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Bells River Entrance

Location: Amelia River
Lat / Lon: N 30° 40.467' / W 081° 28.387'
Depth: 15 feet
Tide: 8 feet
Description:
Good place to drop the hook across from downtown. The current is very strong and switches directions so be sure to use lots of scope. Some small boat traffic but at night its nice and calm. Many bugs. There is a very deep area of almost 50 feet just past this anchorage so when you drop the hook try and not get too close to the steep slope.
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

(6)

4.00 out of 5 stars

Holding:

5.00

Holding is decent if you use lots of scope. Anchor come up with thick mud/shell mix.

Wind Protection:

3.20

Current Flow:

3.25

Wake Protection:

3.50

Scenic Beauty:

2.50

Ease of Shopping:

4.80

Shore Access:

4.80

The town marina is right nearby. Take the dinghy in and enjoy some time in this fun little town.

Pet Friendly:

5.00

Cell Service:

5.00

WiFi:

1.67

Review for Bells River Entrance

Reviewed by: John Parsons, Pelican, on Nov 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

3

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

4

Shore Access:

4

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

1

Anchored outside mooring field as high wind and current prevented us from picking up a ball at night. Good holding and some wave protection from low marshes on all sides. Marina about half mile across ICW channel was very welcoming and we had full services for a nominal $4 landing fee - clean, nice showers and bath combos. Marina is on edge of neat historic town of Fernandina, well worth the walk to great restaurants and historic buildings. Stop by the visitor center at the old rail station for information and the booklet for the self-guided walking tour of historic buildings. Other than the smelly paper mills, it's a great stop.

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Review for Bells River Entrance

Reviewed by: Graeme Walker, Confirmed Aquaholic, on Apr 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

1

Ease of Shopping:

5

Shore Access:

5

There were 10+ boats here and all were well spaced for tides. Lots of current. Anchored with 125' rode with no issues. Dingy's into town, free dingy dock but it appears if you pay $5 you get access to the dock facilites, i.e. laundry, showers, etc. Great little town, would return. Unfortunately there appear to be two pulp/paper mills in town and depending on the wind there is a distinct odor.

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Review for Bells River Entrance

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 16, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Anchoring in this area beats the mooring ball banging on the hull when the wind opposes the current. There is a lot of current (we've seen upwards of 2 knots), and there is also not a lot of wind protection from any direction except east. Low salt marsh does not provide much wind protection but there isn't a lot of fetch for the waves to build. However, in a north or south wind the channel between the anchorage and shore can get choppy making getting to shore a wet experience. Also, the western area of this anchorage is outside of the no wake zone and during the day many small boats came very close at high speed. Certainly not the most relaxing anchorage.

The town is wonderful. Many great restaurants and shops. Amelia Island Coffee makes for a great breakfast, Akari Sushi was great, and the Tavern by AIBC has both great food and drinks.

We were disappointed to learn that the bus that used to run out to the grocery store is only available on Saturdays and you must call to have them come get you. We decided to take an uber and while finding a ride out was easy, it was a challenge to find a ride back with few drivers operating in the area. But Walmart and Winn-Dixie are in the same plaza which is convenient.

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Review for Bells River Entrance

Reviewed by: Teresa Scott, Vayu, on May 19, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Ease of Shopping:

5

Shore Access:

5

Anchored here for a little over a week to shop and wait for good weather to head north to NC. Nice showers and laundry at municipal marina. Current was strong but good holding.

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Review for Bells River Entrance

Reviewed by: Shawn Murphy, Gradle, on Feb 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 48'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

3

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

5

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

3

We anchored here for two night outside the mooring field. This is really the only place to anchor. The more southern anchorage is right next to the paper mill and the smell was terrible. The marina charges $4/day to use the dinghy dock. You can also pay for use of the marina services. The anchorage was mud and we held fine. A little bit of boat traffic but not bad. Typical tidal movement for a near shore anchorage. We came in from the north and avoided the main channel and tanker traffic. I'd advise this if your coming in during the day as the main channel is narrow.

The downtown area is very cool. The have a nice old town area. Many bars and restaurants but they are mostly off Center. ;) The Palace Saloon boasts as the oldest bar in Florida. We thought The Green Turtle was a cooler place. They had a live band when we were there and a nice outdoor seating area. Dog friendly.

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Review for Bells River Entrance

Reviewed by: Heath Phillips, Philyria , on Nov 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 6.0'

Overall Rating:

3

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

2

Current Flow:

1

Wake Protection:

2

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

5

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

1

Very fast current and deep water make this anchorage a little tricky. Windlass is almost necessary here. Mantus 45 dug in deep and came up clean.

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