A broad, deeply indented bay on the west side of Effingham Island, Effingham Bay is widely regarded as one of the best big-boat anchorages in the Broken Group and a superb base for exploring the outer islets by dinghy.
Effingham Bay bites deep into the west side of Effingham Island, the largest island in the outermost cluster of the Broken Group at the mouth of Barkley Sound. The bay is roomy and largely open, with a more sheltered pocket tucked into its southeast corner where most cruisers settle and many choose to stern-tie to the trees.
It is a justifiably popular stop within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Ashore there are driftwood beaches and the remains of an Indigenous (Tseshaht) village, and the surrounding maze of rocky islets, reefs, and sea caves makes for outstanding kayak and dinghy exploring.
Holding is generally good but the bottom is reported to be variable, so set the anchor carefully and verify it is dug in before trusting it.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The bay is normally approached from the east through Coaster Channel, or from the south passing between Gilbert Island and a reef where the least depth in the fairway is about 3 m (10 ft). The Broken Group as a whole is studded with rocks, reefs, and kelp-marked shoals, so a large-scale chart (CHS 3670) and careful piloting in good visibility are essential.
Inside the bay, watch for rocks and drying ledges along the shoreline and toward the head. The chief weakness is exposure to the west: the anchorage is secure in most conditions but can become uncomfortable or untenable during strong westerlies, which send swell and chop into the open mouth.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Effingham Bay with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
No reviews yet. Be the first.
Cruising info goes stale fast — fees change, fuel docks close, hours shift. WalkTheDock stays accurate because boaters who’ve actually been here keep it current. Spot something out of date? Suggest a correction; once a moderator approves it the change goes live and you’re credited below.
No community updates yet — spotted something out of date? Use “Suggest an edit” below.
Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.
