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Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
The best just keep getting better. Marineland Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has been racking up a whole series of impressive reviews here on the Cruisers’ Net and elsewhere. Now, one of the only drawback to staying here has been remedied. Looks like there’s now a good lunch spot just across the road from the dockage basin. Must give this spot a try when next our travels take us to these waters!
Welcome JT’s Lunch Shack to the Town of Marineland……located just across the street from the marina!
A fantastic and affordable menu that includes sandwiches, wraps, beer and wine, etc. right next to the beach and the Marineland Dolphin Adventure!
Just a short walk from the Town of Marineland Marina!
Open from 10:00AM to 4:00PM daily.
Chris Kelley, dockmaster
Marineland Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
Marineland Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies south – southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore. This marina had been closed for many years, but just recently reopened. While there are not yet any nearby restaurants or good provisioning possibilities (though these are planned for the future), the new incarnation of Marineland Marina IS already another excellent stop for cruisers plying the AICW between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach and is setting the standard for how cruisers should be treated!
Cruising News:
We left Jacksonville eager to get to Marineland Marina after all the great reviews on Cruisersnet. After dealing with a small mechanical issue, I hailed Eric at Marineland to let him know we were running late. His response was, “no problem, safe travels”. This is Friday evening near closing time, no less. Long story short, we made it safely and Eric provided outstanding service all weekend. A 20,000 acre estuary across the ICW, UF Marine Science facilities on site featuring a crystal clear ocean species “pond”, a beautiful, secluded beach across the street, and clean, uncrowded facilities are just a few of the highlights. Back at work now but can’t wait to go back!
Mitch
Welcome JT’s Lunch Shack to the Town of Marineland……located just across the street from the marina!
A fantastic and affordable menu that includes sandwiches, wraps, beer and wine, etc. right next to the beach and the Marineland Dolphin Adventure!
Just a short walk from the Town of Marineland Marina!
Open from 10:00AM to 4:00PM daily.
Chris Kelley, Dockmaster, Marineland Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
Marineland Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies south – southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore. This marina had been closed for many years, but just recently reopened. While there are not yet any nearby restaurants or good provisioning possibilities (though these are planned for the future), the new incarnation of Marineland Marina IS already another excellent stop for cruisers plying the AICW between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach and has been called “a magical place” by recent cruisers.
We just left our Pearson 424 “MOJO” at Marineland for a month while I came back to our yacht brokerage to catch up on things. Chris and his staff can’t do enough for you. The facilities are absolutely spotless. Enterprise will bring you a rental car and St. Augustine is just a short drive if you want to do the tourist thing. Great uncrowded beach just across the street. Fantastic dockage rates. This will be a regular stop for us!
Jack Coulter on “MOJO”
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
Loggerhead Club and Marina of Daytona Beach lies off the western banks of the ICW/Halifax River, south of unlighted daybeacon #32.
We recently stayed at Loggerhead. The finger piers are long enough for us to take our 32 footer bow-in and still be able to step off the boat from the cockpit area. The 30 amp was available but ours was in use by our neighbor who plugged into his and ours too. They had no 50-30 adapters but we managed to stretch our cord to a vacant slip nearby.
The restaurant is lively and the burger was good. The pool and hot tub are supposed to close at dusk but the dockmaster admitted that the evening guard might turn a blind eye (or be sleeping in his truck).
We walked to a Sunoco station where we could buy some sundry items. I couldn’t find another convenience store and the locals didn’t know of any other nearby either.
There are no other restaurants or shopping areas nearby. On our last visit to Daytona, we stayed at Halifax where we had more stores to visit.
Max Miller
Regular visitors to the Salty Southeast Cruiser’ Net will remember that dredging occurred along this AICW Problem Stretch, as of September, 2011, alleviating what had become one of the two shallowest sections of the Waterway in Eastern Florida. It sounds like from Captain Miller’s description below of the three new markers, as if shoaling is just beginning to reappear here as of April, 2012. Be SURE to observe these three new aids to navigation, and, as always on perennial AICW Problem Stretches, be READY for new shoaling and even newer markers as you pass through this section.
