Anchorage Reviews | Bayou Chico - Pensacola

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Bayou Chico - Pensacola

Location: Pensacola Bay
Mile Marker: GIWW Mile 183 EHL
Lat / Lon: N 30° 24.400' / W 087° 15.460'
Depth: 9-11 Feet
Description:
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.
DISCLAIMER: The laws and regulations governing anchoring in Florida waters are complex and everchanging. If you plan to anchor, whether overnight or for an extended period, you should confirm whether you are in compliance with local and state requirements before committing to a location. Two sources of information that may be helpful are the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida State Statutes.

3.50

(4)

3.50 out of 5 stars

Holding:

4.50

Good, Mud

Wind Protection:

3.75

All Around

Current Flow:

4.00

Wake Protection:

4.00

All Around

Scenic Beauty:

2.00

Ease of Shopping:

2.00

Shore Access:

2.00

Pet Friendly:

3.25

Cell Service:

4.50

WiFi:

1.00

Review for Bayou Chico - Pensacola

Reviewed by: Alex Martino on Nov 10, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.4'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

2

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

2

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

1

Bayou Chico was a surprisingly quiet anchorage with very little boat traffic. Winds out of the north came in and whipped up to 20 kts constant gusting to 60kts on occasion for a couple days, but in the bay it was 30kts constant and 75-80mph gusts. Somehow, I didn't drag an inch. The bottom is mud and holds really, really well, just make sure to shake it off in the water before bringing it back onboard. There's a couple of derelict boats that were dragging anchor but seemed to get caught on each other. Rode out the freeze watch here as well, and the water stayed somewhat warm but still very cold. Didn't see any gators, but it's winter so take that with a grain of salt. Got harassed by a pod of dolphins while paddleboarding to shore. Pensacola Marine Center has Diesel at 3.75 a gallon plus tax, and they'll fill up your water tanks if you ask nicely. Local bar a short ride up the bayou to the bridge. Be careful leaving your tender ashore, someone had theirs stolen by someone during my stay. Water clarity is surprisingly good, can almost see to the bottom when setting anchor. Cell service with Verizon is 5 bars 5G UW. Great place for conference calls, remote work, etc. Worry free anchoring at night, but definitely a bit crowded for my taste.

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Review for Bayou Chico - Pensacola

Reviewed by: Leonardo Gregorczuk, Ushuaia, on Feb 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 3.0'

Overall Rating:

3

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

2

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

2

Pet Friendly:

3

Cell Service:

4

WiFi:

1

It is a good anchor to be protected from all winds, but the area has many other sailboats anchored and some of them looked abandoned. There was one sailboat dragging one of the night we were anchor there. Either way, keep away from them and windward side if you can. Also, it is one hour away from the free dock in downtown Pensacola at 4.5kt. Be aware the dock does not allow overnight, but you can stay until late.

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Review for Bayou Chico - Pensacola

Reviewed by: Robert Brander, Off the Rails, on Jun 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.5'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

2

Shore Access:

2

Pet Friendly:

4

Cell Service:

4

WiFi:

1

We came here to get out rigging looked at by Zern Rigging. The anchorage is quiet with good wind and wake protection. It is in an industrial area so there is some related noise during the day, but not excessive. Walmart is a couple miles away if you need to go on a supply run.

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Review for Bayou Chico - Pensacola

Reviewed by: Capt Bill on Oct 21, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 46'
Draft: 6.0'

Overall Rating:

3

Holding:

3

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

2

Wake Protection:

2

Scenic Beauty:

1

Ease of Shopping:

4

Shore Access:

2

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

1

Good anchorage in an industrial bayou. Lots of noise due to a new bridge spanning Pensacola Bay. Public boat ramp before the bridge allows access to main road. Shopping is a couple mile walk West or take the bus.

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