See Legal Battle over the dredging of Big Sarasota Pass which, with its frequent channel shifts and shoals, connects the Gulf with the Gulf Waterway and the southern tip of Sarasota Bay.
Siesta, Lido sides prepare for Big Pass court hearing
Judge recommends approving Big Pass dredge permit
An administrative judge says the state should permit the proposed Lido Key renourishment project if some time and scope restraints are put in place.
The stretch north of the Ben Sawyer Bridge around marker 118 has been a Problem Stretch for years and, as Phillip Mullins notes, the channel is constantly shifting, negating area dredging very quickly. Cruisers’ Net continues to recommend mid to high tide for passage through this stretch.
Return back to our home Marina yesterday at very dead low tide. Made it through the breach Inlet section but read five and six foot deep at the lowest point. From the Isle of Palms Connector Bridge North to Isle of Palms Marina it is 6 ft for several yards before you get to the marina. Saw 5 and 5.5 feet several places. Was able to stay close to marker 118 as we passed along beside it at 6.1 feet. Does not look like the dredging 2 years ago lasted very long. Thought u might want to pass this along to the cruisers. Phillip Mullins
77 Miles in one day – that is definitely a good day’s run, especially through the numerous shallow spots in that stretch. Such tidal luck may be a once in a lifetime occurrence! And that fact that both Downtown Marina of Beaufort and Isle of Palms Marina of Charleston are CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS had a lot to do with it! Well done Phillip.
Left Beaufort South Carolina two hours after low tide from the downtown Marina and caught the incoming tide up the Beaufort River it continued through the Coosaw back into the Waterway and all the way back to Isle of Palms. Could not believe it. 42-foot sail and we averaged 6.6 knots. Saw 7.5 and 8.10 several times. Never had a head current. Could not believe it. Please pass this along to the Northbound Cruisers this spring.
This trip usually takes us two days but on this occasion it took 10 hours. Phillip Mullins
Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
How is the Bottom Harbour Inlet in Eleuthera lately (the inlet just South of Valentines Marina at Harbour Island)? Are both the North and South Channels still OK? See picture below. It appears that the South route has more water, but it gets very narrow at one point. While the North route has less depth, but is wider and a straight run. Our draft is 3 feet. Which route do you recommend? Thank You! ???? By the way, we plan to take Harbour Inlet on the way in and take the Devil’s Backbone with the pilot A1 Brod Shad on the way out.
In the jargon of the cruising community, “Enjoy the journey not just the destination”. Okay, that is often the case, but don’t you love it when both the journey and destinations are equally enjoyable? Whoever said, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too” never was part of a cruising or boating family.
Albemarle Loop
For those who don’t live in or near North Carolina, as you pass through North Carolina there is so much to be enjoyed that is not along the shores of the ICW. Like it’s sister cruising waters of the Chesapeake Bay, the many rivers and creeks along the shores of North Carolina’s sounds are dotted with waterfront communities that invite you to explore the local culture, foods, and history. The area’s heritage dates back over 300 years. The callings of the Roanoke, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Croatan, and Chowan, are inviting you into a new cruising adventure. Learn how Native Americans lived in this resource rich area; follow in the wake of the area’s first English settlers; visit where 51 women signed their real names to a document sent to King George that they planned to boycott all British goods. This was to be known as the “Edenton Tea Party”.
Whether you are traveling back north for the summer, or making plans for this Fall’s trip south, the rivers and communities that frame the Albemarle Sound are inviting you to explore their shores and experience their warm southern hospitality.
A community of marine businesses and historical locations, located on and around the Albemarle Sound of North Carolina, have organized to serve boaters through The Albemarle Loop, https://www.albemarleloop.com
This group of marine businesses and waterfront towns have joined together to educate and invite the area boaters and cruising enthusiasts to “enjoy the journey and the destinations,” to be their guests, and to let the area’s warm hospitality, culture, and history be part of your personal enjoyment.
