N. Gulf Cruising News – ICW, Apalachicola River to East Bay (Statute Mile 350 to 295)
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LNM: USACE: Apalachicola-Chattahoochee and Flint River System Update, Northern Gulf, FL
The USACE has declared 7ft depth channel levels in this Northern Gulf river system.
FL – AL – GA – APALACHICOLA – CHATTAHOOCHEE AND FLINT (ACF) RIVER SYSTEM – UPDATE
Based on the 10-day forecast for releases from Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam and subsequent forecasted stage at Blountstown gage, the USACE is continuing to support a 7-foot navigation channel.
Additionally, the forecast for the area calls for normal rainfall for the next 3 months. The composite storage graphic, which is updated weekly, can be viewed at the following website:
http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/ACFconstorage.pdf
A 7.4-foot Blountstown stage is needed to provide a 7-foot channel on the Apalachicola River. River stages for the ACF system can be viewed at:
http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/forecast_acf_plots.htm
Commercial mariners should schedule lockage appointments at the Jim Woodruff Lock by calling (850) 663-4692 or (229) 723-3482. George W. Andrews and Walter F. George Locks remain closed due to mechanical failures. ACF Navigation Bulletins will continue to be issued on a monthly and as needed basis throughout the navigation season. Mariners can direct any questions to Ashley Kleinschrodt, at (251) 694-3726. LNM 6/21LNM: GIWW Shoaling Reported, East Bay to Apalachicola, FL, Statute Mile 308-350
This long stretch of shoaling begins as the southbound Waterway exits East Bay and flows into the Apalachicola River and Apalachicola.
FL – GIWW MILE 308.0, EHL TO GIWW MILE 354.0, EHL – Shoaling
Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of GIWW, mile 308.0, EHL [east of Harvey Locks] to GIWW, mile 354.0, EHL. The depth in some areas, has been reduced to approximately 8 feet. Shoaling is reportedly not marked. Mariners are urged to exercise caution when transiting the area. For up-to-date information, mariners can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile at (251) 441-5976. Charts 11385 11390 11393 LNM 43/18Be the first to comment!
Photo of Hurricane Damage at Port St Joe Marina, Port St. Joe, FL
Port St. Joe Marina is on the eastern shore of St. Joseph Bay on Florida’s northern Gulf Coast, between Panama City and Apalachicola, Fl. Port St. Joe was just east of Michael’s landfall in Mexico Beach. See Before and After Photos.
Click Here To View the N Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port St Joe
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Port St Joe
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Port St. Joe Marina to Host Official Weigh-ins, St. Joe Bay, Northern Gulf
Port St. Joe Marina – Click for Chartview
If this SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR facility racks up many more laudatory comments, we may have to open a separate page. Really, from all reports, you can’t do better than coil your lines at Port St. Joe Marina. And now, Port St. Joe Marina will be the Official Weigh-in Station for the 26th Annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic Fishing Tournament in June. The marina is accessed from the Northern Gulf ICW by way of the Gulf County Canal, which cuts south off the Waterway between Apalachicola and Panama City.
The Port St. Joe Marina will be an official weigh in station for the Big Bend tournament, registration will be Thursday evening June 12th at the Port St. Joe Marina. You can leave from here and fish and weigh in catch on Friday June 13th and Saturday June 14th.
Clara Landry
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port St. Joe Marina
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Good Words for Port St. Joe Marina, St. Joe Bay, Northern Gulf
Port St. Joe Marina - Click for Chartview
If this SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR facility racks up many more laudatory comments, we may have to open a separate page. Really, from all reports, you can’t do better than coil your lines at Port St. Joe Marina. This facility is accessed from the Northern Gulf ICW by way of the Gulf County Canal, which cuts south off the Waterway between Apalachicola and Panama City. The side trip is well worth your time!!!
We also stayed a few days at Port St. Joe– a different ambience entirely, but a good marina and a pleasant town right there, with all the things you need from a town.
Anita & Don
LimelightPort St Joe is also an excellent Marina. They have a great restaurant and within walking distance of a grocery store. Port St. Joe does not have a lot of extra activity like Orange Beach [AL], it is more laid back in a very small community.
