Here’s some great cruising info for the upper St. Johns River. I particularly join in Captain Root’s recommendation of Blackwater Inn. The food here is awesome!

Boat Tree is our home marina. We completed the loop last month on the Hatteras flying the gold burgee in slip E3. I can highly recommend it to any loopers wanting to do the St. Johns. Having the bar, restaurant and pool right on site is a big advantage, and the dock staff is excellent. It’s a short walk to the dog area. They also have wifi at the dock. It’s the most protected marina in the area, as well. Only disadvantage would be that it’s a ways away from downtown Sanford, but there isn’t a whole lot there anyway. Major grocery stores and a nice shopping mall are a short cab ride. It’s the trip down the river, particulalry below Palatka, that’s the reason for cruising to Sanford anyway. NO DIESEL, though. Sanford Boat Works about 10 miles further south has it, but it’s generally pretty expensive. I suggest topping off the tanks somewhere around Jacksonville.
As you head back up the river there’s a very nice anchorage behind Turkey Island. The anchorage just behind the Ortega River bridge south of Jacksonville is also very good.
The Blackwater Inn at Astor is a very good restaurant with a dock that can accommodate larger boats. You can stay overnight for $25, 50A electric and water included, if you eat in the restaurant.
Safe travels
Bill Root

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Boat Tree Marina