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Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
Tarpon Basin is crossed by the FL Keys Inside Route, just south of Blackwater Sound and Dusenberry Creek. There are at least 3 good spots to drop the hook here, and creative skippers will find more.
A couple of years ago, Monroe County established a pump-out boat serving vessels anchored in Tarpon Basin, and the locals chipped in with a dinghy dock on the nearby shoreline (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=24226).
Sounds like Captain Mary found the pump-out service very polite and most useful!
We used the free pump out boat at Tarpon Basin by the government center today. We told the guy that we had planned on pumping out at Gilberts Marina. He said they don’t have a pumpout, but he will go up there in his boat. I called Gilberts and verified that, and they said they don’t have a pumpout, but they have a phone number that you call for someone to come there and pumpout. The phone number for the Monroe County pumpout boat is 305-747-2388.
I might add the Monroe County pumpout is FREE. The guy was very nice and said he usually works M-TH, but they try to be accommodating. I asked him how far he will go and he said he goes up to Gilberts Marina and down to Tavernier. He also said that eventually all of the Keys will have pumpout boats.
Mary Dixon
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Tarpon Basin Anchorages
Mangrove Marina is currently one of only two marinas (the other being Plantation Key Yacht Harbor) which offers plentiful transient dockage along the Florida Keys inside route, from south of Jewfish Creek to Islamorada. There is also a full service repair yard here. If your vessel can stand some 4 1/2 foot MLW depths, what’s not to like!
We are currently here. We really like this marina. Personnel very friendly and nice. You have to call on cell as they don’t monitor 16 and they don’t really have any dock help but the docks, laundry, showers, rest rooms are great. Ice ($2 10#) and some items at small ships store but most everything is within walking distance. POUTs are on each dock and done weekly. I again could not get the cable to work, but they have cable boxes for the long term residents. Entrance to marina/harbor is well marked and depths are about 4.5-5′.
M&M Rhett
“Lady Soul II”
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Mangrove Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mangrove Marina
Captain John is 100% correct in his advice below, cautioning one and all to “hug the channel along the red markers,” as your vessel passes through Tarpon Basin. Many a captain has come to grief when, after coming abeam of marker #46, they look to the east and southeast, and spot vessels anchored on the “Tarpon Basin Interior Anchorage” (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=6258), and then turn east thinking there is good water between the FL Keys Inside passage, and the anchored boats in the distance. Those who take this ill path will hear a loud “crunch” every time.
Instead, do as Captain John did, and continue following the main channel to marker #48A. Then, you can explore all three of this basin’s excellent anchorage possibilities in reasonable safety.
When entering Tarpon Basin from the north it is important to hug the channel along the red markers as the channel turrns sw and then west. There are no green markers and we wandered into very shallow water just se of the channel near red “46″as it turns. We wound up anchoring out on the north side of red 48A in 8 feet with good holding.
Captain John
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tarpon Basin
The exchange of anchoring information below is copied from the AGLCA mailing list, and organization that all of us at the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net continue to HIGHLY recommend.
The SSECN Florida Keys Anchorage Directory actually notes (at least) three good, anchor down spots in Tarpon Basin. Captains Dave, Alan and Jean, speaking below, seem to refer to what we term the “Tarpon Basin Interior Anchorage.” Follow the links below to check out all three possible anchorages!
I am looking for Good/Safe anchorage (overnight) along the route from Key West to Miami.
Dave
Saltie, Mainship 40′
Try Tarpon Basin at ICW mile 1140 at red daymark 48A.
Alan & Jean Lloyd
There are many options and Alan’s is an excellent recommendation. There is a dinghy dock in the NE section of the [Tarpon Basin] cove. Picnic tables etc. next to the community building.
Ted
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tarpon Basin
Cruisers visiting the warm waters and sun kissed sands of Key Largo during late January 2012, will want to make every effort to attend this FUN event!
A festival chock full of fresh stone crabs, conch, local seafood, music, entertainment and fun for the entire family, including a Conch Cook-Off, cooking demonstrations, a peel-and-eat shrimp eating contest, a “little mermaid” contest and a kids’ play area with live fish aquarium & touch tank. Arts & craft vendors, Junkanoo band, magic shows, face painters, food, beverages and key lime pie.
More details at:
http://keylargoseafoodfestival.com/
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SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR Key Lime Sailing Club is offering GREAT off-season rates. Check it out at their website by clicking either their sponsorship panel to the left, or the link to their web site below:
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Below, Captain Steve first reports on depths and anchoring in Community Harbor. This body of water surrounds Mangrove Marina, which is the second subject of Steve’s message.
Due to the depth and poor holding, we have never suggested anchoring in Community Harbor, and, consequently, these waters can not boast an entry in our Florida Keys Anchorage Directory.
Very poor holding. Our found depths were closer to 3.5 ft. Lots of old mooring trash on bottom.