Passport
And while you are doing so, you can earn points towards rewards for free nights at their participating marinas. Points earned accrue from year to year and when you reach certain levels you earn levels of what is known as “Cruising Passport Member Levels” which start at “Surveyor” and go up to “Explorer” and “Voyager”.
Check out this link to see all the discounts and other rewards available from participating businesses located at or near participating marinas: https://albemarleloop.com/coupons.html
How’s that for welcoming hospitality??
Participating marinas will be in italics with an asterisk, eg. *Albemarle Plantation.
Since we are currently in the late months of Spring, let’s assume most of our readers have the pointed end of their vessels to the north. You will find Albemarle Sound as you leave the Pamlico Sound, either through the Pungo River into the ICW Canal and into the Alligator River or to the west or east of Roanoke Island around Manteo, NC.
Yacht Doc at Cypress Cove
One of your starting points into the Albemarle Loop experience might be *Shallowbag Bay Marina on the east side of Roanoke Island in Manteo, NC. You are within easy walking distance to the most interesting town of Manteo, NC. Near by is the seasonal outdoor presentation of the “Lost Colony.” If you are inclined to stick to the ICW route, leaving Pamlico Sound into the Pamlico River, then into the Pungo River and through the ICW Canal into the Alligator River, a good place to rest before “looping” is *Alligator River Marina.
If you are headed back towards Chesapeake, most suggest starting this journey on the south side of Albemarle Sound, visiting small towns and villages like Columbia, NC, where your host would be *Columbia Municipal Marina, or * Yacht Doc at Cypress Cove.
Progressing on westward towards the town of Plymouth, your host marina, *Plymouth Landing Marina (City Docks), lies along the upper area of the Roanoke River.
Edenton
Then head over the north side of Albemarle Sound into Edenton Bay and the charming town of Edenton, NC where you are invited to stay two nights free at *Edenton Harbor Marina. At the Colonial Edenton Downtown Harbor, you can dock while you visit and enjoy this charming town. The Harbor has, within walking distance, many historical homes, restaurants and shops. Lots to do, even a “Ghost Walk” ! Information is available below outlining the rules, regulations and rates for using the docks. Contact: 252-482-2832 (phone) Email: edenton.harbor@edenton.nc.gov
Transient boaters are also welcome to a full service marina, Wharf Landing Marina, but it is not close to the town itself, about five miles west of the town. While in Edenton, you will find many fun places to satiate your yearnings for sea food or other southern culinary delights. But one “particular harbor”, (my Jimmy Buffett, slips in every now and then), where you will want to dine, is *The 51 House. There you can tie up and enjoy some very fine traditional American delights. The old home overlooks Albemarle Sound and is a fine example of a waterfront setting, great food and warm hospitality. It takes its inspiration from Revolutionary War period when 51 women of the local area had “tea” together and drafted, signed, and sent to England a document stating that they would be boycotting all British goods. This would later be known as the “Edenton Tea Party.”
Albemarle Plantation
Looking for a place to retire, or to just have that residence on some tranquil, beautiful southern waters, then next stop is *Albemarle Plantation with their full service modern marina. Take a look at some nice home locations and get off the boat to go swimming in their pool or play a round of golf. Catch some awesome sun rises and sunsets. Check out this video link to this pristine location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt0j-8zCleA&t=18s
Continuing eastwards, you can take a run up the Perquiman River to the town of Hertford and stay at their *Hertford Bay Marina. It’s a nice ride up this river and a quiet place to get some R&R. The marina is small, nine slips with water, shore power for both 30 and 50 amps, waste pump-out, and the first 48 hours are free. Town is historic and has an aggressive program developing the historical homes and places.
