Biddeford Pool Inlet

About

Introduction:

Located about two miles south of the Saco River Entrance off of Wood Island Harbor, in Saco Bay, Biddeford Pool Inlet is the access point to the protected body of water charted as “The Pool.” Although officially charted as “The Pool,” the body of water past Wood Island Harbor is often referred to as “Biddeford Pool” like its namesake town at the end of Fletcher Neck.

This body of water is a popular stopover or cruisers as it is relatively well protected from all directions, but its popularity also makes it difficult to find a place to anchor during the busy summer season. If you plan on making this a stopover, it’s best to get here earlier, rather than later, in the afternoon.

Wood Island and Wood Island Lighthouse are popular with visitors, and free tours (donations appreciated) leave the harbor daily (first-come, first-served).

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 13287.

Pay particular attention to the green daybeacon marking Halftide rock on your port side as you approach the opening to The Pool. The inlet itself is unmarked, but once inside, a red nun buoy marks a shoal extending southward from the northern shore.

Depths in The Pool range from five to seven feet in a fairly confined area that is usually filled with moored or anchored boats. You will want to use caution if you enter the area at night, as you cannot always count on every boat to have an anchor light showing. Most of The Pool turns into bare tidal flats at low tide.

Local Notices to Mariners:

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

Helpful Links:

Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse (Tours)