Located on Skidaway Island, Georgia, outside of Savannah, is Landings Harbor Marina. The marina is within the gates of a private community called The Landings. However, as a non-resident, boaters have the opportunity to venture into the marina for fuel, bait, snacks, drinks, and more. I utilize the marina on a consistent basis and can tell you all of the tips that you need to know when navigating into, out of, and within the Landings Harbor.
No Transient Dockage Is Available
Despite the close proximity to the open ocean, no transient dockage is available at the marina. The marina dry racks and docks are exclusive to residents of The Landings community.
With that said, you still have the opportunity to enter the marina along the Wilmington River for fuel, snacks, drinks, frozen bait, and boating supplies. Importantly, I recommend tuning into channel 9 on your VHF radio. Give the marina a heads-up that you’re on the way in so that someone can assist you with short-term dockage.
The Wilmington River Currents Are Stiff Entering And Exiting
As a former captain, I can tell you that entering and exiting the marina presents a challenge. A pier and seawall create an enclosure to protect the boats tied to docks.
However, the entrance to Landing Harbor is not only narrow but is notorious for swift currents.
For this reason, I recommend determining the direction of the tide. Adjust your course accordingly to avoid hitting the seawall on either side. Lastly, keep an eye out for boats exiting the marina. In some cases, you will need to sit outside until traffic has cleared.
Conversely, when exiting the marina, center your vessel to the entrance and apply power to remain on a straight course line. Again, you don’t want to be set down on the seawall.
The Marina Gets Crowded
Without question, during the weekend and especially in the summer months, the marina can be jam-packed.
If you’re planning to refuel, I suggest arriving as close to 8 AM as possible. The marina staff starts their shift at 8. Furthermore, most residents, with the exception of anglers, are not headed to their boats until 9 or 10 AM at the earliest.
As the day drags on, boats launched from the dry racks will be hogging up all of the docks that are not assigned to slip renters. Lastly, as boats arrive after closing time (5 PM), many tie off side by side in a lineup to be hauled out the next morning.
The Marina Has An Enclosed Fish Cleaning Station
Look, I am not going to say it is a good idea to secure a vessel in the marina and utilize the fish cleaning station. However, if you’re in a pinch, especially on a weekday, it may be an option.
One time, I was on a charter who picked me up and dropped me off at the marina. The captain filleted the fish for us at the Landings Harbor Marina but took flak from a fellow boater who said he was taking up dockage space.
If you need to use the fish cleaning station, assess how busy the marina is before causing further congestion.
Watch For Clueless Boaters
As a result of COVID, the number of boat owners in the United States grew astronomically. With that said, inexperienced operators are driving vessels among us.
As mentioned above, the marina is congested; the congestion causes panic among rookie boaters, especially when combined with wind and current. You’ll want to practice defensive driving within the seawall to avoid an accidental collision with another boat.
Again, if need be, stay outside of the marina until the traffic is cleared before proceeding inside.
The Current Within The Seawall Is Minimal
On the opposite end of Skidaway Island within The Landings community is Delegal Creek Marina. Delegal Creek Marina is not contained within a seawall. When comparing the two, you will have little to no current to contend with inside of Landings Harbor Marina. Conversely, the currents are stiff at Delegal.
It is important to understand that the tidal swings in the Savannah area are large. A significant amount of water is moving between the lows and highs and highs and lows. You’ll want to use caution navigating, especially in close quarters.
Use The Tips When Boating In Or Out Of Landings Harbor Marina
For the most part, entering and exiting the marina is pretty straightforward. However, you need to be mindful of traffic and currents. Without question, the marinas location is ideal for topping off on gas or stocking up on ice, snacks, and drinks. Lastly, do your best to avoid the weekends when it is particularly congested.
