Manteo Historic Walking Tour
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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!"
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Mother Vine Muscadine Preserves
Options
2026 Schedule
Historic Walking Tour
Reviews
243 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
samantharQ5593BB,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed our walking tour with Greg. He was very informative and willing and able to answer all questions. Would recommend!
We loved this walking tour!
Sightseer387924,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00All we can say is wow! This walking tour surpassed all of our expectations. We learned so much while being entertained at the same time. The information Captain D shared with our group was so interesting and we learned so much history about the city of Manteo and North Carolina. We highly recommend this tour!
Highly Recommend This Tour
David S,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the best walking tours we have ever taken. Very informative & entertaining. We would highly recommend this tour of Manteo NC
More than just historical facts!
Pioneer558535,Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Manteo walking tour did not disappoint! This was the second time my husband and I visited Manteo and decided to participate in the tour. The town is charming and is certainly rich in history. The Chief (a retired police officer) is responsible for making this such a success). He is sharp in wit and can be very entertaining. He presented the same historical material but definitely works with the group he has that particular evening making it entertaining and fun. It was extremely warm and honestly at times I hoped he’d pick up the pace but understandably it is a group affair. I suggest making plans to stop in one of the restaurant/taverns after for small bites and drinks for a great evening in the OBX area! Honestly, don’t miss this opportunity.
Great facts and personal stories.
Trip137370,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The views were amazing. The chief shared an eclectic mix of both historical fact and his own stories to enrich everyone’s experiences. The chief had a wide range of knowledge that encompassed different periods of history with lots of facts and lots of stories to make it really entertaining and a delightful evening!
TAKE THIS TOUR, worth every penny.
B6045HLdonnae,Jul 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour, with retired police chief D'Ambria, was one of the top two best things about our trip to the Outer Banks. During the beautiful tour through Manteao, we were regaled with stories (some true and some maybe true) that were informative, interactive, fun, and really immersed you in the history of Manteo. And what a history it is, even for a non-history buff like myself. If you're in Manteo, TAKE THIS TOUR!
Gets to the Root ("Mother Vine") of Who and What makes this "The Land of Beginnings"!
I3259FIcharlesg,Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00"Chief D" is a professor of history; from start to completion, his tour is captivating! The lore and history of Dare County lures attendees into becoming participants in the tour. The history of "The Land of Beginnings" is wonderfully told with passion by a man who has both wealth of knowledge and depth of understanding--and more than a few captivating stories and theories that enlighten and peak the interest of every age! If you are visiting the Outer Banks, don't skim the surface beauty... this tour gets to the heart of who we are as a people. You will likely walk away intrigued by the greater vision of Whose we are: one nation under God. And if you are local or here often, you will be glad you connected with this tour... we are!
Awesome Tour
Thomas K,Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience! Chief D is extremely knowledgeable and has endless energy! Very educational, I highly recommend this tour!
History comes to life…
amycH1448TZ,Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chief D is an amazing historian and story teller. His knowledge of the area’s history and the town is infectious. You will want to learn (or re-learn) your early American history after this tour. This tour is completely accessible. While it is a walking tour; it’s not too much walking and there are plenty of places to sit as you listen to all the firsts that came to be right in Manteo. The light of Freedom shines bright, don’t miss “The Man” and his wonderful walking history tour!!
5 star Chief D is da man!
chadhM9090AW,Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour is amazing. Chief D brings it to life. Chief is an amazing tour guide and even better person. Chief is da man. Must do tour.
From US$31.20
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