Mariners Wharf, Elizabeth City
On your way north, I highly recommend you experience the Dismal Swamp Canal, and its host city, “The Harbor of Hospitality,” *Elizabeth City, at their *Mariners Wharf which is right in the town proper. Or stay just across the small Hwy 158 bridge at *The Pelican Marina, which is a very easy walk over to town. Elizabeth City was founded in 1793, the same year construction started on the Dismal Swamp Canal, which was a key to safe commercial water passage between the Chesapeake Bay’s Elizabeth River in Norfolk, VA, and North Carolina coastal waters. Elizabeth City is rich in history, filled with fun and excellent places to eat or “dine”, and it is home to the Museum of the Albemarle. We could fill pages on this delightful town, check it out here: https://visitelizabethcity.com/ ENJOY.
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
Then on to the Dismal Swamp Canal as you continue your cruise towards Chesapeake Bay. The *Dismal Swamp Welcome Center” is one of North Carolina’s most beautiful “rest stops” and it is next to a “SWAMP”. But not your ordinary swamp!
As mentioned briefly above, the Dismal Swamp Canal is a national treasure, and so very worth the trip. Explore the rich history and colorful past as well as the floral beauty and wildlife. Take the ranger led tours, participate in the interpretive programs, and let the secrets of the Dismal Swamp Canal awaken you to a new experience. Here’s the link to their website: https://dismalswampwelcomecenter.com/
Be sure to take full advantage of all the special offers available through the Albemarle Loop group of marine businesses to enhance your cruise and save you some money. Website address: https://www.albemarleloop.com
We wish all fair winds and gentle seas.
***********
Editor’s note: Several of the marinas on the Loop route are Cruisers’ Net Sponsors and this FOCUS ON article is brought to you by the following CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS:
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Comments from Cruisers (4)
Winston Fowler- September 16, 2025 - 10:49 am
Stephen – Check with both Dowry Creek Marina and McCotter's Marina. They may be able to help – Also, Albemarle Plantation may be able to help especially if they know of your intent to do the loop.
Are the any points on the loop tata I would be able to park a trailer while on the loop? I had talked to Mackies marina , however they are closed now ,looks like permanently closed
The Albemarle Loop has such great marinas, each with a unique personality. Sailing on the Albemarle Sound is a treat, as you rarely see another boat…..beauty just for you.
This stretch of shoaling has been a Problem Stretch for some time, see https://cruisersnet.net/153694. Our thanks to Phillip Mullins for this most recent warning.
Just south of IOP connector high-rise bridge Isle of Palms South Carolina red day mark 118. Middle of channel on the magenta line it was four feet deep two hours after low tide on May 2nd. You must hug the Daymark 118 to get around this low spot in the Waterway. It is not marked and I have seen no information about it. There is 10 to 12 feet next to marker 118.
Crept through at 30-minutes after low tide. This entire stretch between the bridges is a very challenging area. We draw 4′. Stayed in center most of the time for 5′-8′, favored the red side opposite the small inlets for double-digit depths. Just south of the high rise bridge, it is shoal on the red side. A sailboat with 5.5′ draft was aground; 50′ sportfisherman was just off center to red side and being pulled off as we approached. Much less stressful to do this stretch at mid-tide or more.
A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Dowry Creek Marina, now under new management and ownership by The Zeltner family who want to “roll out the red carpet” to transients, doing whatever you might need during your visit to this highly praised and transient friendly marina lying off the AICW/Pungo River north of Belhaven, NC. Upon their retirement from shore life, the Zeltners went shopping for a trawler and ended up buying Dowry Creek Marina! Steve, Connie and their grown children, Teresa, Zac and Nicole will treat you like family!
Jeff has been acting on an older Cruisers’ Net posting re compressed natural gas. If you can direct Jeff to a source for CNG , let us hear from you!
Unfortunately, it seems this is a dead end. I have called the number above and getting no answer and a voicemail box that is full. I feel like I’m the only one that has CNG on my boat. No one seems to know where or how to get these refilled. If anyone has any updated information about this, please let me know.. Thanks Jeff Sawyer
This dredging operation is west of the Pensacola Beach Bridge, Pensacola, FL.