Daniel SimplerClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port St. Joe Marina
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More Praise for Port St. Joe Marina, St. Joe Bay, Northern Gulf
Port St. Joe Marina - Click for Chartview
If this SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR facility racks up many more laudatory comments, we may have to open a separate page. Really, from all reports, you can’t do better than coil your lines at Port St. Joe Marina.
This facility is accessed from the Northern Gulf ICW by way of the Gulf County Canal, which cuts south off the Waterway between Apalachicola and Panama City. The side trip is well worthy your time!!!My wife and I just spent four days at Port St Joe marina waiting for the weather to improve enough to make the overnight crossing. Lisa and her team are the friendliest folks you will ever meet. Their facilities are excellent and everything you need is within walking distance or a short ride on one of their complimentary bicycles. Port St Joe will always be a stop whenever we are in the area.
Randy HondrosI agree. This is a great marina. The only caution is to be ready for the sharp turn coming in. We stayed here a couple of nights and loved it.
R. HolimanClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port St. Joe Marina
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More Praise for Port St. Joe Marina (Florida Panhandle Between Apalachicola and Panama City)
Port St. Joe Marina - Click for Chartview
The praise just keeps pouring into the SSECN concerning this wonderful facility. It is accessed via the Gulf County Canal, which departs the Northern Gulf ICW between Apalachicola and Panama City, and runs south to St. Joseph Bay. Port St. Joe Marina lies hard by the town of, what else, Port St. Joe. And, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Our stay at Port St Joe Marina was ideal. Everyone was so helpful. This is certainly a good stop for getting ready for your crossing. Please see previous tome on that subject.
TomBe the first to comment!
More Good Words for Port St. Joe Marina, St. Joe Bay, Northern Gulf
Port St. Joe Marina - Click for Chartview
This wonderful facility is accessed by the Gulf County Canal, which departs the Northern Gulf ICW between Apalachicola and Panama City, and runs south to St. Joseph Bay. Port St. Joe Marina lies hard by the town of, what else, Port St. Joe. And, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
We have been in Port St Joe Marina for 2 days now and have been told 3 times that the water is too shallow for our 5 feet draft. Folks, that is just not so. We have seen water only down to 8 feet at the transient dock and that is at low tide with a north wind blowing. The marina has even deeper spots available. Give them a try, even Mikie likes it (am I showing my age to remember that?). Stay safe,
TomClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port St. Joe Marina
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Another Recommendation For Port St. Joe Marina
This wonderful facility is accessed by the Gulf County Canal, which departs the Northern Gulf ICW between Apalachicola and Panama City, and runs south to St. Joseph Bay. Port St. Joe Marina lies hard by the town of, what else, Port St. Joe. And, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!I would recommend the Port St. Joe Marina, in Port St. Joe, FL it is a great marina, well protected and well managed marina. A grocery store near by and just a couple of blocks away from restaurants,shops, etc.
Tim & Sandi Howard
“Bodacious”Be the first to comment!
Great Pizza at Port St. Joe Marina (St. Joseph Bay, Florida)
The “Gulf County Canal,” which intersects the Northern Gulf ICW, lies between Apalachicola and Panama City, leads fortunate cruisers to the waters of St. Joseph Bay, where they will discover SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port St. Joe Marina. Sounds like GOOD pizza is available nearby!We stayed in Port St. Joe last year by boat and we are here with our motorcoach again this year. IF you love pizza, you must go to “Joe Mama’s” and have their wood=fired pizza…..it is amazing! AND please save room for the “Joe’s Pot of Chocolate” dessert….!! Being a TRUE chocoholic it is a MUST! There are other good places to eat, but if you are craving great pizza, this is the place!
Safe travels to you all!
Dorene/Jeff DeVine
“30 Below”Be the first to comment!
Great Review of Port St. Joe Marina (near St. M. 332)
The message below is copied off the AGLCA list, and is in response to a request for good marinas along the Northern Gulf Coast.
To reach Port St. Joe Marina, you must depart the Norther Gulf ICW, and then cut southwest down the Gulf County Canal to the waters of St. Joseph Bay. It’s then only a a short southerly hop to the well sheltered Port St. Joe Marina harbor.
