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    • 7 Comments 34.6233,-76.54899999

      Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage (off the AICW, via Beaufort Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean)


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      Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage
      Lat/Lon: 34 37.395 North/076 32.931 West
      Location: lies east of Cape Lookout Bight’s marker #1
      Minimum Depth: 15 to 30 feet
      Special Note: Be sure to cruise to Cape Lookout Bight by way of Beaufort Inlet and the ocean. While it is possible to enter Cape Lookout Bight from the rear by way of Back Sound and Barden Inlet, this route is shallow and subject to continual change. Don’t even think about attempting this back door without very specific, up-to-date local knowledge
      Swing Room: sufficient room for most any size vessel
      Foul Weather Shelter: Good, but somewhat open to northern and northeastern winds

      Rating:

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      Comments from Cruisers (7)

      1. steven -  August 10, 2015 - 9:01 pm

        Best place on earth

        Reply to steven
      2. Debbie and Howard -  September 28, 2014 - 11:58 am

        Absolutely one of the most beautiful anchorages! We spent a few days there 2 yrs ago, and were there for 6 nights a few weeks ago. During the week and non-holiday weekends, there are typically only 3-4 boats. Wild horses on the Shackleford Banks shore. Finding numerous and varied seashells is a highlight as well as touring the lighthouse and beachcoming. We had visits from large sea turtles and a river otter. It’s an easy 7 mile trek east of the Beaufort inlet.
        Debbie and Howard
        S/V Dreamer

        Reply to Debbie
      3. D. Davis -  September 28, 2014 - 11:57 am

        It appears Will & Sheila have discovered one of the best kept secrets on the coast. We all hear that Key West is the only spot on the east coast to watch the sun set over the ocean. Not So. Due to the NC coast at Beaufort and Cape Lookout running East-West not North-South, from the bite at Cape Lookout the sun comes up and set over the ocean. A truly beautiful spot.
        D. Davis

        Reply to D.
      4. Will Merriman -  September 26, 2014 - 4:34 pm

        Labor Day Weekend August 30 – September 2nd 2014
        Wow! Just Wow!

        This was our first time to Cape Lookout. This place is fantastic. The water is warm and clear enough to snorkel. About 7 -10 feet of visibility, The water has a green tint to it.
        We anchored about 3/4 of the way into the bite. We were in 25 feet of water and just a short dinghy row from the beach.
        When we first arrived I was concerned because there must have been close to 100 boats in there. However, we had no problem finding a place to drop the hook. The very next morning most of the boats were gone, By day 3 there were only a handful.
        The sunsets and sunrises are super. The light house looks great. Although we didn’t make it up to the top. Good fishing, nice walks on the beach,
        Anybody who is sailing the coast and doesn’t stop by here is missing out.

        Will & Sheila
        s/v Sheila B

        Reply to Will
      5. Frank Erwin -  May 5, 2014 - 9:16 am

        The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is now going to be open to climb to the top, starting May 14 – only Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am – 3:45 pm. (It closes again September 22) Anchor and dinghy ashore!!!!
        Frank Erwin

        Reply to Frank
      6. Doug Cordello -  October 14, 2012 - 3:03 pm

        Oct 5 Anchored at Lookout Point [Cape Lookout Bight], great anchorage very calm and clean water, well worth the short trip.
        Doug Cordello

        Reply to Doug
      7. George and Ann -  October 28, 2010 - 8:47 am

        This is worth a special trip. Cruisers who by-pass this on their way south are missing one of the most beautiful places on the eastern seaboard. If you are headed to the Exumas, well here is a preview for you. Clean water, miles of undeveloped gorgeous beaches inside the Bight and outside on the ocean with world-class shells (it’s a National Seashore). Break out the dinghy and stay a few days! Only 12 NM from Morehead City. You are on open ocean, so mind the surf and current forecast for navigating the inlet and the trip over there. In good conditions you can cut straight to Masonboro Inlet 70NM from here and miss some of the less attractive parts of the ICW (in our opinion)
        George and Ann aboard Hatteras 56MY

        Reply to George
    • 2 Comments 34.6853,-77.129999

      Swansboro Anchorage


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      Statute Mile: 229
      Lat/Lon: 34 41.115 North/077 07.201 West
      Location: in the Swansboro channel between unlighted nun buoy #2 and the fixed, low level White Oak River bridge
      Minimum Depth: 8-feet
      Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 48 feet
      Special Comment: This anchorage is swept by strong tidal currents. Be sure your hook is well set.
      Foul Weather Shelter: Fair; wide open to southwesterly winds

      Rating:

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      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Nicole -  December 5, 2009 - 7:33 pm