FL – GIWW – SANTA ROSA SOUND – Dredge Operation Continuing until further notice, the Dredge KELLY L will be conducting dredging operations to remove shoaling in an area between GIWW, mile 179.0, EHL and GIWW, mile 180.0, EHL. Dredge material will be disposed into an upland disposal area located just south of the channel utilizing floating and submerged pipelines. All vessels will be lighted in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard Safety Regulations. The Dredge KELLY L will be monitoring VHF-FM Channel 13 or 16. Mariners are urged to exercise caution when transiting the area. Chart 11378 11383 LNM 18/18
We recently spent time in Spanish Wells. While there we stumbled on a unique radio station. It’s on 89.9 FM and is very low power so you can only listen in the immediate Spanish Wells area. This is no normal commercial radio station. It is the most ecletic station that I’ve found. In one set you can hear Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, Glenn Campbell, Depeche Mode, Bruno Mars, and the list goes on. The breadth of the playlist is truly amazing and entertaining. The “station” is run out of the back of the liquor store on the north road. While there check out the ultra-light in the front yard.
Chris, the owner of the station is wonderful! He also built an ultra light and you can see his video of his plane and learn more about it on his you tube site -just google Chris Weed Hopper 2018. Chris is multitalented and full of personality and love of life! We enjoyed meeting him this week.
Our thanks to Great Loopers, Jan and David Irons, for sharing their very attractive blog with our readers. The Waterway photography is exceptional! See The Rock Pile for Claiborne Young’s take on this unusual stretch south of Myrtle Beach.
The “Rock Pile” is a man-made canal-like section of the AICW, officially known as the Pine Island Cut, running between Little River and Waccamaw River. The canal is narrow and lined with submerged rocks and a rock shelf, just a foot or two below the water’s surface.
When the USACOE was building this portion of the AICW in the 1930’s they encountered a sold shelf of granite. The Corps simply blasted through this obstruction, but, over the years, the soft silt above and below these rocky outcropping has washed away, making the canal now appear wider than it really is. Also, over the years, many portions of the rock shelf have broken off, and left all sort of underwater rocks waiting to trap keels and underwater hardware. Cruisers are urged to hold as close to the mid-width of the Pine Island Cut as possible, and announce their presence on VHF in case large commercial traffic is approaching, which could force you out of the channel’s mid-line and onto the “rocks,” especially at high tide when the rocks are fully submerged. Our suggestion is to keep a sharp lookout for rocks and IDIOTS!
Cruising the Carolinas, Great Loopers encounter long stretches of ICW lined with cypress swamps & a few scary spots with names like Lockwood Folly & The Rock Pile waiting to snare unexpecting Loopers. Don’t miss Bald Head Island to climb Old Baldy or the Mile Hammock Anchorage where, if you’re lucky, you might see Marines training to protect our freedom. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now
The entrance to Cape Coral Bimini Basin is on the north shore of the Caloosahatchee River from Waterway marker 86 off Piney Point. These arrest allegations are unconfirmed at this time. See Bimini Basin Anchorage by Claiborne Young from a kinder, gentler time.
Bimini Basin in Cape Coral is a sheltered, convenient anchorage on the Caloosahatchee River (Florida Cross Waterway-Okeechobee waterway). The news has reported that the city fathers have decided that ANYONE THAT DINGHIES ASHORE WILL BE ARRESTED! August Trometer
Bad behavior has been an issue in Bimini Basin for some time:
What law is being broken? First- we are all for the mooring field. This place needs to be cleaned up. We anchor there for 3 days max to provision. We have a huge holding tank so that’s not an issue but there are too many unscrupulous dregs that ruin it for the rest of us responsible sailors a bad name. It’s a safe harbor for us and we use it as such. We’d rather be sailing the rumbline trust me. Fishbowls we no like.
There has been a growing collection of boats anchored in Bimini Basin. The majority are sailboats that appear abandoned or poorly maintained. There have been a few very nice boats that are occupied and this is what is generating issues with water quality since there are no pumpouts and those folks are not holding it until they go ashore to some facility. The basin is tidal and surrounded by high density housing therefor it is not certain that some or all of the pollution is from anchored boats. Many smaller powerboats pass through the basin everyday. There have been no arrests that I am aware of. There are two concrete docking piers for dingies.
