SC Anchorages – AICW, Waccamaw River to Waccamaw Point (Statute Mile 371 to 403)
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Please Note That Anchorages Below are Listed in A Rough Geographic Format , Moving North to South
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SC Anchorages – AICW, Calabash to Socastee Bridge (Statute Mile 343 to 371)
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Please Note That Anchorages Below are Listed in A Rough Geographic Format , Moving North to South
Bull Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 381)
If every anchorage were as nice as those on the AICW/Waccamaw River’s Bull Creek, we might never visit a marina again. Seriously fellow cruisers, it doesn’t get much better than this overnight haven, and, as you will see below, Captain Parish endorses this sentiment!
September 2009 – We anchored in Bull Creek just off the sand hill near the charted 14′ depth. This anchorage is similar in appearance and ambience to Throughfare Creek at it’s sand hill. One signficant difference: Bull Creek is widen and allows for more swing room/larger boats/more boats. Word of caution. We dropped the hook abeam of the sand hill and about 1/3 of the width of the creek from the sand hill. I noticed in setting and raising the anchor that I could feel some little tugs on the anchor and chain that were most likely caused by small soft rotten logs or tree trunks on the bottom. It took almost no effort to free the anchor and chain as I raised it, but the bottom is not debris free in that spot.
Rick ParishClick Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Bull Creek
Watch Out For Your Wake Near Statute Mile 436
The stretch of the AICW reported on below by Captain Dave is found south of McClellanville, near Awendaw Creek. This is the first I’ve heard about kayackers on these waters. Proceed with care!
Subject: dangerous wake
Cruising News: At approximately SM 436 just beyound R \”48\” southbound is a beach area that is apparently popular for kayakers. Because of the shallow water approaching the beach and the fact that it is located just beyond a small point, our wake was exagerated significantly. We could have caused damage but did not – but we left a very unhappy kayaker behind. Suffice it to say, reduce to no wake in advance of passing this point if anyone is on the beach. My apologies to the kayakers if they should read this.
Dave
on GB 46 At LastBe the first to comment!
Depths on AICW/Dawho River (near Statute Mile 498)
On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:
33. Has anyone encountered depth problems on the Dawho River portion of the AICW between markers #111 and #119? The Waterway uses the Dawho as a connector between the North and South Edisto Rivers. This stretch was dredged a few months ago, but shoals are sure to begin reappearing soon!
Responses follow:
Subject: North Edisto / Dawho River
Cruising News: South bound we essentially followed our magenta line and had good depths throughout. The magenta favored the red side of the channel. We passed 10 yards off 112, 50 yards of 111 and 113, turned a little early before 115 and favored the red side with 20 yards off 116. Good water all the way.
FL G 121 has southbound “12” sign missing. Easy to confuse until the green light is visible.
Dave on GB 46 At LastHi,
Came thru S.C. area today [10/13/09] between buoys 110 – 120 at dead low water and never saw less than 7 feet. This should relax followers.
EdBe the first to comment!
Socastee Swing Bridge Clearance More Than Listed (Statute Mile 371)
As Captain Dave notes below, it’s a very good idea to call the bridge tender prior to your arrival at her/his span, to check on the latest vertical clearance stats.
However, a check of chart 11534 shows the official closed vertical clearance of the Socastee Swing Bridge is 11 feet, as noted below by Captain Donavan.Subject: Bridge clearances
Cruising News: The Socastee and Wrightsville Bridges both have 20 foot clearances listed. When we passed Socastee they had 22 feet which allowed us to pass without an opening – and Wrightsville Bridge a short time later had 17 feet which did require an opening as we need 20′. We learned that a call ahead to ask what the real clearance is proved useful.
Dave
on GB 46 At LastThe socastee bridge clearance is 11 feet
DonovanBe the first to comment!
Rock Discovered on the “Rock Pile” Section of the AICW, Near Statute Mile 347.4
The “Pine Island Cut” section of the AICW (which runs behind Myrtle Beach, SC) has long been known to Waterway veterans as the “Rock Pile.” That’s because there are all sorts of underwater rock shelves, waiting to trap those who deviate too far from the Waterway’s mid-width. Looks like Captain David found one of those “rocks” in his account below!
