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Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
Yellow Background Denotes Navigation Alert Postings
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 809.5 – Has anyone tried anchoring in the so-called, “Concrete Plant Anchorage,” on the westward running stream, north of marker #13? For awhile, the concrete plant was closed, and this was a good anchorage. Then, there was word the plant was operating again, and barge traffic precluded dropping the hook here. Anyone have recent, personal experience with anchoring here?
Responses follow:
Yes, we anchored there back in January 2013. All was well. Boat plant was active. No barges that we saw, just an old sail boat. Was still a nice anchorage!!!
Raymond W. Smith
“Fire Dog”
I anchored at the old cement plant in February and the only activity I saw was at the Sea Ray plant – and I had read somewhere that facility had folded. It hadn’t as of early February. There is room for a few boats at the end of the
canal just at and past Sea Ray. Total protection, but no land access save a possible place to walk a dog, cat or parrot on the north side of the anchorage.
Peter
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the “Cement Plant Anchorage”
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 802 – anyone spend a night or two at the Marina at Hammock Beach, on the Waterway’s eastern shore, opposite Palm Coast? What did you experience here? Is this a really first-class facility?
Responses follow:
Yes, it is a first class facility, from the marina to the hotel and amenities. The marina, however, isn’t in walking distance to the hotel and its many amenities. When we were there two years ago, we had to rely on hotel transportation to and from the marina. They had no fuel on site, but were close to other facilities with fuel.
Mike and Judi Wisniewski
If you want luxury this is it. The marina guests have full access to all the luxury resort facilities, which are located on the beach about 1.5 miles away. We just finished our 4 day stay and enjoyed the whole facility – yes they took us to the main area in a Lincoln Towncar ( at no cost).
Showers are natural stone and granite abounds. Don’t bring a towel, there are piles of towels there, as well as shampoo, soap and all the fixings,(it’s a luxury hotel).
There is a pool at the Marina, and many others at the main resort which also has a water slide (Don’t need towels there either as they have them). The lounge is a common owners lobby and is as good as any luxury hotel I have seen.
No it is not near shops and there is no gas (it’s nearby) but if you want to get a massage at a 5 star resort spa at a low cost and have a boat, this place is for you. It is relaxed and just fine for a few days R&R, so enjoy.
William Lawrenson
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Marina at Hammock Beach
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 793 – In 2010 to 2011, the AICW passage, as it ran behind Mantanzas Inlet, was the worst section of the entire Eastern Florida section of the Waterway. Dredging relieved this situation in the fall of 2011. Has anyone detected any new shoaling, or a new marker configuration, at this critical intersection?
Responses Follow:
We passed through this area in early April. We followed a large local yacht through the section on a rising tide. He stayed on the red side all the way through (as did we). We never saw less than nine+ feet at approximately mid-tide.
Howard Rockness
Sequel
Came thru here recently with no problems. Just pay attention. We had heard that it was shallow, but with our 4′ draft we were fine, even though it was not the required 12′ deep (maybe 7?).
John Winter
Traveled this area in late January and again heading north this morning (April 24, 2013). Each occasion was uneventful. I passed through this area today at high tide and saw no less than 13 ft.
Traveling north, I honored the green markers, staying 40-50 ft. off the markers, or essentially driving down the center of the channel, and encountered no problems.
This area has a tidal fall of about 4′-0″. The waters today were somewhat higher than normal due to the ‘noreaster’ that blew through over the weekend, but I would still expect to see no less than 8′ at mean low water.
Watch the markers and you should be fine.
As always, exercise caution and proceed at your own discretion.
Gregory Yount
Passed through there in January 2013, no problems and well marked.
Raymond W. Smith
“Fire Dog”
All is AOK there. No recurrence of shoaling. The green marks are still way west of center.
Gregory Han
Allegria
Plenty of green markers marking the way. Pay attention to them not your magenta line
Wanderers Rest
Claiborne,
We passed through this area on the 15th about 2 hours past low tide and never saw less than 10′.If one depends on his/her chart plotter as the sole source of information then they will have a problem. Trust the marks, your eyes, and your fathometer and you will have NO problems.
Jim & Marge Fuller
Enroute to Newport, RI
on board Summer Skis
I cruised through there last week….plenty of water….
Mike Dickens at Paradise Yachts
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia wish list, we posed the following question:
3. Statute Mile 796- I know that many of you have visited with, and had a good experience at Marineland Marina, north of maker #89. Please let us hear what you found so special about this facility.
