On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

Who has left the Waterway and tracked their way upstream on Darien River to the village of the same name? If you have done this, what sort of depths and channel markings did you encounter between the ICW and the Darien waterfront? Where did you dock at Darien? Please tell us something about the village and any good places to eat ashore.

Responses follow:

Yo Claiborne!
In response to your query about Darien, I can supply to following. I/we have visited there about 4 times as we have good friends depths are quite good. There is a sharp turn at the junction of Rockedundy Creek but that is well marked also. There are several good anchorages along the way with good holding, but the current is pretty swift at times and sometimes things in the river (including alligators) can go “bump in the night”. Depending on the current, transient time is a round an hour to Darien.
The docks are municipal/county and the rate is $.75/foot with electric (30A). The docks are parallel to the current, which helps as they are unattended. You pay at the small building above the docks. There is probably enough room for 5-6 average sized cruising boats. I’m told that the docks may be expanded in the future. While small, the town is charming and in the process of major renewal. There are several new restaurants, gourmet store and wine shop, hardware store, post office, convenience store, etc. I have personally eaten at Skippers Fish
Camp several times and found it very good every time. There is also a great spot for breakfast on the main drag. The town is a great walking one with a historical fort less than a mile away. There is a good sized shrimp boat presence with fresh seafood available. I heartily recommend the stop.
While not having stayed there, I’ve visited two Mile Fish Camp several times and found it to be a well-run marina. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center folks use it as a base, so often there are interesting things going on. I can heartily recommend Mudcat Charlies also. everything is good.
I’m copying my buddy Ron on this, so he may be able to flesh this out as he lives here. Might even act as a port captain (ala MTOA).
Donovan Vezin
MV/EOS, Endeavour Trawlercat 44