Skull Creek Anchorages
Statute Mile: 553.50’”northerly entrance
Lat/Lon:
32 15.407 North/080 44.565 West (northern anchorage)
32 15.162 North/080 44.684 West (southern anchorage)
Location: along the easternmost branch or Skull Creek south of the ICW’s flashing daybeacon #6
Minimum Depth: 8-feet
Swing Room:
sufficient room for vessels as large as 45 feet in northern anchorage
Sufficient room for vessels as large as 34 feet in southern anchorage
Foul Weather Shelter: Good, but northern anchorage is open to strong northerly winds
Rating: 
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Comments from Cruisers (4)
Ha! Yes, this is listed in several popular anchoring guides. However, there are two problems. One is, all the local fishing boats blast through the “cut through” short cut, at morning and evening twilight. You’ll be waked frequently. The other problem is that it’s a foul anchorage. There’s the wreckage of an old shrimp boat on the bottom. This wreckage has claimed the anchors of three cruisers that I personally know of. How do I know? I’m the Captain for the local Towboat U.S. that’s been called to bring a diver out to help them with their fouled anchors.
Well… other than that… it’s a nice anchorage. (Smile!).
Rapid Roy, S/V “Gideon”
We have spent a few nights anchored in the East channel, South of marker “6”, in Skull Creek. We usually drop the hook just below the small island where the depth is marked as 13 feet. The last time we were there, Verizon wireless service was very limited. Shelter from the wind was good. There is quite a bit of current so you will swing 180 degrees during a tide change. The small island is nothing but oyster shells and mud, forget bring your pet ashore here you will just tear up your dinghy and feet. Swinging room is limited.
This spot is off the marked ICW route, however the fishing boats as well as traffic from the marina to the south use it as a short cut to reach the Chechessee River. Wake consideration does not seem to be their main concern. The passage is narrow so if you do decide to stop here be sure that your boat is well lit at night.
Dave Boxmeyer
Haven’t anchored in the Fisherman’s Channel, but routinely pass through it from Skull Creek into Port Royal Sound. As of 4/25 and low tide, water depths in that channel are not less than 10 feet.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Again, having lived there we are familiar with that anchorage. We have friends who live on that stretch and say boats anchor there all the time. A point I would like to make is that the new owners of Hilton Head Harbour (formerly Outdoor Resorts) will no longer allow boaters to tie up their dingies and go to the restaurant. They charge $1/ft. A shame because Sunset Grill, in my opinion is the finest restaurant on Hilton Head.
Kathryn Jeidy