Approaches
Most sailors approach Spectacle on the west side, either headed for the island's marina or enroute to the Long Island bridge. Moderate depths of 6 to 14 feet at low and buoys on the shallow areas mean this is uncomplicated; the water stays deep enough for most sailboats to get as close to shore as they'd care to.
The east side is quite different. Here off-lying rocks and shoals extend the length of the island, while tidy new riprap on shore creates the impression of a bold coastline. Much of the excavated material from the Big Dig came to Spectacle by barge to "cap and fill" the island. Extensive changes to the visible parts of the island are obvious; changes to the nearby waters are still uncharted as of 2007. It's best to pass the east side of Spectacle a careful distance off.
For a look at changes to the waters around Spectacle, see the chart essay.
Inexplicably, Sculpin Ledge, south of the island, catches a boat or two every year.
Anchorages
Boats don't often anchor off Spectacle. For most of the 20th century it was literally a dump, off-limits to the public or under construction. Now open, there are no obvious anchorages. Waters east of the island are exposed in almost every direction. On the opposite side, Western Way is heavily travelled by boats going under the Long Island bridge -- including a full schedule of big, fast-moving water shuttles.
There are no moorings.
Slips
The Spectacle Island Marina on the west side opened to the public in 2006. Like the moorings at other islands, it is also run by Constitution Marina, and it has both day and overnight rates. There is some shelter from wakes behind its pier. Note that the innermost slips have very little water at low and are not suitable for keelboats.
