This ancient activity underlies the crook-and-cranny beauty that attracts boaters from around the world. It's a popular body of water, yet you can still find quiet pockets surrounded by the bounty of nature, particularly with the right timing. Here are some of the anchorages that many enjoy and suggestions for when it may be best to hoist the anchor, secure a mooring and gunkhole by dinghy while boating on Long Island Sound.

CONNECTICUT SHORES: NORWALK ISLANDS

From Algonquin Indian paddlers to Great Gatsby-style parties in the Roaring '20s to the current protected bird colonies, these islands have held the hands of time. While boating on Long Island Sound, pay careful attention to the many hazards and substantial tide swings. Most of the islands are privately owned, but Chimon and Sheffield are part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and open to the public (except for nesting restrictions from April 1 to Aug. 15). There is an anchorage bowl southeast of Chimon Island. On the island's northwest, shallow-draft boats anchor at the beach while others stay farther out. Northwest of Sheffield Island, which is exposed to the southwest, is still a nice place to drop the hook.‍

OLD SAYBROOK AND ESSEX

Swallows swarm in fall, bald eagles nest in winter, and shad school in spring. In summer, the Connecticut River is all about boating on Long Island Sound. The southernmost towns provide some nice spots to anchor. Grab a mooring or gunkhole in your dinghy. Old Saybrook has several special anchorages, one of which is above the highway bridge between Ferry Point and Calves Island. The town of Old Lyme has two transient moorings in the anchorage north of Calves Island (two-night maximum). Near Essex, there is a short-term spot east of Nott Island (shoaling has been reported so watch your depths). ‍For a longer stay, bypass the anchor and contact Saybrook Point Marina in Old Saybrook...

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