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GA Inlet Caution: St. Marys (Cumberland Sound) Entrance
- Date Reported: Jun 2, 2022
- Reporter: Jani Parker
- Source: Waterway Guide Staff
- Description:
Overview: Relatively easy entry and exit point conveniently located just off the ICW. The inlet is deep, wide and jettied.
Approach: St. Marys Entrance Lighted Buoy "STM" is at N 30° 42.892'/W 081° 14.652' (2.5 nm seaward of the channel).
Navigation: From the sea buoy, steer to N 30° 42.704'/W 081° 21.526' to access the center of the channel at red marker "10" then proceed due west into Cumberland Sound. There are poorly marked jetties on both the north and south sides that are mostly SUBMERGED at high tide. Don't cut the corner and make sure you account for the single mark at the end of the jetty. Some shoal sections to the north of the channel inside the jetty. The current in this inlet is very strong and dictates appropriate boat handling to compensate. Slower boats are well advised to time their passages for slack water or a favorable tide.
Cautions & Hazards: The inlet serves the Kings Bay Submarine Base so be on the lookout for any military craft that might be in the area. the safety and security of submarines, their Coast Guard escorts and the public. No person or vessel may enter or remain within the security zone without the permission of the Coast Guard.
ICW Connection: ICW crosses the inlet at Mile 714. For either north or south, follow the banks, which remain deep outside of the channel.
- Lat / Lon: N 30° 42.819' / W 081° 25.678'
