Do note that Captain Chris’ info below is almost a year old at the time of this posting!
Ponce De Leon Inlet (which all the locals refer to as “Ponce Inlet) cuts the eastern banks of the AICW between Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach. Personally, I always choose to continue south of Canaveral Barge Canal Inlet before putting out into the briny blue, or reversing the process, but, hey, everyone has their own opinion!

In June of ‘˜09 we ducked into Ponce de Leon Inlet during a pretty major storm (45kts+ and lots of electrical activity) and had no issue. We came through the inlet and then anchored between 7A and the beach in 12 feet of water (we draw 6’). The depth between 7A and the beach is not marked on the chart, but we were in communications with the local SeaTow outfit and they gave us the local knowledge. Anyway, Ponce de Leon inlet is known as being a tough inlet, but we had no issues. A call to SeaTow before entering can give you all the info you need. By the way ‘“ after the storm passed we continued on to the New Smyrna Beach Marina where we received a wonderful welcome and nice facilities. If you go there and are coming from the Ponce de Leon Inlet, I would highly recommend taking Sheephead Cut as opposed to following the magenta line of the ICW. From what I understand, there is (was, I should say since we came through in mid-2009) significant shoaling on the line, but we always saw big depth on the cut. Have fun!
Chris
S/V Pelican