The anchorage Capt. Miller describes below is not listed as a recommended anchorage in our Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory, as depths are just too inconsistent on these waters. but for further information, follow the first link below.
The ICW channel at the Matanzas River has been bouyed with three green floating markers, 81B, 81C, 81D providing good water for passage. We entered the Matanzas River anchorage by hugging the daymark 81A and keeping to the north upon entering. Lots of wind and current.
Max Miller
Click Here To View the An Earlier Cruisers’ Net Posting about Anchoring Near Fort Matanzas Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Newly reopened Marineland Marina, south of St. Augustine, and north of Daytona Beach, located directly on the AICW, has been racking up impressive reviews here on the Cruisers’ Net for the past several months. Well, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
This nice stop about 35 miles north of Daytona and 20 miles south of St. Augustine was reopened during this past year with all new docks and facilities. The beach on the Atlantic is just across the road as is the Marineland Dolphin aquarium. There are hiking trails and eco tours on kayaks. Dockage is only $1 / ft and there is a 50% discount on electric with Boat US. And the laundry and pump outs are free !!!! There is no fuel and no stores nearby, but if you enjoy being removed from it all and like nature, this is a great stop, with floating docks and 22 transient slips.
John & James
father & son loopers
At Last
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
Marineland Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies south – southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore. This marina had been closed for many years, but just recently reopened. While there are not yet any nearby restaurants or good provisioning possibilities (though these are planned for the future), the new incarnation of Marineland Marina IS already another excellent stop for cruisers plying the AICW between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.
Marineland is a magical place! We draw 6ft and have no problem. The heads are spotless. Free laundry. Free WiFi. You can hear the ocean from the boat at night. If you need a ride, the staff will loan you their car. The price is right. Lots to do if you like nature, exploring by dingy or kayak or time at the beach.
Patty D
We stopped for a day and stayed 5 weeks! The marina facilities are always clean, the staff is cheerful and knowledgeable, whether you are tying up in a cross breeze, or taking a Ripple Effect Kayak tour into the hammock across the ICW. The ocean and new Marineland right across the street make your stay really enjoyable. Great rates, free laundry and pump-out, and a courtesy car are also available. Come one, come all! We loved it.
John and Georgie Jackson
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
State Road 312 Bridge-crosses the AICW at Statute Mile 780, south of the Waterway’s intersection with the San Sebastian River. This fixed span normally has a 65-foot vertical clearance.
FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – ST SIMONS SOUND TO TOLOMATO RIVER – AMELIA RIVER BRIDGE
Gemstone Contracting has advised this office that they will start painting the East Bound SR 312 Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 780.0, Lake City, St Johns County, Florida on March 26, 2012. This work will reduce the vertical clearance of one half of the bridge by four feet. This work is expected to be completed by July 11, 2012. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting the area. Chart 11489
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Bridge Directory Listing For SR 312 Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the SR 312 Bridge
Crescent Beach Bridge crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 789, southeast of flashing daybeacon #58 and has a closed vertical clearance of 25ft.
This is the most friendly and courteous bridge tender/operator. I would support his nomination for employee of the year. I am grateful he is not related to the Bridge of Lions tender/operator.
Perry McDonald
Click Here To Read Earlier Praise for this Bridge Tender
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Crescent Beach Bridge
What a GREAT posting about our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! And, oh yes, I was just here a few weeks ago myself, and I agree completely with Captains Pilon and Salette!
MARINELAND MARINA
I arrived at Marineland Marina a month ago for what I thought would be few days. Why? What happened to my migration south? Maybe I should not tell you this ; I worry you all make this change…
I tell you this as it comes to my mind, no particular order, nor by importance:
- It is clean, perfectly clean.
- It is new, brand new marina
- Prices are VERY affordable. In fact, on a monthly basis, it is MUCH cheaper than moorings you will find in St-Augustine, even for bigger boats.
- Free (yes as in 0.00$) laundry
- Staff is great. They all go further than expected to make sure you like Marineland Marina. I know first hand.
- Marineland Marina is across the A1A road to a beach, large, miles long, and super quiet. I go there everyday for a walk and most of the days I am alone / or we are 3 or 4. In fact on this few miles beach stretch the most people I saw were 6!!! This is rare in Florida, rare in USA, just rare everywhere.
- A1A route is super quiet here. Except Marineland and few houses for rent, there is not much around
- Bike path on this A1A stretch (5 miles north, 5 miles south) is very wide and secure and quiet!
- Many parks and reserves at walking distance
Other info:
- The Publix is about 4 miles away
- Many restaurants deliver to Marineland Marina
- You can visit Marineland, the other side of the street
- They organise kayak tours, right here at the marina
- Nice restaurant / bars at bicycle distance
- Be sure to mention to Chris the draft of your boat. Most slips are more than 6 feet but some (3 or 4 slips) have less than 5 feet mlw.
- They have nice floating docks for transients.
- Pet friendly marina
How come it is not more known? I think because Marineland Marina has been abandoned for 10 years until they completely rebuilt it 6 month ago / most of cruising guides you have on board are out-dated…
Marc Pilon and Andrée Salette
Sv Ma Muse, still at Marineland Marina for few more weeks
Just wanted to echo everything Marc and andree said, marineland marina is a great facility, we too dropped in for a day or 2 and are now staying a month. The beach is beautiful and this stretch of the ICW is unspoiled and borders a huge nature reserve with many creeks to explore by dinghy and plenty of wildlife to see.
Can’t recommend it enough.
Helen and Dickie
S.v.harmony
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
The much needed dredging of this “AICW Problem Stretch” at the intersection of the Waterway and Matanzas Inlet, south of St. Augustine, has been completed and the markers have been replaced. The project dredged in the approximate area of statute miles 792-798. Capt. Holden gives good advice about trusting markers!
Came through Matanzas Inlet 10/17/11. All navigational buoys replaced. Lots of water. Our draft is 5′ 05″.
Jan & Ron Sabadash on s/v Wind Warrior 1
Actually, the charted Green cans,’81A’ and ’81D’ are present, but none of the others which are probably not necessary as I went through there today at low tide and never saw less than 13 feet.
Capt. Donovan
Our trawler Close Knit has been in Palm Coast for the past few months & we have taken the oportunity to go fishing ( at Matanza Inlet) with a friend of ours who lives there. Although there is plenty of water under the hull, the ICW has become very narrow at this point. Follow the markers NOT your GPS.
Al Holden
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Statute Mile 795
After posting the note from Captain Hinton below, which reported AICW shoaling near marker #44, we received quite a wealth of additional input from other cruisers (appended below) which suggests that Captain Hinton may have wandered onto the Waterway’s edge.
Nevertheless, holding to an abundance of caution, we are continuing a Salty Southeast Crusiers’ Net Navigational Alert for these waters
I noticed shoaling near marker 44 at Daytona beach. I’ll try to do a survey before I leave, but the chart shows deep water while I found it less than 6′ in places — I draw 5′. Was afraid of running aground.
Take care…
Don
—-
Don Hinton
NV5L/MM
S/V Aurora
Curious as there is a dredge operating just north of this area (next channel north of Aqua Marina) Possibly a leak in their discharge pipe?
Richard Holtz
The shoaling is close to the channel. Stay in the channel and you will be fine. Stay away from the starboard edge of the channel and go past the memorial bridge about 1mile and the channel deepens so you can safely anchor.
Mary
Shoaling is very close to the channel and drops to 4′ or less very quickly. Stay in the channel and you should be fine. We draw 5’6″ and our friends draw 6’6″ and bumped ground briefly turning past the yacht club to anchor. Continue further south to the anchorage about a mile further.
Bill and Mary
Never noticed anything there, I don’t have anything in my notes but if you stray off center there are some shallows on each sides of the not so wide channel. One discrepancy in the area is the depth in the anchorage on the west side, with nowhere near the 14′ charted.