Believe me, this side trip is well worth your time. Port St. Joe Marina is one of the best facilities in the Florida Panhandle, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!I know its a little out of your preferred area (about an hour) but I would also consider Port St. Joe Marina in Port St. Joe, Fl. It is a great, well protected, and well managed marina. A nice grocery store
(Piggly Wiggly I think) and huge fishing/boating store is right at your back door. The city is just a couple of blocks away with good restaurants, shops, ace hardware, barber shops, etc. The city is very bike friendly and you can easily bike any place in the city. We spent eight days there this past Nov. and plan on going back this fall for a longer stay. Good luck on your marina hunt.
Carlton & Becky MooreBe the first to comment!
Do-It-Yourself Boatyard Recommended on the Northern Gulf ICW, Between Panama City and Apalachocola
This yard must has sprung up during the last several years. I have no memory of anything but a public launching ramp at the White City Bridge. Then again, it’s been at least six years since I researched this portion of the NG coastline.
If you’re traveling the GICW near White City, you should consider the free dockage at the White City boat ramp. This facility was recently rebuilt with approx. 150 ft of side tie dockage with 5′ plus depth. There is 15 amp service available and fresh water. They have a covered picnic area with tables and BBQs for off boat relaxing. This facility is beneath the White City/St. Joe bridge.
Bob Dorman s/v TC tooBe the first to comment!
Do It Yourself Boatyards – White City to Panama City, FL
Thanks Captain Paul for some very useful information which all Northern Gulf cruisers can use!
I have done some digging around and found some information. Panama City and Port St Joe (actually White City, FL) have DIY boatyards. These are: Bay County Boatyard on the Watson Bayou and Port St Joe’s Boat Works located just off of the GICW near White City, FL.
PaulBe the first to comment!
Watch Out For The Cape San Blas Shoals Cruising Between Panama City and Port St. Joe
The cruise discussed below is clearly an offshore passage between Panama City inlet and Port St. Joe (or the other way around). The real message here is to stay hell and gone away from the shoals in and around Cape San Blas. After reading Captain Wayne’s description below, I say “Amen” to that!
Numerous boats have gotten into trouble on the Cape San Blas Shoals that are just a little southwest of Port St. Joe.
When going to/from South Florida from/to Port St. Joe or Panama City, FL, be sure to go within a couple of hundred yards – or less – of the sea buoy off Cape San Blas. Currents in this area can be treacherous. I have seen confused and/or standing 4-6′ waves over the shoals when the Gulf, in deeper water is virtually calm. Because of the currents, the shoals move constantly. One should not attempt any short cuts, using any charts, as the bottom simply is not like that on the charts. The charts indicate that there are several places one can take short cuts, or greatly cut the corner near the buoy. The last time I went via Cape San Blas, I was headed north, I ran to within about 500-600 yards or so of the buoy, all was well until the bottom came up, and up and up. The last solid depth reading was about 10′ (boat had a 6.5′ draft). Shortly, my fathometer read 0′ (because of sand in the water column close to the bottom), but the keel never hit anything solid that I could tell. The shallow area was only about 100 yards wide, but it sure got my attention!
The first time I went via Cape San Blas, I was also headed north. The Gulf’s seas were about 1.5-2.5′, with few breaking waves. The shoals looked to be no different. I foolishly cut the corner by over a mile (chart showed plenty of water) and seriously endangered the boat for what seemed forever (4-6′ confused seas, very strong currents – seemingly from all directions – so progress over the bottom was tortuously slow — all the while the fathometer indicated 0′ due to “blowing” sand. Fortunately, I was in my old sailboat, which had a rudder the size of a barn door, so I was able to keep from broaching and kept it heading in the right direction. It was really strange – looking UP at a wave front, as stern of the boat was in the bottom of a trough, and seeing king mackerel by the hundreds, swimming down the wave face. It looked like they would just swim into the boat. The next few times, I went all the way to the sea buoy, where there is lots of water. The last time, I got over-confident and was under pressure due to heavy weather closing in.
Both times I cut the corner, it was close to high tide, so I ‘knew’ that there would be plenty of water. After I moved back to Panama City, I became acquainted with several Gulf shrimpers, who advised me to never ever go over the shoals at Cape San Blas under any circumstances – primarily because of the currents.
Also, when approaching the shoals from the south, the water often looks calm, if the Gulf is calm. But what you can’t see are the breaking waves caused by the southeast-flowing current over the shoals, creating standing waves.
