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Fernandina Beach - Bells River

Location: Amelia River
Mile Marker: Mile 716.5
Lat / Lon: N 30° 40.833' / W 081° 28.800'
Depth: 12-15 Feet
Description: Approach with caution, as the chart contours show varied depths with snags and mud banks. The tidal range is greater than 7 feet, and tidal currents run up to 2 knots here. Although it is a relatively short dinghy ride to the marina dinghy dock, the anchorage and mooring areas are open to winds, wakes and considerable tidal current.

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.

4.00

(3)

4.00 out of 5 stars

Holding:

4.67

Excellent, Mud

Wind Protection:

3.33

All Around Wave, but not Wind

Current Flow:

2.33

Wake Protection:

2.00

All Around Wave, but not Wind

Scenic Beauty:

4.00

Ease of Shopping:

3.33

Shore Access:

3.33

Pet Friendly:

2.33

Cell Service:

4.67

WiFi:

1.00

Review for Fernandina Beach - Bells River

Reviewed by: Jason Koslow, Wild Rose, on Dec 24, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.2'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

2

Wake Protection:

2

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

4

Shore Access:

3

Pet Friendly:

3

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

1

Went north of the 2 derelict vessels and 'Rock' which is an oyster mound of sorts. Anchored in 16' with 65lb Mantus and 100 of chain. Decent holding, will swing with current even against stiff breeze.

Not a long dinghy ride to town, go in calm weather. Locals mostly steer clear, had a couple idiots run right next to our boat with tons of room.

Overall, a nice spot if the main anchorages by town are full. Great cell service as well.

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Review for Fernandina Beach - Bells River

Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Cruising Editor on Feb 25, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

2

Wake Protection:

2

Scenic Beauty:

4

Ease of Shopping:

3

Shore Access:

3

Pet Friendly:

3

Cell Service:

4

WiFi:

1

Holding is excellent in thick sandy mud. The low marshes do not provide any wind protection, but there is little fetch and the only wave build-up occurs when wind directly opposes current. We have ridden out several days of 30kt gusts and a 50+kt squall here with no problems. The current moves and the boat will sit on the current. There is a lot of room to swing, though. The dinghy ride to town is a bit long at 1-1.5 nm, fine in calm weather but wet in a chop. Dinghy dockage is at the Fernandina Harbor Marina with easy access to town, shopping, and dining.

The approach up the river is accurately charted. Note the bar mid-river on the western bank; keep it to port as you head north. The charted rock is an oyster bar that shows at MLW. South of the bar has several derelict looking vessels, we always anchor north of the bar in 10 feet MLW. The eastern side of the river here is used by fishermen and local traffic, there will be a few wakes but not bad. More anchorage options can be had farther up the river.

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Review for Fernandina Beach - Bells River

Reviewed by: Captain M., Oystercatcher, on Mar 31, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

3

Wake Protection:

2

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

3

Shore Access:

4

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

5

Excellent holding. Open to north winds so anchor at the deeper north end for storms. Annoying wakes at south end near Lanceford Creek. Do not anchor in east side deeper channel used by shrimp boats. Use caution on dinghy ride to marina as north wind against outgoing tide creates standing waves near dock.

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