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Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
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Amelia River - Click for Chartview
The stretch of the Amelia River area north of Kingsley Creek and Kingsley Creek Railway Bridge, aka Shave Bridge, which crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 721, has had numerous reports of shoaling in the past. Cruisers’ Net has had a Navigation Alert here for some time. See link below.
Keep to green side of ICW north of Shave Bridge all the way up to the curve that takes you to the Rayonier Paper mill, just south of Fernandina. Shoaling to the west.
Joe Blanchard
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 735 – Anyone anchor on Fort George River north of marker #73 this spring? What depths did you discover when entering? Did you anchor in sight of Kingsley Plantation? Did you dinghy ashore and take the tour? If so, what were your impressions?
Responses follow:
Stayed here 4 16 13, easy in and out, good depths, not great wind protection , but
we held fine.
Greg and Donna
on Lady in Red
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Fort George River Anchorage
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 735 – Shallow depths have been reported on the Sisters Creek portion of the AICW, north of the Waterway’s intersection with the St. Johns River, and hard by marker #73. Anyone note shoal waer along this stretch?
Responses follow:
We saw no significant shoaling when we came thru recently
John Winter
I draw 4.5 feet. No problems that I noticed early 2013.
Raymond W. Smith
“Fire Dog”
WE just came thru Sisters Creek at mid tide and had no problems with water depths. Not certain what the depths were but they had to be better then 8 feet or we would have noted a MLW depth.
John Holmes
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 720.5 – Anyone spend a night or two at Amelia Island Yacht Basin, just north of the Kingsley Creek Bridges? What entrance depths did you discover? What were your overall impressions of this marina?
Responses follow:
It is shallow going in and if you draw over 5′, then check it out. We loved the place, first time we stayed there ever. Owner is on top of things. If you go to fuel dock in a larger boat (say 45′+) and there is another boat tied up to the face dock as you enter, and the wind is blowing, be aware that turning around can be difficult. Fortunately there is no current. Price is a little high, but this place is first class.
John Winter
We visited the Amelia Island Yacht Basin in the spring of 2010. The entrance depths were 3.5 to 4.0 ft at MLW. The marina was nothing to write home about, but adequate with nice people. Amelia Island was fun exploring via auto.
Terry Bieker
Stayed there in November. First class! Jeff and his crew were professional and helpful and the marina was clean and neat. Good restaurant on site, clean laundry and fuel. I had five feet at low tide in the entry channel.
Jeff Moore
Amelia Island Yacht Basin, there is a sill at the entrance that at low tide is less than two feet. The entrance channel is no deeper than 5.5 at mean high water. The marina has a ship’s store that is stocked by West Marine and their diesel fuel has an anti foaming agent that facilitates fueling. Management is friendly but water depth is the main problem. There is a small grill on the property but anything more is at least ½ mile away.
Joe Blanchard
Spent 1 night 2 years ago – friendly, helpful staff. Nice docks. Walking distance to great crab place. Entrance channel was very shallow, but we were there at an exceptionally low tide.
John Wild
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Amelia Island Yacht Basin
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
18. Statute Mile 716.5 – Those of you who docked overnight, or longer, at Fernandina Harbor Marina, please give us your impressions of this marina. Is it still the case that adequate depths are only found along the outermost pier? Did you dine ashore? If so, please give us some dining recommendations for downtown Fernandina Beach.
Responses follow:
I spent a month at the city marina 2 years ago and really liked it. I Was on an inside slip with 5′ foot draft and no problems. The town of Fernandina has good restaurants, pubs a plenty, shops, and fresh shrimp off the boats.The only problem is the air get foul from the cardboard plants during inversions. Its very convienent to a class A inlet to the Ocean.
Bill Owens
S/v snow goose
They removed the inner docks [while they] were dredging when we were there last month. Should be finished by now. You may want to give them a call and get the details. Cheap fuel is still availabel next door at Consolidated. Just remember they close on weekends.
