Off‐river coves in high-energy estuaries like Hamburg Cove trap sediment during low discharge periods when salty water enters, increasing sediment concentrations. Sediment with marine origins accumulates during these times. The estuarine turbidity maximum near the cove entrance enhances sediment trapping during flood tide. Saltier water entering the cove as a density current resuspends sediment efficiently. Higher salinity water in the cove's deep basin retains sediment by creating a stratified region. This process of enhanced sediment accumulation in off‐river coves will likely continue with future sea level rise.