Responses follow:
Our boat is presently at Marineland. We were there a few days before having to come home for a month and enjoyed it so much will stay another 4 days or so before we head north. If you love walks on the beach or on trails, kayaking and nature you will love Marineland. The staff are wonderful!
Tom and Jan Hines on Laughter
We love Marineland Marina. Everyone there is most helpful and makes sure you have everything you need. They will lend you a car to provision at Publix and get supplies at the hardware store. The bathrooms are kept clean and tidy, laundry is free, and you even get discounts on Marineland tours and kayaking ecotours with Ripple Effect. You can walk in the maritime forest, cross the street to a beautiful deserted beach, and hear the ocean from your boat. Dolphins come and feed each evening in the marina basin. We were treated like family and plan to make a trip to Marineland part of our journey each year. Bravo to Chris Kelley for providing cruisers with a wonderful haven.
Dick and Sue Schneider
The staff is professional and though they do not have all the frills (fuel, captains lounge) they do have free pump-out and the beach is across the street. If you’re looking for a restful stop-over, this is the place to be and the price is right.
Robert & Carolyn Wilson
MY Sea Island Girl
We spent a week at this facility on our way south and are spending a month here on our way north. Chris, the dockmaster, and his staff are friendly, helpful and go out of their way to make cruisers feel welcome. It’s the kind of place where cruisers may stop intending to stay for a day or two and end up staying much longer. There are beautiful beaches, walking trails and mangroves to explore by dinghy. This is a marina for nature-lovers — there are no restaurants within walking distance and nothing to “do” other than enjoy the natural surroundings. Dockage rates are a steal — $1.00/foot per night and tempting rates for weekly or monthly stays. If you draw more than five feet, however, getting into and out of the marina would be difficult.
Captain Mary
S/V Intermezzo
We were one of the first boats to stay there when they reopened. The two staff guys are amazingly great. We have been there several times now and at $1/ft, given the location, it is tone of the best deals going. Just across the street is the beach, Marineland itself where you can see dolphins and a snack bar. Provisions are difficult to obtain but sometimes Eric’s car is available, even though it is not the marina’s courtesy car (it is his personal car) he often is seen loaning it out. If you borrow it,please fill it up for him. Also, dink across the waterway to see one of the largest protected lands in all of the USA where you can see all kind of critters. Also, at Marineland, they have a group that will take you over on kayaks. This is an example of if marinas do not overcharge, they will always have business. As we have traveled FLA these past two years (from our home port in NC), we see many empty marinas that are charging $2 or more and have few boats in them.
John Winter
Stayed here 4 20 13 Well received and clean, easy to get in and out. Would stay here again.
Greg and Donna on
Lady in Red
The dockmaster and assistants are excellent, very friendly and there is nothing that they would not do for you. At $1/ft with free laundry and excellent, clean restrooms you simply cannot go wrong. Stay three nights and the dockmaster will lend you his personal car to go grocery shopping.
Werner & Kathie Steuernagel
Claiborne,
We spent some time in Marineland Marina recently and found them to be exceptional people. If they didn’t know your name by the time your dock lines were secured, you probably stayed inside for that docking. This is a small marina but lots of helpful people. It is well protected in winds and storms. When we experienced a medical emergency, the staff did everything possible to make a bad situation as good as anyone could expect. We feel they are now part of our boating family and we won’t miss an opportunity to stop to say hello whether by land or sea.
Tom Conrad
m/v True North
We are here now…stopped in to wait out the winds..rates are great…power and water. Chris and all the marina crew are terrific..great help coming in, free pumpout, nice laundry and showers..like new..marina is very clean and dolphins play in the harbor.
Visited the Matanzas fort, had a great lunch at the Matanzas inlet restaurant, spent earth day at Washington Oaks Park, beautiful beach across the street you can walk with your dog, Marineland Dolphin Center and took a sunset eco kayak tour with Brandon..like a mini holiday..bikes help but you can use a loaner car to get to Publix or further out
Slomocean..Karen and Gary Holtze
We stayed two nights at this little marina after leaving St. Augustine in January. Although w have had lots of helpful folks at many marinas, these guys win the prize for the most helpful. As rookies we needed all the help we could get, especially getting into tight places. It is a pretty spot to walk around, and they took folks into town once a day to get groceries. We got a free pass to the marineland center as well. The marina and the surrounding environment was very clean, and they sponsored kayak nature excursions. The beautiful beach was right across the road from the marina.