Pascal
MY Charmer, 70′ 6+draft
Marineland Marina lies south – southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore. This marina had been closed for many years, but just recently reopened. While there are not yet any nearby restaurants or good provisioning possibilities, the new incarnation of Marineland Marina will be another excellent stop for cruisers plying the AICW between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.
what a gem – stay if you can! it is inexpensive ($1/f,t,) peaceful, beautiful, alive with wildlife, across A1A from the beach and the Marineland dolphin research facility. Super dockmaster, Chris Kelly, is helpful, friendly, and knowlegeable. if you like wild and peaceful surroundings, with up to date facilities, do NOT miss the opportunity to stay at Marineland Marina.
Jane Hanson
We planned to stay one night and ended up staying a week. This is not a place for provisions but has a lot to offer. There is the Marine Land dolphin rehab across the street and a nature trail just south. You can hear the surf from your boat, walk the beach. Nice docks but shallow at low tide. Chris is a great harbor master. Peaceful and pleasant. We will be back.
Bill Hanson
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
Marineland Marina lies south – southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore. This marina had been closed for many years, but just recently reopened. While there are not yet any nearby restaurants or good provisioning possibilities, the new incarnation of Marineland Marina will be another excellent stop for cruisers plying the AICW between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.
Echo the comments 10/15/11. Stayed for one night, left St. Augustine headed south and arrived about noon. Enjoyed the marine center, had a personal tour of the facilities at Marineland, it was not crowded. Got some great pictures of Dolphin training, jumping etc.
WiFi did not work on boat without an external stick where we were put. Walked back trails and across A1A where there is a nice beachfront park. We intend on stopping for a week on our way back north for the beach in the spring. With the hatch open, the sound of the surf put me to sleep.
Bill
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
The anchorage Will recommends is on the west side of the Waterway just north of Flagler Beach, FL,
We used to list the anchorage described below, but took it out of our Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory some years ago, due to all the traffic associated with the below described Sea Ray plant. Also, for a time the “concrete plan” reopened, but now it appears to have closed again.
Anyway, looks like Will and Cheryl found a good spot to anchor upstream of the Sea Ray facility.
Thanks for getting back to us Larry. BTW we also wanted to recommend an anchorage by mile 809, a canal off the ICW at an abandoned cement plant. It’s not on the roster though for us to make comments on.
Best wishes,
Will & Cheryl aboard s/v Varua – Westsail 42
The anchorage is an inlet created evidently for a cement plan, now closed. It is between markers G11 and G13 west off the ICW. On our overnight stay on 12/4/2011, we founds depths of 6.5-8.5 feet at the entrance, staying close to the South side as advised by a fellow cruiser. past the entrance, there are homes with private docks on the left. trees on the right. Depths increase to 10-12 feet toward the end, past a Sea Ray plant. The tide changes less than two feet in this “cul-de-sac.” No real shore visit opportunity. Bottom is very sticky black mud. The Sea Ray plant starts to make factory noises early in morning. Otherwise a very quiet, protected anchorage.
Will & Cheryl
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Recommended Anchorage
If you have more details about this grounding, please share them with us.
From: charles
Subject: grounded ketch
Cruising News:
Any word on the ketch grounded off Ormond Beach FL? Paper said cpt taken off but not much else. Appreciate any update.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ormond Beach
Missing marker #44 lies west of Butler Beach at Statute Mile 786, as the Waterway makes a slight turn to the southwest.
FLORIDA-ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY-TOLOMATO RIVER-PALM SHORES-MANTANZAS RIVER: Hazard to Navigation
Matanzas River Daybeacon 44 (LLNR 39335) reported missing with the 2ft of pile sticking out if the water. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11485
Crescent Beach Bridge crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 789, southeast of flashing daybeacon #58.
We had a great experience with the bridge captain operating this bridge on November 21, 2011. We had monitored VHF channel 9 since clearing Bridge of Lions, and his greetings and conversations with all southbound vessels were courteous, professional, and friendly.
This is an open on demand bridge and his timing was perfect, every time, resulting in a seamless transit of the bridge.
We believe this bridge captain is a prime candidate to be presented to the Florida Tourism Board as State Employee of the Year. He certainly is the happiest bridge captain on the ICW.
Steve and Sheila Kamp aboard S/V Carolina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Crescent Beach Bridge
"Ladys Island Swing Bridge Opening for Sailboat (Beaufort, SC)"
by: Bob Schwerzel