Cruising News: At approximately SM 347.4 (the rockpile section starts at SM 350.1) we found a rock on the red side of the channel. We obviously strayed too far to the right southbound and were greeted with a grinding sound as the keel ground its way across the top of the rock. The guide books are correct. Stay in the middle.
Dave
on GB 46 At LastBe the first to comment!
Rock Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 516)
On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:
38. Has anyone anchored on the waters of Rock Creek, north of the ICW’s leaving of this stream via the southern half of the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff? Did you find these waters as beautiful and idyllic as this writer?
Responses follow:
We anchored there Nov 2008 in company with two other cruisers and had a beautiful evening.
James Lea
S/V EstelleClick Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Rock Creek
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Tom Point Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 495.5)
On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:
29. Has anyone anchored on the Waters of Tom Point Creek lately (off the western banks of the North Edisto River/AICW, south of Toogoodoo Creek). What depths did you discover? Did you find sufficient swing room for your vessel?
Responses follow:
We anchored in Tom Point Creek,in April, 2007. We anchored about 0.5 miles up (the 9′ spot on the chart) and found the depths as charted with plenty of swinging room for us (41′ sail). Very pretty
James Lea
S/V EstelleClick Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Tom Point Creek
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Kudzu Bakery (Georgetown, SC)
I can add to Captain Lea’s comments below Kudzu Bakery, by relating that their chocolate chip cookies are to die for, and, really, we’ve never had anything here that wasn’t good. Kudzu is within walking distance of all the downtown Georgetown marinas, and within a long walk or a quick taxi ride from Georgetown Landing Marina (on the Pee Dee River). Give Kudzu a try, you won’t be sorry!We have not eaten at the Kudzu Bakery but always stop there to buy their delicious foods, jams, pickles, etc. Not to be missed in Georgetown!
James Lea
S/V EstelleBe the first to comment!
Harbour Town Yacht Basin (Statute Mile 564.5)
49. Can anyone give us an entrance channel depth report, as late as this summer, for world famous Harbour Town Marina on Hilton Head.
Responses follow:
This marina is a fun place to stay. During warm wether there is music outside with different guys placing. Makes it nice to sit on the boat deck to listen. There are lots of boats >100′ that stop there, so great to watch. With the restuarants, shops, nice shower area, and helpful marina staff it is a great place to stop. My inexperienced boating companions sure needed the help docking and the gift bottle of wine helped them relax after their 1st boating trip.
Judity RichardsonBe the first to comment!
Bull Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 565.5)
On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:
51. Has anyone tried anchoring on the waters of (yet another) Bull Creek, the one which cuts north off the Waterway, a short hop south of the ICW’s exodus from Caliboge Sound (near Statute Mile 565.5.). Did you discover, like this writer, that depths suddenly drop off to nil (contrary to the chart) just upstream of the stream’s first sharp turn to the west.
Responses follow:
Yes, two years ago we weathered a storm anchored about 1.6 miles up where the creek turns west. Another half mil up or so you can land the dinghy on an abandoned road for a walk ashore.
James Lea
S/V Estelle
Bristol 41.1Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Bull Creek
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Mistaking Battery Creek for AICW/Beaufort River (near Statute Mile 541.5)
On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:
43. Has any cruiser northbound on the Beaufort River portion of the AICW mistaken Battery Creek at Port Royal, for the Waterway’s track? If so, what would be a good way to avoid this error?
Responses follow:
We have not but saw at least one sailboat limp in demasted. The easy and most obvious solution is to have whatever authorities drop a sign off the bridge stating its clearance. Someone is going to get killed there one day.
Sami and Barry Shreve
s/v Ever AfterBe the first to comment!
Restaurant Recommendations in Beaufort, SC (Statute Mile 537)
41. Any restaurant recommendations in Beaufort, South Carolina would be very welcome!
Responses follow:
there are so many good restaurants in Beaufort and surrounding areas….The Thai restaurant is excellent. Nippys is casual and always good. My favorite is the shrimp taco and their wonderful shoe string fries. You can not beat Blackstones for breakfast especially on Sundays when they have Eggs Benedict. Emilies has the best Steak Au pouvre. Paninnis has very good food all around. There is a new Japanese steak
Sami and Barry Shreve
s/v Ever AfterBeing a long time resident of Beaufort the best seafood in Dockside. Unfortunately it is in Port Royal, but they do have day dock space. It does get crowded weekends, but worth the wait. Downtown there is a new bistro 2 blocks walk from the ICW. It is called Wren on Carteret Street. Very good, but I suggest reservations.
