Reviews: Pearl Bayou

Reviews Summary

The reviews for the anchorage present a mixed experience. Key points include:

1. Military Restrictions: The anchorage is now within a permanent military restricted area, which may limit access for some boaters.

2. Entrance and Depth: The entrance is well marked, with depths generally over 10 feet, making it accessible for larger vessels. However, some reviewers noted concerns about swing room, especially for larger boats.

3. Anchoring Conditions: The holding is reported to be good with a muddy bottom, and there is protection from wakes. Some reviewers found the area accommodating for multiple boats, while others felt it lacked beauty and space.

4. Noise Levels: The area can be noisy during the day due to nearby Air Force operations, but some found it quiet at night.

5. Shore Access: There is shore access for pets, but it may require military identification to go ashore.

6. Overall Experience: While some found it a suitable option when other places were unavailable, others felt it was not worth staying due to the presence of abandoned boats and noise. The reviews highlight a mix of practicality and aesthetic concerns, with some enjoying the unique experience of watching military aircraft.

In summary, the anchorage offers good holding and depth but comes with military restrictions and noise, making it a viable option under certain conditions.

Review for Pearl Bayou

Reviewed by: Cam &, Viatori, on Feb 24, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 4.0'

This anchorage is now located within a permanent military restricted area according to Navionics latest charts.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Waterway Guide did not find any reference to this in the Notice to Mariners.

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Review for Pearl Bayou

Reviewed by: David Fuller, Still Waters II, on Dec 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

The entrance is well marked. After entering there were three sailboats anchored to the west. We went passed them and found ten feet of water all the way west where the bayou forks. Dropped the hook with plenty of swing room. Easily could accommodate two more boats between us and the sailboats. Had 4 bars Verizon service.

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Review for Pearl Bayou

Reviewed by: Hale Walker, Gayle Anne, on Nov 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.0'

I'm 60' with a 5' draft. We pulled in to check it out. There appeared to be three abandoned boats at anchor. It didn't appear to have enough swing room for us and wasn't much in the way of beauty. We decided to move on. Definitely use it if your running out of options.

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Review for Pearl Bayou

Reviewed by: Tina Pickell on Jan 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 62'
Draft: 5.0'

Great holding with muddy bottom and protected from all sides. Shoal marked with PVC pipe. Depths of over 10'. Dinghied to the back of bay-- also looks like a quiet spot. Two sailboats anchored that might be abandonded. Airforce planes landing in the afternoon were quite loud, but it's interesting to see such impressive machinery. Easy shore access for the dog's 'shore leave.'

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Review for Pearl Bayou

Reviewed by: Capt Dana, Mermaid's Lair, on Mar 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.5'

Noisy during the day. There is shore access but I believe you have to have a military identification.

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Review for Pearl Bayou

Reviewed by: Laura Stein, Have Another Day , on Jan 7, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 57'
Draft: 5.0'

Stopped at Shell Island and moved here because it was quite windy and there was no protection at Shell Island. Due to the air force base on land you can't go ashore but we had a quiet night with plenty of room. At the time we had three power boats and three sailboats. No issues with space. Quiet night and very calm. Got down to 6 ft in the morning with low tide.

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Review for Pearl Bayou

Reviewed by: Greg Youngberg, Blurred Lines , on Nov 25, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

11-24-2018 overnight anchorage with one additional larger vessel. Excellent holding and protected from wakes from nearby channel. Boat ramp and picnic area for dinghy access to shore for pets. Very few crab trap buoys (saw 2 or 3 only) so very usable. Depth at Anchorage was 14' just inside the entrance to the West. Great Verizon service. Beautiful sunset views as well as moonrise views. Three destroyed vessels visible at shore/into treeline from Hurricane Michael. Salvage operations underway in coves at Panama City, so these may be removed very soon

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