New Inlet, Navigational passage on North Carolina coast, United States
New Inlet is a tidal passage on the coast of North Carolina that links the Atlantic Ocean to the New River. The channel runs between shallow sand bars that shift with the seasons, making the water depth vary considerably depending on tidal conditions.
The passage was used by early European settlers along the Carolina coast as a route between the ocean and the inland waterway. Over the centuries, the natural movement of sand and tidal forces has repeatedly shifted the channel and changed its course.
Local fishermen pass down knowledge of the currents and shoals by word of mouth, rarely relying on official charts alone. Visitors can watch small boats navigate the passage with a confidence that only comes from years of daily use.
Before navigating the passage, check current tide tables and weather forecasts, as conditions can change quickly. Boaters with larger vessels should be aware that the available depth varies noticeably depending on the time of year.
Navigation charts for the passage must be updated by environmental agencies more often than for most other inlets along this stretch of coast, because the sand bars move so fast. This makes New Inlet one of the most closely monitored coastal features in North Carolina.
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