It’s a long trek up the inadequately marked Ogeechee River from the AICW to Fort McAllister Marina. As Captains Bob and Judy suggest below, be SURE to call the marina ahead of time for navigational directions. Otherwise, this is clearly one of the most improved marinas along the Georgia coastline. A complete rebuild a few years ago seems to have really done the job!

We stayed in this marina for two nights in mid-October 2009 in order to be close to make a quick driving trip to our home in Florida. The marina is a jewel of a place to stay if you need access to the southern area of Savannah. It’s about 7 miles off the ICW, so may not be suitable for those just passing through the area. The rates are extremely reasonable.Friendly, helpful marina staff. You’ll need to consult them to find your way into the marina through the shoal water about a mile downstream of the marina, but it’s easy enough once you are told how to proceed. Former private ATONS washed away in the tidal current (up to 2.5 knots), but the Coast Guard is in the process of adding light-listed markers. Hopefully they’ll also conduct a bottom survey to update the chart of the area.The Maptech chartbook of the area does not cover the Ogeechee River beyond the ICW, but electronics charts on a laptop and chartplotter did; however, they were not accurate by any stretch of the imagination within 2 miles of the marina – that’s where you need to call for local knowledge.In the lower river, the charted 8 foot shoal extending from the north bank extends much further than shown. Stay close to the south bank (port side when going upstream) until past the 8 foot tongue and then move to the north (starboard) side the rest of the way up the river until coming around the last broad bend to port when you’ll need to switch to the port side of the river (and call for local knowledge). Close to the outer banks on both sides the depths run 12-16 feet at low tide.The on-site casual restaurant specializes in seafood and has a commanding view of the river and docks. Try the shrimp and grits – they’re great!Bob McLeran and Judy YoungNow that we’re back home after five months cruising the ICW and Chesapeake Bay, I’d like to provide some navigation information for getting to the Ft. McAllister Marina on the Ogeechee River. It’s a relatively easy trip from ATON #96 until you get about 2 miles from the marina – then you need some local info or the waypoints I’ve provided here.As far as the river is concerned, intially hug the left bank (follow the green) and avoid the center just beyond the departure from the ICW, then in the charted 10 foot tongue cut across to the right side and hug the shore with the greens to port all the way to the first waypoint. Then cut back to the left side to the second waypoint. Then hug the shore again all the way to the marina. Water depths along the shore will run anywhere from 12-18 feet at MLW. Crossing between the waypoints at MLW you might see 7 feet. Tide runs about 8 feet, so if you’re concerned about the depth wait until mid-tide or higher. Don’t be afraid of getting too close to either shore – 50 to 100 yards is about right!Here are the two waypoints you’ll need: first (on the right bank) 31-54.1759N/081-11.2374W (31°54.1759N / 081°11.2374W, 31.902932 / -81.187290) then cut to this one on the left bank 31-53.7890N/081-11.3404 (31°53.7890N / 081°11.3404W, 31.896483 / -81.189007) (NOTE THE DEGREES ARE IN DEGREES AND MINUTES). You shouldn’t have any trouble if you use these waypoints to get back on the marina side of the Ogeechee.Avoid the stakes in the water near the marina – they mark a shallow area. There may be a red and green ball in the water where you cut across, but you can’t count on them being there or in the correct location. If you have any concerns call the marina by phone and they’ll find someone to guide you in when they can see you.It’s worth the trip!Bob McLeran & Judy Young

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fort McAllister Marina