No matter where you're cruising this season, choosing the right anchorage can make your holiday weekend relaxing and memorable (and don't forget to pick some place warm). With Waterway Guide you can use our data and tools to locate and evaluate every spot with confidence.

What Makes the "Right" Holiday Anchorage?

Criteria #1: Strong Weather Protection

Late-season cruising often means dealing with sharp wind shifts, passing fronts, and unpredictable winter systems. The right holiday anchorage provides reliable shelter from these conditions, ideally with land protection on multiple sides and minimal exposure to open water. Before you commit to a spot, check the forecast and consider how the anchorage will perform if a wind shift arrives earlier--or stronger--than expected. A well-protected anchorage ensures you'll spend the holiday relaxing, not repositioning.

Criteria #2: Adequate Depth

Depth plays a larger role during winter cruising than many realize. Holiday travel often coincides with stronger tides and shifting shoals. Choosing an anchorage with adequate depth at mean low water--and enough margin for tide swings--helps ensure that you stay comfortable and secure. Depth consistency across the anchorage basin also matters allowing for predictable swinging and spacing among other boats.

Criteria #3: Reliable Holding

If you're planning to stay put for the holiday--or leave the boat to explore ashore--you'll want an anchorage with a strong reputation for good holding. Mud and sand bottoms offer the most dependable set, especially when paired with accurate tide and current predictions. A spot with consistent holding allows you to enjoy the holiday without the nagging worry of dragging or needing to reset the anchor in the dark. It's peace of mind that's worth prioritizing.

Criteria #4: Shore Access & Amenities--If You Want Them

Holiday preferences vary widely from cruiser to cruiser. Some boaters want complete solitude; others enjoy stepping ashore for holiday markets, a festive waterfront dinner, or a last-minute grocery run. The ideal holiday anchorage aligns with your plans, whether that means walking distance to town, an easy dinghy landing, or enough distance from shore to disconnect fully. Think about what your holiday looks like--quiet, social, adventurous--and choose an anchorage that supports it. If guests are joining you, make sure they can get to your boat easily.

Criteria #5: Ambience--The Holiday Magic Factor

Beyond safety and practicality, a great holiday anchorage simply feels right. Whether that means a secluded creek framed by frosty marsh grass or the glow of waterfront lights from a historic town. Ambience sets the tone for the entire weekend. A good holiday anchorage can turn morning coffee or an evening meal into lifelong memories.

Determining the Right Anchorage Using Waterway Guide's Data & Reviews

Each anchorage listing in our database includes everything you need to evaluate the criteria above--along with up to a 5-star rating for each element and real boater feedback.

Anchorage listings include:

• Holding
  
• Wind Protection
  
• Current Flow
  
• Wake Protection
  
• Scenic Beauty
  
• Ease of Shopping
  
• Shore Access
  
• Pet Friendly
  
• Cell Service
  
• WiFi

Every listing also features an average rating across all categories, plus individual reviews from other cruisers.

Locating Anchorages in Your Desired Region

You can explore anchorages in several ways depending on how you prefer to plan:

Explorer

Use the interactive map with the Aqua Map chart layer enabled and zoom into your current location or any destination region. Anchorages appear as anchor icons you can click to view ratings, details, and reviews. It's the quickest way to visually understand your options.

Anchorage Directory

Choose the appropriate state then city for your desired location to view anchorages available in that area.

Mobile App

When underway, open the app to view anchorages exactly as you would in Explorer--or tap the "Near Me" option to see anchorages around your current GPS position. It's perfect for making last-minute decisions based on weather or changing plans.