Judith RichardsonBe the first to comment!
Why You Should Visit Beaufort, SC (Statute Mile 536.5)
I could not agree more with the sentiments expressed by Captain Bruce below. Beaufort is a GREAT port of call, and these good folks are SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS! And, by the way, so are Downtown Beaufort Marina and Port Royal Landing Marina..Beaufort, (pronounced Bewfert) S.C. and nearby Port Royal are wonderful old Coastal Carolina small towns rife with history, traditions, antebellum architecture, and southern charms. The City Council has “gone to bat” for the cruising community and passed an ordinance last year that allows boaters to stay for 180 days before tax and registration issues surface. Therefore, Beaufort S.C. is cruiser friendly, presents a beautiful waterfront, and has several good restaurants and shops along the waterfront. Dinghy docking is free, temporary big boat tie-ups are free, and anchoring spots are plentiful. The downtown marina is still wonderful, offers a courtesy car to marina cruisers, and has a small ships store. During oyster season, a café named `Nippy’s’ has an all you can eat shrimp and/or oyster night on Fridays and Saturdays. We hit the ice cream parlor on the way back to the boat’¦’¦’¦.. yum. If you want to live elegantly, southern style, then make your reservation at the `Rhett House Inn’. http://www.rhetthouseinn.com or any of the fine nearby B&B’s. One of the finest restaurants you may encounter along the AICW is “Emily’s Restaurant and Tapas Bar” www.emilysrestaurantandtapasbar.com . Of course, “Blackstone’s Cafe” www.blackstonescafe.com remains a staple for any low country cruiser. Approximately 30 movies have been made in Beaufort, so if you have not toured Beaufort, you must take the tour in a horse drawn carriage. If you’re looking for a quiet vacation, this may be your next destination.
Bruce FranzBe the first to comment!
North Santee River Upstream Anchorage (Statute Mile 417.5)
On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:
17. Has anyone taken the plunge and gone up the North Santee River as far as the Highway 17 twin bridges, anchored here, dinghied ashore, and visited Hopeswee Plantation? Please describe this cruise and what you saw!
Responses follow:
From Georgetown S.C., we motored south (20 mi) to the North Santee River and navigated to the Hwy. 17 bridge where we anchored for two days to visit Hopsewee Plantation, the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence for South Carolina, and a step back in time for sailors. We dinghied under the bridge and tied up to the small, Hopsewee dock; just look out for any alligators or snakes which may be “sunning” on or near the dock! Two original slave homes are intact, and archaeological digs around the Plantation are active. There are no marinas or restaurants nearby. The old rice fields and flood control gates are still around, as well as shrimp, crab, and fish. Our thanks go out to Frank and Rae Jean Beatty for opening their Hopsewee Plantation home to us, and preserving a piece of American History. http://www.hopsewee.com One could spend months cruising the Waccamaw River and points on the way to Charleston, S.C.; the history, traditions, and scenery are almost unchanged over the past two hundred years.
Claiborne, I anchored near the bridges without problem. My boat is a Dickerson 41ft., ketch, draft 5 ft.
BruceWe anchored above the bridges on the south side in 14 feet of water, just slightly upstream from Hopsewee. Spent the night and took the dinghy to the Hopsewee dock and visited the plantation. Interesting tour. Need to keep an eye out for floating logs which move up and down the river with the tide on the south side of the river.
Jean ThomasonBe the first to comment!
Charleston Inlet and Harbor Cruising Advice
I would add to Captain Arnold’s recommendations below for cruising Charleston Inlet and Harbor (apparently he is speaking about nighttime passage of these waters), to have a well functioning and very visable GPS chartplotter aboard. There are so many lighted aids to navigation in Charleston Harbor, it’s very easy to become confused. And, there has been more than one tragedy in these waters from vessels trying to navigate after dark.
