The message below is copied from the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association forum. Shalimar Yacht Basin (see below) is located just west of Destin in Fort Walton Beach.

Mint Julep is traveling east on the ICW together with Moonstruck. Yesterday, we attempted to make transient slip reservations in Destin Harbor and learned that there are none easily available. We checked with Harborwalk Marina and Marina Cafe….neither are providing slips for transients at this point in time. We even checked with the Destin
Fisherman’s Co-Op and they do not take transients either.
We stopped at Shalimar Yacht Basin, just off the ICW at 225EHL, and they have provided great service and good wind protection. Other good marinas (like Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin) are available on Choctawhatchee Bay, but we wanted the migrating group of Loopers coming from the Rendezvous to know that marinas in the Destin Harbor are not an option. If you still want to enjoy the Destin Harbor area, it is a very good deep water anchorage.
Also, we learned yesterday that this weekend is the Apalachicola Seafood Festival, and no docks are available until Sunday night, for folks preparing to cross when/if a window opens next week.
Bob and Pam Shircliff
Gold Loopers
M/V Mint Julep

Marbella Yacht Club also offers transient slips in Destin Harbor. East Pass Realty (850) 837 4191 offer slips in Destin Harbor at East Pass Towers Marina and Watergate Towers Marina. Both of these marinas are private but will accept transients.
Blake Dupuis
M/V Marlee Ann

The question was asked, where is the free dock in Ft Walton Beach. It is located between R6 and R8 on the north side of the ICW, just west of the Brook Bridge. The 3 deepest spots are on the SW corner of the dock, 1 being a lay along and the other 2 being the first two slips. Avoid blocking the pump out station as boaters do come to use it and then leave immediately.
Stay safe,
Tom

For all those [cruisers] who have used the free dock at Ft Walton Beach, consider writing a personal note to the city c/o Carol Jones at cjones@fwb.org. If you went ashore during your visit and spent money, especially let her know. Feedback like this is what will keep that dock available in the future.
For those considering the use of this dock, remember it is without electricity and only for a single night. Other private marinas in the area want a chance at your longer term business.
Stay safe,
Tom

Baytowne Marina is easily accessible off the Northern Gulf ICW’s run across the lengthy of Choctawhatchee Bay. I have always thought this facility to be a bit exposed, but a partial breakwater helps.

I have to agree with Dick. We enjoyed spending time with Captain Ron in Baytowne. The Marina is a vibrant community unto itself, complete with a friendly Golden Retriever. Great facilities, Laundry, showers, BAR!, and all the Clubs, Restaurants, and Golf you could possibly want. Like Arnold said, “I’ll be back”.
Paul Kelly
On the Dot.Calm

The marked channel leading to Sabine Marina cuts to the south, immediately west of the Pensacola Beach Bridge. Observe all markers carefully and heavily favor the eastern shores after entering the Bay.

Was just at the Sabine Marina this past December in 09. While I was there that had a dredge working in the pass coming into the Marina so its plenty deep now. Great little bar and nice shower and laundry facilities.
Rob

I think, if memory serves, and sometimes it does not, we have had an earlier posting here on the Net concerning the free city dock in Fort Walton Beach, described below. Sounds like a wonderful municipal resource for the cruising community!

Subject: Ft Walton FL free dock
Cruising News: We stayed at the Ft Walton city Dock January 18, the water on the way in was 8 to 10 feet deep, the slip about 6 feet deep. The slips are fine and the park is nice there is a Publix supermarket a short walk away. About 10PM I heard a clatter outside. I pulled back the curtain to see a man standing on the finger pier of the next slip to my boat, when he saw me open the curtain and the light he ran up the dock to the parking area jumped into a car which was parked and the car took off. There was an aluminum skiff tied to the pier he was standing on, I think he was getting ready to steal it or the outboard motor. The next morning I saw the skiff tied to an anchored boat near the dock. The owner must have arrived later on and used it to go out to his boat. I went by and warned him of what I had seen.
I would warn anyone stopping there to be very careful of their boat or if walking around the area after dark.
Steve Willett
Monk 36, Gumbo
Thibodaux, Louisiana

I have never heard the anchorage referred to below in Captain Root’s note named as “Specter Island, but, then again, the late Skipper Bob apparently knew something I did not about this small land mass. Anyway, it lies south of the ICW, on the section referred to as “the Narrows,” west of Choctawhatchee Bay and Fort Walton Beach.

