Waterway Guide | Reviews

Review Now

These are observations from the boating community. Waterway Guide information is verified regularly and all efforts will be made to validate any new updates submitted here. Thank you for taking the time to share comments about your experience.

Waterway Guide reserves the option of editing reviews and comments for grammar, clarity and the removal of defamatory or potentially slanderous language. When appropriate, reviews are forwarded to businesses for response prior to being made public. We will make every effort to be objective and impartial when posting reviews, but do not publicize details of disputes between parties.

Watson Bayou

Location: Panama City
Mile Marker: GIWW Mile 291.4 EHL
Lat / Lon: N 30° 09.290' / W 085° 38.415'
Depth: 7-10 Feet
Description:
NOTE: Per Florida Statute 327.4109

The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure may not anchor or moor such that the nearest approach of the anchored or moored vessel or floating structure is:
1. Within 150 feet of any marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other vessel launching or loading facility;
2. Within 300 feet of a superyacht repair facility. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "superyacht repair facility" means a facility that services or repairs a yacht with a water line of 120 feet or more in length; or
3. Within 100 feet outward from the marked boundary of a public mooring field or a lesser distance if approved by the commission upon request of a local government within which the mooring field is located. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subparagraph.

Holding:

5.00

Good, Mud

Wind Protection:

5.00

All Around

Current Flow:

5.00

Wake Protection:

5.00

All Around

Scenic Beauty:

2.00

Ease of Shopping:

1.00

Shore Access:

1.00

Pet Friendly:

1.00

Cell Service:

3.00

Review for Watson Bayou

Reviewed by: Malcolm Rubel on Mar 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Overall Rating:

3

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

2

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

1

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

3

Turning north of the GICW at Green 25 leads you to a narrow opening into Watson Bayou with a minimum depth of 15' mlw. Stay in the center of the channel and there will be plenty of water. You can continue all the way up to the anchorage icon just before the bridge for all around protection or hop off to the west after the entrance into the first cove for a quick overnight stop. We anchored in 15' feet of water off the north shore of the first cove (Lake Van Vac) with plenty of swing room, excellent holding and good cell phone reception. Shore access was not available and there was the paper mill and boatyard facing us on the opposite shore. We had very good wind protection from all directions except the east and no wake to disturb us. There is commercial traffic on the bayou. We had a one barge tow pass us early in morning so keep out of the main channel. Background industrial and train noises were definitely noticeable and continued through the night. The 7AM shift change whistle will keep you from sleeping in. If you are staging for a day run to Apalachicola, this is a good, well protected stopping point for a reasonable following day's run. If you are planning on staying longer you might want to go further up the bayou or look for another place further up the channel away from the paper mill to relax.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Watson Bayou

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Jan 28, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Cell Service:

3

We anchored here three months after hurricane Michael. Anchorage is well protected and easy access. Can’t comment on services or convenience since there isn’t much left.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer