Wanchese (/ˈwɒntʃiːz/ WAHN-cheez) is a census-designated place (CDP) on Roanoke Island in Dare County, North Carolina, United States.

It was named after Wanchese, the last known ruler of the Roanoke Native American tribe encountered by English colonists in the sixteenth century.

Wanchese is part of District 1, along with Manteo, Roanoke Island and Manns Harbor.

[6] What is called the Tillett Site (after the last owners) had been occupied originally when it was still part of the mainland, during the entire Archaic Period (8000-1000 BC).

After the sea levels rose and it became an island, the saline conditions of the Sound became established, giving rise to the later indigenous fishing culture, including that of the historic Roanoke tribe.

At the time of English exploration, the Algonquian-speaking Roanoke tribe used the site for seasonal fishing.

During the 19th century Wanchese had the only light-house on Roanoke Island, called Marshes Light, which has since been reconstructed in Manteo.