanks for participating in our tour. Please come again soon and remember you will forever be a part of our history here.
Lacy_H, Sep 2022
My husband and I traveled down to Manteo for our 10 year anniversary in July. We decided to take this tour and we are glad we did. Chief was very friendly and knowledgeable. The stories were interesting and getting to learn about the history was so much fun. We would do the tour again. It is great for all ages.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you so much. We were honored that you spent your special anniversary with us on our tour. We especially enjoy sharing our story here in Manteo. So much history and so many firsts! We welcome you back anytime please know that we are glad that you shared your special time with us. Visit again soon!
Ann_H, Sep 2022
Our group was very small so the Chief was able to share more information than usual. He is passionate about the area and knowledgeable about its history and significance historically and ecologically.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you so much. I love to share with small groups too. Oftentimes when we have larger groups, time slips by just too fast. I do like to share some extra stories as tour time allows. I appreciate you mentioning this in your comments. The history here is quite vast with the myriad of firsts in our American story. We hope you will come back here anytime and remember that you should feel welcome to come home to America's Outer Banks!
Jill_M, Sep 2022
The tour was over priced, too long, disjointed, and involved very little walking. I found “The Man” entertaining, but would not recommend it to my friends.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
I am so sorry that you did not have a good time on our tour. I am glad that you found us to be entertaining and provide exactly what we offer to our guests on our website. Our walk is designed to be a quaint stroll through our special waterfront community. We are conscious to keep our pricing very affordable for our guests and provide the extra touches that you will find no other place. I did my best to make sure that you were offered complimentary bug spray and also provided you a complimentary coupon for a free ice cream cone from a local shop. We try to offer highest level of customer to our guests. I appreciate your input. I wish you well and safe travels.
Stephen_B, Sep 2022
Very entertaining tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about history of the area and of the US. I really enjoy history so learning the “firsts” of Manteo was a true pleasure. Highly recommend
This tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
I also had a lot of fun with your group. History is my passion and I love to share it with the many visitors to our tour from all over the globe. Y'all were great. Please come again and have safe travels. Remember that you are forever part of the living history which is the Outer Banks!
Heather_R, Aug 2022
It was an amazing four and I learned so much about the amazing town of Manteo! Francis was engaging and so incredibly knowledgeable. Such great stories and fun was had by all!
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Thank you so much! Y’all were such a fun group. Now that summer is nearing an end we are so excited to begin our fall tour season. This special place has so much to thankful for. It is folks like you who continue our legacy. Thank you so much for being a part of our living history and please come back soon!
kathryndeyoung316, Aug 2022
Chief was an amazing storyteller and an extremely knowledgeable resource for all things related to the area and the history of the Outer Banks. I will remember his information and the facts I was given for a very long time I am sure!
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Thank you so much! These stories are not just fun to share but they are truly what makes Manteo The Land of Beginnings. I am so glad that you were touched by our unique history. Please come back again soon. Remember, you are now forever part of the living history of The Outer Banks!
Larry_L, Aug 2022
Outstanding history and lore of OBX and Manteo. Francis is the best! Am going to recommend to all my visitors.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
This group was a lot of fun. I am amazed that people who do not know one another find kinship with other guests. I really appreciate you joining us for this special dive into our history. Having locals who join us on the tour is always special. Please come again anytime!
Julia_C, Aug 2022
Retired Police Chief D’Ambra is a history buff and knows the area well. He gave an informative and entertaining tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Thanks so much for joining us! I had fun on the tour with your group as well. Folks like you are what makes leading this special tour so truly amazing for me as well. Please join us again when you are visiting. Thanks again. You are welcome anytime.
From $31.20
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Special Offer
Manteo Historic Walking Tour
246
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$31.20