        We anchored here last night and had a really hard time. We had dinner on a fellow cruisers boat and came back out to find our boat had dragged over 100 feet. We have a fishermen’s anchor that is rated for 60 foot boat (we have a 28 foot sailboat) and it was good and set when we left. When the current shifted the chain, the boat sailed around the anchor, fouled it and caused us to drift. (which has never happened to us before.) We grounded briefly which saved our boat from hitting any other boats but it was a tricky proposition to move the boat back to a good spot in that current, we set out a second anchor and spent most of the night checking it on the half hour to make sure we were staying in one spot. The current is swift and some of the holding ground is not great especially when the current switches, when we pulled up anchor today to go to Dudley’s Marina to sit out a blow(75 cents a foot by the way, worth it to not have to deal with an anchoring nightmare) our anchor had fouled again. Use heavy anchors if you are going to anchor here and try to be near your boat when the tide switches because it is a very challenging location.

        Reply to Nicole
      2. Claiborne -  July 24, 2009 - 9:21 am

        We anchored just downstream of the bridge in July 2008. Good holding. A fair weather anchorage with currents no more or less strong than those all along the coast from Beaufort, NC to Fernandina Bch, FL
        Rick

        Reply to Claiborne
    • 15 Comments 34.551,-77.32529999

      Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage


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      Statute Mile: 244.5
      Lat/Lon: near 34 33.058 North/077 19.510 West
      Location: entrance channel lies north of the gap between the ICW’s flashing daybeacon #66 and unlighted daybeacon #67
      Minimum Depth: 8-feet
      Special Comment:These waters are under the control of the US Marines. Anchorage may not permitted during certain exercises
      Swing Room: sufficient for vessels as large as 50 feet
      Foul Weather Shelter: Good

      Rating:

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      Comments from Cruisers (15)

      1. Phil Mullins -  September 6, 2013 - 5:52 pm

        We’ve stayed at Mile Hammock several times, never when it is as calm as the picture shows [http://cruisersnet.net/?p=122589]. If you happen to arrive when the Marines are training, it can be quite tedious.
        We arrived at 2 pm one afternoon and helicopter pilots were training and were landing just off the Northern bank every 10 minutes. At first we thought it was cool, but with the roar from the engines, it became quite distracting, especially when they didn’t finish until 10 pm that night. The holding has gotten suspect and we have had to anchor several times until our anchor took hold. It still is a good anchorage if you can get your anchor to work. Good cruising.
        Phil Mullins
        S/V Katash

        Reply to Phil
      2. Gregory Yount, SV Intermezzo -  June 15, 2013 - 3:33 pm

        Stayed here in January 2013, as well as May of 2013.

        Quiet anchorage in January, pretty noisy in May. Helicopter flights – landings and takeoffs – included passing directly overhead at less than 500 ft, continued until 10:30 pm this May! My wife did not have to remind me to turn on the anchor light that evening.

        I also found the area of poor holding this May. We slowly dragged as we set the anchor. Pulled it up, and on the second try, setting it more slowly, finally got it to grab. Interesting after maybe 100+ nights on the hook along the ICW, this is the only spot we didn’t grab the bottom first try. We may have powered down on it faster than the bottom could handle. Maybe the trick here is to back down a bit slower than normally.

        Reply to Gregory
      3. s/v Skye -  May 13, 2013 - 10:03 am

        Usually stay there and did again 5/8/13. Entered at mid/lower tide and had 8′, favoring red side. Quiet night after noisy afternoon with practicing landings by helicopters and vertical lift airplanes. Interesting show though!
        s/v Skye

        Reply to s/v
      4. Jean Thomason -  May 12, 2013 - 3:04 pm

        We have anchored in Mile Hammock Bay many time, recently in April. Entrance depths are good – I can’t remember exact depths but I would say more than 7 ft. We were not bothered at any time by night maneuvers, though I remember a flight of heliocopers without lights in the early evening after dark several years ago – very ineresting. We have also seen during the day other interesting craft – a HUGE hovercraft and the Osprey which takes off vertically and flies horizontally. In April all was quiet. The big rusted ship is gone.
        Jean Thomason

        Reply to Jean
      5. Stephen and Beth Deitch -  May 11, 2013 - 8:14 am

        Very easy to enter. Depths 8 to 12 feet as charted. We recommend stopping earlier rather than later during the Spring and Fall migrations as it is a popular place that does fill up. The is a shallow area furthest in, but again charts are correct.
        We have never been disturbed by night activity on Camp LeJeune. You may expect to see amphibious training or Blackhawk or Osprey aircraft during the day. We look forward to it.
        Lastly, ALWAYS listen to VHF 16 when progressing further north for the occasional times when there is live fire across the ICW. Traffic is allowed only hourly then.
        Stephen & Beth Deitch
        Nightingale