Personally, we never cruise these waters at night. If you choose to do so anyway, please proceed with the greatest of caution!Charleston Bay area generally is notorious for shifting shoals, low depths at low tide. Keep very carefully to main channel markers and particularly if entering Shems Creek or at the top entrance to the ICW – can’t tell you how many boats I’ve seen stuck there – even small center cockpit fishers drawing only 2ft. (At one time one of them was me 🙂 And for sure stay clear of the “jetties” and go either side of them through the green and red markers. When approaching Charleston in the main channel (to starboard coming in) which the big ships use, you can see a spotlight on one of the downtown buildings and aim for that always keeping it in sight (if you stray out of the channel the light in effect dissapears)
Best wishes
ArnoldBe the first to comment!
Cruising the Upper Wando River (well upstream from Charleston Harbor)
I penned the first edition of my “Cruising Guide to Coastal South Carolina and Georgia” in 1985, and have been researching the waters around Charleston ever since. However, even I have never cruised upstream of the “bridge” on upper Wando River. Below, Captain Arnold certainly does make it sound like an appearling prospect, however, at least by dinghy (on the uppermost stretch).
The prettiest area of Charleston’s waterways is the upper Wando River – it has good depth all the way up to the old bridge – and the only DIY very well equipped yard in the Charleston area is up there – I forget it’s name alas. Dinghy up further to see some very pleasant marshlands and wildlife. You can moor in a small creek west of the new Charleston Bridge, just east of the container dock facility, which goes behind the town of Mount Pleasant – around 8 ft of water in the middle – and a nice little beach as bonus. As a matter of interest the only two people to lose their lives – boatowners – during Hurricane Hugo, decided to moor as far up the Wando as they could get. Theoretically they were correct – but Hugo barreled straight up the Wando for about 20 miles. One last message from one captain was that he could see nothing but white water on the windscreen – and logs rushing past…….. Then his VHF went dead.
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Coquina Harbor (Statute Mile 346)
2. . Has anyone visited any of the three marinas on Coquina Harbor in Little River recently? What depths did you find during your visit? Does Myrtle Beach Yacht Club (on the harbor’s northerly shores) still have some of the best fuel prices on this portion of the Waterway? Has anyone eaten at the adjacent Umbertos Restaurant lately? Do they still have the BEST chops on the Waterway?
Responses follow:
I have a condo at Coquina Harbor. Depths have been good since the dredging of the harbor was completed. I have a shallow draft boat, but I asked the owner of a 6.5 foot draft sailboat that stays here how he found depths throughout the harbor. He said he had seen nothing less that 7.5 feet at low tide. This inquiry was made 9/04/09. I came through the entrance at high tide on 9/05/09 and my depth sounder indicated 14.5 feet. When I really want to reward myself, I have pork chop at Umburto’s.
John LyonClick Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Lightkeepers Village
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Charleston City Marina (Ashley River)
23. Has anyone docked at the City Marina on the Ashley River side of Charleston? Please tell us what you found!
Responses follow:
Charleston City Marina is a great facility that has everything needed for a night or a permanet slip.Docking on the outside of the Mega Dock in winds above 20 knots can get rough & there are strong currents. Good power, clean rest rooms, fair fuel prices, great staff & management that helped revise the Charleston boat tax time limit from 60 to 180 days per year.
Tim CarterWe’ve stayed there several times. After several negative experiences at the anchorage just off the marina (including being dragged for a half mile by our anchor chain when a trawler grabbed a hold of it) we usually end up staying there. Most often, transients get put on the 1/4 mile long Megadock. I would suggest that you ask to be put on the inside of the Megadock if you go to this marina for the reasons Tim mentioned – higher winds can make the outside pretty rolly. The good of the marina – private individual shower rooms, free courtesy shuttle to anywhere in town that you want to go, nice people, fuel at your `slip’, cable, etc. They also run a special – stay 6 nights and get your seventh free. The bad – very expensive, LONG 1/3 mile walk down the Megadock (did I mention long?) to shore (so 2/3 mile round trip to your boat if at the end of the Megadock, which is where we often get put).
Chris
S/V PelicanYes we have stayed there on a number of occasions recently. It is an excellent marina, although for us (41′ sail) the outside of the mega-dock can be uncomfortable in a strong wind out of the west or south-west. Shuttle to take you to and from downtown, groceries, West Marine.
James Lea
S/V EstelleBe the first to comment!
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