Reviews: Cape May Harbor East

Reviews Summary

The reviews for the anchorage highlight a mix of experiences, primarily focusing on the conditions for anchoring, access to shore, and the overall atmosphere.

1. Anchoring Conditions: Many reviewers noted that the anchorage has good holding capabilities, but caution is advised due to strong currents and winds. Some boats experienced dragging, especially during tide changes, and it was recommended to ensure anchors are well set. The area can be busy with boat traffic, leading to wakes that can make the anchorage bouncy, particularly during the day.

2. Access to Shore: Access to shore is a common concern, with some marinas being unwelcoming to dinghies. Utsch's Marina was mentioned positively for allowing dinghy access, and there is a free shuttle service available in the summer. However, the proximity to the Coast Guard station can complicate landings, especially for pet relief.

3. Atmosphere and Surroundings: The anchorage is described as lively, with many boats present and noise from nearby activities, including Coast Guard training. While some found the atmosphere enjoyable, others noted it may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet stop. The town nearby offers interesting amenities, but the walk to supermarkets and marine stores can be lengthy.

4. Overall Recommendation: The anchorage is generally recommended for overnight stops during coastal transits, especially before heading to the Atlantic or Delaware. However, potential visitors should be prepared for noise, wakes, and the need for careful anchoring due to the strong currents.

Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Craig, Valhalla, on Jan 26, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 5.0'

Many boats drag here, especially when the tide changes direction. Lots of wakes due to high traffic during the day, but dies down after dark. Dingy to DJ marina or beach the kayak. A fair walk to supermarket and marine store, but an interesting town.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 2, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Great anchorage to spend before hitting either the Atlantic or the Delaware. Just be weary of the Coast Guard dock and their restrictions. Great holding and can get to town easily via dinghy dock. Would certainly stay here again.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Lee Rumbles, Full Circle, on Jun 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 6.0'

Really nice anchorage. On paper and reading reviews, I wasn't sure. We went past and rounded green #7 and dropped anchor in line with other sailboats. Really tested the anchor hold and it held all night. In the end, about 10 sailboats anchored all in a line paralleling the channel. The boat traffic right in front of our anchor spot was nuts! So many boats and a lot of noise but no problem. Kind of like a parade. Good anchorage spot.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Troy Hersom, MELODY, on May 23, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 3.5'

Spent one night here after trying to drop the hook at the Cape May West Anchorage.

There were about 20 boats in this anchorage with plenty of room.
Held good.

We were here during snow bird & looper migration with plenty of early morning departures and generators.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: david kanzler, Hygge, on May 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 29'
Draft: 2.5'

Not protected from east through north winds. Plenty of fetch. I would not leave my boat unattended here. We saw a Great Loop YouTube and pretty much everyone dragged. I had 7:1 out at high tide and 12:1 out at low tide. Blowing 20 knots. Held steady for 15hours and let go at low tide even though the bearing to the . anchor hadn't really changed that much. Thank the gods for my anchor alarm app. 5:15 a.m. wake up call!

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Keira Mann, Élan, on May 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.6'

A good overnight stop if you are transiting the coast or Delaware River but, in our experience, not a super friendly stop for longer than that. We ended up staying a few days to wait out some weather and we're not able to get off the boat as there is no dinghy dock and no marina nearby was willing to let us tie up our dinghy (even though we offered to make a purchase or pay a docking fee), with the exception on South Jersey Marina who were super kind but unfortunately quite far away and difficult to make it to in the dinghy due to wind. The beaches nearby are all coast guard property and they will come out and detain you and demand ID if you approach. Not a good option if you have a dog onboard.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Martin Blanchard, S/V No Brainer, on Nov 3, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Great little place to drop the hook for the night! Calm and protected. This is a great stop before heading into the Delaware Bay or crossing over to the Delmarva coast.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Our Boat Story, Mahalo, on Aug 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.5'

The entire Anchorage east of the USCG is blocked by barges and pipes. We hugged a tiny area just east of the USCG pier, enough for one boat. Coast Guard did not come by, even though we expected it since we were within 100 feet of their dock.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac on May 19, 2023
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

The anchorage is off the inlet channel starting at Green 7A, just east of the US Coast Guard Station and continuing towards Green 7. Currently there is a lot of dredging equipment limiting the eastern half of the anchorage but there is still room for ten or more boats in the anchorage, arranged in lines in from the Green side of the channel towards the shore. Remember that there is a six foot tide so adjust anchor rode length accordingly. Depths near the channel are 11 feet MLW and shoal as you get closer to shore. Ensure that your anchor is properly set: two boats had to pull anchor and reset. Tidal current is strong and all boats will end up facing into the 2+ mph current Change of tide is can create some chaos as different style boats will react differently. Traffic does not come by at speed but wakes during the day (starting before 6am) make the anchorage bouncy. There is really no wind protection from any direction but fetch is short so there is no real chop build up in the anchorage. Shore access is across the harbor at one of the marinas. Utsch's marina fuel dock gives good dinghy access to town. Do not try to land at the Coast Guard Station shore for pet relief. Cell reception is excellent. Be prepared to hear the USCG Training Center recruits doing the PT with the appropriate enthusiastic chanting starting early and ending late in the day. This is a strategic, but not comfortable, place to stage for a weather window to run up the Atlantic towards New York City or transit Delaware Bay.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Jose De Freitas, Viva Libre, on Oct 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 3.6'

Make sure your anchor is well set. Strong winds and current made a few boats drag.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Ray Sirois, Shellerina, on Sep 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Excellent anchorage

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: DeeDee H on Aug 28, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.0'

Stayed one night here with at least 10 other boats. Holding was good. Lots of boats going by with wakes, but it was calmer at night. We found a dock at The Lobster House restaurant for a meal and a visit to the fish market. Enjoyed hearing the training and singing at the Coast Guard station.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Teresa Scott, Vayu, on Aug 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Stopped for one night after coming down the Delaware and before heading for NY. Depth of 8.8 at low tide with good holding. Rocky with wakes all night. Lots of tour and party boats with revelry lasting into the wee hours. Not the place to stay if you're looking for a quiet stop but fine for a quick overnight.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Ketch Shamrock, Ketch Shamrock, on Sep 25, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 49'
Draft: 4.7'

This is a good spot for an overnight during a coastal transit. It offers good holding and good protection from seas and wind with plenty of room, but there are lots of boats transiting the channel and making wakes at all hours of the day and night. Strong currents make dinghying ashore problematic.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Karen Dudas, Cattitude, on Aug 4, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.6'

Very happy to stop here after a day of rock and rolling in the Delaware Bay. Fun to hear the recruits in training at the Coast Guard facility.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Steve Stich, Jus Dreaming, on Jul 29, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.6'

The anchorage has plenty of depth. Shore access can be accomplished by contacting Utsch's Marina. They will let you park your dinghy by their fuel dock for a few hours. During the summer there is Jitney free shuttle service around town. You can download their app. The downtown mall area is awesome, very unique.

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Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Skipper Bob on Jun 1, 2016
Draft: 0.0'

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