Approaches
Between 2 and 3 miles off the mouth of Padanaram harbor (and beyond the margins of our chart) are a number of rocks and ledges shallow enough to be an obstacle for most sailboats. They are well-marked and not difficult to negotiate, but they don't follow an intuitive pattern. Without a close look at the chart, it might seem like the red and green buoys were sprinkled at random. The former radar dome on Round Hill Point, 2 miles south of the entrance, used to make a prominent daymark, until the property's new owners demolished the structure over the winter of 2007-2008. It still shows up on many charts.
Once inside the ledges, the way past the breakwater and into the harbor is wide and unobstructed. The entire harbor feels exposed to the width of Buzzards Bay south and east, but is comfortably protected unless the weather from that quarter is severe.
Anchorages
Anchor just behind the breakwater, or clear of the moorings and fairway south of nun "12". Notice Dartmouth Rock, a 4 foot spot between nuns "12" and "10". Boats intending to anchor overnight are expected to notify the harbormaster.
Moorings
The New Bedford Yacht Club is the primary source for overnight moorings in the harbor. Call their launch on VHF 68 when you arrive.
Concordia has about 150 moorings, but they are typically rented by the month or season.
Slips
South Wharf now has several slips for visitors, since they took over the former Concordia yard in 2007 and renovated the marina.. The yacht club may occasionally have a slip if its regular occupant is away.