[Mangrove Marina's} Showers were medium clean but the staff and people there were great. In a blow get a slip. Saw a few boat come loose [presumably anchored in Community Harbor - editor].
Steve
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Mangrove Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mangrove Marina
Captain John’s second reported shallow stretch (see below), is right on the money. Our on-site observations tend to indicate that the single shallowest section of the Florida Keys Inside/ICW route lies where the main channel intersects the northern reaches of the Tavernier Creek channel.
However, shallow water in Blackwater Sound, south of Jewfish Creek, is a new one on me. Anyone else seen thin soundings here. If so, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
You won’t have any problem until you get down to MM1135 just after Jewfish Creek and again from MM1150-1153 Ramshorn Cut. Both of these had thin spots of only 5ft. Try to go with high tide through these areas and watch the wind. I’ve heard that a hard southern or eastern blow can lower the water by a foot or more.
John
Just went through there yesterday [2/24/11]. STAY ON THE MAGENTA LINE AND PASS THROUGH THIS AREA AT HIGH TIDE. It’s fine of you do this. I grew a few more gray hairs yesterday.
Larry
The so-called, “Northern” Tarpon Basin Anchorage is actually one of three (at least) anchor down spots to consider on the fairly well protected waters of Tarpon Basin. This enclosed bay lies south of Blackwater Sound.
Our favorite Tarpon Basin anchorage is actually the “Tarpon Basin Interior Anchorage” (see link below), but it’s also the most navigationally challenging.
This is a good spot…..just use a plow and get a good set before your sundowner.
Dan
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tarpon Basin
In addition to wet slip dockage and the adjacent anchorage, Mangrove Marina also offers a full service repair yard. Mangrove Marina is now one of only three facilities that offer transient dockage on the Florida Key Inside Route between Blackwater Sound and Channel Five (the other two are Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina and World Wide Sportman’s Bayside Marina).
Visited here in March 2010. Did not use docks, instead anchored out in Community Harbor. Marina’s shoreside services were very good in all respects. Staff helpful, VERY clean showers, etc. Nice relaxing gazabo on shore…for the use of dockholders and dingy dock folks. Dingy dock rates $10/day. Stores, restaurants, movies, stores, hospital, etc. withen easy walking distance. We spent 6 days at anchor in the harbor due to weather. Was 360 protected and anchor held 1st time. Anchorage about 5 ft depth. Strongly recommend Community Harbor as a well protected, with all services available (as if dockside), anchorage.
Howard Staley
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Mangrove
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mangrove Marina
This Florida Keys Inside Route/ICW anchorage features good shelter from northern, northeastern and northwestern winds. From Captain Ron’s report below, sounds like the bottom could make for a messy anchor up procedure.
We hid here once from a strong northerly, but the bottom is all mud. Fortunately, if you drag anchor, you will drag into clean water and eventually sand. If I were caught in Sunset Cove in a pinch I would still use it. But, the cleanup is something else.
Ron
This anchorage lies just off the Waterway’s run through Buttonwood Sound. Interesting that Captain Ron notes he does not see as many boats anchored here as in times past. I remember this anchorage as being extremely popular. I suspect that one reason for the fall-off is that dinghy landing is now considerably more difficult than in times past. Still, Ron seems to be saying that dinghying ashore is still a possibility, probably at “Snooks” (see below)!
This has always been one of our favorite anchorages on the inside passage. In the middle to late 90’s it was often frequented by cruisers. In the last ten years, you hardly see a soul other than some local boats. Snooks has a nice palapa bar and a decent restaurant which is a nice respite if you’ve roughed it all the way from Miami. You have access to shopping, jerry can gasoline, and a drug store. Look for the patches of sand between the grass and drop your hook in 8-10 feet of water. You can get fairly close to shore if you want but the breeze is better further out. Good holding
Ron
<a href=”http://www.CruisersNet.net/40-buttonwood-sound-sunset-cove-anchorage-2″><span style=”font-size: normal;”><strong>Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Buttonwood Sound–Sunset Cove Anchorage</strong></span></a>
Mariners piloting craft that draw LESS THAN 5 feet have a whole host of what might be described as “wilderness anchorages” available off the ICW/Inside route between Buttonwood Sound and the Waterway’s intersection with northern Tavernier Creek. Be SURE to have a well functioning chart plotter aboard before trying this, and be aware that there is the possibility of keel meeting up with bottom. If you can overcome these limitations, be ready for an evening you won’t soon forget!
Bottle Key is a beautiful wildlife anchorage. We anchored there on the way to Key West and without the faint lights of the mainland, you could be anywhere in the world. There were no other boats and we anchored in 6-8 feet of good sand and gravel. When you make your approach, stay clear of the shoal area to port when you’re coming from the intercoastal and work your way around to the other side of the key(Florida Bayside) and drop your hook. We caught a lot of small sharks and because it was blowy, the water was not clear. But, if you like seclusion and draw 5 ft or less, give it a try. Unfortunately, we didn’t visit Butternut since we were meeting friends in Key West, but it is equally as beautiful. I bet it is stunning during the windless days of Summer.
