Manteo Historic Walking Tour: Explore Living History

Join retired Police Chief D’Ambra for the Manteo Historic Candlelight Walking Tour and explore 450+ years of living history. Discover fascinating stories of The Lost Colony, Pirates, The Underground Railroad, Wright Brothers, and more. Voted “Favorite Outdoor Activity” and featured on PBS and in The Sheffield Star. Don’t miss this must-see experience in OBX!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 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…
What's Included
  • All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Mother Vine Muscadine Preserves
Additional Information

Embark on a captivating journey through time with retired Police Chief D’Ambra on the Manteo Historic Candlelight Walking Tour. As night falls, amble across Manteo’s scenic Historic Waterfront, established by Chief D’Ambra in 2004. The tour offers a glimpse into over 450 years of vibrant living history. With a blend of more than 21 pioneering tales and…

Location
300 Queen Elizabeth Ave
Queen Elizabeth Avenue
We meet on the corner of Budleigh St. and Queen Elizabeth Ave.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(231 Ratings)
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L7999oosusans
May 28, 2025
The inside view of North Carolina history. - I have found that the best compliments to the lovely museums and historical displays in the Outer Banks are the stories shared by locals. That personal insight is what you will get with tour. Bonus, the option to by locally made muscadine jelly from the "mother vine" at the end . It is yummy! Also, ask the Chief about HIS theory on the Lost Colony. Hint: it isn't any of the one's suggested at the Sir Walter Raleigh exhibit (which I also highly recommend). Enjoy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H2974mastephenc
May 16, 2025
Lovely Evening Tour - Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. He had historical facts as well as more current information. Quite enjoyable!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N215lgelizabethl
May 12, 2025
Absolutely Amazing Walking Tour!! - This tour was so much fun and a highlight of our trip to the Outer Banks!! We had never been before, but love history and fell in love with the Outer Banks itself. So this tour was perfect! Chief's storytelling and knowledge of the history of the Outer Banks were outstanding! He shares an abundance of information simply and passionately. Truly a must for anyone visiting Roanoke Island!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curiosity67190538384
May 5, 2025
10/10 would book again! - The best walking tour I’ve ever been a part of. Chief D is an absolute fountain of knowledge and taught me so much about the history of the outer banks. this tour is an absolute must if you come to the OuterBanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lauralampley
May 4, 2025
Make this tour a priority! - First tour of the 2025 season! I highly recommend this tour! The Chief was entertaining and knowledgeable. I could tell how much he loved Manteo, its history and the people who live there. He shared old as well as more modern history. He stopped at places where people could sit down if needed. He was willing to answer all questions even after the official tour was over.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rita_m
Sep 28, 2024
Great local history tour - The chief is a great storyteller. We loved his stories and would highly recommend his tour to anyone.
Review provided by Viator
Keith
Sep 19, 2024
Great tour! - Our tour guide was very engaging and we learned a lot about Manteo and the general history of the Outer Banks. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who is visiting Manteo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pdhobx
Sep 16, 2024
Chiefs history of Manteo, NC - Chief certainly is a true Manteo Historian! I had no idea the history of Manteo and he certainly gave me a different impression of this wonderful town. I highly recommend all to go on this tour so you too, can appreciate Manteo even more as well as other areas of OBX! Such knowledge and he is passionate to his town. It was such a pleasure for my sisters and I to do this tour. Thank you Chief!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightsee02657233425
Sep 16, 2024
Excellent history lesson - This tour was excellent on so many levels. First and foremost the retired police chief shared the history of Manteo and the outer banks from the mid-1500’s to present day. Secondly, he shared some personal stories about himself and the town of Manteo. He was personable, funny and he knows his history and geography of the outer banks. Well worth the Money
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura_o
Aug 13, 2024
So fun 😁 - It was a great tour with many great local lure stories, just the experience you want to connect you to the region.
Review provided by Viator
From $31
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).