        Reply to Stephen
      6. Tom Law -  May 10, 2013 - 3:43 pm

        We were there a few days ago [as of 5/10/13] with ten other boats. Plenty of room. The entrance is buoyed with red and green marks and we came in at high tide with plenty of water (17 feet or more). The anchorage was great – very secure and quiet. There were no maneuvers that night, only a few helicopters early evening. Recommended highly. Good holding in mud.
        Tom Law

        Reply to Tom
      7. Cathryn Rice -  April 20, 2012 - 3:36 pm

        We began our Loop in Florida a month ago and are anchored out tonight at Mile Hammock in the midst of Camp LeJeune, NC. Interesting noises outside (artillery and helicopters and Osprey).
        Cathryn Rice

        Reply to Cathryn
      8. Reid Gantt -  October 3, 2011 - 10:14 am

        For those heading south, Mile Hammock Bay is a very good anchoring area. It is a couple miles south of Onslow Beach Bridge and before the intersection of the ICW with the New River. The area is within the U.S. Marine Base Camp Lejeune but unless the Marines are having an exercise in the area, is available to ICW travelers. We keep our boat at Old Ferry Marina which is a couple miles up the New River, and frequently go to Mile Hammock Bay with others for rafting up, etc.
        Reid Gantt,
        Atlantic 30
        “Vouivre”

        Reply to Reid
      9. Ben -  July 21, 2010 - 4:30 pm

        Anchored in Mile Hammock Bay on 19-Jul-2010. Wanted to make an early start and pulled anchor in a SE wind, blowing us NW and aground. We were NW of the last marker in. Got to do the Onslow County Dance on the floor of Mile Hammock Bay, pushing and cajoling our trawler in waist-deep-water, in the right direction until climbing back aboard, starting engine, and moving off. Marines took there hovercraft out the night before, so we were entertained by that and some V-22 Ospreys doing maneuvers before anchoring. Floor of MHB, dark mud, shells, pretty hard. Still cleaning the mud from my tennis shoes.

        Reply to Ben
      10. Dick Litchfield -  May 22, 2010 - 5:22 pm

        When we got to Mile Hammock Bay, there were already 5 boats anchored. We found a spot just inside the basin entrance and dropped the hook. Later four more boats joined the anchorage making a total of ten boats (make that eleven counting the permanent resident). Considering the high wind situation (20 and gusting) we all needed maximum swing room. The wind stayed strong until sometime after 0130. Despite other’s remarks on holding, our Rocna held firm with only 5:1 all chain scope.

        Reply to Dick
      11. Larry Morrow -  February 23, 2010 - 9:22 pm

        Spent a very calm night here on 21 Feb 2010. We were the only boat in the anchorage as would be expected this time of the year. Leaving the next morning we found two dredges at the New River Inlet. We did bump going past them but after calling the lead dredge, we found the right path and never saw less than 10 feet.

        Reply to Larry
      12. Bill, -  October 22, 2009 - 6:42 pm

        There is one spot where getting an anchor to set can be more difficult. Directly in front and close to the large ramp can sometimes be a difficult spot, at least with CQR. Have had similar problem there twice now, and since it was sparsely populated, spent a couple of hours playing with scope, backing down/not back down, etc before giving up and moving further to the east(?) and edge of the charted white area resulted in good holding. One of only 2 spots that Kittiwake has had trouble more than once. While anchored the marines did some underwater navigation, and it was enjoyable to watch – Kittiwake was an obstacle. Remember, it’s the marine corps water (just like the bridge), and they’re usually nice enough to let us use it.
        Bill,
        s/v Kittiwake

        Reply to Bill,
      13. Capt Bill, s/v Kittiwake -  October 22, 2009 - 4:36 pm

        There is one spot where getting an anchor to set can be more difficult. Directly in front and close to the large ramp can sometimes be a difficult spot, at least with CQR. Have had similar problem there twice now, and since it was sparsely populated, spent a couple of hours playing with scope, backing down/not back down, etc before giving up and moving further to the east(?) and edge of the charted white area resulted in good holding. One of only 2 spots that Kittiwake has had trouble more than once. While anchored the marines did some underwater navigation, and it was enjoyable to watch – Kittiwake was an obstacle. Remember, it’s the marine corps water (just like the bridge), and they’re usually nice enough to let us use it.

