Robert Carter (1791 – May 25, 1872) was a Newfoundland naval officer and political figure.
He was born in Ferryland, the son of judge William Carter, and joined the Royal Navy as a young man, retiring as a lieutenant in 1815.
Later that year, he was named surrogate magistrate after the death of his brother William, serving until 1826.
Carter also served as a road commissioner for Ferryland and as supervisor of streets for St. John's from 1846 to 1848.
Carter served as colonial secretary from 1861 to 1865, retiring from politics later that year.