Mouillage Horseshoe Cove

Horseshoe Cove – anchorage

Horseshoe Cove is a small cove located on the Sandy Hook Bay side, in the heart of the Gateway National Recreation Area. It is a favored anchorage for its natural setting and proximity to the Sandy Hook peninsula. Nautical charts and guides generally indicate depths of about 10 to 20 feet, with a sand and mud bottom offering good holding. Depths can, however, be less than charted, and the area is prone to shoaling.

The cove is relatively quiet, but it is not completely sheltered from the wakes of boats transiting Sandy Hook Bay, notably the ferries. The anchorage is also more exposed when winds come from the northwest to the southwest. The main appeal is being able to settle there in a much more natural environment than New York’s urban areas, while still being close to the beaches and trails of Sandy Hook.

Access ashore is easy by dinghy. The National Park Service officially identifies Horseshoe Cove as a site where small boats can be launched, and the area provides access to the land portion of Sandy Hook.

However, particular attention must be paid to the shoals and the sand spit that form the bay entrance. The Coast Pilot recommends caution in this area, since the shoals extend beyond the visible point and the configuration can change.

Ultimately, Horseshoe Cove offers a nice compromise for visiting Sandy Hook: an anchorage in a natural setting, easy access to the peninsula, and a pleasant view of the Highlands, while staying away from the bustle of New York Harbor.