        Reply to Capt
      14. Bill & Laura Bender -  July 30, 2009 - 10:26 am

        We did spend an eveing in Mile Hammock Bay. The 2 sailboats nor we had any holding issues but another trawler who was using nylon rode and not enough of it dragged aground after spending almost 2 hrs trying to set his anchor and gave SeaTow some b’ness. He was scary and we wanted him to experience the security of a marina for the nite but he gave it another go and used 2 anchors which worked well.
        Bill & Laura Bender
        M/VKindred Spirit III

        Reply to Bill
      15. Pat Cummins -  July 30, 2009 - 9:36 am

        Anchored there mid July this year without any hassle from the military. Two other sailboats were there ahead of us. Last year passing through that area we were delayed (the ICW was closed) due to military maneuvers. Kind of interesting to watch but glad it wasn’t in the sweltering heat.
        Pat Cummins, s/v Kentris

        Reply to Pat
    • 1 Comment 34.3918,-77.60169999

      Topsail Channel/Island Anchorage


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      Statute Mile: 265
      Lat/Lon: near 34 23.505 North/077 36.094 West
      Location: northwest of the charted marsh island lying southwest of the Topsail Channel’s unlighted daybeacon #14
      Minimum Depth: 7-feet, but entrance channel is unmarked
      Special Comment:Use of a GPS chartplotter is highly recommended to facilitate safe entry into this anchorage
      Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 38 feet
      Foul Weather Shelter: fair, open to southwestern and northeastern winds

      Rating:

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      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. David Boxmeyer -  February 24, 2014 - 10:39 am

        Just off the ICW with an easy entrance and exit. We found 10 foot of water at one hour before high tide. As you enter stay pretty close to the markers until you get up to the docks, at that point favor the dock side. We anchored just south of the charted shoal between the marker and the line of crab pots to the west. There is some high speed traffic past this point, but that stops when the sun goes down. You can hear the ocean surf. 4 bars on Verizon Air Card. If you are northbound, this is a good place to stay and than catch the Surf City Bridge opening, 3 miles north, the next morning.

        Reply to David
    • No Comments 34.3883,-77.60499999

      Topsail Channel Anchorage


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      Statute Mile: 265
      Lat/Lon: near 34 23.297 North/077 36.296 West
      Location: anchorage lies south, southwest of the correctly charted shoal, south of the small, marsh island, west of marker #13
      Minimum Depth: 6 to 9 feet
      Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 48 feet
      Foul Weather Shelter: fair, but wide open to southern and southwestern winds

      Rating:

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    • 8 Comments 34.2041,-77.79939999

      Banks Channel Northside Anchorage


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      Statute Mile: 280
      Lat/Lon: near 34 12.425 North/077 47.958 West
      Location: on the mid-line of the Banks Channel, north-northeast of this cut’s intersection with the Motts Channel, and south-southwest of the 8-foot fixed bridge
      Minimum Depth: 6-feet
      Special Note: Motts Channel, which many vessels use for access to the Banks Channel anchorage from the AICW, is subject to shoaling. Periodic dredging usually keeps this problem in check, but between dredging projects, depths can become quite suspect on Motts Channel. For best depths, favor Motts Channel’s southern (green side) flank as you enter from the AICW.
      Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 50 feet
      Foul Weather Shelter: Good, but open to strong southwesterly winds
      Dinghy Dock Access: Public dinghy dockage available at Wynn Plaza, flanking Banks Channel’s eastern shores, just south of the 8-foot fixed bridge.South Beach Grill located just across street from dinghy dock, and within one to two blocks, you will find the King Neptune Restaurant, Vitos Pizza, Baja Mexican Grill, a coffee shop and Roberts Grocery and Market

      Rating:

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      Comments from Cruisers (8)

      1. Ted -  May 8, 2016 - 4:32 pm

        I was amazed at the amount of speedboats running thru the ancnorage on plane. A constant parade on a Sunday afternoon. Many seemed to enjoy the sport of sloloming between anchored boats on half plane putting out big wakes. Then to my total amazement, a marine sheriff boat came thru, on half plane, and did nothing about hi speed boats running thru here!
        They really dont seem to care about basic safety and courtesy in Wrightsvill beach. The cop must have neen on his way to patrol the bathrooms.

        Reply to Ted
      2. s/v Skye -  May 13, 2013 - 10:05 am

        Anchored below the bridge in Banks Channel on 5/7/13. Have anchored there several times. Left on 5/8 by way of Motts channel in morning at high tide with plenty of water. Will not consider entering by Motts channel near low tide. Confirmed potential problems with Boat US last fall.
        s/v Skye

        Reply to s/v
      3. John Pholeric -  May 10, 2013 - 9:27 am

        There is plenty of depth; however, leave plenty of scope. The current is strong, and the anchorage is open to the south. We did dingy to shore and walked around Wrightsville Beach, but did not eat ashore. There were a number of resteraunts some of which were closed for the season. Call ahead!
        John Pholeric

        Reply to John
      4. Captains Dan and Jaye Lunsford -  April 28, 2010 - 11:42 pm

        Very important – when coming into this anchorage/marina Red daymark 24 is destroyed! Stay far to the green side (almost outside of the channel near where R24 is located on your chart). There is a barge that unloads here, he pushes up to a ramp on the green side and keeps his motor running; the prop wash digs a deep hole on the green side and mounds it near R24. Depths as shallow as 3 feet have been reported at R24.
        We’ve been here (Seapath Yacht Club) for a week with transmission troubles, the staff was great as was the courtesy car. Very clean, close to basic needs (grocery, hardware stores). A bit rough in strong SW winds.
        Captains Dan and Jaye Lunsford