John Winter
We Spent two weeks at FHM for the MTOA Rendevous. We were at an inside dock (#34) and found 5ft at low tide. I believe that they did some dredging earlier this year to alleviate the depth problems. We ate at Le Clos, a French restaurant which was excellent. Also at Lulu’s at the Thompson House, also excellent. Had lunch at the 4th Street Deli & Dessert. Their sandwiches are simply great. Lots of excellent places to dine in this very friendly boaters town.
Werner Steuernagel;
“It’s About Time”
35ft PT Trawler
We stayed at Fernandina Harbor marina for one night in December 2012. Our experience this time wasn’t as good as last time because they asked us to dock on the inside of the face dock. We had a difficult time backing out of there since the current is very strong and we were pinned between 2 boats. I had asked if it was easy to get in and out of there and they said ‘sure’. NOT!!
The face dock had plenty of room and the weather wasn’t bad. I don’t know why they made us go inside but I made a big note to specifically ask for the outside if we ever go back.
We had dinner at Pablo’s. It wasn’t as good as the last time we were there (at their old location.) We would try someplace else next
time. The seafood place (Atlantic Seafood) right next to the marina is a great place to get fresh shrimp right off the boats!
Harriet Hardy
sv Moondance
Claiborne,
We were at Fernandina Harbor Marina starting on March 22, 2013 for a 5 night stay as we work our way from Marathon back to our VA base on our 37′ sailboat. This town is a good base to shuttle crew back and forth to Jacksonville airport. For this visit we took an inside slip rather than the inside of the face dock as we have done in the past. They have a reduced rate for the inside slips. I was not sure if we would be able to get an inside slip since dredging of the inside area was underway when I initially called and it was delayed due to high winds. They had finished the dredging just before we arrived. Our slip showed a depth of 6′ at low during our visit which is fine since we draw only 4.5′. As usual the dock help here was excellent, at the slip before we arrived and skilled in handling the lines. FYI – you do not want to be on the outside of the long face dock in unsettled weather with West wind, they generally save this space for the larger (>50′) vessels and on the inside you will sleep much better.
Fernandina is a great stop on the waterway, such a relieve from some of the congestion of FL. We once again visited our favorite upscale restaurant in town, Espana, with wonderful Spanish food. It is very popular with locals, so call or use Open Table for a reservation. We discovered a new Italian restaurant in town, Arte Pizza on 109 N 3rd St a few blocks off the main drag, where we had a great pie and wonderful salad. While there we met three generations of the Italian family who have moved here from New York to open this place. It is
currently on the small side and very busy, but nevertheless everyone was hustling and the good food kept coming out. They have an addition under construction.
We love to cook local seafood on board so this is the perfect place to stock up. There is a fresh fish market right at the marina where locals pull up and unload some of their catch to the owner. We left this time with snapper and shrimp, while on past visits have left with soft shell crabs and blue crab meat to make our own crab cakes. Another favorite spot is the book store a few blocks up the
main drag on the righthand side run by a very knowledgeable woman with respect to local lore, including historical fiction, fiction, and history of the area. We have read much now on Cumberland Island, Jekyll Island, American Beach on Amelia and more all from this store. Just up the block from the bookstore is a locally made fudge shop with ice cream as well. It was awarded 5 Stars by our 6 year old grandson.
Also of interest for readers of this site, we did stop here on our way south in 2012 to acquire our FL Sojourner’s permit at the courthouse. Only one woman on the staff was familiar with doing this. We had printed the form out in advance based on info found on this site. We have a US Coast Guard documented vessel without a state registration since VA does not require one. We had a copy of the
CG paperwork with us. She asked about the lack of state registration, but when we explained VA does not require it – “no problem” and issued us a sticker for $82.75 Reg. Tax and $2.75 County Fee.
Harry Burns
S/V Two for the Roads
Stayed dockside 25-26 March. Windy so staff placed us inside at the second dock back from the facing dock. We draw 4.5′ and had no difficulty. Marina staff very helpful. Arrived after 5PM and with foul weather we dined onboard. Shower and laundry facilites were very good and only a short walk away.
Tom Callan
o/b Great Escape
53 DeFever POC
Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina. WiFi weak but plans are underway for a significant improvement. Salty Pelican in located on the waterfront just north of Center St (main street) great place for sailors. Keep to green side of ICW north of Shave Bridge all the way up to the curve that takes you to the Rayonier Paper mill, just south of Fernandina. Shoaling to the west.
Joe Blanchard
Just spent a week there, great marina and the staff does an excellent job of making you feel welcome. We were on D dock back almost to the dinghy dock area and had depths of 4+ ft even at low tide.
A couple of great dinning recommendations:
1. The Happy Tomato, located just down the side street by the ice cream/fudge shop. They smoke their own ribs right on site and rank right up there with the best I’ve had anywhere.
2. Peppers Mexican just a little further up Center St has a wide variety of selections, all reasonably priced, on their menu. Good food and quick service.
There is also a fabulous bicycle shop there. At the top of Center St on the right behind a burger place. Bikes take a beating from the salt traveling the ICW and ours were no exception. We took advantage of his advertised “tune up special” and were very pleased. Full check up, lube the crank bearings, new pedals on one and new ft bearings on the other all for less than 70 bucks.
Fernandina Harbor Marina is always a happy stop for us when cruising.
David Doyle
Favorite! Best staff. Has been dredged – plenty of water inside face dock. Bretts Waterway, plenty downtown.
John Wild
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
Mmmmmm! Fernandina Beach has never been short of good dining possibilities, but this is one I have not heretofore tried. Will make up for that oversight ASAP, as should all cruisers!
Arte’s Pizza [109 N 3rd St, 904-277-1515]. A block or so north of the main street. Not your normal pizza place, but much more. Food was good.
Moonstruck
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
Sawpit Creek - Click for Chartview
Captain Dickens confirms a number of reports we have received about shoaling south of Nassau Sound where Cruisers’ Net has set a Navigation Alert. See link below.
Cruising News:
I just completed a trip from Ft. Lauderdale to Fernandina Beach on a customer’s new trawler. There was only one 1oo yard stretch of skinny water along the entire route. It is located at marker “49″ just south of Nassau Sound found on chart 11489.
Mike Dickens
Click Here To Read Earlier Reports of Shoaling South of Fernandina
Now, here’s handy piece of advice, particularly for northbound cruisers, who are cruising the AICW on an incoming tide. The chart shows a flashing daybeacon #49 marking the charted shoal, making out from the easterly banks, but, according to Captain Cobb, in his message below, this aid to navigation is now a green can, and an incoming tide will try and set your vessel onto the shoal marked by #49.
So, whatever sort of aid to navigation you discover between #51 and #48, be sure to favor the easterly banks to avoid the correctly charted shallows.
Just Prior to MM-730 from G-51 to R-48, if you are on an incoming tide, there is a G can marker in the curve.
FAVOR the left/ port shore. The tide will push you toooooo close to the Gcan marker and you will have very thin water.
From a voice of experience.
Safe travels
Jim Cobb
Palmetto Moon
The entrance channel leading to Amelia Island Yacht Basin (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR), cuts into the AICW’s eastern flank, immediately north of the Kingsley Creek Railway Bridge, and just south of Waterway marker #13 (and the principal Fernandina Beach waterfront)!
These good people are offering a SUPER TRANSIENT DOCKAGE DEAL for the spring, 2013 transient season! PAY FOR ONE NIGHT’S DOCKAGE, AND GET A SECOND NIGHT FREE
AND, ONLY FOR THOSE WHO MENTION THEY SAW THIS SPECIAL OFFER ON THE SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET, GET A 20% DISCOUNT FOR YOUR FIRST NIGHT’S STAY, WHILE STILL GETTING YOUR SECOND NIGHT ABSOLUTELY FREE! HOW’S THAT FOR A DEAL!!!
