I'm looking for someone with experience anchoring at South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan. I would like to know the conditions before making the trip. Thanks.
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Anchorage at South Manitou Island
I anchored in the bay on the SW side of s. Manitou Is. approx. 15-yrs ago. I doubt if things have changed, as the island in non-commercial. A ferry brings day-visitors from Leland. (I think that some may camp overnight, but they have to bring ALL supplies. You will too.) The anchorage is well protected for all directions, except is open to the S.E. A handy "shelf" of about 12-ft. depth allows for good holding, yet close to shore -- making for an easy dinghy trip. The beach (shore) was fine gravel, but with caution, we beached our inflatable. ...took a long walk across to the SW side of the island to view the freighter that had wrecked there in a November snow storm. It was worth the hike, although my crew still refers to it as the "death march. (I maintain a pretty fast walking pace.) Closer by, at the S. end of the bay, there is an abanded lighthouse to check-out. The lsland offers solitude and is worth an overnight visit. If the weather kicks-up from the SE, you would probably be anchored pretty close to the lee shore. It would be your call to re-anchor into the weather, or to check your chart and make and early move to protection that may be several miles away.
I anchored in the bay on the SW side of s. Manitou Is. approx. 15-yrs ago. I doubt if things have changed, as the island in non-commercial. A ferry brings day-visitors from Leland. (I think that some may camp overnight, but they have to bring ALL supplies. You will too.) The anchorage is well protected for all directions, except is open to the S.E. A handy "shelf" of about 12-ft. depth allows for good holding, yet close to shore -- making for an easy dinghy trip. The beach (shore) was fine gravel, but with caution, we beached our inflatable. ...took a long walk across to the SW side of the island to view the freighter that had wrecked there in a November snow storm. It was worth the hike, although my crew still refers to it as the "death march. (I maintain a pretty fast walking pace.) Closer by, at the S. end of the bay, there is an abanded lighthouse to check-out. The lsland offers solitude and is worth an overnight visit. If the weather kicks-up from the SE, you would probably be anchored pretty close to the lee shore. It would be your call to re-anchor into the weather, or to check your chart and make and early move to protection that may be several miles away.
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