        Reply to Captains
      5. Rick Emerson -  October 28, 2009 - 9:36 pm

        We are currently lying in this anchorage and agree it’s not sheltered from southwesterly winds and only marginally better for northeasterly winds. The channel in easy to follow >if< you allow for the shoal NE of the R”14″. Holding seems to be good. Wakes can be an issue, particularly with small boat traffic running along the SE shore. The “not Rum Runner” location is the Blockade Runner hotel.

        Reply to Rick
      6. Perry & Kathy Sellars -  July 30, 2009 - 2:38 pm

        We were a week late getting to Wrightsville Beach, (due to extending our stay by a week at Barefoot Landing Resort Marina, arriving on the 3rd of July. Unfortunately, I forgot about the holiday weekend and didn’t have a marina reservation. We anchored south of the 8-foot bridge. Not having a dingy, we were boat-locked but had a wonderful time anyway. Went swimming by the boat to enjoy the beautiful blue water. Many boats were in the anchorage. One could almost walk from boat to boat.
        Perry & Kathy Sellars
        M/V Marsh Mellow

        Reply to Perry
      7. Bill & Laura Bender -  July 30, 2009 - 10:29 am

        We anchored in Wrightsville Beach across from the …not RUM Runner…but some kind of ‘Runner’ and took advantage of city’s very nice dinghy dock, were able to use our bikes…and rode to West Marine
        Bill & Laura Bender
        M/VKindred Spirit III

        Reply to Bill
      8. First & Ten -  July 27, 2009 - 11:41 am

        Banks Channel anchorage is fun because there are boats from all over. The dinghy dock is good for going ashore.
        Wright and Gladys Anderson
        First & Ten

        Reply to First
    • 3 Comments 34.2028,-77.80369999

      Banks Channel Southside Anchorage


       View In Chartview

      Statute Mile: 280
      Lat/Lon: near 34 12.167 North/077 48.213 West
      Location: south of the Banks Channel’s flashing daybeacon #15
      Minimum Depth: 6-feet
      Special Note: Motts Channel, which many vessels use for access to the Banks Channel anchorage from the AICW, is subject to shoaling. Periodic dredging usually keeps this problem in check, but between dredging projects, depths can become quite suspect on Motts Channel
      Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 50 feet
      Foul Weather Shelter: Fair, wide open to southwesterly winds

      Rating:

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      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. Charles Hagen -  June 30, 2017 - 9:14 am

        Good anchorage at N34 degrees 12.149′, W077 degrees 48.250′
        Room for 5-7 boats and MLW is about 12′. 2 knot current. Quiet at night.
        Charles Hagen

        Reply to Charles
      2. s/v Skye -  May 13, 2013 - 10:06 am

        Anchored below the bridge in Banks Channel on 5/7/13. Have anchored there several times. Left on 5/8 by way of Motts channel in morning at high tide with plenty of water. Will not consider entering by Motts channel near low tide. Confirmed potential problems with Boat US last fall.
        s/v Skye

        Reply to s/v
      3. Captains Dan and Jaye Lunsford -  April 28, 2010 - 11:42 pm

        Very important – when coming into this anchorage/marina Red daymark 24 is destroyed! Stay far to the green side (almost outside of the channel near where R24 is located on your chart). There is a barge that unloads here, he pushes up to a ramp on the green side and keeps his motor running; the prop wash digs a deep hole on the green side and mounds it near R24. Depths as shallow as 3 feet have been reported at R24.
        We’ve been here (Seapath Yacht Club) for a week with transmission troubles, the staff was great as was the courtesy car. Very clean, close to basic needs (grocery, hardware stores). A bit rough in strong SW winds.
        Captains Dan and Jaye Lunsford

        Reply to Captains
    • 18 Comments

      Carolina Beach Mooring Field

      Statute Mile: 295
      Lat/Lon: near 34 02.793 North/077 53.347 West
      Location: east-southeast of the Carolina Beach channel’s unlighted daybeacon #4 daybeacon #5
      Special Note: a mooring field opened at this location in February, 2012, displacing the anchorage
      Minimum Depth: 7-feet
      Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 42 feet
      Foul Weather Shelter: Excellent

      Rating:


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      Comments from Cruisers (18)

      1. John Loving -  October 30, 2013 - 4:18 pm

        A very nice anchorage/mooring field. Depths are 18-25 ft (with a lot of current), so I’m glad there are mooring balls.
        Randy came out at 5pm to collect the $20 and gives us the lay of the land. Although the mooring field was not full you might want to call him in advance …(929) 667-0004.
        Overall, a very pleasant stop.
        John Loving

        Reply to John
      2. Paula Spence -  August 30, 2013 - 4:29 pm

        We stayed here a year ago, and I was not looking forward to a second visit. We were only spending one night and after an 8 1/2 hour day I didn’t feel much like launching the dinghy from the second deck in the wind just to go pay our mooring fee. I was very happy to read that they now send a boat out each evening to collect fees. And great news – a second dinghy dock on the beach side with access to the beach is supposed to open in about two weeks!

