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Little Sabine Bay

Location: Santa Rosa Sound
Mile Marker: GIWW Mile 189 EHL
Lat / Lon: N 30° 20.015' / W 087° 08.695'
Depth: 5-11 Feet
Description:
NOTE: Per Florida Statute 327.4109

The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure may not anchor or moor such that the nearest approach of the anchored or moored vessel or floating structure is:
1. Within 150 feet of any marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other vessel launching or loading facility;
2. Within 300 feet of a superyacht repair facility. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "superyacht repair facility" means a facility that services or repairs a yacht with a water line of 120 feet or more in length; or
3. Within 100 feet outward from the marked boundary of a public mooring field or a lesser distance if approved by the commission upon request of a local government within which the mooring field is located. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subparagraph.

4.17

(6)

4.17 out of 5 stars

Holding:

4.83

Good, Sand & Black Sticky Mud

Wind Protection:

4.00

All Around

Current Flow:

3.17

Wake Protection:

4.67

All Around

Scenic Beauty:

3.33

Ease of Shopping:

3.50

Shore Access:

4.00

Pet Friendly:

4.00

Cell Service:

4.83

WiFi:

3.00

Review for Little Sabine Bay

Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer, Do It Now, on Dec 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

2

Current Flow:

2

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

2

Shore Access:

4

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

5

I had originally planned to anchor on the other side of the bridge near the free pier, but a small craft advisory that included high winds from the east convinced me to seek a more sheltered anchorage. While Little Sabine Bay is sheltered from wind-generated waves, where I dropped anchor, which was west of the anchor icon, was not sheltered from the wind. I anchored in 9 feet and had excellent holding with just 50 feet of chain plus another 10 feet of rode, despite a constant strong wind with frequent gusts blowing hard on my boat. My shallow draft had my boat swinging in a 180° arc on that rode, but there was very little rocking or rolling. A small sailboat that likely had more experience with this anchorage or conditions had parked nose in on a small beach, tied (or anchored) to something on shore and I don't think he moved an inch. (I have a second anchor that I probably could have deployed in the stern, but my limited experience gave me just enough uncertainty that I didn't.) It also seemed to me that I might be parked in a channel leading to a few docks at homes on the southwest side of the bay, but no one came or went during the 16 hours I was there. The middle of the bay is very shallow water with lots of warning signs. I didn't notice any current at all; it was all wind. This anchorage has excellent access to shore via a handful of tiny beaches adjacent to a road. Because of the wind, I did not launch my dinghy but there's plenty of room to park one if you need to go on shore. I think there were several restaurants within walking distance. Great cell service. Other than the sound of the wind and tiny waves lapping against my boat, it was very quiet.

Overall, I'd try this one again, but I'd park closer to the anchor icon or at least closer to the south side of the bay and definitely use a stern anchor to minimize the swing.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Little Sabine Bay

Reviewed by: James Rylands, C Marie, on Nov 8, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

4

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

2

Ease of Shopping:

4

Shore Access:

4

Cell Service:

5

This anchorage holds three boats comfortably. Arrive early to assure a spot. There is a large sand bar in the center but the channel is well marked. We took our dinghy to the shore across from the Life Guard station and walked across the road - easy access to gulf side beach which is white sands and crystal clear water!!

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Review for Little Sabine Bay

Reviewed by: Dan Bowers, Lake Effect, on May 11, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 25'
Draft: 2.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

1

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

4

Shore Access:

3

Pet Friendly:

3

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

3

Very good protection from all directions. Lots of restaurants to choose from. Outstanding holding. Sand and black mud. 10 feet average. Don’t go out in the middle. Too shallow. Keep to the edge.

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Review for Little Sabine Bay

Reviewed by: William OBrien, At Last, on Mar 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 48'
Draft: 6.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

3

Shore Access:

5

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

5

Nice anchorage and well protected. You’re by a multitude of restaurants and shops. Just beware of the channel and try not to anchor in it. Also! BE CAREFUL while approaching - our 6’ draft skimmed the bottom. We were told it was recently dredged to 12’ but apparently not!

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Review for Little Sabine Bay

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Jan 22, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

3

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

4

Ease of Shopping:

5

Shore Access:

5

Cell Service:

5

Anchored in the designated spot in W/G. Excellent holding. Ducked in here to rest after beating into 20 knots out of the east all morning. Wind gusts to 30 knots and we held very well. None of the marinas had transient slips available.

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Review for Little Sabine Bay

Reviewed by: Mike Disotelle, Tranquillity III, on Dec 24, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Overall Rating:

3

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

3

Shore Access:

3

Pet Friendly:

4

Cell Service:

4

WiFi:

1

Tight area just outside the channel, room for a few boats but depends on type and how the first occupants anchor. A lot of traffic and other small boats anchor in shallow water in this area on weekends. The "hump" in the center of Little Sabine is a popular party spot as boaters can anchor and wade in the 2-3'ft depths. There is another anchorage across the bay, NW of this location (not marked on WG, and you need to go around the perimeter to get there!) that is 6-8 ft depth and a little away from the traffic. The bottom in here is all sand/mud and takes a set easy. It's all "no wake" in Little Sabine. There are 2 marinas you can dinghy to and some beach area along the South for shore access.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer