Chicopit Bay Inlet

About

Introduction:

Chicopit Bay is located off the St. Johns River about 12 miles northeast of Jacksonville and 22 miles south of the St. Marys River entrance. The image above is a view to the south looking over the entrance to Chicopit Bay. Jacksonville Beach can be seen in the far upper right (south) corner of the image, while the clearly marked entrance channel to the continuation of the ICW works its way down toward the 65-foot fixed vertical clearance bridge farther south.

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 11491.

Chicopit Bay is the southern entrance to the continuation of the ICW where it crosses the St. Johns River from Sisters Creek, which is on the north side of the St. Johns River. From Sisters Creek at flashing red “88,” set a course to the southeast to intercept flashing green “1” at the entrance to Chicopit Bay, about .7 mile away on a heading of approximately 163 degrees magnetic.

Once you have reached flashing green “1,” follow in red nun buoy “2,” green daybeacon “3,” flashing green “5,” flashing red “6,” and then green daybeacon “7” south into Chicpoit Bay. Depths average about five to eight feet, and you will want to mind the current, which can run through the area at a good clip.

Local Notices to Mariners:

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