This offer is effective as of 3/1/13, and is valid until 5/31/13!
So, drop by, spend a night or two at this excellent facility, and DON’T FORGET TO MENTION THAT YOU SAW THIS SPECIAL OFFER ON THE SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET!!!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Amelia Island Yacht Basin
For some time now, the SSECN has had a “Navigation Alert” posted for less than expected depths on the AICW, south of Fernandina Beach, Florida, near marker #18 (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=32494). Now our stratigic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, originators and owners of On The Water ChartGuides, give some fresh evidence that this shoaling is for real, Pay particular attention to the screen shot that comes from their very nifty recording sounder!
Shoaling South of Mooring Field
Although we recorded depths of 13 to 15 feet throughout the mooring field (at 3.6 above MLLW), we encountered extensive shoaling along the magenta line in the channel area southbound of the mooring field. You can see on the accompanying screenshot’s depth-annotated track some 10- and 11-foot soundings (at 3.6 above MLLW) in two areas. These humps roughly translate to about 6 feet at MLLW. They come up fast and are a bit breath-taking, given the largely deeper surrounding water.
The Fernandina Beach Mooring field lies almost directly west of the city marina, and within easy dinghy distance of the large dink dock at this facility. All the many dining, shopping and sightseeing attractions of downtown Fernandina Beach are within easy walking distance.
Thanks to our strategic partners, Captains Diana and Mark Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides, we can present updated information on these facilities below.
Moorings are inexpensive and convenient to town.
Here are [two] important updates and reminders on the Fernandina Beach, FL area (STM 716.9):
Payment in Person
Some sources mistakenly report that you need to dinghy ashore to pay the mooring fee. In our experience (two visits), this is not the case. If you don’t have a dinghy, or don’t feel like launching your dink, simply phone Fernandina Harbor Marina at 904-491-2090. You can provide your credit card information over the phone.
The rates have increased slightly, posted on their website as: $20/day for a mooring, $3/day for dinghy dockage, and $7/day for dinghy dockage with shower access. Weekly rates are available. More rate details — including the marina’s tiered pricing for inside versus outside slips — are here: http://www.fbfl.us/index.aspx?NID=102
Farmer’s Market
And while you’re in the area, don’t forget the Fernandina Beach Market Place. It’s a popular farmers’ market a short walk from the dinghy dock, gathering every Saturday from 0900-1300 hrs.
These moorings are great in mild conditions. When the wind howls against the tide it is a rough, rough ride. When the tide changes, we have seen boats using not very long bridles carried completely over the buoy pendant. I would not recommend leaving your boat unattended during tidal current shifts. That said, I we found pay by phone friendly and efficient.
Chris
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of
Fernandina Beach is the first port of call after crossing south from Georgia into Eastern Florida. This community features a GREAT downtown business district with LOTS of good places to eat and shop. Now, we hear there’s a weekly farmer’s market here as well!
[There is a farmer's market in] Fernandina beach Florida every Saturday morn @ 7th street and main.
Ellen Langer
Roy DeLong
M/V Our Turn
Yes, there is a fabulous farmer’s market in historic Fernandina Beach, just blocks from the charming waterfront. Open every Saturday on lovely Amelia Island in NE Florida (except for Shrimp Festival Weekend) rain or shine, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Market Place features organic fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, breads and other baked goods, seasonal surprises, light entertainment, and so much more! (Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome to join you for a stroll through the friendliest Farmers’ Market in Florida.)
For more information visit http://www.AmeliaIslandMarketPlace.com.
Judie Mackie
As a local, I go there every Saturday. Yesterday I purchased some organic vegetables and range fed beef. The pricing is in line with regular stores but the quality can’t be beat.
Mike
My Personal Chef supplies deliciously prepared soups and entrees at the Fernandina Beach Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. This is great for cruisers because all our products are made from fresh ingredients, packaged and frozen for convenience to store on your boat. Since we do not use plastics and cardbord boxes our meal items will not take up precious space in your galley. The Market is a few blocks down Center Street-walking distance from the marina. Come by and see what we have!
