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Bird Island anchorage

Location: Little River Inlet
Lat / Lon: N 33° 51.219' / W 078° 32.719'
Depth: 8 feet
Tide: 4 feet
Description:
About 3 miles east of ICW just before Little River Inlet. Anchored in 8' at low tide. There were 5 boats at this anchorage by end of day. Low wind protection but chop was not a problem. Fairly swift tidal current but anchor held with 80' for chain.

4.40

(5)

4.40 out of 5 stars

Holding:

5.00

Sand, held well, anchor came up clean.

Wind Protection:

4.00

Current Flow:

3.40

Wake Protection:

3.40

Scenic Beauty:

5.00

Ease of Shopping:

1.00

Shore Access:

4.60

There is an accessible sandy beach but did not explore.

Pet Friendly:

5.00

Cell Service:

3.75

WiFi:

1.00

Review for Bird Island anchorage

Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer, Do It Now, on Nov 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

3

Scenic Beauty:

5

Shore Access:

3

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

4

We anchored quite a bit past the anchor icon on the map, abeam the trail loop on Bird Island. The water was shallower there, but I prefer shallower water for my 30-inch draft Ranger Tug. Nine sailboats came in that evening, parking between us and the mouth of the inlet. Shore access was very easy during low tide when small beaches were exposed. The sand on shore was very soft but still walkable with my dogs. We trekked through tidal streams to get to the trail on Bird Island and followed that across the island to the anchorage. We also visited the Kindred Spirit Mailbox. If you do this little hike, be aware that it might be better to dinghy to the south end of the island and land there rather than try to walk across from farther up the inlet, especially when the tide comes in.

We also noted flies during our 11/14/23 visit; they got very bad on land during our hike back to the dinghy but screens kept them out of the boat. Holding was good and it was very quiet and pleasantly dark at night. Some wake from fishermen who I honestly believe were trying to annoy those anchored there by zipping close to and between us. All quiet overnight, though.

I would return.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Bird Island anchorage

Reviewed by: Keira Mann, Élan, on Nov 16, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.6'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

3

WiFi:

1

This is a BEAUTIFUL anchorage next to an awesome beach. Great place to walk with the pup. We had good holding and good protection from the N and NE winds. It was pretty rolly coming in the inlet but calmed right down as soon as we got into the anchorage. The only reason this is not getting a 5 star is because of the black flies. While the sun was up and the wind was down they were out of control but as soon as it started cooling off for the evening they went away completely and we could hang out outside, no problem. If you're going into the anchorage during the day, maybe just have your windows and hatches closed to avoid the nuisance.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Bird Island anchorage

Reviewed by: Graeme Walker, Confirmed Aquaholic, on May 14, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

3

Wake Protection:

3

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

We really liked this anchorage. There were six of us with lots of room to swing. Current changed with tides but not too strong. Dingy over to ocean side and walk/bike a huge beach with good hard sand. Visit the 'Kindred Spirit Mailbox' about 1/4 mile from western tip.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Bird Island anchorage

Reviewed by: David Rowe on Sep 6, 2022
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

3

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

3

The better alternative to anchoring in Calabash Creek! Beautiful spot with great bird watching (as the name would suggest). Peaceful spot. Shoal-draft boats can run up beyond the first bend if they watch the depth when dropping the hook—mind the state of tide and remember that the tides run 4-5 feet here.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Bird Island anchorage

Reviewed by: Jim B, Dawn Watch, on Jun 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 3.5'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

3

Wake Protection:

3

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

1

Excellent beautiful spot. Beach full of tourists during day but quiet after dark.
Lot of room and low tide depth.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer