Palm Cove Marina is found along the western flank of the AICW, just north of the new, B. B. McCormick high-rise bridge. This fine facility is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!!! Please patronize them whenever possible.

Last night, we stayed in Jacksonville Beach at Palm Cove Marina. We arrived at dead low tide and had about an inch under us in their channel as we very slowly approached. Our draft is 5′.
Showers were clean and spacious. Pool looked inviting, but too chilly to try it out.
After an invigorating walk to Publix to restock the frig, we enjoyed one of our best dinners of the entire trip at Marker 32 Restaurant next to the marina. Florida pompano and Florida shrimp and grits were great. Service was terrific too. Ask for Tiffany or Steve.
Pete & Mary Ann

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Beach Marina guards the AICW’s eastern banks, just north of the new fixed, high-rise BB McCormick Bridge in Jacksonville Beach.

Stayed here last night, 2/25/10. Easy access, limited bath/head facilities but adequate, two restaurants short walk away.
CAUTION: We departed when an outgoing tide was running with a 3 ‘“ 4 knot northerly flow. It caught me off guard and some difficulty turning south. Had it been flowing the other direction it could have created a hazard of being swept into pilings and bridge construction equipment.
Capt Dave

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10/16/2010 I strongly recommend against this marina, especially for sail boats. We pulled into the marina basin late yesterday and promptly ran aground (we only draw 4.5′). The dockmaster encouraged us to continue forward saying that they had 6′. Since we were cold and tired, we continued on.
The floating docks seem fairly new but they have no rub-rail or any other protection from the bent and exposed aluminum sides. The metal lining is very sharp with exposed edges and joints. We docked in heavy current and stiff winds with no help from the marina staff. We scratched the side of the boat but were happy it wasn’t much worse.
Unless or until they put some protection on those docks, I would recommend by-passing this marina.
Mary & Clay

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I call the overnight haven discussed below the, “One And Only Anchorage,” because it’s the only anchor down spot anywhere near the AICW between the Wateway’s crossing of St. Johns River and the Tolomato River. It is found along the AICW’s eastern flanks, north of the high-rise Pablo Creek bridge, BUT you MUST enter from its northern mouth.

Dear Claiborne,
We are back on board and moving south from Jacksonville. Tonight anchored off Pablo Creek on what you call “the one and only anchorage”. We couldn’t find those 10-15 foot depths you mention behind the three islands on the northern part of the creek. 20-35 ft was more like it close to low tide. We anchored in the northern mouth of the creek in 19 feet. There are a couple of old resident sailboats and a couple of moorings farther in behind the islands. Maybe we should have gone nearer to shore?
Jean Thomason
DOVEKIE

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The span reported on below sits in the heart of the AICW’s passage through Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Try to hit this bridge at slack tide. Otherwise you will be facing a swift current (4+ kts) which will test your nerves and
helmsmanship passing under the bridge.
s/v MicMac

First off, it’s the ebb current that’s the faster current, with speeds up to 4 kts. The flood is about a knot slower. Moreover, this issue exists only in the immediate vicinity of the Atlantic Boulevard bridge. Looking at the chart, the opening between the bits of land to the north of the bridge taper down, but open quickly to the south. We recently passed through the area with a 3 kt flood current and had little trouble under the bridge and only moderate turbulence south of the bridge. The St. Johns River crossing, by comparison, was harder, with strong cross current and turbulence.
Rick Emerson

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Cruising News: We found this marina to be less than advertised. We tied up for the night (early Nov 09) on a t-dock at the end of a pier where there were covered slip — but NO LIGHTS –NONE WHATSOEVER!!! Some friends were assigned to the same place a few nights after us and they said that they didn’t even feel safe because of the type of people around the marina restaurants.
Stephanie DiBelardino

We stayed there last week on our journey South, and were assigned a slip were we could fill up with Diesel, and get our tanks pumped out. Very convenient. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We found the facility had many lights all down the dock at the dockmasters building, even Christmas Lights up the walkway. We took advantage of their 3 front load washers and dryers, and were even given access to the upgraded showers. They have a basic shower bath area at the end of the dock, but we were told we could use the showers close to the laundry room. They must have added the lights since the previous post in November. This is our second stop at this marina.
Sun & Splendour
Catalina 375 Sailboat

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The entrance to Palm Cove Marina lies along the AICW’s western banks, a short hop north of the B. B. McCormick Bridge. This is a well sheltered facillity, and we highly recommend a stop here. And, why not, as these good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Stopped for fuel at Palm Cove Marina just north of the bridge. We entered at low tide with a solid six foot draft. Eased over a few mud spots but really no problem. Fuel price was as promised and dock assitance was cordial and effective.
Ed Grygent

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Palm Cove Marina