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Stono Inlet, just 11 nautical miles southwest of the Charleston Harbor approach, is routinely used by both recreational boaters and commercial shrimpers. It allows easy access to the Atlantic Ocean from marinas and private docks along Folly River, Stono River and their many tributaries.

When used cautiously, Stono Inlet is a safe pass. It is, however, a changeable area lined with breakers and it can be treacherous. Although the inlet is marked, entrance buoys are not charted because they are frequently shifted in position.

The route and waypoints shown here are from the Stono Inlet lighted buoy, 1S, to the mouth of the Folly River. These soundings were recorded with Atlantic Boat and Marine's Clara Mae, a 25' C-dory, on October 2, 2009. Depths noted for the waypoints were taken when the tide was at mean low. Winds were moderate and Seas were 2 to 3 feet. Note buoys numbered "2", "2A", and "3" were missing as noted in the latest Local Notice to Mariners issued by the US Coast Guard.

From seaward, there are a couple of caution areas noted. The first area between waypoints 214 and 216 notes the shallowest part of the entrance. The depth in this area can run as little as 4.5 feet at low tide. Depending on the sea state, you can expect high following seas through here.

The second caution area is at waypoint 324 near Nun No. 4. The entrance here runs closely along a line of breakers. Depending on your type of vessel, rolling seas amplified by the shallow depths can push you into these breakers if you are not careful. Consider cheating to seaward as much as your draft will allow in this area.

We will be updating these soundings as time allows. In the mean time, call us if you have questions or have more current information to offer.

*** 09/25/11 UPDATE ***
Although we have not taken new soundings in some time, several of our clients report the depths at these waypoints have not changed much in spite of the offshore hurricane activity we have had this season. Note in addition to missing buoys "2", "2A", and "3", buoy number "4" is also missing. With no visual references in between, this makes the three mile open water trek from buoys "1S" to "5" a little intimidating, so, make sure these waypoints are entered into your GPS correctly. As always, use your own good sense when transiting this or any other pass.

Legal Disclaimer (in plain language):
Please don't rely on this information and then blame Atlantic Boat and Marine if you run aground or worse. We take no responsibility for the accuracy of these waypoints. Relying solely upon them would be a lack of good judgment on your part. Consider this information, but rely upon your own experience and seamanship abilities for the safety of your vessel and crew.