Tim and Lisa Keith-Lucas
Santa Catalina de Guale
Bad weather forced us in to Daytona and up ICW as we were heading north after wintering in the Keys. Stayed at Marineland as we are familiar with it. Eric and other staff are super, from tying up to helping us visit Publix which is about 5 miles away. We had to stay 3 nights due to storm but there is no better deal on the ICW. The secret seems to be out about how good everything here is as it was packed. The price and “laidback atmosphere” are hard to beat.
Bill Charleston,
S/V Frolic
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marineland Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
Huge Halifax Harbor is certainly “the” place to coil your lines in Daytona Beach. Its two dockage basins are well sheltered, and the staff’s performance, in our experience, has always been exemplary.
If you want something a little quieter, with superb on-site dining, you might also consider SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Adventure Yacht Harbor, a touch farther to the south at Statute Mile 837.
Daytona Beach Municipal, Halifax Harbor, is a great place to stay. Fixed piers are more inexpensive, floating piers very nice. A well maintained facility it has 24 hr security, it is one block from Downtown with about 4 or 5 blocks of businesses, restaurants, city library, post office, 1 mi walk from the beach, easy access to the bus, and airport (2.5 mi). It’s a well protected harbor.
Roman Donald
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Halifax Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Adventure Yacht Harbor
If we get many more laudatory reviews here at the SSECN concerning Marineland Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR), we may have to create a separate web site for this facility. Just kidding – seriously fellow cruisers, it is obvious that you simply cannot do better than coil your lines here for a few nights, or even longer!
As you start north this spring, consider a stop here and a visit to Marineland across the street. Stay 3 days and get complimentory pass to Marineland. Kelly and Erick are great, and they love us loopers. Marinland is now owned by the Georgia Aquarium, and money has been put in to bring this “first in the world marine park” back to first class status. One of our best stops EVER.
Chuck Gorgen
ODYSSEE
I couldn’t agree more. Our boat is spending a few months there until the Spring when we return to cruise the Keys. Marineland Marina is definitely a great place to stay.
Katie Hamilton
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marineland Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
L. B. Knox Bridge - Click for Chartview
L. B. Knox/Bulow/High Bridge, a bascule bridge with a closed vertical clearance of 15ft, crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 816, south of unlighted daybeacon #24. According to Capt. Smith, this work, begun in October of 2012, is now beginning to affect vessel traffic. Capt. Todd has provided a tentative schedule of openings below. These times have not been officially confirmed, but the schedule sounds typical for such projects.
FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – TOLOMATO RIVER TO PALM SHORES – HIGHBRIDGE (LEONARD B KNOX) BRIDGE: Fender Replacement
The fender system replacement of the Highbridge Road (Leonard B. Knox) Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 816.0, Volusia County, Florida will commence on or about October 22, 2012. Cline Construction has advised this office that they will be restricting the waterway and vessels requiring the full 91 feet of horizontal clearance are required to provide two hours advance notice to allow time to clear the channel. Advance notice can be provided to the bridge tender on VHF-FM channel 9. All vessels are requested to maintain minimum wake/slow speed throughout the construction zone. Chart 11485
Cruising News:
ICW Closed for period of times at the L.B.Knox Bridge at Mile Marker 811 [sic] due to repairs being made to the Bridge Fender System. Not sure yet how long the closures are lasting. Will advise.
Raymond W. Smith, Firedog
On 05 February 2013 we found two barges blocking the bridge. We were told that opening would be available at 1000, 1400, and 1600 hrs. We and 6 other boats passed through at 1420. Not much room for maneuvering.
Bob Todd
Claiborne,
Just came through the LB Knox bridge and spoke to the bridge tender – there are no restrictions on weekends, but weekdays the bridge could be closed for hours or the whole day at a time. Best bet is to call on a landline and ask what they anticipate for the time of your specific passage – 386-441-0777.
Peter
Another timely article for me – transiting that bridge tomorrow.
Thanks.
Peter
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of L. B. Knox Bridge
Even with these reassurances from the Florida Department of Transportation, Cruisers’ Net still must relate the experiences of our readers (see link below). Let’s hope that more cruisers are able to find the 67ft clearance! Let us hear from you! Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net wants to thank John Kremski and Mike Lieberum for their work in resolving the chart and tide gauge discrepancies of the past. The Broadway Bridge (E International Speedway Blvd) crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 830.5, south-southeast of unlighted daybeacons #33 and #34.
