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Comments from Cruisers (2) Add Comment

1. Captains Mark & Diana Doyle -  November 16, 2012 - 4:49 pm

   Hi Claiborne,
   South Florida’s AICW is a bit like a “Tour of Homes” as you motor by impressive and varied waterfront lots.
   We love gawking at the mega-mansions with million-dollar poolside landscaping and the pink bungalows with flocks of plastic flamingos.
   But the downside of wall-to-wall canal-front real estate is that shoreside access is much harder to come by. Shore is all private property, often within private developments that prohibit any dinghy dockage. That’s why Middle River anchorage, with shore access at Fort Lauderdale’s George English Park, is so special.
   Middle River, at STM 1063.4, is a deep and relatively quiet (by South Florida standards!) anchorage, convenient to the AICW, in a no-wake-zone river lined with homes and park land.
   Exit the ICW southeast of G3 and proceed northwesterly up charted Middle River, north of the large east-west canal home island. Anchor in the river’s wide spot, with the fixed bridge (vertical clearance 5 feet) to the north. Middle River is substantially deeper than charted: we surveyed depths of 15-26 feet (at 2.3’ above MLLW).
   Shore access is at the George English Park boat ramp to the north, upriver just past the low-clearance fixed bridge. The park is 20 acres, with a recreation center, tennis courts, and a walking/jogging trail. Many restaurants and Galleria Fort Lauderdale are nearby, including a supermarket across the bridge to the west.
   I’ve included a photo of the anchorage as well as a sample page from our new AnchorGuide series showing the anchorage location, the actual versus charted depths in the Middle River, and the location of the park boat ramp.
   Unfortunately, for all the park’s excellent amenities and access, the park does not allow dogs.
   Best and see you On the Water,
   Captains Mark & Diana Doyle

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2. Nicole -  June 8, 2011 - 10:04 am

   To save even more cash in Fort Lauderdale there is a GREAT anchorage in the Middle River. Gets a touch wakey on the weekends but weekdays and at night, this anchorage is well protected and has awesome dinghy dock access on a floating dock in a public park.
   Nicole

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Comments from Cruisers (5) Add Comment

1. Jim Brunson -  February 12, 2024 - 3:51 pm

   Just checked with marina office monthly rate $664.

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2. Rick Steinberg -  January 24, 2014 - 10:49 am

   We are anchored in Lake Sylvia and checked Las Olas [Fort Lauderdale] City Marina about landing our dinghy there. They said it costs $20 per day and you do not have use of any of the facilities! They also said a city mooring ball was $45 a day and then you could use the facilities. $45 for a mooring ball is $1500 a month which is absurd!!
   You can go west down the canal just north of the 17 street causeway bridge and land the dinghy at Southport bar and grille for $10 which is applied to any purchase at the restaurant. Also Coconut’s restaurant next to the Hall of Fame marina has a dinghy dock that you can use if you eat there.
   Rick Steinberg

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3. Wally Moran -  July 30, 2012 - 9:19 am

   fyi – you’re expected to go into the Marina office and pay there…they don’t come out to the ball for you.
   Just so you know…
   Wally Moran

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4. John Byrne -  July 17, 2012 - 6:20 am

   The anchorage was completely empty for us. Nice beefy tackle on the mooring ball handled our 15,000 lb 32 foot boat just fine in the modest current. We arrived at 4PM and left at 7AM and we not asked for a mooring fee. Nice spot.

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5. Captain Ron Rice -  April 18, 2011 - 9:33 am

   After spending an expensive week at Bahia Mar Marina in Ft. Lauderdale, I noticed a small (10-12 spots) city owned mooring field 500 yards north of the Bahia Mar Fuel Dock. According to the water taxi, the cost is $35.00 per night. There were three sailboats securely hooked up in this protected area. A quick tender ride to downtown would be easy. I checked my extensive list of cruising guides, and nothing was mentioned of this area. Make a note ICW cruisers and save some cash while staying in Ft. Lauderdale!
   Captain Ron Rice

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