Ron
There are three (at least) anchorages available in Tarpon Basin, just south of Blackwater Sound, on the Florida Keys inside/ICW passage. The “Government Center” Captain Sterling speaks of below is located at the rear of Tarpon Basin. Check out an earlier posting here on the Cruisers’ Net for more info on this facility (http://www.CrusiersNet.net/dinghy-dockage-now-available-at-tarpon-basin-anchorage). Note that in addition to the waste pump-out boat, cruisers will also discover a dinghy dock at the Government Center.
Sound like, after reading Captain Sterling’s note below, that with a phone call the pump-out boat skipper will service you, even if you are anchored a bit farther way than Tarpon Basin. Anyone know what range of waters this vessels serves? If so, please share that info by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!
Subject: pump out boat
Cruising News: Key Largo\’s pump out boat is docked at the Government Center at mm 1140 on the icw in Tarpon Basin.
the phone number for this service is 305-747-2388.
Give em a call and he will come to your boat for your pump out.
This Government center is also a place to dock your dinky for shopping and supplies. Publix is about a mile south, kli hardware is closer to the north, west marine is a mile and three quarters north.
Captain Sterling
Tarpon Basin sits along the Florida Keys Inside – ICW route, just south of Blackwater Sound. There are several good places to drop the hook in Tarpon Basin. An earlier listing here on the Cruisers’ Net relates the location of a recently available dinghy dock on these waters.
We anchored here March 10. It was easy to get in following the curve of “no wake” markers that lead to the anchorage. Nice quiet spot. Didn’t go ashore but would be interested directions to the “mangrove tunnel” dinghy side trip.
Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE)
Click Here To View An Earlier Posting Concerning the Presence of a Dinghy Dock in Tarpon Basin
There was an earlier posting here on the Cruisers’ Net about dinghy dockage which has recently become available on the waters of Tarpon Basin at the Government Center (http://www.CruisersNet.net/dinghy-dockage-now-available-at-tarpon-basin-anchorage). Buttonwood Sound, the subject of the Captain Trachtenberg’s message, lies a bit farther south on the Florida Keys Inside/ICW/Florida Bay route.
The anchorage referred to below is termed the “Buttonwood Sound–Sunset Cove Anchorage” in the Net’s “Florida Keys Anchorage Directory.”
We usually use the dinghy dock at Snooks restaurant/bar, which is on Buttonwood Sound, between red 54 and green 55. The approximate coordinates of the anchorage are 25 5.7 N – 80 26.733 W. The dock is available to customers if you want to eat or have some drinks (latter recommended, former … not so much). Otherwise there’s a (sort of) boat ramp directly to the right of the dinghy dock where you can tie up to the mangroves and walk in. Nice central location.
Adam
“Sea Monkey”
Miami, Florida
There are actually several good anchor down spots in Tarpon Basin (see links below). This body of water is traversed by the Florida Keys Inside Route (ICW), southwest of Blackwater Sound. Now, we hear from Captain Sterling below, that dinghy dockage may well be available here. That’s excellent news as dinghy access is becoming an endangered species in the Florida Keys
Subject: Tarpon Basin
Cruising News: Seems the newly constructed Government center in Tarpon Basin, bayside Key Largo, is allowing cruisers to use the docks for their dinghys for shore access.
THis is close to Publix and KLI hardware Store, and Kmart.
Let’s hope they continue to allow this.
Capt. Sterling
A pump-out boat comes to Tarpon Basin once a week. They had some problems with the boat March 2009, but were supposed to go by every thursday. Try them on Ch 16.
Stein A. Holtbakk
The dinghy dock you are referring to is behind the new government center in Key Largo.
All addresses in the Keys are by reference to Mile Marker (land) or Statue Mile (water). In this case, the land address is approximately MM 102, and the SM is 1139.
Once you leave Biscayne Bay, you pass through Card Sound, then Barnes Sound, and all of the subsequent bodies of water have a specific name that you will see on your chart or guide. The dock you are looking for is in Tarpon Basin, entered from Blackwater Sound as you pass through Dusenbury Cut. Depths outside the channel are shallow, so be sure you navigate carefully.
The government building is yellow and you should have no trouble locating it.
Martin I. Veiner &
Margaret Rogers Shearon
There’s no pump out boat this season [2011].
Don and Mango
Tarpon Basin Dinghy Dock at Government Center
Tarpon Basin Waste Pump-Out Boat
"Ladys Island Swing Bridge Opening for Sailboat (Beaufort, SC)"
by: Bob Schwerzel
