Orowoc Creek is one of four creeks off Great South Bay between the towns of Bay Shore and Islip on Long Island Sound. Of all the areas in Bay Shore and Islip, this is probably the least friendly one, as only one marina accepts transient guests, but this same facility also offers all fuels and an extensive repair facility, more than making up for some of the other marinas in the creek. Provisioning is relatively close by in the form of a small grocery store.

Use NOAA Chart 12352.

Orowoc Creek and the Bay Shore/Islip area are approached from the south via Great South Bay. From Great South Bay, about one mile southwest of Bayberry Point, pick up flashing green buoy “1”, and then set a course for flashing red buoy “2” in Great Cove, just south of Orowoc Creek. From here, work your way to the northeast to intercept flashing red “2” at the creek’s mouth, and then move on to the flashing white light (unnumbered) farther up the creek. Red daybeacon “4” serves to guide you on in to the upper reaches of the creek where the marinas are located. You can expect five- to seven-foot depths in the creek.

Once inside, you will find four marinas, all of which are located in the upper reaches of the creek on both sides. Of the four marinas here, only one of them accommodates transients, but this marina also has fuel (gas and diesel) and extensive facilities for haul-outs and repairs. Anchoring is not really recommended here, due to the narrow nature of the creek.

Local Notices to Mariners are now exclusively available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.