South River Anchorage in the Georgia marshes lies on the east side of the AICW just north of Little Mud River.
Spent a nice night here in fair weather. Wide and deep, easily laid out 150 feet of rode and rode an easy circle with the tide changes. For as shallow as the chart shows the mouth of this river, a large shrimp boat came by me in the evening. And at dead low tide, at that. Local Knowledge! Skipper Carl
Brunswick Landing Marina lies on the eastern banks of Academy Creek, just off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia. Reports from cruisers about Brunswick Landing Marina have usually been positive and we trust this to be an isolated incident.
We had a bad experience with Brunswick Landing Marina. We were leaving the boat for a month to go visit family and friends. We decided it would be good to have the hull painted while we were gone, so we had the boat hauled out. They found some problems and gave us an estimate to fix them. We agreed, and the work started. They then contacted us with more problems. And then more. By the time it was over, the charges were over triple the estimate, and they said they couldn’t finish even finish the work. When trying to explain the last problem, the yard manager got combative over the phone instead of calmly explaining things. We are very unhappy with the services they provided, and we’ll never go back there for work. As for transient dockage, the docks are really nice concrete floating docks. The showers were nice, and the laundry was free. If we were just staying at the dock, we probably would have been perfectly happy. Sara
Fort McAllister Marina guards the Ogeechee River’s southern banks, well upstream of the AICW’s marker #98. In the past. the marked channel up the Ogeechee River, off the AICW. has been scantily marked at best. Looks like that situation has now improved considerably!
We stayed at this marina in August , 2011. Yes , there are markers , First 2 red , then 8 green and then 3 red to get you from the North shore to the South shore. Here we read depths of 4.5 to 5 feet at low tide ,flood rising. Our 4 foot draft , no problem. With a tide range of 6 plus feet, mid-tide or higher should be no problem for longer leg boats. Food and service at Fish Tales excellent. A visit to the Fort is a short walk . If you are a civil war afectionato, the well preserved earthwork fortification along with the museum is worth a visit.Hours 9 to 5 daily. Matt Rollberg aboard Santana
We continue to get good reports about Hampton River Club Marina this year. The Hampton River departs the Waterway to the northeast at approximately Statute Mile 664 opposite daymarker #222. Use caution at river marker #21 where depths are charted at 4 feet.
We stopped Santana here with a 4 foot draft , no problem. But HUG the outside of the curve east of red #22. The facility is excellent and Davis is very helpful. Great stop ! Matt Rollberg
Morning Star Golden Isles Marina is located on the Frederica River, between Lanier and St. Simons Islands, south of the charted 9 foot bridge. Depart north from the Waterway south of ICW marker # 247 and Frederica River marker #1. While the Frederica River has good depths north of the marina, access from the Waterway north is not possible because of the fixed 9ft clearance bridge.
Another enjoyable stay here. We biked over to St Simons there were 7 ft wide bike paths and came back to the marina and had a wonderfull dinner at the Coastal Kitchen. Also marina is offering a !0% for Boat US. Ron & Audrey aboard Lucky Girl
Kilkenny Creek Marina is located on the western shore of Kilkenny Creek departing the Waterway at marker #107. The marina is an older facility, but can boast one of the loveliest locations on the Waterway, sitting on an ancient oak shaded bluff overlooking the marshes.
Rates have increased and are $1.50/ft now. They add a 3% chg if you use credit card. Bathroom/shower is in rough shape and no laundry or boater facilities. Small store with some food and drinks. Nice family that runs the place.
Hidden Harbor Yacht Club is accessed via unmarked Troup Creek departing west from the Waterway at marker #238.
No showers. They say they have an outdoor shower but that includes a shower head outside along the brick wall, no privacy building around the shower head. This is the only bad thing about this place. Nice facilities, beautiful new boater lounge. Dockmaster made us coffee and muffins in morning and allowed us to use their kitchen. They did just get a washer/dryer. Friendly folks. Skipper Kerry Appleton
It is almost universally acknowledged that the Little Mud River section of the AICW, some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia, is the single worst stretch of the “ditch” between Norfolk, VA and Miami, Florida. Well, Captains Chuck and Susan’s observations below certainly tend to bear out that theory. As you may recall from other recent postings here on the Net, Captain Chuck Baier and Captain Susan Landry are the former general manager and editor, respectively, of Waterway Guide. They are now cruising south on the AICW on their way to a new home in Fort Myers, Florida. Chuck and Susan are being kind enough to forward very detailed reports to the Cruisers’ Net about concerns they encounter, particularly AICW Problem Stretches. With this dynamic duo’s vast cruising experience, we can take their observations below as gospel. And, as you will see, just give up on the idea of traversing Little Mud River at anything but high tide.
