I’m not familiar with the anchorage Captain Randy outlines below. Can anyone else shed some more light on this overnight haven? If so, please click the “Contribute Cruising News” link found near the top center of this, and most Net pages.

Just before you get to Miami you will find a nice anchorage on the ICW, almost opposite Bakers Haulover Inlet. Double-check your charts but I’m pretty sure that as you pass MM1080 turn right between 6A & 6B and you will enter a beautiful anchorage carrying between 8 & 16 ft. of water. On the west side of the anchorage is a quiet campus of Florida International University (I think)
and the other side is a pleasant, wooded park…I think it is Oleta State Park. There is a great view of the ICW within viewing distance of Miami Beach. It is a great place to set out for Key Biscayne or Virginia Key. The last time we were there we left early in the morning, transited through Miami and were tied up at Boca Chita Key in time for lunch.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR

Here’s a bit of additional info on this anchorage from Captain Pascal:

Subject: Anchorage North Miami/haulover
Message: I see your comment about the anchorage mentioned by Randy P. It’s a popular small boat/week end anchorage behind Beer Can Island. there is always a lot of shoaling in the ICW behind Haulover Inlet so beware of the depth and feel your way in, Never tried it…
Pascal

Subject: Oleta State Park
Message: I hate to recommend our favorite anchorage in Florida for fear that it will become overcrowded! South of the Sunny Isles bridge opposite Baker’s Haulover Inlet in North Miami is a quiet, well protected anchorage between a state park and Florida International University. Leave marker 6A to port and head west past a fishing dock and a public beach. The anchorage is around the point to the north or anywhere in the bay. People dinghy into a small beach on the eastern shore of the north anchorage (landing is prohibited at the college)and walk over to the beach or a couple of miles north to shopping. Other shopping is available by dinghy by heading up New Arch Creek to the south. There are outdoor cold showers and restrooms near the beach.
Allen Ames

And more:

Nice anchorage But’¦.not dingy friendly’¦.No good place to dingy in the park’¦No motors allowed in the park area’¦no dinging in or around the University’¦.a guy got a ticket just for landing on the property’¦.Lots of boats but lots of room to anchor. 10-15 feet of water. NOT pet friendly area. A lot of restrictions for going ashore to the park.
Tom Hamman

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