Anchorage

Coveland

United StatesPacific Northwest

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Shelter: NW, W, SW, S, SE
Seabed: mud
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage at the head of Penn Cove off Whidbey Island, Washington, on the site of the former Coveland settlement.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Penn Cove opens off Saratoga Passage and runs roughly 4 miles to the west. The cove is deep and clear of hazards on its centreline. Coupeville lies on the south shore. Stay well off the mussel rafts that occupy much of the open water.

Practical

Mud bottom with good holding. Sheltered from the south-western and southern quarters but open to easterly winds funnelling down Saratoga Passage. Coupeville town wharf is 1.3 miles east for water and provisions; Oak Harbor Marina lies 5.2 miles north-east.

History

Coveland was the first seat of Island County from 1853, when Captain Benjamin Barstow opened a trading post here. Land developers replatted the site in 1888 and renamed it San de Fuca.

Story

Penn Cove gives its name to one of the best-known mussel harvests on the US west coast, farmed on rafts in the cove since 1975.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 48.21928, -122.71894 (48°13.16'N 122°43.14'W)
Country: United States
Shelter: Sheltered from north-west, west, south-west, south, south-east winds
Seabed: mud
Anchoring: Allowed
Updated: July 7, 2026