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SC Anchorages – AICW, Beaufort River to Calibogue Sound and Hilton Head Island (Statute Mile 537 to 565)
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Northerly Beaufort River Anchorage
Statute Mile: 538
Lat/Lon: near 32 25.091 North/080 40.628 West
Location: lies on the waters east of the charted marsh island, which is itself, east of flashing daybeacon #214
Minimum Depth: 10-feet, if and only if you enter from the south
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 45 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Fair; open to southern and southeastern winds
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Pascal - September 24, 2009 - 12:11 pm

Looked a little narrow so instead i anchored to the south of the island, jsut south of the 9 and 10′ marks on the edge of the charlet. it’s way on the outside of the bend, no wake or traffic issues, more water and swinging room
Pascal
MY Charmer, Johnson 70
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Battery Creek Anchorage
Statute Mile: 542
Lat/Lon: near 32 22.540 North/080 42.063 West
Location: on the waters of Battery Creek (northeast of the AICW’s flashing buoy #41) , west of unlighted daybeacon #47
Minimum Depth: 15 to 22 feet
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 55 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Fair to good; open to southeastern and western winds
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Emil -  May 7, 2013 - 1:31 pm

The Dockside [Restaurant] in Port Royal is an excellent seafood restaurant. There is a short dock for tying up.
Emil
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Rapid Roy -  May 6, 2013 - 10:12 am

This is another nice anchorage, but not as nice as Cowan Creek. It’s main attraction is being adjacent to the best seafood restaurant in the area, which has a courtesy dock you can dinghy to.
The anchorage is up Battery Creek, past the old port facilities and past the Dockside Restaurant, where you will see shrimp boats docked. Another 500 feet straight ahead is an anchorage area where you’ll see several local boats permanently moored. DO NOT try to get behind them, closer to the shoreline; the wide expanse of water north of the moored boats is shallow.
The Dockside Restaurant has a great local reputation. There is a courtesy dock which you won’t see initially. It’s out of sight behind the shrimp boats, but it’s accessible by dinghy or small run about if you go around the south end of the shrimp boats. The dock can be used by small boats but it isn’t large enough for a cruising sailboat or trawler.
Rapid Roy, S/V “Gideon”
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Tracy Hellman -  May 2, 2013 - 10:10 am

In my opinion, Dockside Restaurant is one of the top 5 restaurants in [the] Beaufort [area]. Price, Portion Size, Atmosphere are all great. You gotta try the cornbread ( or what I call CAKE!) they bring to your table before the meal. I have never anchored, but I have seen several boats just north of the restaurant. There is a dock which can accommodate a trawler or dingys is available.
Tracy Hellman
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Skipper Fowler -  July 19, 2012 - 7:08 am

Hey Claiborne:
We took your advice and anchored on Battery Creek. We are even more glad that you spoke to us about nearby Dockside Restaurant. We blew up our dinghy, and rowed the short distance to this restaurant’s docks which were easy to pick out from the anchorage. Most of the outer dock was taken up by local shrimpers, and those piers were quite high as well. Fortunately, we found some lower, floating docks on the inside, and were able to easily tie up the dink.
We found the restaurant a warm, homy kind of placed, walled and roofed with lots of knotty pine. There was a GREAT view of Battery Creek from the windows.
Even though we visited on a Thursday night, there was a waiting line by 6:30 pm. Fortunately, we were already well into our dinners by then. I got the fried “Captains Platter” which proved to be enough food for the Russian Army. The flounder was some of the best I’ve had anywhere, anytime. Sue got the broiled seafood platter, and she has raved about the scallops and “local” shrimp ever since.
So, it was a good evening all around at Battery Creek, though my waistline is larger for the visit. I would definitely recommend this anchor down spot to fellow cruisers!
Skipper Fowler
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Dick Litchfield -  May 24, 2010 - 11:22 am

We arrived on 11/29/09 at near the top of the tide and anchored just past the shrimp boat docks and near three sailboats on moorings. We anchored in 18’ of water with about 10 kts of breeze. The anchorage is exposed to south and west winds. Tidal range overnight was eight feet. Just after dark we had 20’ of water beneath the boat and when I got up at around 0200, we only had 12’. Holding was good and despite the aggressive tidal switches, the anchor held firm. Not much local traffic while we were there.
The evening passed quietly but it gave way to a “Beirut Breakfast” at daybreak. All heck broke loose as we were eating. Seems the marines at Paris Island were on the small arms firing range and it reminded me of the middle east fighting you hear on the TV.
Otherwise a nice spot.
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Cowen Creek Anchorage
Statute Mile: 544.5
Lat/Lon: near 32 22.556 North/080 37.977 West
Location: on the waters of Cowen Creek, immediately southwest of this stream’s juncture with Distant Island Creek
Minimum Depth: 15+ foot depths, but you must negotiate several unmarked shoals between Beaufort River and the anchorage to maintains these soundings
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 50 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Good, but open to strong southwesterly winds
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Rapid Roy -  May 20, 2013 - 1:53 pm

