Pirates Cove, BC, Decourcey Island

Jan 12, 2016
268
Hunter 410 Ladysmith, BC
Have any of you with deeper draft boats, (ours is 6'6") made the trip up to Pirates Cove?

The anchorage looks really nice but I'm more concerned with getting in/out which will only be feasible at high tide.

For those that have done it...any tips/warnings? Prefer to anchor without the stern tie if possible.
 
Jan 25, 2011
2,391
S2 11.0A Anacortes, WA
No problem, if done correctly. Been there many times. It's the outer reef that trips people up. There is a painted arrow on the rock, on the island. From the south, go up the outside of the reef until you are directly across from the arrow and turn directly into the arrow. When you're between the reef and island, turn south and proceed into the anchorage. Note the buoy..you can anchor freely in the middle if there's room. Otherwise you're gonna take a stern line ashore. This a popular anchorage. Further in, there is a yacht club float with a park host boat tied up. IMHO, it screws up half the anchorage. Have a plan B in case Pirates Cove is filled up...
 
Dec 25, 2000
5,702
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
No problem, if done correctly. Been there many times. It's the outer reef that trips people up. There is a painted arrow on the rock, on the island.
Nice report Mark. Been in there a number of times and it is quite nice. However, the mud bottom has a horrible stench, but holds well.
 
Dec 25, 2000
5,702
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Oh, and by the way, during the summer season mosquitos ashore can make things a bit unpleasant. Nice hiking trails and sites to see. Be sure to bring a contribution to the Pirates Treasure Chest next to the Provincial Park sign. Much history about those who attempted to populate the island.
 
Nov 21, 2007
631
Beneteau Oceanis 34 Kingston, WA
We anchored for a couple of days in Herring Bay on Ruxton Island last August (stopped at Ladysmith to pump out, actually...). From there we canoed over to Pirates Cove and walked around a bit. There was only one boat anchored in the middle of the bay at the time. There were a lot of stern tie anchors in the area that we explored. I took a couple of photos while we were there, for future reference. I'm glad we didn't try Pirates Cove first, although that may change with more (positive) experience. We were stressed enough getting into Herring Bay.

The entrance.
Decourcy - 1.jpeg


Inside Pirates Cove
Decourcy - 3.jpeg


Treasure chest
Decourcy - 2.jpeg


Herring Bay, Ruxton Isl.
Decourcy - 4.jpeg
 
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