Reviews from Rachel Shalala (16)

  • Anchorage Review for Sandhole Creek

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Nov 17, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    2
    WiFi:
    2

    We stayed here for one night while waiting on a slip in a nearby marina. It was a small, narrow anchorage but with the current flow we stayed in the middle of the river the whole night. It was surrounded by trees and was very quiet.

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  • Anchorage Review for Waccamaw River - Enterprise Landing

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Nov 17, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    2
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    4
    Pet Friendly:
    3
    Cell Service:
    2
    WiFi:
    2

    We stayed here for a 4 days and experienced wind gusts up to 34 knots and held firm. The anchorage is surrounded by trees so we had decent protection. It was a quiet anchorage, even with near the mouth of the river near the ICW. There's a boat ramp and a marina both within a mile for land access. Verizon cell service was low, but still usable.

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  • Marina Review for Heritage Plantation Marina

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Nov 17, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 5

    We booked last minute for the weekend and luckily, they had availability. Trent, the dockmaster, was very communicative and helpful. We were on the face dock, so we did get some wake from the ICW, but it wasn't bad. The facilities were lovely - bathrooms were clean, free laundry, and the lounge was cozy and decorated for Christmas. We would love to stay again for a longer visit. The marina is a gate neighborhood, so if you're getting a ride to town, give your driver a heads up!

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  • Anchorage Review for Dutchman Creek

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Sep 14, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    1
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    1
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    2
    Shore Access:
    2
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    We did not love this anchorage. It took us a couple tries to find a good spot with enough swing room. Luckily, we were the only boat there. We anchored in the middle of the channel. The current was strong and we saw gusts up to 20ish knots. We held in place after the anchor was set. It was very narrow and I was up every hour checking our position.

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  • Anchorage Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Sep 9, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    LOVED this anchorage! We anchored in 10 feet of water and had great holding and no issues. The dinghy dock does get busy but for small dinghys there's usually room. Easy access to restaurants and groceries. There's plenty of islands to explore. Great wildlife and good visibility in the water! We were able to dive on the boat here.

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  • Anchorage Review for Carolina Beach-South

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Sep 9, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    Anchorages here are small, but we stayed in September and it was pretty quiet. I could see it getting crowded fast during the busy season. We held just fine in 25 knot gusts and a strong tide. It looses a point because the bottom is dark, stinky, sticky mud that gets EVERYWHERE. If you're planning to stay in Carolina Beach, I recommend getting a mooring ball.

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  • Marina Review for Cooper River Marina

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Aug 5, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 5

    Ubers have gotten better about routing to the marina. We've had no trouble getting Ubers to or from the marina. There's nothing within walking distance for groceries, hardware stores, etc. There is a small ships store at the marina with snacks, beer, and a couple of boat maintenance items but it's not extensive. It's a long walk to land, but there is a river bank and walking trail on the premises. Great marina for wildlife watching. The current can be strong and cargo ships to pass by frequently. There is a mining operation nearby so occasionally there's an odd smell in the air.

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  • Marina Review for Charleston Maritime Center

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Aug 5, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 5

    Excellent location for exploring downtown Charleston. Walking distance to a grocery store and restaruants. The docks are shared with a many tour boats, so it's a busy marina during the weekends and evenings. Super dog friendly - many of the tour boat kiosks stock dog treats for the four-legged tourists. Marina staff is great. Be careful upon entry, as there are strong cross currents. The marina is not well protected from wake from the harbour, winds from the south/southwest, or swell from the ocean. You will be rocked awake in the middle of the night from cargo ships passing by at full speed.

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  • Anchorage Review for Shalotte Inlet

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Aug 5, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    We stayed for a night and took the dinghy in the restaurant for dinner. Holding was good with about 70' of chain. There is a shoal in the middle of the waterway here, near the dock. Be careful when entering and pay attention to your charts and depth sounder.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Marina Review for Carolina Beach Municipal Marina and Mooring Field

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Aug 5, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 5

    We stayed on a mooring ball for a week. Moorings were in great shape and we easy to hook up to. We were the only boat in the field when we arrived. There are 2 dinghy docks available - the closest has access to a public bathroom and outdoor shower with a mini-mart close by. The further dinghy dock is close to many restaruants, the strip, and is walking distance to a grocery store and various hardware stores. There's some boat traffic, but minimum wake.

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  • Anchorage Review for Tina's Pocket

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Aug 5, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    3
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    1
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    We stayed for 1 night during a storm with gusts in the 20s. With little wind protection and strong current flow, it was a very bumpy night when the winds and currents were opposing. We held fine with 150' of chain - probably a little more than we needed but we arrived at night during the storm. Be careful upon entering, as there is shoaling and piles near the entrance. The current was so strong here so we decided not to go ashore.

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  • Anchorage Review for Bird Island anchorage

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Jul 28, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    A beautiful anchorage with easy shore access. Not a far dinghy ride into Calabash where there are a few resturants. Also not far from a few restaurants in Little River. The current is pretty strong but the holding is good with about 80' of chain. The beach is very popular for boaters and locals so it's not quiet or private. Most of the boater traffic dies down at night. The beach is a great place to walk the dog.

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  • Anchorage Review for Five Fathom Creek–North

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Jul 28, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    1
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    3
    Pet Friendly:
    2
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    We stayed for for 3 nights and we were the only boat anchored. We entered and left at high tide, so the depth was good, but there are some submerged mud flats near the entrance, so be carefull when entering and following the channel markers. We didn't have a problem with depth at the anchorage. While it's mostly a quiet anchorage, there was a lot of recreational boat traffic in the area. We appreciated the wind during our stay in July. The horse flies were terrible. The dinghy ride to McClellanville wasn't bad. We docked at Leland Oil Company and walked into town.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Graham Creek

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Jul 23, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    1
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    Anchored here with 1 other boat with plenty of room for swinging and other boats. It was a very quiet and serence anchorage with low current flow and great wake protection.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Big Hill Marsh

    Reviewed by: Rachel Shalala on Jul 23, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    2
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    2
    Shore Access:
    3
    Pet Friendly:
    2
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    We anchored past the Dewees Island Ferry dock for 2 nights with about 75 feet of chain out. Great holding. The were so many dolphins and so many birds! There are nearby beaches you can dinghy to. Be careful when coming in at high tide as there are submerged sandbars farther into the anchorage.

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  • Bridge comment on Wappoo Creek (SC 171) Bridge

    Comment by: Rachel Shalala on Nov 9, 2024
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 37'

    Opened on time. We visited the bridge on a Thursday in November and the bridge opened on time at the half hour. The bridge operator was very friendly!

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer