Osprey Marina lies right where the AICW leaves the Pine Island Cut (a. k. a. “the Rock Pile), and sweeps south into beautiful Waccamaw River. Of course, we are a little prejudiced around here, as Osprey Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, but I could not agree more with Captain Ted, that this facility is indeed one of the finest marinas to be found anywhere. And, let me also mention that their dockage basin is super sheltered!

Osprey Marina is very attractive, having been carved out of the land. It is reached by a short canal, and is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. It is well worth a visit. While it is not within walking reach of general services, the snack bar (operated by Sheri, who seems also to be the marina manager) serves both breakfast and lunch, closing at 1700 when the office closes. Upon our arrival, Sheri (maybe spelled differently) presented us with a bag of complimentary goodies which included a package of crackers, a block of cheddar cheese, a couple of candy bars, a key ring float, a couple of insulated drink holders, a book of matches, several pamphlets about the marina, and a list of essential services within a taxi ride including, of course, the phone numbers of the local taxis. Included with this information was the phone number of Scatori’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, `Local’s favorite authentic Italian cuisine & real NY pizza.’ Scatori’s will come fetch you at the marina (and bring you back) and offers free delivery to your boat. We opted for the latter (as we had when we stopped at Osprey Marina last spring) and ordered a large three-topping pizza which was delivered by a cultured and articulate young man an hour later. We devoured half of the pizza and saved the other half for later.
Shower facilities at Osprey Marina rated a 9 with both of us. The only negative point was the lack of enough hooks from which to hang one’s clothes while in the shower. However, the showers were excellent, clean, not fancy, but with benches and chairs, substantial hand rails on two sides, and racks for soap shampoo, and whatever else one would likely want to take into the shower. Entry into the showers/heads/laundry area is provided using a magnetic key provided with the goodie bag when you sign in.
Sheri said she would be at the marina at 0800 and would cook breakfast for us. Malla had a biscuit and gravy ($4.00), and I had the Osprey Platter ($6.25): 2 eggs, 2 sausage patties or 3 bacon slices. grits or home fries, and toast. Coffee is free, help yourself. It was all excellent, enjoyed at a window table overlooking part of the marina. We were out of there before 0900.
Why do I go on so about this marina? On the wall near the grill is a framed clipping with the headline, `Osprey Marina and Grill named the best marina in the country.’
When we were ready to depart, the dockmaster came down to our slip and gave O.G’s pulpit a gentle shove to help us get squared away.
We were very glad we had stopped there and will try to do so again on our way north next spring.
Ted Jones

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