I am in the Turks and Caicos and was surprised to have this message displayed when I clicked on the above link: “Forbidden – Visitors from your country are not permitted to browse this site.†???
Georgetown, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is home to Harborwalk Marina, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food, and shopping!
Port of Call – Georgetown, South Carolina There is a town, whose location astride the confluence of several rivers caught the attention of our nations earliest explorers, as early as 1526 when the Spanish recognized its natural resourcefulness and tried but failed to settle successfully. Then in 1729 the English actually laid out the town; its natural shipping port qualities provided an important role in our fight for independence during the Revolutionary War, and it was virtually unscathed during the Civil War, thriving to its prominence today. You don’t want to miss visiting historic and exciting, Georgetown, South Carolina, a delightful escape form 21st century hustle with its southern charm and hospitality. Sitting where several rivers, the scenic and mysterious Waccamaw, the Great Pee Dee, the Black, and Sampit rivers all yawn lazily into vastness of Winyah Bay, Georgetown constantly calls to mind its rich and storied past. For many years it was South Carolina’s most important port north of Charleston, this jewel of a coastal town retains its character of years ago while a new spirit of success sustains its future. Skippers and Captains who make Georgetown a “port of call” will be greeted with the warm hospitality of this quiet, historic town.
Georgetown County Museum
The heritage of the remarkable rice and indigo eras is important to fully appreciate Georgetown and its surrounding rivers and streams. Anyone who takes the time to examine their charts, will find that Georgetown is perfectly suited to take advantage of waterborne commerce. These same deep and easily navigable streams, today present a multitude of exploration opportunities for pleasure cruises. As you move quietly through these streams they gradually reveal one or more of the fabulous plantation houses that have survived hundreds of years. As you enter Georgetown’s harbor on the Sampit River, the first marina is Hazzard Marine, which you will see on your starboard side. Located a little further from the historical and dining areas, you are still with in a nice easy walk to the towns central area. Hazzard Marine is a full-service marina and boat yard with transient dockage on floating docks, 30/50-amp power, fuel, and pump-outs. Internet link: www.hazzardmarine.com
Further into the harbor on starboard, is Harborwalk Marina. It is on the boardwalk in the heart of Georgetown’s historic district, shopping, and dining areas. Harborwalk Marina has fuel, pump outs, laundry, lounge, showers, and ships store, along with floating and fixed docks with power services for 30/50/100-amp services. I must say, at Harborwalk you are right in the heart of town, right on Front Street where you are just a few enjoyable steps to 16 restaurants, 23 stores, 5 museums, and more all downtown. We strongly suggest that you first stop by the Georgetown Chamber which is on the same grounds as Harborwalk Marina. Pick up a town and tour pamphlet. A little planning can help you get much more accomplished and everyone highly recommends one of the many tour excursions. Ask about the light in the window story surrounding the Heriot-Tarbox House. Ghosts? You will have to see for yourself. Do a quick check to see what is going on in the Francis Marion Park, where there is often “Music In The Park” concerts and be sure to see what the “Swamp Fox Players” are up to. Could be very entertaining. You will easily spot the Clock Tower of the Old Market Building which houses the Rice Museum, a most interesting treasure of the community that helps one understand how Georgetown’s rice and indigo production was a good for some, but there was a sad side also. None-the-less, the town has survived many economic ups and downs and serious disasters. See the story of an African-American, born into slavery and later in life became the first African-American elected to the US House of Representatives. Next door and part of the exhibits is the oldest recovered vessel of colonial times; built around 1730, the Browns Ferry Vessel, a general-purpose freighter in its day, used on the local rivers. It was discovered on the bottom of the Black River in 1974 and has been carefully treated and reconstructed for display. Don’t miss the South Carolina Maritime Museum in the heart of Georgetown’s Historic District. The SC Maritime Museum is the creation of the “Harbor Historical Association” to help celebrate the maritime history of South Carolina and Georgetown, the states second largest port. On exhibit there is the Fresnel lens from the North Island lighthouse; enjoy the museums many programs and events that tell of South Carolina’s storied maritime history. It is also a perfect place to find that unique nautical gift.
