60. Rodriguez Key Anchorage
60. Rodriguez Key Anchorage
Lat/Lon: near 25 03.373 North/080 27.285 West
Location: lies to the north of Rodriguez Key, northwest of Hawk Channel’s unlighted daybeacon #37
Minimum depth: 6 feet in the anchorage, but it’s easy to wander into only 2 to 4 feet of water
Swing Room: unlimited
Foul Weather Shelter: poor – fair weather ONLY anchorage
Rating: 
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Comments from Cruisers (5)
New BRIS 11' Inflatable Dinghy (grey, w/oars, aluminum floor) floated away 3/25-3/26 from anchored 38' Beneteau sloop 'Winds or Knot' (white w/blue sail-cover and blue bimini), at Rodriguez Key, FL.
REWARD for Return. 620-767-2736
i have anchored at rodriguexz at least ten times in my trips to from keys and molllasses reef. \best holding anchorage is in back on nw side but any side in a blow can be done. Hawk side in nw ti n winds// west bay side in all s windss. Its an easy run tgo Marathon or dinner key its minutes from fuel in key largo great spot R Tony Pozun c400 catalina Mystical Paradise 6 ft draft
what an informative post -. thank you
s/v ZIG-ZAG
Sometimes you don’t want to stop and savor the swells of Hawk Channel and just want to get to Marathon — especially if your vessel draws 5 feet or more. With Pennekamp State Park now off limits to boats drawing more than 4 1/2 feet, according to the ranger who answered the phone the two times we have asked, that leaves safe harbors few and far between for many cruising boats.
Rodriguez Key anchorage took good care of us during a small craft advisory one December night. Yes, we rocked enthusiastically when the front came in but we didn’t drag. We chose a spot in the charted anchorage on the island’s north side, close enough to be in her lee. Another vessel was quite a distance north of the island. She was there in the morning in apparently the same position as at sunset.
We experienced excellent holding in 8 1/2 feet of water– winds were gusting at 20. North swells made it not my favorite experience but tolerable. I’ve experienced far less comfortable southern swells at Indian Key and similar conditions at Pumpkin Key. We set two anchors, a Fortress and a plow.
It might have been more comfortable on the south side of the island, where another sailboat anchored that night, but I’m not sure as the swells in Hawk Channel are difficult to hide from. The NOAA predictions had been so wrong that day, it was difficult to know which side to choose.
We met some experienced skippers who use this anchorage every crossing. It certainly makes possible a two-day trip between Dinner Key and Marathon which can be useful in a period of frequent cold fronts when three-day weather windows can be hard to find.
In short, Rodriguez Key is a swell anchorage (pun intended) with excellent holding. The charted shoal on the eastern point appears to be marked by small floats. In a blow, set two anchors and bring plenty of ginger snaps.
Captain Jane
S/V Lady Jane
Anchored there in 2004 prior to jumping off to the Bahamas (South Riding Rock). Stayed there a couple days waiting for 22 to 25 kt ESE winds to settle. They never did so we bit the bullet and went anyway. My memory has faded but to my recollection the north side anchorage was surprisingly calm, even to these winds, when staying over to the west side of the anchorage area. Anchored there on the return trip too, but there were only zephyrs then.
Bob Hanners
I’ve anchored on both sides of Rodriguez Key. It’s a very convenient jumping off place to cross to the Bahamas. Anchoring was good but you are very exposed if the wind clocks around on you. We also found it hard to find sandy patches to anchor legally. You can get fined if you anchor in sea grass. The good part, is that the water around the island is as clear as Bahamas water. Great for scouting the bottom.
Dick Mills
SV Tarwathie
Hi:
Anchored on N side of Rodriguez in a max 10 kt breeze from the the NW and was happy with it. Departing on December 5 AM into Hawk Channel, saw two boats anchored on the S side. (Beneteau 343/drawing 4’9″)
Appreciate your online info.
Tom
SV Move
Boot Key Harbor