Hey Claiborne:
I really like your anchoring guides. However, I think you have some flaws in the entry you have for Cowen Creek. (Mile 544.5 on the Beaufort River, between Beaufort SC and Hilton Head). I’d like to suggest some corrections on this one.
1). I think it’s misleading to talk about “negotiating several unmarked shoals”. Yes, if you’re coming from the north, you must go far enough south to clear Cowen spit. If you watch your chartplotter, the entrance to Cowen Creek is wide and deep with NO UNMARKED SHOALS. Take a look at the wider area chart, and this should be self-evident. From the south, it’s a no-brainer. Coming from the north, you’re in good shape if you go far enough south to go around the south side of the old range light charted at 32 degrees 20.12N, 80 degrees 39.34W. Do that, and it’s a wide and deep water entrance with no issues.
2). Your little anchor symbol on the chart photo is way upstream in the creek. Yes, it gets narrower up there, but it’s all protected and nearly always flat water once you’re in the creek. Most cruising boats don’t go that far up to anchor. I’ve seen 3 or 4 cruising boats anchored in the area 32 degrees 21.64N, 80 degrees 38.89W. ( Middle of the creek, abeam of the “o” in “Cowen Cr” label on the chart.)
3). Optionally… there’s another anchorage area for someone who really wants a “Hurricane Hole”. It’s the straight stretch of the creek, t32 degrees 22.99N, 80degrees 38.54W. There is deep water all the way there so it allows even a sailboat to reach these areas, going past private docks on Distant Island and around a double set of bends. It is really protected. .
FYI… ( my credentials for sharing this…) I’m a full time live-aboard cruiser, and spend half of my time living in the Beaufort area and half time cruising on a 38′ sailboat. Cowen Creek is a nice, nearby wilderness anchorage, a few minutes away from the marina. It’s where I take “visitors” when they come to visit my wife and I, and they want to spend a night on the sailboat anchored out. (Smile!).
Rapid Roy
S/V “Gideon”
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Rapid Roy -  May 6, 2013 - 10:25 am

Yes, this is a lovely anchorage, highly recommended. It’s a large open area, especially attractive for larger vessels or those wanting plenty of swinging room. It’s well protected with land on 270 degrees, and a shallow sand bar across the open south side. The entrance doesn’t have channel markers, but it’s plenty wide and deep and doesn’t offer any navigation problems.
Most boats anchor in the wide part of the creek, just beyond the entrance. There are 8′ tides, so there will be a reversing current. If there is really severe weather coming, you can proceed further up the creek to a three way split. Take the branch on your left into Distant Island Creek, and it will continue around to another anchorage area that is a local “hurricane hole”.
Rapid Roy, S/V “Gideon”
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Capt Bob/ALLEZ -  May 3, 2013 - 2:01 pm

Just followed the Chart Plotter and watched the depth sounder and had plenty of room between the charted shoals. Followed our bread crumb trail out thenext day. Good water depth for our 5 ft draft and real good mud holdingground. Enjoyed our stay at Lat 32 Deg 21.498 N Lon 081 Deg 38.527 W7 ft under the keel. Plenty of swing room. Good anchorage.
Capt Bob/ALLEZ
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s/v Skye -  May 2, 2013 - 3:25 pm

We anchored there on 4/18/13. We and buddy boat anchored about 2 miles upstream along the south shore, just above the small island on the north side. Friends anchored 1/2 mile further up-stream in the south leg. No one had any problems with shoaling. We were well protected from the east wind and expected potection from the forecast south wind. By morning the south wind made the anchorage a bit rolly but quite acceptable. I would probably go a bit further upstream into the south leg for better protection.
s/v Skye
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Dick Litchfield -  May 24, 2010 - 11:29 am

We attempted to anchor here on 4/24/10. The evening’s predicted wind direction and strength nixed all possible anchorages except one in Cowen Creek. We ran some distance up the creek and tried anchoring in 10′ of water in the lee of some trees on shore. Our Rocna anchor set quickly, but failed to hold in the “fluff” mud bottom. After several attempts to find good holding, we abandoned the anchorage and headed for Port Royal Landing about 8 miles away.
Other spots in the creek may work better in better weather conditions. However, distance in and out along with our experience puts Cowen Creek on our “Not Here” list.
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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
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Rapid Roy -  May 6, 2013 - 10:30 am

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”
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Dave Boxmeyer -  May 2, 2013 - 3:34 pm

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
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Peg and Jim Healy -  May 1, 2013 - 2:52 pm

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
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Kathryn Jeidy -  July 22, 2009 - 9:14 am