Port St. Joe is readily accessible from the GIWW via the Gulf Canal – a straight dredged ditch from the GIWW to Port St. Joe. When the seas
on the Gulf are reasonable, we often go via the Gulf Canal. I even did that with the sailboat because it could not go under the bridge
at Tyndall AFB, on the GIWW. The only ‘iffy’ place was Lake Wimico, where depths sometimes approached 6.5′ in spots. The keel never
actually hit bottom that I know of. That was about 10 years or so ago, so I do not know its depths now.
Take care and be safe.
Wayne
Celestial
Albin 43 SundeckWayne wrote ” The only ‘iffy’ place was Lake Wimico, where depths sometimes approached 6.5′ in spots. The keel never actually hit bottom that I know of. That was about 10 years or so ago, so I do not know its depths now.”
Wayne,
We helped friends deliver their Krogen 42 from Port St. Joe to Clearwater just last week. We took the ICW down to Apalachicola and left from Government Cut the following morning. Our trip through Lake Wimico was uneventful. The chart shows the controlled depth to be 12′. Certainly, the SE portion of the lake is very shallow and any departure out of the marked channel would likely be a bit of an adventure.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STARI’m getting ready to cross for St. Pete to Panama City in a few weeks so I read this post with great interest as that route requires a turn around the shoals. Studying the charts I see two greens, numbers 1 and 3 that seem to mark the east and west sides of the shoal. My currently planned route keeps me south of these but very close to #3. The only other mark I see is one south of the saftey area. Is staying south of greens 1 & 3 sufficent or should I set my waypoint elsewhere?
Thanks.
Reed Estabrook
M/V CahootsI am preparing to depart Bradenton on Saturday, April 3, 2010 heading for New Orleans. Any idea on Your departure date planned?
Ray BlanchardBe the first to comment!
Port St. Joe Marina (off ICW between Apalachicola and Panama City)
The message below is, as you undoubtedly noticed without my telling you, copied off the AGLCA mail list.
We have always found Port St. Joe Marina to be a superb facility, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! It’s well worth a trip down the Gulf County Canal to St. Joseph Bay, the home of Port St. Joe Marina. Tell them we sent you!We pulled into Port St. Joe December 31 at 1600. John, the harbor master, was there to show us where to tie the boat as well as give us a hand. All this is expected when pulling into a marina for the first time. However, also in attendance and helping were AGLCA harbor hosts Ray and Patsy Whitney. They made sure we had everything and anything we wanted or needed. They offered to let us use their car. They made us feel very `welcome’ and introduced us to other `loopers’ at the marina. I could go on forever praising Ray and Patsy as well as John and the rest of the marina staff for their very efficient and well run marina and for making all loopers feel like this is a `home away from home’. We have cruised the entire loop and many places loopers usually don’t get to in our ten years of cruising and this is one of the friendliest marinas we have stopped at. If you are cruising the panhandle don’t make the mistake of bypassing Port St. Joe.
Jim & Sharon Angel
Aboard m/v BLUE ANGELBe the first to comment!
Good Words About Port St. Joe Marina (off ICW between Apalachicola and Pan. City)
I can tell you from personal experience that Port St. Joe Marina is one of the finest pleasure craft facilities you will find anywere. They are reached by cruising from the Northern Gulf ICW, down the Gulf County Canal, to the waters of St. Joseph Bay. Then, it’s just a brief cruise to the east to reach the marina’s sheltered harbor.
Oh yes, and let’s not forget these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!Terrific folks and a great marina – close to everything, good restaurant, and some damn fine Marina Hosts (Ray & Patsy).
We were sad to leave this morning, but if a weather window opens up this weekend, we wanted to be a bit closer to take advantage and are now at WaterStreet Hotel & Marina in the rain and cold. Starting to think that we should have brought a snow shovel along to keep the dock clear.
