The mighty Neuse River, whose Neusiok Indian name means "peace", has miles of sandy beaches, clearly marked channels, and provides easy access via the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) out to the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. Much of the shoreline forms a boundary of the vast Croatan Forest and there are public recreation areas with swimming and picnic facilities near the Minnesott Ferry terminal and at Flanners Beach south of New Bern. 

A clearly marked channel up the Neuse from the ICW will bring you into historic New Bern. The natural channel runs between 8' and 12' with little noticeable tidal effect. Because The Neuse is a very wide river, this invites day or night sailing in addition to motor cruising. Water skiing is popular on Upper Broad Creek.

Fairfield Harbour Marinas on site:

• Northwest Creek Marina provides deep water access for larger, ocean-going sailboats.

  • 274 slips, accommodating yachts up to 60 feet. Standard electrical service is 30 or 50 amp. Slips are offered on short- and long-term leases and transient boaters are welcome

• Blackbeard Sailing Club, a private, member-only club is located in Fairfield.

• Fairfield Harbour private marinas:

  • Birdland Marina

  • Inner Harbour Marina 

Harbour residents are active in yacht club, and fishing clubs. Harbourites hold many raft-ups and group sails. 

New Bern, home to the manufacturer of Hatteras Yachts, is a motor boating haven. Power boating is a New Bern tradition, and its many waterways and public boat launches lend themselves to their use.