Claiborne, We transited the Little Mud River on Tuesday 5/17/2011 and we thought your readers would be interested in what we found. I hope they also appreciate us transiting all of the problem areas on the ICW at or near low tide so we could get accurate depth readings. We transited the Little Mud at 2 hours before low tide. Based on this the following depths would be at low tide. At Red “192” depth of 5 feet. At Crooked Creek, depth of 4 1/2 feet. Approaching Green “193” 4 feet, then 3 feet very near “193”. Just past Green “193” 3 1/2 feet. At Red “194” 3 1/2 feet and just past Red “194” 3 feet. From Red “194” to the turn onto the Altamaha is all about 4 feet. Fortunately there were no other fools except us transiting at this low of a tide. We hope this will help others STAY AWAY at anything less than 2 to 3 extra feet of tides. We will send more as we find it. Chuck and Susan
We have transited this area with our Tayana 37, `Dream Seeker’, twice and had no problems. Of course it was at 1/2 tide rising through 1/2 tide falling. With the tidal range in GA you can carry 6′ but you have to know your onions as they say. Kevin McPadden
We transited the Little Mud River on May 4, 2011 about 1/2 hour before low, northbound. The mud banks extending into the river were visible on both sides. While we didn’t risk going aground to sound each marker, we stayed in the middle between the visable mud sides. We draw four feet and were obviously dragging through the mud a couple of times based on how the steering responded. Otherwise we saw no less than 4.5 feet and generally 5 feet plus on the sounder. Again, this was in mid-visible water, not necessasarily mid channel, although our course always honored the daymarks. The depths reported by the sounder might not have been accurate because of the soupy mud bottom. Bob McLeran and Judy Young
I really appreciate all the info on the ICW. I will be making the trip to Tampa next week from Washington DC. Thanks again. Safe Seas, Captain Lisa Alexander
Brunswick Landing Marina sites on Academy Creek, within spitting distance of downtown Brunswick, GA. While we certainly agree with Captain Joe’s comments about this facilty vis-a-vis hurricane damage, the same might be said of the vast majority of marinas in the Southeast.
Brunswick Landings Marina is very protected for this area with floatingconcrete docks and concrete pilings etc. Many cruisers store their boatshere for hurricane season. http://www.brunswicklandingmarina.com/ However, understand that IF a hurricane hits this area it will be a disaster with an incredible storm surge given the topography that produces the local exaggerated 6-11′ tides. Brunswick sits in the Ga bite and is the furthest point west on the east coast hence the storms seem to skirt north. That said, historically storms have hit here but no where near the frequency that northern or southern points experience. Joe
Cargo Portside Grill was within walking distance of Brunswick Landing Marina which lies on the eastern banks of Academy Creek, just off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
I’m sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings, but restaurant Cargo Portside [near Brunswick Landing Marina] has closed due to poor financial management. Donovan
Two years ago when my son was attending Customs Agent school at the government facility there, I was visiting him and took him and his wife to the Cargo Portside Grill for dinner. It was the best dinner and best time I’ve had in a long time. The food was excellent, service was exemplary and the chef who was also the owner at the time and our waitress Laurie were wonderful. I’m sur this place will be sorely missed. What a shame. John Townsend
The Little Mud River section of the AICW, particularly the section just north of the Waterway’s intersection with Altamaha Sound, is universally considered to be the WORST single stretch of the passage from Norfolk, VA to Miami, Florida
I always time Little Mud River to have some tide. North bound, the key is to stay on the range and then turn to split the range marker with G195 (pass in the middle). It gets very shallow near the green, on a windy day, takes the wind into account, for instance with Westerly winds, pass even further from the Green. North of the green, it remains shallow all the way to around the bend, with as little as 5′ in some spots. Take it slow and use your sounder to find the least shallow water. Pascal aboard MY Charmer, 70′ 6+ draft
Sunbury Crab Company Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shores of the Medway River, on the charted Sunbury Channel, north of Dickinson Creek. The missing marker is approximate one-half mile northwest of your departure from the AICW in St. Catherines Sound.