Gerry & LInda Etzold
Monk’s VineyardPort St. Joe Marina promotes itself as the “friendliest marina on the gulf” and we have to agree. We are there now waiting to cross the gulf. At $1/foot nightly for AGLCA members (and less if you stay a week), they have all the usual amenities, including bikes and a restaurant. The downtown grocery, ice cream, restaurants, and hardware are just a few blocks away. Patsy and Ray Whitney, the harbor hosts, plus all the employees are ready to assist you with anything you need during your stay. During the 12/2 storm, Clara, the marina manager was walking the docks, checking lines and fenders. We’ve only been looping for a couple of months, but Port St. Joe is our #1 so far. It’s a little off the intercoastal, but well worth the effort. If you haven’t come this far yet, be sure to check it out.
Mainship 34Be the first to comment!
Low Water Levels in the Florida Panhandle as of 10/18/09
I, too, have experienced the low water – wind tide conditions described by Captain Tom below. As he notes, these depths usually persist only a few days, but while they are underway, soundings can be spooky!
If you are near or in the Florida Panhandle this morning, you will find the water levels are 1-2 feet below the charted depths. The north winds have been blowing hard for a few days and pushed the water off the coastline. It will come back in a few days; but for now, be careful.
Stay Safe,
TomBe the first to comment!
More Praise for Port St. Joe Marina
It's getting commonplace for me to post laudatory message for Port St. Joe Marina here on the Net's "Northern Gulf'" section. I could not agree more. This is a superb facility, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR!We are in beautiful Port St. Joe. What a great Marina, everyone so friendly and a first class run Marina here! I can see why everyone likes the Port St. Joe Marina. . . After enjoying Port St. Joe I am not sure if we can leave this place. It is very charming
and all the needs for a looper are within walking distance. Lovely place with lovely people.
A Fellow CruiserPort St. Joe Marina let us use two nice cruiser bikes this morning and we had a great bike tour of Pt. St. Joe. The homes are charming and the community shows a sense of pride and commitment in keeping things up. A neat memorial and musem to the home of the Floriday Constitution; baseball fields, lovely kept parks with trails and lakes.
There are quite a few neat new business ventures in town, and we tried and enjoyed Mama Joe's for a wonderful salad with fresh greens, artichokes,kalamata olives and garden fresh onions. The pizza was wood fired and a fine renedition with three types of mushroom and cheese and fresh basil. It was a great Sunday brunch meal and a nice young man that has started the place is doing a great job. Neat interior and nice wine and beer bar. Indirect lighting, well decorated with great black and white photographs of the coast artistically hung. Uncluttered and tasty atmosphere and food. Highly recommend.
Looks like Tuesday is our departure headed west, and know Pt.St. Joe will be in our return plans.
Thom and Ouarda
The Black PearlBe the first to comment!
Port St. Joe Marina (between Apalachicola and Panama City)
I, too, have always been impressed with Port St. Joe Marina. You must depart the ICW, and cruise down the “Gulf County Canal” into St. Joseph Bay, in order to reach this facility, but the trip is more than justified.Deborah Ann has moored at Port St. Joe Marina for the past Month. We wanted to escape the Wisconsin winter and enjoy the warmer weather of the South.
Most of the Loopers have passed this point by now, but for those still heading this way, give Port St. Joe a try. The sign at the harbor entrance says “Port St. Joe Marina, the friendliest marina on the Gulf Coast”. I think it should say “on the Great Loop”. Port St. Joe Marina is owned and operated by the same companies that own and operate Bay Point in Panama City, which also receives high marks.
The staff has been helpful beyond expectations, the locals have been great. When you arrive you will possibly be greeted by Ray Whitney, commodore of Port St. Joe Yacht Club, a wonderful ambassador of the Port St. Joe area. There is a grocery store nearby, sporting goods store, laundry, restaurants, and a nice downtown, all within walking distance.
Winter slip rate is $1.00 per foot per day. Long term transient rates are very attractive. We plan on staying for another month before heading part of the way back north, and hope to see some Loopers that are continuing South.
Jeff DeVries
Deborah Ann
Nordic Tug 37Subject: Diesel Price
Cruising News: Port St Joe Marina just lowered their price of Diesel to $1.88 gallon. with 10 cent off for boat U.S. and Sea Tow membership.
Ray WhitneyThis is a great place to stop and fuel up and provision very friendly staff that arevery helpful. Diesel fuel is $1.88 per gallon with a 10% discount for boat us. Resturant on site as well as well within walking distance like 2 blocks. Grocery store at the gate.
EdBe the first to comment!
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