Neale Sound is the body of water that circulates behind Cobb Island on the Potomac River. Cobb Island is a fairly important mid-river stop for many boaters traveling up the Potomac River, but unfortunately, both entrances to the island can prove tricky and shallow at times. The Neale Sound entrance has a project depth of three feet at mean low water. Only very shoal-draft boats should attempt this entrance.

Use NOAA Chart 12286.

Approach Neale Sound Inlet just past Cobb Point Bar, which is marked by flashing green “1W” at the mouth of the Wicomico River. From Cobb Point, set a course toward flashing red “2N,” making sure to avoid the shoals that bend south from Cobb Island. Once you have picked up flashing red “2N,” you can follow the rest of the marks (visible above) in past the breakwater.

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