Lauri Russell from My Personal Chef
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
Bells River Ancjorages - Click for Chartview
These anchorages are located along the splintered course of Bells River – this stream intersects the AICW abeam of the Fernandina Beach, Florida waterfront, hard by marker #10.
We have anchored our 60′ LOA Hatteras with plenty of room in the north/south stretch of Bells River three times, twice below the charted shallow spot and once above. This is one of our favorite stops and we coincidentally rode out some bad weather in the fall of 2008 there. As noted there are some soft places, so take the time to get a good set.
Great dinghy dock facility [at nearby Fernandina Harbor Marina - editor], but be courteous and check in with the marina. We had a very good experience with the marina when our generator had an issue, they quickly made a spot for us and got us a local tech pronto.
George
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bells River Anchorages
Fernandina Harbor Marina is a very special place being in the very heart of one of the nicest communities on the east coast – it’s one of our favorite harbors! If you haven’t visited Fernandina, you are missing a real treat. My family has been vacationing in Fernandina for more than 50 years and it gets better every year.
Several inside slips are available for a rate of 1.25 per foot. Also Beeches Restaurant, after fifty years, suddenly closed without notice last weekend, I heard.
Dave Bell
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
Fernandina Harbor Marina is a very special place being in the very heart of one of the nicest communities on the east coast – it’s one of our favorite harbors! If you haven’t visited Fernandina, you are missing a real treat. My family has been vacationing in Fernandina for more than 50 years and it gets better every year.
Stay for five days. Got the 1.25pf rate. Lu Lu’s does have the best food in town. Great place to spend a few relaxing days. Oh and try T-Rays for breakfast. Fun folks with great breakfast.
Dee Smith
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
Fernandina Harbor Marina is a very special place being in the very heart of one of the nicest communities on the east coast – obviously, it’s one of our favorite harbors! If you haven’t visited Fernandina, you are missing a real treat. My family has been vacationing in Fernandina for more than 50 years and it gets better every year.
Stayed at Fernandina Harbor Marina two weeks due to thunderstorms. Marina folks are great, they rolled us into the weekly rate. Found the BEST place to eat, Lu Lu’s. They are a half block south of Center Street on 7th. Lunch and dinner are both incredible with medium prices. And the food is the best I have found anywhere at any price. For breakfast try T-Rays. They are in an old Exxon Gas Station, but if you can get over that, the food is home made and really good. Three blocks south of Center on 8th.
David Bell
The marina folks are super nice. Showers and lounge always clean. Found one of the best places to eat ever, LU LU’s, just a short walk up town. Stayed a week and had eight meals there. Really good. Fun town to visit.
Dan Thomas
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
Fernandina Harbor Marina is a very special place being in the very heart of one of the nicest communities on the east coast – obviously, it’s one of our favorite harbors! If you haven’t visited Fernandina, you are missing a real treat. My family has been vacationing in Fernandina for more than 50 years and it gets better every year.
This morning we departed FHM following a 10 day stay. The marina hosted a wonderful MTOA rendezvous and went out of their way to be accommodating to each of us. They are very competent, professional, and exude Southern Hospitality. Can’t speak highly enough of the marina, staff, and city, who also rolled out the red carpet.
Laura Lane Bender
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
The name of this anchorage is something of a misnomer, as the best (safest) anchor-down spots are found on the waters behind the charted marsh island, just outside the mouth of Alligator Creek. Be SURE to follow the link below to these water’s listing in the Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory for clarification.
We anchored here recently and found the water deep and holding good. Our spade dug in instantly.Our 2009 copy of Skipper Bob’s Guide to Anchorages warns not to enter or leave through the northern end of the anchorage but we found good water in the center when we left northbound.
Max Miller
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Alligator Creek Anchorages
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator Creek
"Blue Run Springs Park Manatees – St. Johns River"
by: Glen and Jill Moore
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the AICW/Amelia River