Came through Medway River yesterday to Sunbury Crab Market and found Red #2 is in place ‘“ NOT missing any longer. Jim Rabey
Golden Isles Marina is located on the Frederica River, between Lanier and St. Simons Islands, south of the charted 9 foot bridge. Depart north from the Waterway south of ICW marker # 247 and Frederica River marker #1. While the Frederica River has good depths north of the marina, access from the Waterway north is not possible because of the fixed 9ft clearance bridge.
This is a favorite stop despite the fact that one has to travel several extra miles to reach it (the bridge over the western passage is now the ICW channel), and one must travel all the way around the intermediate island to get to the marina. When I was there in the 1970s, the ICW passed right by the present location of the marina which, of course, is much changed. Golden Isles Marina is a first class operation with modern buildings and many services. The loaner car is one of these, and while it is a long walk to the showers and laundry, the facilities are well above average in convenience and cleanliness. The dockmasters, Chick and Melissa, know their stuff and follow the lead of the captain instead of trying to take charge. We missed Melissa this stop, and the fact that we not only remembered her but also her name says much about our attraction to this marina. We like the town, too. Captain Ted Jones
Golden Isles Marina is located on the Frederica River, between Lanier and St. Simons Islands, south of the charted 9 foot bridge. Depart north from the Waterway south of ICW marker # 247 and Frederica River marker #1. While the Frederica River has good depths north of the marina, access from the Waterway north is not possible because of the fixed 9ft clearance bridge.
Morningstar Golden Isle Marina is an excellent place to stay north of the FLA/GA line at St. Simons Island, GA. Courtesy cars are available and there is a restaurant on site, Coastal kitchen. Manager: Chris Ferguson, Phone: 912 634 1128 We are currently at Golden Isle. Pam & Jim Shipp aboard Silver Boots
Brunswick Landing Marina lies on the eastern banks of Academy Creek, just off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
Brunswick Landing about 40 miles north of the border is a good stop. We spent the winter there a couple years ago. They have a nice cruiser community and it’s walkable. There’s a WinnDixie and West Marine about a mile walk away. Tammy & Michael
The Little Mud River section of the ICW, particularly the section just north of the Waterway’s intersection with Altamaha Sound, is universally considered to be the WORST single stretch of the AICW
April 2011: passed thru with smaller boat than usual (just under 4′ draft) with only 2′ tide. No issue by G195, again splitting it with the range marker showed about 7′ mlw but found some 5′ mlw further up the creek around the bend. Bottom line don’t mess with Little Mud River, if you need more than 4′ make sure you have 1/2 tide! Captain Pascal
Yep, I draw 3.8 We ran through with 2 feet still remaining before low tide. The start traveling northbound is the worst I was kicking up mud with a flock of seagulls following to grab whatever I kicked up. I would not recommend anyone doing this at low tide. About 2 miles into the river there is a feeder river on the port, that seemed to raise the water level. Skipper Jeff
We went through the Little Mud River (near mm 656 – North of St. Simons I.) on April 9th. At mid tide we saw 7′ of water between R194 and 192. This would have been 4′ at low tide (it was a 6′ tide). It was only in one spot, but with a 5′ draft I would not have made it through at low tide. The rest of the river had at least 5′ at low tide. Mitch & Carole Brodkin
Again, Captain Bob takes this trouble spot within less than two hours of high tide and offers some advice to his fellow cruisers. Please note that the Little Mud River section of the AICW, is the WORST problem stretch of the entire run from Norfolk to Miami. Trying to interpolate the tidal tables, it looks as if we must subtract 6 to 7 feet from the soundings below to discover what depths would be at MLW. That means we could easily be looking at a mere 3 feet of water near markers #190 and #195. TIME YOUR PASSAGE THROUGH LITTLE MUD RIVER FOR HIGH TIDE ONLY!!!!!!
