Buttonwood Sound–Sunset Cove Anchorage (Statute Mile 1142.5)
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
Comments from Cruisers (1)
I was anchored out in Sunset Cove from 2001 to 2007 we tied our dinghies off the Bayside Resort pier. A chain link fence was put up and no trespassing sign a few years later. Thanks to some people who slept under the tree, drank , litter and trash the shore. It was a disgrace and bad image for the resort and tourists so they did what they could to prevent it. That is why there are barely any boats there anymore. The anchorage has moved to Government center a few miles up the road.