ESSEX, CT

Approach

• From Long Island Sound, enter the Connecticut River mouth at Saybrook Breakwater Light.
• Run ~5 nm upriver to Essex Harbor.
• Follow buoyed channel closely — shoaling near riverbanks.

Essex Harbor

• Located just upriver of Nott Island (harbor to port).
• Depths: 8–12 ft in channel/mooring areas.
• Sheltered anchorage, busy in season.

• Currents: 2–3 knots, stronger on ebb. Plan docking at slack if possible.
• Sandbars: Stay in channel; do not cut markers.
• Traffic: Heavy on summer weekends, including ferries & tour boats.
• Night Entry: Channel well-lit, but Essex Harbor is tight.