Sorrento Harbor Inlet South

About

Introduction:

Sorrento Harbor is a well-protected, natural cove that is located on the north side of Frenchman Bay east of Sullivan Harbor. Geographically, Sorrento Harbor is 5.5 miles north of Bar Harbor (Mount Desert Island) and 19 miles north-northeast of Blue Hill Harbor.

Sorrento Harbor is primarily a sheltered hideout where traveling boaters and lobstermen can catch a mooring within the protected confines of local geography. The moorings are maintained by the Sorrento Yacht Club, which also provides a floating dinghy dock for mooring patrons.

The image above is a view from the south looking north over the south entrance into Sorrento Harbor. The point of land to the right (east) is the western end of Preble Island, while off to the left (west), the eastern and of Dram Island is visible.

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 13318.

There are two navigable entrances into Sorrento Harbor (one to the south and one to the west), but the south entrance is both wider and deeper--and therefore preferred-- over the west entrance.

The approach and entry into the southern opening of Sorrento Harbor are both easy. Coming in from the south through Frenchman Bay, the first step is to set a course to intercept red and white bell buoy “SH,” which is located at an approximate position of N44 27.840 W68 11.159.

Once you have safely navigated to red and white bell buoy “SH,” set a new course of about 018 degrees magnetic for approximately four-tenths of a mile. This course will take you directly between Dram and Preble islands, and then into the heart of Sorrento Harbor. Depths in the inlet between these two islands are between 23 to 50 feet.

Local Notices to Mariners:

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