Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Join retired Police Chief D'Ambra for Manteo’s original Historic Candlelight Walking Tour. Take an evening stroll through the beautiful Historic Manteo Waterfront. Explore 450+ years of living history. Since 2004 he has been delighting guests with stories that will entertain and fascinate you as he shares a mix of over 21 "firsts", tales, & history that makes Manteo, "The Land of Beginnings". Stories of The Lost Colony of Roanoke, Pirates, The Underground Railroad, Wright Brothers, and Buffalo City moonshine will delight everyone. He even shares personal stories of the real Mayberry, USA that inspired the classic TV series "The Andy Griffith Show". He shares his relationship with the celebrities and many space heroes who made Manteo's history so unique. Featured on PBS show "NC Weekend" & 2025 Southern Living Magazine Vacation of the Year. The tour was voted “Favorite Outdoor Activity” and won the Coastland Gold 2025 People’s Choice Award. It’s a real must see when visiting the OBX!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Manteo Waterfront Park
The original Manteo Walking Tour is back! Join Manteo's retired Police Chief for an evening sroll through the Historic Waterfront of Old Manteo. We will explore 400+ years of living history as he shares with guests an entertaining mix of the many "firsts", lore, tales & history that make Dare County "The Land of Beginnings". The Chief highlights stories from The Lost Colony, Pirates, The Underground Railroad, The Wright Brothers, and the modern era. Colorfully, he shares personal stories of the real Mayberry, USA that inspired the classic TV series "The Andy Griffith Show". He shares his relationship with several celebrities and many space heroes who have made Manteo such a unique and special place to visit. This highly acclaimed tour has been featured on PBS show "NC Weekend". "The Sheffield Star" newspaper in the UK had this to say about this tour, "The historical significance of this small island in America is truly astonishing. It's a Must See when you are in the states!"
Options
2026 Schedule
Historic Walking Tour
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Mother Vine Muscadine Preserves
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
257 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour!
heatherfF5318OH,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour narrating the connections between the ecology and history of the region!
Chief is exceptional
N5612JBwilliamh,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chief was a great tour guide. Very informative and the kids loved him.
Excellent historian. Very...
NANAHUGHES52,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent historian. Very informative and entertaining. Ask him his theory on The Lost Colony. Definitely worth your time.
Historic Manteo Walking Tour
jeffeL3363PI,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great tour with Greg around the town on Manteo. He was very knowledgeable and fun.
Great walking history tour of Manteo with Chief D
630dellah,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyed our tour with Chief D so much! He is a GREAT story teller! He is so passionate about the history of Manteo and a wealth of knowledge! Loved every minute and would highly recommend!
Best Tour I have Been On
kimberlyrI6931ZL,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chief D'Ambra was an amazing tour guide! He is the most wonderful story teller, and he is an all around great guy. He made extra time for us, along with going above and beyond any tour guide I have ever met. He also allowed my dog to come on the tour, which was huge for my family. This tour ties in history, geography, science, and lots of humor. The Manteo Historic Walking tour was the best tour I have ever been on. We even came back the next day to check out some of the spots he recommended. If you are on the fence about the tour, I would highly recommend giving it a shot... you won't be disappointed!!
Must Do!
kellyv166,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chief D was very entertaining and informative. His passion for Manteo is apparent. Learned so much and had a great time!!
Tons of information and engaging guide
pbfues,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is led by the retired Police Chief of Manteo. He made the tour. There is not a lot of walking (this is a small town) but there is a TON of great information and so engaging! We learned so much about the history of the area, how it was developed, history of some of the oldest buildings etc. We even heard funny stories. It was a great selection for an evening out on our trip. We would recommend this to anyone visiting the area who wants to learn more about the history and also have a fun time.
Great tour from a local
949gregoryt,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family of six enjoyed our tour of Manteo with Chief D’Ambra (“the man”). His enthusiasm for history is infectious. We loved both the personal stories from a local, and learning about all the history “firsts” at Roanoke island.
Great Walking Tour
BoardingPass756848,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our bus tour group arranged our participation on this walking tour. Chief D’Ambra is a hoot and full of info that I don’t think we could have read about. He was personable and funny. Take into consideration that’s the tour is along the waterfront. On our tour the first week in May, the temperature was cooler than usual and the wind was kicking. Just be prepared for whatever the weather is offering when you go.
Related Experiences
Operated by Manteo Historic Walking Tour