Christmas Cove | water, seaport

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It is said that Christmas Cove was named by Captain John Smith, of Pocahontas fame, when he visited the inlet on Christmas Day in 1614. It offers good protection for small craft. The narrow entrance to the cove proper is midway between two bare rocks, the one on the southeast side being marked by Middle Ledge Daybeacon 2. Daybeacon 3 marks the north side of the channel, and Steamboat Wharf Daybeacon 4 marks the point of a ledge near the south side close westward of the town landing.

A high square observatory tower, located on private property about a mile northeastward of the cove, is conspicuous.

The summer resort of Christmas Cove is on the eastern side. Politically it is a part of the town of South Bristol. The village residents maintain a private sport, social, and yachting club. The town landings with reported depths of 4 to 12 feet alongside are on the southeast side of the cove. There are several private float landings and moorings in the cove. Anchoring is difficult due to the densely-packed moorings and numerous lobster pot buoys and is not recommended.

Coveside Inn, a marina-motel with 12 feet reported alongside its float landing is on the west side of the cove opposite the boatyard. The inn rents out moorings and dock space, but fuel is no longer available.