10-29-10 Little Mud River (A Walk in the Park) Anchored in Duplin River night before, Great Anchorage Short Distance to Little Mud River. High Tide was 1200 Noon. Arrive Little Mud River 1-1/2 Hours before HIGH TIDE. Marker R190 10 Ft, Marker G195 10 Ft. Exit Mud River @ 1247 PM. Draft Five Ft we had five under the keel Minimum all the way. Good Run. Instead of folks posting horror stories they need to take life easy and do these areas of concern two hours before high tide. Captains Bob and Helen aboard M/Y ALLEZ
We just passed the Little Mud River. We hit it at exactly low tide. Uh oh. We made it through OK however. The minimum depth I saw was 6.5 feet near marker 194. We met a tug going north. He said that he didn’t have a depth sounder, but that he draws 8 feet and he made it through fine, also at low tide. Go figure. Captains Dick and Libby Mills
Good evening all, went through today 11/2/10 at 2:00 PM local, just about low tide & only saw 6.9 ft, just stay in the MIDDLE & you will be fine! Winds today were between twenty to thirty & did not seem to affect the depths. Captains Mike & Barbara aboard M/V Elan 2011/03/09 We did basically the same thing that Captains Bob and Helen did, anchoring in Duplin river the night before passage through the Little Mud River section. We hit it at about an hour before high tide and had a trouble free passage. (s/v MarLyn, S2 30ft, 5ft draft) Skipper Mark
Transited Little Mud River 3/27/11 at half tide. 8-9 ft through mid channel. Skipper Stephen
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is very pleased to welcome our newest sponsor, the Darien Waterfront Inn. We invited innkeeper, Captain JoAnn Viera, to send us an account of why ALL cruisers should consider this short trek off the Waterway. And, wait until you read her words below. It makes me want to point our bow towards Georgia just to visit this wonderful community. See you there, and PLEASE patronize Darien Waterfront Inn whenever possible to thank them for their support of the cruising community, by way of their support for the SSECN!!!!!
Leave the familiar confines of the AICW, and cruise up the beautiful Darien River to Historic Darien Georgia. Here you can dock your vessel at the Darien Development Authority docks and spend a night or two with solid ground under your feet. The cruiser friendly Darien Waterfront Inn is steps away from the dock. This seven room inn is situated in a remodeled warehouse perched on the Darien River Bluff. All rooms open onto a spacious riverview porch, perfect for relaxing. While visiting with us in Darien, don’t miss all the many attractions of our downtown businesses and historic district. Everything you need is ‘steps’ from the inn: Four local restaurants, a wine bar, gift shop, outdoor outfitter, hardware and marine supply store, post office, convenience store, even a salon that offers services for both men and women. We even offer laundry and grocery service….Let us do the work while you sip a glass of your favorite beverage with your feet up on the porch! If you want to take a stroll thru historic Darien, there is lots to see. Darien is the second oldest planned city in Georgia. Take the walking tour and you will visit 17 historic sites! From Tabby Ruins dating back to 1815, Vernon Square (c.1806) and Fort King George (c.1721) So make historic Darien and the Darien Waterfront Inn your next overnight stop between Savannah and Jacksonville. We look forward to meeting you! Call 912.437.1215 to make your reservation. Innkeeper, JoAnn will make dock reservations for you as well.
In response to the question below, we telephone Brunswick Landing Marina and were told the idea of building an on-site pool has been abandoned. They did state their customers have access to two pools within a mile or so of the docks. One is at the local YMCA, and features both indoor and outdoor swimming.
We like to know if the pool has been build already, we know it was in the works 2008 Thanks for any comments Claus Gnaedig `Gypsy Rose”
The Hampton River departs the Waterway to the northeast at approximately Statute Mile 664 opposite daymarker #222. Use caution at river marker #21 where depths are charted at 4 feet. In the past, we’ve had several negative postins concerning this facility here on the Cruisers’ Net. Glad to hear things seem to be shaping up now!
Nice marina -they are doing a lot of updating right now. Depths are 9 feet to 20 feet. The dockmaster’s name is Davis and the manager’s name is Rose – very nice classic lady. The rest of the staff is very nice and helpful. It has a little store with snacks,drinks and oil and even batteries. highly recommend. While you’re there you might want to take a day trip over to little St. Simons Island or do some fishing. They can pull out boats up to 28 feet for dry storage. The price for transient docking includes electric! Skipper Doug
Be the first to comment!