I have personally researched the waters Captains David and Patty refer to below, in depth. I’m sure the locals do find good anchorage here, but the unmarked nature of the entrance channel has always prevented me from listing this spot in the Net’s “Western Florida Anchorage Directory.”

Subject: Bradenton Beach Anchorage
Cruising News: An excellent anchorage will be found just south of the relatively new Bradenton Beach city pier. Although it appears to be just off the ICW south of the Cortez Bridge, access is barred by a three foot shoal. To enter the anchorage, head into the well marked channel for Bradenton Beach Marina, at unlighted daybeacon #49, just south of the Cortex Bridge. As you come to marker #3, turn to the south and cross in front of the pier, taking the `T’ to starboard. Access depths were about six feet. Continue on into the anchorage and find a spot to drop the hook. The pool of deep water is larger than it appears on the chart. According to our chart plotter, we were on top of the three foot shoal, when we were actually in six feet at low tide. Some depths exceeded eight feet. Protection is primarily from the west. There is a dinghy dock along shore and restroom and shower facilities on the pier itself. Once on shore, we found retail stores, restaurants, the beach on the Gulf, and ice cream. There is also a free trolley that runs the length of the island.
David & Patty Power
S/V Two If By Sea

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Bradenton Beach Anchorage/possible mooring field