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
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Mackay Creek Anchorages
Statute Mile: 558
Lat/Lon:
32 14.410 North/080 47.021 West (anchorage south of Buzzard Island)
32 15.527 North/080 46.351 West (anchorage southwest of unlighted daybeacon #8)
Location: on the waters of Mackay Creek between this stream’s intersection with northern Calibogue Sound and its northern juncture with the Chechessee River
Minimum Depth: 6 feet, but there are many unmarked shoals flanking the channel
Special Comment: Your vessel must be able to clear a 25-foot fixed bridge to access these anchorages, and the use of a GPS chartplotter is recommended when navigating these waters
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 40 feet
Foul Weather Shelter:
Good for southerly anchorage, but open to southern winds
Excellent for northerly anchorage
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Jarvis Creek Anchorage
Statute Mile: 559
Lat/Lon: near 32 12.587 North/080 46.208 West
Location: on the eastern shores of northern Calibogue Sound, south of Jenkins Islands and east of flashing daybeacon #1
Minimum Depth: 7-feet
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 34 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Very good, but open to westerly winds, and surrounding marsh grass shores do not give sufficient shelter in especially heavy weather
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Captains Moore and Lawrenson - August 24, 2013 - 5:42 pm

In the SSECN “South Carolina Anchorage Directory, we have always given Jarvis Creek our lowest recommendation (only one anchor), and the shoals surrounding this stream’s mouth are certainly one reason for this less than glowing review. So, when we published the story of the two shrimpers (see below), we began to wonder whether we should remove Jarvis Creek entirely from our suggested anchorages????
However, the superb input, now appended below, from Captains Moore and Lawrenson, provide persuasive evidence that we should keep this stream as a suggested South Carolina anchorage, albeit one still with our lowest recommendation.
Two shrimp boats ran aground Wednesday in a marsh on the north end of Hilton Head Island. James Murray is captain of the overturned Lady Essie, a 1969, 65-foot shrimp trawler based in Port Royal. He said he came into Jarvis Creek at 7 a.m. to tow another shrimp trawler, the Dianie, from the dock behind the Crazy Crab restaurant, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Sgt. Robin McIntosh said.
Murray, who is 69 and from Savannah, said he was unfamiliar with the creek and the shallow areas, and he ran aground as he was trying to leave the creek.
We live near the Jarvis Creek grounded shrimpers, and they are not at the mouth of the creek. I would estimate that they are a little over 1/2 mile into the creek. (I cannot check this, as we just pulled our Whaler for some maintenance.) I do not disagree with your conclusions regarding Jarvis Creek, but I would doubt if the typical anchoring boat would be where these boats are grounded.
K. C. Moore, Jr.
Hilton Head
I live on Hilton Head Island and dock at Windmill Harbour, just visible on the upper left corner of your map insert, the entrance where the 10 ft. depth is shown, so I pass this mess all the time. My guess is that it is skipper error, rather than silting, and it is farther up the creek than I would go. the boats are a long way up the creek
Shrimp boats always used Jarvis Creek to tie up next to the Crazy Crab restaurant on Highway 278 one mile on the island. The article says there was towing involved, so I believe that was the issue, as it is exceptionally tight in the upper are of the creek. the crazy crab is some 1/4 mile further up the creek than where the boats grounded.
From what I can see, the boats are considerably higher up the creek than where your red anchor is placed, and I would place them between the 9ft and 5ft marks on the upper right hand side of the map insert, where it turns to the starboard (as you enter) – nearly off your insert. They appear well North East of the red anchor at any rate.
There was a Coast Guard or Auxiliary boat looking at them when I passed them the other day, and they took fuel off them, so it looks like they may be there for a while. They are on the Northwest bank of the creek, parallel to the shore, and both well aground. The fishing rig and booms have now been removed from the second boat (see left boat in picture still has booms on – they are now gone), so it is a lot safer.
I would not go that far up the creek to anchor anyway, because it would be really tight to turn around.
Hope This helps –
Bill Lawrenson,
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Middle Marsh Island Anchorage
Statute Mile: 563.5
Lat/Lon: near 32 10.666 North/080 48.163 West
Location: on the broad and charted but unmarked channel northwest of Middle Marsh Island, north of unlighted daybeacon #30
Minimum Depth: 12+ feet, but an extensive unmarked shoal must be bypassed
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 45 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Fair; open to southwestern and northeaster winds
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Bryan Creek Anchorage
Statute Mile: 563.5
Lat/Lon: near 32 10.593 North/080 49.404 West
Location: off Calibogue Sound’s northwestern banks well west of unlighted daybeacon #30
Minimum Depth: 7-feet, but unmarked shoals at creek’s entrance must be successfully bypassed
Special Comment: Use of a GPS chartplotter is recommended to safely enter this anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 36 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Very good
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