102. Newfound Harbor Channel Southerly Anchorage
102. Newfound Harbor Channel Southerly Anchorage
Lat/Lon: near 24 38.286 North/081 22.686 West
Location: lies east of the Newfound Harbor Channel between unlighted daybeacons #4 and #6
Minimum depth: 5 ½ feet
Swing Room: unlimited
Foul Weather Shelter: fair, but wide open to westerly winds
Rating: 
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Comments from Cruisers (3)
Fantastic, quiet anchorage. The entrance is between 50 and 50A on Hawks Channel. (Directly SE of the channel is some of the best snorking in the Keys, Looe Key.) When entering the channel, keep R”2″ 200′ to starboard. You will pass ritzy Little Palm Island resort (formerly known as Munson Island). It’s so expensive, you’re not even allowed to look at the island or they send you a bill (http://www.littlepalmisland.com). After passing, R”4″, head to G”5″ as there is a shoal in the middle of the channel. After passing G”5″ bear NE to R”6″. We dropped anchor just N of R”6″ (24 38.936N 081 22.637W) There are several unoccupied sailboats permanently anchored and you can drop the hook anywhere. There is no boat traffic to speak of except the small wodden vessel “The Truman” that ferries between Little Palm Island and the mainland.
Between Marathon and Key West, anchor in Newfound Harbor. It’s huge and well protected from all waves. If you scuba, go to Looe Key Reef there. It is really nice, and there’s a dive boat that goes through Newfound Harbor to the reef that’ll pick you up and drop you off at your anchored boat. Or just go out to the gov’t. mooring balls on the reef (carefully) in your own boat.
Doug
Last night we stayed in Newfound Harbor. It is a very protected anchorage and there were 7 other boats in there with us. Just be careful and watch your depth finder. There are some shallow places. There were several sailboats and they draw much more than we do (about 3.5 ft.).
It as a great, close by, anchorage after diving/snorkeling off Looe Key. Just look for the weather/radar blimp (called Fat Albert) you can’t miss it.
Ben and Barbara Falmlen
Two Cats Too