Sand and York Island

Sand Island has a National Park Service dock, but be aware—shallow water extends well offshore, so careful attention to depth is critical when approaching. Once home to a small settlement, the island is rich with history and things to explore.

There are private properties and a few docks on the south side, but the best highlights—including the Sea Caves, Swallow Point, and the Sand Island Lighthouse—are along the eastern shoreline, from the mid-east to northeast.

Avoid crossing the shallow bar on the south side, which has charted depths around 4 feet. It's a risky route and also a long way from most launch points.

The Swallow Point sea caves are geologically similar to those on Devils Island and the Mainland Sea Caves, making Sand Island a fantastic and more accessible alternative to Devils—with the added bonus of a dock.

York Island has a unique backstory—it was once two separate islands, York and Rock Island, which gradually filled in with sand to become one. The north side features a scenic beach and a striking rock formation along the shoreline.

The south side, however, is a different story—shallows and boulders extend far offshore, making it tricky to navigate. When passing south of York, I always recommend staying mid-channel to avoid any surprises.

(And yes, the only picture I can find of it is one of me holding a Red Bull—go figure.)