We are anchored tonight behind Spectre Island MM 217.4. Enter west of G51 per Skipper Bob, watch your depth carefully as the shoal to the east side is very shallow. We found six feet all the way in, ten feet behind island between it and the barrier island. Barrier island is restricted, but Spectre island is sand, so walking dog should be OK. Alternative is eight foot charted pool east of Spectre Island and along barrier island at 30 24 07N, 86 41 43W
Travel safe
Bill Root

The entrance to Sabine Bay, home of the facility discussed below, runs to the south, immediately east of the high-rise Pensacola Beach Bridge. This passage has been subject to periodic shoaling in the past, but it has been several years since I sounded its depths. Anyone know what the current MLW depths are in this cut????
Oh yes, as you will guess from the wording of Captains Steve and Liz’s message below, it is copied from the AGLCA mail list.

[Sabine Bay Marina is] not listed in Skipper Bobs but just wanted to let any loopers still coming know about a great little marina right in Sabine Bay (ICW mile 189.0). Skipper Bobs only lists the Beach Marina at $1.50/foot with no showers or laundry, but right next door is the Sabine Marina with a few transient slips at $1/foot (plus the florida taxes of course) with great shower, laundry and fun looking bar/restaurant. it’s right at the bridge to Pensacola Beach, so all the shops are within walking distance.
Steve & Liz Kemper

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,
Tom

If memory serves, and sometimes it does not, there was an earlier posting here on the Cruisers’ Net about the free city dock at Fort Walton Beach. In any case, what a deal, assuming, of course, you can clear an 17-18 foot fixed bridge (see below)!

Ft Walton Beach free dock if you can clear 17-18 ft bridge . Low amp electric & H2O available . Length & beam probably not a problem if you can clear the bridge . Airport short hop .
Jim Tharp

There are 50′ bridges at Navarre to the west and downtown Fort Walton (to the east Brooks Bridge) to navigate to get to the city dock. It is indeed free but you must call city hall or after hours the police department to request permission to stay. Numbers are posted on the dock.
Steve Purvis

We stopped here last spring on the way north. We did NOT spend the night but did use the free pump-out, and while I took care of that Jennifer went to the market for supplies. I don’t recall any low (18′) bridge to get into this dock. The free city dock is just off the ICW and just west of the high bridge.
Jim & Jennifer

If memory serves (which sometimes it does not), there was a much earlier posting here on the Net’s “Northern Gulf” section about the free city dock at Fort Walton Beach. However, the series of messages below are much more detailed than any previously posted here!

Fort Walton Beach City Dock, on the panhandle of Florida, is a free dock. Although there is no electricity, it is a very nice dock, with several fingers.  There is room for 8 boats.  There is a 24 hour limit and permission is needed from the City Manager to stay, but that is only a phone call (850-833-9500)
There is a Publix very close and a West Marine a little further.
Darrell & Beth Berge
M/V L’Attitude Changer

As i recall only 2 maybe 3 of the docks had 4.5′ to 6 ‘ of water. i believe the outward 2 on the west side were safe.
GEORGE & MIRIAM GRAFER
TIME OUT

George, your memory is correct, water is a little skinney on the east finger docks and those closer to shore.  If you find there is still a white water hose coiled at the water faucet, that is mine.  After watering up two of us last December, hose was nicely coiled on the dock, and left there, not realising the hose belonged to us.
George and Miriam, we look forward to seeing you in a few days in Beaufort, assume you must be getting close.
Chuck and Claria Gorgen
ODYSSEE, waiting for spring in Rimouski, Quebec

Baytown Marina at San Destin is found on the southern shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, east of Destin and East Pass., It always interesting to read opinions from other cruisers. In the past, I have only been moderately impressed with this facility, but  message is certainly going to cause me to take another look!

The biggest life-changing discovery for us on our Loop in '03 was the FL Panhandle. We're now in our 8th winter at Baytowne Marina, Sandestin, FL (on the south shore of Choctawhatchee Bay, just east of the Mid-Bay Bridge at Destin).  Check out the marina (and resort) website:http://www.sandestin.com/golfactivities/marina/tabid/218/Default.aspx. Or call Capn Ron, Dockmaster at 850-428-1016.
Enjoy the Emerald Coast with us!
Dick Hanson
on Souvenir in the FL Panhandle