Sandy Cove is a well-protected anchorage in the eastern Bay of Quinte, close to Ox Point. With protection from west and south winds and a sandy bottom in 7 ft of water, this is one of the more attractive spots in this section of the bay. Holding is good in the sand. Grass increases closer to shore, so anchoring in the middle of the cove gives the cleanest bottom. The sandy bottom is unusual for the Bay of Quinte and makes this anchorage stand out from the typical mud and clay found elsewhere.
| GPS Coordinates | 44.1431°N, 77.3068°W ⚠ Unverified |
| Water Body | Bay of Quinte — Sandy Cove |
| Region | Trent River |
| Depth Range | 2.1+ m 7+ ft — Waterway Guide |
| Bottom Type | Sand |
| Holding Quality | Good |
| Nearest Lock | Lock 1 — Trenton (~18 km southwest) |
| Overnight | ⚠ Conditional |
Protected from west and south winds by the surrounding shoreline. This makes it the preferred choice over nearby Ox Point when southwest conditions develop. Exposure exists to the north and east.
| Dinghy Access | ✗ No |
| Shore Access | No dedicated facilities. The sandy shore is suitable for dinghy landing but there are no services or trails ashore. |
| Pet Friendly | No votes yet |
Nearest provisioning: Trenton is approximately 22 km west with full provisioning. No services immediately adjacent to Sandy Cove.
Scenic notes: The sandy bottom and clear water set this apart from most Bay of Quinte anchorages. The cove feels more intimate than the open-water stops nearby. Wooded shoreline surrounds the cove and provides a pleasant backdrop.
Sandy Cove is in the eastern Bay of Quinte, approximately 1 km southeast of Ox Point. Lock 1 at Trenton is approximately 22 km west and lifts 1.5 m (5 ft). Like Ox Point, this is local cruising territory rather than a typical TSW transit stop.
| Lock | Name | Direction | Distance | Lift |
| #1 | Trenton | Upstream | ~18 km | 5.5 m18 ft |
Anchor in the center of the cove in 7 ft to find clean sand. As you move closer to shore, grass becomes thick enough to potentially foul your anchor or prevent it from setting properly. The protection from west and south makes this a good complement to nearby Ox Point — if the forecast calls for southwest winds, Sandy Cove is the better choice. If conditions are calm or from the north, Ox Point offers more room and deeper water.
Grass thickens significantly closer to shore and may foul your anchor or prevent a good set. Anchor in the middle of the cove for clean sand. At 7 ft depth, deeper-draft boats should watch their swinging room carefully as the cove shoals toward the edges.
Have photos of Sandy Cove — Bay of Quinte?
💌 Email captain@trentsevernguide.comSandy Cove — Bay of Quinte — Video Guide Coming Soon
Subscribe to @trentsevernguide for anchorage walkthroughs.
Anchored here recently? Help fellow cruisers with a quick report — depth readings, holding quality, wake conditions, and any hazards you noticed.
Boater reports are currently closed for this anchorage.
Sécurité, Sécurité, Sécurité. Report a navigational hazard on the Trent–Severn Waterway. Your report will be reviewed before publishing. All reports are for informational purposes — always verify conditions on the water.
We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze site traffic. Analytics cookies are only set after you consent. You can change your preferences anytime.
Get notified when new content launches — plus early access to lock-by-lock intelligence, seasonal updates, and cruising advisories.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime. Your data stays on our server — we don’t use third-party email platforms.
Get seasonal updates, new lock intelligence, cruising advisories, and guide additions — delivered to your inbox.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.