        Reply to Paula
      3. Billy -  June 21, 2013 - 6:03 pm

        Raft off’s not allowed at Carolina Beach mooring as of 5-18-2013 even if all pays the $20. While there two local boats one hooked to ball other rafted off hooked to ball for less than an hour and were charged $20 each one was no more than 50 yards from his marina also the tender told me that the $20 is per calendar day if you are there on 18th is $20 still there on 19th another $20 not for a 24 hour time period as I left to help my friend get his boat back to marina and received a call stating that I would be sent a bill from Carolina Beach for $20 when told I was not staying that is when he told be it was not a 24 hour period. Just FYI for anyone else stopping by Carolina Beach mooing. Did enjoy my stay there as it was my first over nite trip and raft off with newly purchased sailboat.

        Reply to Billy
      4. Jerry Kusky -  May 14, 2013 - 3:25 pm

        We have stayed in Carolina Beach on the mooring balls on 2 occasions. The mooring ball fields is easy to enter right off the channel. The mooring field is less than 10 minutes at no wake speed off the ICW. The tethers on the mooring balls seem short (maybe 5 ft) so it’s easier to grab the tether from the side of the boat rather than from the bow. The city sends a boat to collect the mooring fee about 6 PM each evening.
        The City of Carolina Beach has a dinghy dock at the end of the channel which is less than 1/2 mile away. There is also a restaurant at the end of the channel that has a face dock. From the dinghy dock it is an easy walk to the beach.
        Jerry Kusky
        Knot So Fast

        Reply to Jerry
      5. Glen and Jill Moore -  May 14, 2013 - 3:24 pm

        The mooring field is easy to enter, with plenty of depth. The mooring balls are large, but the pendants are small and slimy. The dinghy dock is a long, long way down, at the end of the harbor. The moorings do provide a secure place to spend a night or to visit Carolina Beach for a day or two. At $20/night, they are over priced compared to other moorings. At the same price, St. Augustine offers a laundry, captains’ lounge, and quality heads/showers.
        Glen and Jill Moore
        DeFever 40 Last Dance

        Reply to Glen
      6. Richard B. Emerson -  November 20, 2012 - 1:05 am

        We used the Carolina mooring field on 16/17 Nov 12 and found it very easy to use and well worth the $20/night. The moorings have short pendants with a float and loop at the end. Pass a line through the loop to moor up. Randy, the guy who collects the money, is a former live-aboard and generally helpful guy.

        Access to the area is slightly complicated. Follow the ICW to G 161 and turn into the Carolina Beach basin channel’s R 2. Do /not/ try to round off the corner. A boat with 5.5′ draft hit and bumped when taking this shortcut.

        Reply to Richard
      7. One love -  October 2, 2012 - 9:58 am

        Great news . Looking foward to stop for a few cold ones.

        Carolina beach good work.

        Ed & Joyce

        Reply to One
      8. John Kettlewell -  October 1, 2012 - 10:25 am

        Those of us who prefer to anchor, and I have done so many times successfully in Carolina Beach, think the “slap in the face” is what we are getting! I know and trust my anchoring gear, and I go where I can use it. I didn’t spend thousands of dollars on it just to carry it around with me. Hopefully, sufficient room for anchoring will be retained.

        Reply to John
      9. John Winter -  September 28, 2012 - 10:39 am

        We just got back from a 4 month trip around the south, including FLA Keys. $20 is above market, but Carolina Beach, which is our part time home port, is a great stop. The balls are a good addition and it is good to see more mooring balls being installed in the south. We have also been to Maine on our boat, and the mooring balls there are more, but we found some that were as low as $15 and the highest was in Sag Harbor, Long Island, the cost was over $75 (we anchored – LOL) – supply and demand wins.
        John Winter

        Reply to John
      10. Harbormon -  September 28, 2012 - 10:37 am

        Well that’s a slap in the face to the forward thinking town of Carolina Beach for spending their local taxpayer’s money to establish and maintain a safe harbor and mooring field for transient boaters, especially in a harbor that is known for not having good anchoring conditions. Capt Mike was lucky he didn’t drag his anchor and he obviously doesn’t get around too much or he would know that a 24 hour mooring ball rental for $20 is well below the average cost virtually anywhere in the world, and worth every dime when you need it the most.
        Harbormon

        Reply to Harbormon
      11. Capt.RL -  September 19, 2012 - 2:37 pm

        Cruising News:
        What a great addition to this area. Arrived on Monday night 9/17/12. There is a big sign upon entering, just grab a ball and call or register on line. Boats from 26′ – 55′. Randy the dockmaster is great. He will come to your boat and collect the $20 fee not to mention that he offered to take us ashore or bring us ice if needed. Really glad to be on a ball during the big blow on Tuesday.
        Capt. RL

        Reply to Capt.RL
      12. Capt. Mike -  August 27, 2012 - 3:46 pm

        Cruising News:
        Visited the new Carolina Beach mooring field on August 18 and called the mooring mgr using the no. that was posted on the sign. Was told the fee was 20.00 for 24 hrs. No one was using the moorings. I dropped the hook 50 yards away for free. Plenty of room and depth. Too much to tie up on the ball, and free would be best as you will dingy to day-dock and spend money locally. At best have boats register for maybe a 5.00 fee… Just my thoughts on a nice protected basin.
        Capt Mike, Wilmington NC

        Reply to Capt.
      13. Dave Thomas -  April 29, 2012 - 1:52 pm

        Spent a nice relaxing night in Carolina Beach, NC in the new mooring field. This spot had a terrible bottom akin to pudding. The new concrete anchors sunk up to 8′ in the mud and now one feels quite secure.
        Dave Thomas

        Reply to Dave
      14. Dave Hough -  November 7, 2011 - 1:29 pm

        Today, 11/07/2011, survey boat was observed laying marker bouys for the future Carolina Beach mooring field. The bouys are south of the island just past daymark 5. There is still room for a few boats to anchor south of the island and room for a few on the north side of the island.

        Reply to Dave
      15. Jaen Thomason -  April 22, 2010 - 9:27 am

        One of our regular anchorages. Anchored here 4-20-10 in 9 ft MLW. There is now a very unattractive bait barge (selling bait I guess) anchored in the middle of the cove. Doesn’t interfere with anchoring though.
        Jean Thomason

        Reply to Jaen
      16. Jim Ebmeyer -  August 26, 2009 - 1:58 pm

        I anchored in this location in Oct 2001, with a Catalina 400. Plenty of room.

        Reply to Jim
      17. Ashley Erwin -  August 25, 2009 - 2:48 pm

        This is good anchorage in but not in heavy weather. My boat and one other were anchored here in a heavy NE gail, winds 35 kts and greater. Both of us dragged and tried reanchoring several times. We both finally had to go to a marina. The marina at marker “4” was kind enough to let us both tie up at his fuel dock for 2 days. All of the bridges going north were closed due the high winds and there was no traffic anyway. The locals told me afterwards that the bottom there is not good holding in heavy weather. Ashley and Carol, S/V Blind Date

        Reply to Ashley
      18. Wright and Gladys Anderson -  July 27, 2009 - 2:22 pm

        Carolina Beach is home for us. We have a condo there to live in when we get “old”. We stayed a month at federal Point Marina and the pool, personnel, and laundry were really nice. They have fireworks every Thursday and free movies Sunday at the lake all summer. A long walk but Granny’s has the best breakfast and Michaels the best chowder. The anchorage is not a problem. We met a couple from Sweden with a two meter draft who were anchored over July 4. Fort Fisher and the aquarium are a hit with visitors.
        Wright and Gladys Anderson
        First & Ten

        Reply to Wright
    • No Comments 34.1902,-77.9719999

      Southern Brunswick River Anchorage (9.3 Nautical Miles off the AICW, on Cape Fear River)


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      Southern Brunswick River Anchorage
      Lat/Lon: 34 11.410 North/077 58.261 West
      Location: Brunswick River intersects the Cape Fear River along this latter stream’s western banks, north of Cape Fear River marker #59
      Minimum Depth: 17 feet
      Special Note: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ANCHOR NEAR THE SOUTHERN MOUTH OF BRUNSWICK RIVER – CABLE AREA!!! – also, use of a GPS chartplotter is recommended for safe entry and exit from this anchorage
      Swing Room: sufficient room for most any size pleasure vessel
      Foul Weather Shelter: Good, but open to northern winds

      Rating:

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    • No Comments 34.2186,-77.97749999

      Southern Brunswick River Upstream Anchorage (11 Nautical Miles off the AICW, on Cape Fear River)


