On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

3. Has anyone anchored off Biscayne Bay’s Sands Key (near Statute Mile 1110)? What depths did you find? Would you recommend this anchorage to your fellow cruisers?

Responses follow:

You can anchor in 7 or 8′ of water on the north side of Sand Key, north of the sandbar off the cut. There is a little canal in the bend going to a pond, worth a trip with the dink.
The best anchorage in the area is still Eliott Key, though, I rarely anchor off sandkey. The water is clear, you can dinghy to the beach near the north.
There is a small marina halfway down, by the rangers building, small boats though (under 30). no services, but a boardwalk/trail crossing to the ocean side.
Pascal

Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Directory Listing For Sands Key

On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

1. Has anyone tried to anchor off Soldier Key? Did you find the entrance channel unmarked and tricky?

Responses follow:

You can anchor on the bay to the west… i’ve never dare trying to get close!
Pascal

Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Soldier Key

On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following quesiton:

10. Gilberts Marina is located on the western shores of Jewfish Creek. For many, this is their first stop in the Florida Keys. Who has docked here recently? What did you find? Was the adjacent restaurant operating, and did you eat there? How was the food?

Responses follow:

I docked at Gilberts about six weeks ago. $2/ft./night. Docks are rundown and restrooms are shared with bar patrons (enough said). Still a fun atmosphere.
Dick Bodner

Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Gilberts Marina

On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

11. Just across from Gilberts, on the opposite shore, cruisers will find Anchorage Resort and Yacht Club. Has anyone docked here recently? What was your experience.

Responses follow:

Hi,
I docked my 29 ft. Prairie at Anchorage Resort last month. There was plenty of space and the rate was $2.50/ft. Amenities are a swimming pool and a hot tub. One restroom for the entire marina but since there were few boats there it was not a problem. I found it clean.
The restaurant next door, Marley’s Seafood Grill is great! Order the CalaMarley appetizer (calamari). It’s just like you get on the Costa del Sol in Spain. Also their “Jalea” dinner is excellent and huge (one is enough for two hungry people) It has an assortment of fried (in a special batter) seafood, including calamari and dolphin and shrimp etc. and some fried yucca strips…… mouthwatering!
The draw bridge over Jewfish Creek has been removed so it’s a bit of a walk over the new elevated roadway to walk to Gilbert’s. Gilberts has a band on Sunday and Karaoke on Tuesday. A real, laid-back Keys atmosphere.
Dick Bodner
Prairie 29 Trawler, Private Island

Stayed at Anchorage last year around Early March. Were on their cement face dock by pool. Quiet. No complaints – nice people, seems like marina was a sideline – the guy helping us with lines was the hotel maintenance guy I believe. However, the restaurant right next store is fantastic – we had dinner there one night and lunch when passing by car. Marley’s is the name.
Capt. John Wild

Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For

On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

2. Who has visited the National Park harbor at Boca Chita Key? What depths did you find in the entrance channel and harbor? What services did you find at the harbor/marina?

Responses follow:

I visited the National Park Harbor at Boca Chita Key one time in the fall. The entrance channel had about 5 to 6 feet. There were no services there, only a Florida Ranger there. The no seeums were terrible. We had to run to our boat after walking the island.
Ron Hollander

Boca Chita Key. We visited there in spring of 2008. The entrance was well marked and held 5ft at mid tide. There is lots of room for side ties along the wall. The deeper in, the quieter. Facilities are sparce. No water, carry out your own trash. Chemical toilets are available. Itʼs an interesting place to stop along the way. One full day is plenty.
Bob and Toni Dorman

The channel is well marked, 6′ MLW most of the way with a 5 1/2 hump just east of the final buoys, near the harbor entrance. No services… no power, no water, no garbage collections. Pets are NOT allowed, even on boats. if the rangers see a pet on your boat, they will have you leave immediately, and possibly fine you.
it’s a great place to spend a couple of days, there are a couple of trails, and a small beach on the N side. Beware of mosquitoes in summer. Avoid holliday week ends, it’s a zoo with small boats and campers, loud music, etc… it’s busy on regular week ends, often filled to capactity by sat. noon.
Pascal

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Boca Chita Key Marina

Captain Adam is really onto something when he recommends No Name Harbor (which he terms “No Name Bay”) below. This is a GREAT spot to drop the hook for a night or two.

No Name Bay [Harbor] is another option for Key Biscayne — also pretty crowded on weekends. I prefer to pass up Key Biscayne and anchor off of Elliot Key. Wear plenty of repellent if you go ashore as the mosquitos are KILLER.
Adam

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For No Name Harbor