Reviews: Onancock Harbor

Review for Onancock Harbor

Reviewed by: Lance Williamson on May 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Follow the well marked channel off the Chesapeake. The anchorage is just before the town marina. There is room for 3 or 4 boats. Be sure to anchor out of the main channel. The dingy dock is just past the marina and bridge. There are several small shops a few blocks up the street. There is a very nice "provisioning" shop with specialty wines, cheese and various other things. The donut shop is a couple of blocks from the dingy dock. For $20 you can use the showers, free laundry, and courtesy car (Walmart and Food Lion are about 4 miles away). The restaurant beside the marina is excellent.

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Review for Onancock Harbor

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Apr 19, 2023
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Approach on the Onancock side channel off Pocomoke Sound entrance and go mark to mark up to G 29 in downtown Onancock with no less than 12 feet of water mlw the whole way. Anchor in 7 feet of water mlw at the mouth of the South Branch of the river, taking care to be well off the main channel to be clear of a very large gravel barge that transits the channel regularly. Good holding in mud with good wave, wind, and current protection all round. Looking at all of our charts there appears to be little if any water as you move into the South Branch arm of the river. Riding around in our dinghy showed otherwise, with an estimated 5 feet of water mlw. People with shoal draft boats might want to try moving about 300 yards up the river into a lovely well protected space for two or three boats.

Visit town in your dinghy, docking at the town dinghy/kayak dock that is just beyond the bridge and close to the historic district of the town. Several restaurants and pubs are within easy walking distance. There is a Food Lion 4 miles distant if needed. Interesting galleries are also within easy walking distance of the dock. Very good cell reception for the major carriers. We spent a quiet, protected, restful two nights even with winds gusting to 25 knots.

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Review for Onancock Harbor

Reviewed by: Douglas Way on Sep 29, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Very nice protected area with dingy dock nearby. Walk to town for restaurants, although there aren't any grocery stores nearby to resupply.

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Review for Onancock Harbor

Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Cruising Editor on Jun 7, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.0'

One of our favorite stops on the Chesapeake. Holding is very good in mud. Wind protection is good from nearly all directions except NW, which is only fair. Fast and reliable ATT/Verizon cell coverage, and possible wifi from the marina with code. Free town dinghy dock just past the bridge (shared with the kayak launch). Use caution to not anchor near the channel: a 100'+ gravel barge docks often just north of the kayak shop in town. It makes a wide swinging turn around marker G29 on its way in. The barge issues "sécurité" calls on VHF Ch. 16 and may give a 5 whistle warning if space is insufficient. Don't miss the bakery in town or the museum at Ker Place. It's a great town to walk with friendly people and a laid back vibe.

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Review for Onancock Harbor

Reviewed by: Ken Kaz on Aug 29, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.5'

Wonderful spot. A not to miss spot. 6 kts spd from main channel is about an 1 or better ride but worth the trip. Beautiful scenery along the way. Friendly people in town. And don't miss the folks at Blarneys Stone Irish Pub about a 10-15 minute walk from the city dingy dock.

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Review for Onancock Harbor

Reviewed by: Skipper Bob on Jun 1, 2016
Draft: 0.0'

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