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      Southern Brunswick River Upstream Anchorage
      Lat/Lon: 34 13.118 North/077 58.644 West
      Location: anchorage lies on the centerline of southern Brunswick River, south of the charted, but unnamed “5 FT 1975” creek which makes into the river’s eastern banks; Brunswick River intersects the Cape Fear River along this latter stream’s western banks, north of Cape Fear River marker #59
      Minimum Depth: 13 feet
      Special Note: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ANCHOR NEAR THE SOUTHERN MOUTH OF BRUNSWICK RIVER – CABLE AREA!!! – also, use of a GPS chartplotter is recommended for safe entry and exit from this anchorage
      Swing Room: sufficient room for most any size pleasure vessel
      Foul Weather Shelter: Mostly good, but wide open to southern winds

      Rating:

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    • No Comments 34.2537,-77.98659999

      Northern Brunswick River Anchorage (15.8 Nautical Miles off the AICW, on Cape Fear River)


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      Northern Brunswick River Anchorage
      Lat/Lon: 34 15.224 North/077 59.187 West
      Location: south of the railway bridge at the charted position of “Navassa”
      Minimum Depth: 8 to 12 feet
      Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 36 feet
      Foul Weather Shelter: Good, only unusually strong southwestern winds might be a problem

      Rating:

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    • No Comments

      Dutchman Creek Anchorage

      Statute Mile: 310
      Lat/Lon: near 33 55.223 North/078 02.661 West
      Location: Dutchman Creek guards the Waterway’s northern shore just west of unlighted daybeacon #5
      Minimum Depth: 6-feet, but entrance poses some navigational challenges
      Special Note: Favor the easterly shoreline as you enter this stream. As the stream begins its charted turn to the northwest, immediately cruise back to the mid-width and anchor. Farther upstream, the bottom shelves upto 4-foot levels.
      Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 36 feet
      Foul Weather Shelter: Very good

      Rating:

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    • 3 Comments

      Calabash Creek Anchorage

      Statute Mile: 342
      Lat/Lon: near 33 52.353 North/078 34.176 West
      Location: off the eastern shores of Calabash Creek between Calabash Creek’s unlighted daybeacons #2 and #3
      Minimum Depth: 4 feet
      Special Comment: the southern entrance into Calabash Creek is shoaling, and this problem will probably worsen at time goes forward
      Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 40 feet
      Foul Weather Shelter: Excellent

      Rating:

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      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. Barry Umberger -  April 22, 2015 - 6:03 pm

        21 April 2015, attempted to anchor in the creek but saw that the anchorage had shoaled badly. Rather than anchor within the channel, we went back to Coquina Yacht Club marina for a fantastic rate of a dollar a foot plus three bucks for power with BoatUS. Third night is free. Very nice marina people…have scratched the Calabash creek anchorage off the list of possibilities. Too bad, considering we anchored there a little over two years ago and had fine depths and a very pleasant night…

        Reply to Barry
      2. Capt. Pat Carter -  October 10, 2012 - 8:47 am

        We attempted this anchorage on 10/6/2012 and found the entrance shallow at mid-tide and with one vessel in the anchorage, did not feel comfortable with minimal swing room for our 44′ sailboat and 5′ draft. The water here shallows up quickly.

        Reply to Capt.
      3. Pete & Mary Ann -  October 23, 2009 - 5:37 pm

        Nice spot and not difficult to enter at mid-tide. However, you will have charter tour and fishing boats going by you in the early AM and late afternoon. The current and not the wind (unless strong) determines which way you face.
        Pete & Mary Ann
        s/v MicMac
        10/22/09

        Reply to Pete
    • No Comments

      disclaimer

      Top

      Please note that channel conditions, depths, references to navigational aids and almost all on-the-water navigational and anchorage data is subject to change at any time. While we have been careful and attempted to verify all anchorage information, on-the-water conditions may be QUITE different by the time of your arrival. Failure to follow current on-the-water reality, even when it differs from the data contained in this anchorage directory, can result in expensive and dangerous accidents. There are potential hazards in any cruising situation, for which captains, navigators and crew are solely responsible.

      Neither I, nor any member of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net make any guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of the information contained within this Anchorage Directory, and will not accept any liability for injuries or damages caused to the reader by following this data!’

      A word about anchorage Lat/Lon co-ordinates given in the Anchorage Directory:

      We have included APPROXIMATE latitude and longitude positions of the recommended anchorages within this Anchorage Directory. All of these lat/lon positions are presented strictly for informational purposes; they must NOT be used as GPS or Loran way points!

      There are several reasons why. Loran C and GPS readings give mariners a straight-line distance or bearing to the intended way-point destination. Straight-line tracks do NOT take into account such vagaries as shoals you will need to avoid, peninsulas you will be unable to cross, or islands that just seem to get in the way.

      Please also note that anchorage Lat/Lon positions are given to help generally locate an overnight anchorage. With few exceptions, mariners need not drop the hook at the exact location given. Within most creeks, bays, and other sheltered bodies of water appropriate for anchorage, there will likely be many places where you can rest comfortably and safely for the evening, swinging tranquilly on the hook.

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    • by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

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