Kids at the Museum
Dining is really fun and a treat in Georgetown, with the local “Lowcountry cooking,” casual waterfront dining, to the finer upscale restaurants. Almost every skipper I’ve spoken to has enjoyed “Thomas’s Café” for either breakfast of lunch as well The River Room, or Atlantic House Restaurant, or Beef O’Brady’s, (all my Irish friends), you name it Georgetown has it, from international specialties to local specialties, you will not be without something special to please your appetite. Shopping right in the heart of town is fun, no big box stores, most are owned and operated by local citizens, how refreshing. From antiques to local artisans’ crafts, to coastal boutiques for men and women, there is something for everyone. A great place to find that special birthday, Mother or Father’s Day, Christmas, or personal gift for someone special. If you need to take a night or two off from the live-aboard routine, and that is highly recommended, go get pampered; historic Georgetown is ready to accommodate with a host of fine bed-and-breakfasts inns and motels. Be sure when staying in one of the historic inns to check for the resident ghosts, that so loved Georgetown after their lives here, they have stayed in town. Georgetown once visited, will always be a part of you. Wonderful memories will be created and the warm hospitality will pull you back someday. Stop by, for at least several days or more in this coastal port-of-call. Georgetown’s southern charm is calling you.
Our thanks to Monty Lewis of Explorer Charts, long the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, for this update on SVRS in the Bahamas.
SVRS will be replaced by CBP ROAM app Published April 28, 2018 | By Marc-Juno The U.S. Customs CBP ROAM app allows pleasure boaters to report their arrival using their smartphone. After submitting a report of arrival using the app a video chat with a Customs officer will begin.
I called U.S. Customs. The CBP ROAM app is available for use in Florida. In addition, the SVRS – Small Vessel Reporting System – Local Boater Option will be discontinued at some time in the future, if not soon. They are encouraging everyone, including SVRS members, to use the App now.
The exact app name is: CBP ROAM Available for Android and Apple
Larry and Kathryn Byrd request recent information on the Okeechobee Rim Route, so let us hear from you! The Indiantown Bridge restrictions, ending June 12, are the most recent issue Cruisers’ Net has posted.
Has any cruiser run the OWW rim route lately. Any advice is appreciated. Larry & Kathryn Byrd – Aboard SLO M’OCEAN
May be a bit out of date but in late February there was an electric cable across channel by Torry Island road bridge at about 30 feet. Its supposed to be being lifted to 50ft plus but have not heard any updates since. Sorry I have no further info.
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility and A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC.
NC has one of the country’s most beautiful rest stops – and it’s next to a swamp
The welcome center also serves as a gateway to Dismal Swamp State Park, just across the canal, a 22-mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway that connects the Elizabeth River in Virginia with the Pasquotank River near Elizabeth City.
Remember these old Evinrude ads? The family “run-about” is exactly how many of us got hooked on boating. Our trips up and down the Waterway with two daughters are highlights of our family’s history. My wife and I are still amazed at how easily the girls, ages 10 and 7, adapted to the confines of a 34ft trawler. Our advice, do not leave those kids at home!
It is always a pleasure to get good news from the Bahamas after hurricane damage many facilities and resorts suffered. Our thanks to William Cannon for this review.
Great time at Chubb Cay Bahamas After watching and hoping Chubb would be finished one day, that time has come . The clubhouse is amazing, with very friendly staff and amazing food. Tito, the Operation Manager , was very proud to talk about even more to come… adding 1000’ Ft to the runway, new spa coming in May. Seems they are really becoming a destination, not just a stop over… so great to see. William Cannon
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