Good Morning John,
I have received revised drawings for this particular bridge and yes they did confirm that one corner of this bridge is at 63 feet MHW. Due to the slope of this bridge this is the lowest corner. The other three points of the fender measure at 65 ft MHW and the bridge has 67 ft at the center.
With this new information provided, I will request that NOAA update the Chart and Coast Pilot.
Sincerely,
Michael Lieberum
Seventh Coast Guard District
Bridge Branch
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Broadway Bridge
Click Here To Read An Earlier Navigation Alert Posting on Broadway Bridge
Well, of course, Marineland Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!! Ever since this marina reopened a little better than a year ago, we have heard nothing but the greatest praise for this facility. And there is a good beach within easy walking distance just across the highway from this marina!
Stayed a week when sickness appeared. Great place to recuperate, about 5 miles to Publix which is OK with bike, nice ride (they offered transportation but I wanted the exercise). We plan on staying a week this spring when headed back north and will visit Marineland again. Chris and Eric were fantastic with help and advice, just like last year. (Free laundry during business hours) and wi-fi was better this year (DSL), could use PC without external antenna but IPAD couldn’t connect. I took some long walks on the trails but we did not take the nature tours due to the sickness. Planning on kayak and nature tours next spring. Definitely stop if you have a day or two to chill!
Bill Charleston
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marineland Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
Palm Coast Marina - Click for Chartview
We continue to hear laudatory reports about the good management at Palm Coast Marina. This facility is found on a small canal which indents the Waterway’s western banks south of St. Augustine and north of Daytona Beach.
We stayed at Palm Coast, and found the staff very friendly and helpful. They went out of their way to fit us in, and make our stay enjoyable. Nice facility, worth a visit.
Chris Roberts
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palm Coast Marina
Well, of course, Marineland Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!! Ever since this marina reopened a little better than a year ago, we have heard nothing but the greatest praise for this facility. And, Captains Bob and Judy are quite right in stating that there is a good beach within easy walking distance, just across the highway from this marina!
One marina that we’re familiar with that puts you 200 yards from the ocean is the relatively newly opened Marineland Marina between St.
Augustine and Daytona (http://www.marinelandmarina.com/). Not only can you enjoy the dolphin show at Marineland but there’s a great beach.
However, there are no restaurants or other amenities (shopping) nearby.
Bob McLeran and Judy Young
MV Sanderling
11/27/12
I can only recommend this place, nice and calm, close to the Marineland Center with the dolphins, helpful and competent people running this place. Whenever we are in this area again, we will definitely get in again!
Manfred from s/v Balimara
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marineland Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
The Marina at Hammock Beach flanks the eastern banks of the Waterway immediately north of the Palm Coast Parkway high-rise bridge.
This is a HIDDEN GEM on the ICW that is (relatively) unknown. First class marina (Bellingham floating docks) that is part of full-blown golf & beach resort (with free transportation between marina & beach/golf resort that is 2 miles away).
Great stop if you are a family (beach, multiple pool complexes with water slides, kids activities program, etc) or golfer (2 superior 18 hole courses – Ocean course & Conservatory course). Several restaurants at the beach resort, too.
Not your typical ICW marina, but if you are looking for a few days to ‘get off the boat’ and enjoy a beach & golf resort this is about the best (and only?) you’ll find on the east coast of Florida.
Marina staff – Neil and Suzanne are very friendly and accommodating.
Tim Hale
Click Here To View This Facility’s Full Listing of Services on the Eastern Florida Marina Directory
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marina at Hammock Beach
Marker #54 denotes the AICW’s path through Tolomato River some 2.2 statute miles north of St. Augustine Inlet. According to Captain Burnham below, it looks like we have a developing Waterway shoal here.
The anchorage Captain Burnham describes below northwest of marker #54 is not currently included in our Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory, but it is obvious from Capt. Burnham’s remarks that vessels are dropping hooks here.
Sailing around St. Augustine has certainly been improved by the hard working dredge. However, there is shoaling south of ACIW “54″ to the north of Camachee Cove. The chart shows that the shoaling ends at marker “54″ but on Saturday we found the bottom with our 4.5ft draft while tacking from west to east 50 yards south of marker “54″ on a falling tide.
There were 3 large cruising sailboats anchored to the west and nw of marker “54″ at the time. So if you choose to drop your hook in this area, be aware that you have to go further south of marker “54″ to safely enter this anchorage than what is shown on the chart.
David Burnham
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Marker #54
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
"Blue Run Springs Park Manatees – St. Johns River"
by: Glen and Jill Moore
