Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire AICW run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. Earlier depth soundings from other cruisers have confirmed our recommendation to navigate this stretch at mid to high tide only.

Traveling on 10/1-7/12
From Georgetown, SC to Brunswick, Ga.
We traveled this past week with high tides between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Most times leaving at 7:30 AM an hour or so after Low Tide. There were no problems with depths, shoaling, or missing markers.
The ONLY issue we found was in Little Mud River (MM-653 – 655) at 2.5 hours before high tide. At the very Southern end, after leaving R-194 the current wanted to push toward G-195, which looked ok, but NOT. Very shallow as you near G-195. You want to FAVOR the front range marker not center of channel. This will keep the depth around 8′ under the boat. This is what we experienced, as always you are the Captain and responsible for your vessel’s safety.
Jim Cobb
Palmetto Moon

Yesterday, October 11, 2012, we went by the Darien and Rockedundy Rivers and through the Little Mud River at almost exactly mid-tide (by the clock ‘“ about 20 minutes either side of noon). I zig-zagged all over and mostly found 7-8′ or more, but it can be really narrow. (I verified my depth sounder readings with a lead line today). I did not find a hump between R `192’³ and G `193’³ at the little creek as I have seen in the past. The shallowest portion I found was south of G `193’³ and it was down to 6’ in a couple places. Staying on the range, I found plenty of water past `195’³. Your experience may vary ‘“ this is good practice for the Bahamas!
Dana Breda

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch