Cocoa Village Marina occupies the mainland side of the Waterway, just north of the Cocoa bridge and only a few quick steps from the downtown Cocoa business district!
Stayed at Cocoa on our way south in April 2013 and were most impressed, the club house and facilities are great, and the marina is well kept and well run. The staff were kind and considerate. Access to town is easy, and we had a good dinner there. Entry is a little strange, but they guide you in well, so listen and make sure you understand. We had no issues and loved out time there.
St. Augustine City Marina overlooks the western shoreline of the Waterway, just south of the Bridge of Lions.
We just love City Marina and St. Augustine. We berthed opposite the new dock area in mid May ‘“ and the new break water and wide access made in and out easy. We live on Hilton Head, so strong tides are just a fact of life with us. Sorry if they worry some, but they are what they are, so go with the flow. The marina has a great location, close to the Fort and Historic Downtown. It is a shuttle stop for the trolley tour and public transportation, and has access to a myriad of restaurants. Cabs are cheap and a trip to Super Walmart (about 6 miles est.) was about $10 each way. The marina is clean, the rest rooms are updated, the internet worked, as do the washers and dryers, and the staff was hard working, kind and pleasant. We stayed three nights. This is our sixth visit to City Marina, including one when we left the boat for two weeks. We have never had an issue and just love the place. The new Bridge of Lions is complete, so there is no bridge construction any more, and the view is wonderful without the cranes and barges. It is well run and is a truly down-town marina. I am sure they will see us again the next time we head south. William Lawrenson
Hutchinson Island Marriott Marina - Click for Chartview
Hutchinson Island Marriott Marina lies south-southeast of the Ernest Lyons/Highway AlA and north of marker #228, and a few miles north of the AICW’s intersection with the Okeechobee Waterway/St. Lucie River/St. Lucie Inlet.
We stayed at this marina on both the way down to Miami and again on the way back in May this year. One day on the way down became three, as we hit a really good weather window and just enjoyed the pool and facilities. Some folks say the fixed docks are a little high, but that is the only negative I heard. We were just fine. Great rest rooms and showers, clean marina, not expensive, Marriott luxury resort is attached and you get full rights ‘“ restaurants, pools with pool towels, golf and beach access and transportation around the complex. Publix (groceries) is within walking distance. We even watched a mom manatee and her baby 20ft. from the dock. Get an inside or north side slip as the slips on the south side have no breakwater and looked lumpy when the SW wind got up. All slips have adequate finger dock with poles outside, so be ready to snag the poles on the way in. It is thinly staffed (only the dock master) who leaves at 4:30PM, so you do not always get immediate attention. On the other side of that issue, he works hard to please his guests and is accommodating. It is a laid back friendly marina with many semi-permanent snowbirds hanging out there. If you want a clean comfortable secure combo marina/luxury resort for a couple of days R&R (or longer), give this one a try. William Lawrenson
Bahia Mar Yachting Center is located along the Waterway’s eastern banks, south of Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard bridge.
Stayed at Bahia Mar mid May for four nights and loved it. We spent many happy hours at the pool and liked the catwalk over the road directly to the beach. The fitness center looked newly refurbished. The hotel facilities wee used were just fine. Staff were helpful and prompt. If you are looking for a combo marina/resort, this is a good one. The prior cruiser mentioned security, so I feel obliged to comment on what we saw and heard. We went down to Key West overnight and left the boat with no issues. On our return our neighbors reported that a sailboat on the far end of our dock had been broken into. Security cameras supposedly showed no unauthorized access to the dock. Our neighbors had been questioned by the police as they appeared on the security video. They reported that the police thought it must have been thieves on a boat who came in from the ICW and hit the first yacht they came to ‘“ hard to defend against. William Lawrenson
Miami Beach Marina is found on the southwesternmost shores of Miami Beach, just west of the Government Cut Inlet.
Stayed a night ‘“ planned on two, but decided not to stay. The marina facilities are OK, but needed a good clean when we were there. The help was fine. Access to South Beach is great, and that is a fun place. Access to the ocean is also great, and the ride from the ICW past the cruise ships is very interesting. Police security is active around the cruise ships, so keep your distance from both the patrol boat and the ships. We were located on the south end of the marina, and had constant surge from (I believe) the ocean and tides, as well as wakes from boats. It was awful. You are right next to a ship’s channel at the entrance to the Port of Miami. The two boats next to us were long term live-aboard residents, who had all types of mooring lines from their boats (8 on one and 9 on the other I recall ‘“ I ended up with 6) all to no apparent avail. They said they loved the location, and you get used the constant surge, wakes and currents. We felt that at the prices they charged, there had to be a better place to stay. William Lawrenson
Boca Raton Resort and Club Marina - Click for Chartview
Boca Raton Resort & Club Marina flanks the western banks of the combined Lake Boca Raton and ICW passage, north of marker #66.
Stayed a couple of nights and loved it. The Waldorf Boca Raton is beautiful and the facilities are just fabulous. The staff was helpful and we were given a great location close to the facilities. We are only 36ft, so were small by comparison to others in the slips, but were treated with great respect, as would any guest at the Waldorf. The funniest thing is the Dock Masters Office. You enter these massive double wooden doors in this luxurious hallway to find a few cheap desks with the dock staff sitting around ‘“ as you would in a small start-up company. The cloisters offered many an evenings solitude and the pool and towels were great. You could call this marina expensive ‘“ it certainly was not cheap, but we were at the Waldorf Astoria and loved it. We would do it again in a flash. William Lawrenson
Located south-southeast of AICW marker #27, Titusville Municipal Marina is one of the best medium-sized, municpal marinas on the Eastern Florida coastline.
Stayed a night mid May 2013, as we did a couple of years back, and it was still as good as we remembered. The facilities might be a little dated, but are well maintained and are spotlessly clean. There is good access to town and shops, well within walking distance, and public transport if you don’t care to walk. We were initially unhappy with the floating dock assigned to us, so they immediately accommodated our wish and moved us to a fixed dock. Good ships store and good fuel dock. Great staff. Easy in and out from the ICW. Maybe not many frills and fancy’s but a good, solid, safe, well-run marina. William Lawrenson
The entrance to Alligator Creek Anchorages lies north-northeast of the ICW’s unlighted daybeacon #36. The two recommended locations are above and below the mouth of Alligator Creek.
Anchored here on 4/13/13. Entered and exited by the south end. Came in near low tide and bounced twice. Have anchored here last year also and find holding is good. Current is not too bad and protection is good. Waited in morning for rising tide, no problem leaving. Would rate it a 3 because of the problems entering at a lower tide. Has Royer s/v Skye
Anchored here last week to await next day high tide at Amelia River `1’³ Entered at half tide (range was 7.1 ft) with 5.5 ft draft strongly favoring R’36’³ and going mid-creek after that to the southern spot. Lowest reading was 12 feet (~8.5 ft at low water). Water ebb/flood out/in western leg did not come beyond center line of lower creek so we favored eastern side when anchoring. Otherwise it would be a bit swirly. Speedboat traffic short cutting the oxbow makes it rolly here. Definitely need a low level anchor light that illuminates the boat ‘” background lights in the trees on Amelia City side confuse the picture. Chris and Janet
Hobe Sound Anchorage lies west of the ICW channel between unlighted daybeacons #38 and #40.
Anchored between R44 and R46 on 3/27/13. Have anchored there last year also. Find good holding but somewhat exposed. Far enough off channel to limit wake from other boats. Would rate this anchorage a 3. Has Royer s/v/Skye
North Palm Beach Waterway Anchorage - Click for Chartview
North Palm Beach Waterway Anchorage is on the waters of the first charted basin on the western banks of this alternate waterway which cuts off to the southwest of the ICW, northwest of the North Palm Beach/Parker Bridge.
Anchored there on 12/11/12. First time there. Nice homes surrounding anchorage. Weather radar showed lots of storms in the area. Put out 140′ of chain. Had several hours of heavy ts, wind from all directions and 10’³ of rain. Boat swung 360 degrees several times and anchor held fine. Anchorage is relatively small, maybe two boats. Rate this one a good three. Has Royer
Please be aware that the location cited is private property. Anchoring is prohibited without permission. If you were seeking shelter during a storm or a disabled vessel you may contact Harbour Isles Security.
Fernandina Harbor Marina is a very special place being in the very heart of one of the nicest communities on the east coast – it’s one of our favorite harbors! If you haven’t visited Fernandina, you are missing a real treat. My family has been vacationing in Fernandina for more than 50 years and it gets better every year, as Chris and Janet attest.
We hadn’t expected to stay here. Life intervened, and we found it necessary to do so. We encountered a generosity of spirit at this marina we will be talking about for years to come. The crew there are special people. The facility is also excellent and well maintained. We loved the small town atmosphere with all the services one would expect in a much larger place. We could imagine living here. We will be shifting our cruising schedule to do our provisioning here in the Fernandina-Yulee area instead of Jacksonville Beach from now on. Chris and Janet
We share Cap’n H’s enthusiasm for downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida. The dining and shopping possibilities are many and deliciously varied. Have not yet given Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro a try, but will have to correct that oversight SOON!
Guys, We just finished our two day layover at Fernandina Beach before continuing north. Everyone here is so friendly both around the harbor marina and the town. Most notable was a simply superior dinner to anything I have experienced in many years. Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro should be on every boaters must do list here. Only two blocks off the harbor marina, the staff, service and food outshine anything in recent memory. We tried the gumbo and the loaded potato soup for appetizers which were perfect with the fresh homemade bread and olive oil and cracked pepper. The 14 oz blackened rib-eye was beyond description in its perfection and flavor. The potatoes were superb as was the vegetable medley. The vegetables were cooked to the perfect degree of doneness, not mushy and yet not hard. If you never stop anywhere else, make it here!. Cap’n H
We agree. Due to this posting we have been to joes bistro twice and are going there again today. The food is great, the decor is very nice, above what you would expect. The lunch menu runs until three pm and is a great value. And the food is really good. Dave Bell
We’ve been there [Joe’s Bistro] twice and love it! Bill
Halifax Harbor Marina is not only the largest marina facility in Daytona Beach, but one of the largest in all of Florida. It guards the western shores of the ICW/Halifax River, south of AICW marker #39A.
We stayed at Halifax Harbor Marina in Daytona several times. It’s very secure, has locked security gates, floating cement docks, and very well protected just off the ICW. Barbara, Jim, and “Lily” Benjamin
The facility is still great, and so is the staff. Prompt attention to your docking needs and you have to love the attendant with the fishing net to catch the keys you have forgotten to return as you depart past the fuel dock. It is great to have floating docks in Florida that are full length. The biggest surprise is that it has many vacancies. I remember when you better book well ahead as a transient, and there was a two year waiting list for full timers. Still a great marina. William Lawrenson
The Melbourne Harbor Marina entrance channel cuts west, abeam of unlighted daybeacon #6, south of the Melbourne twin, high-rise bridges.
Claiborne,I am traveling northward from Fort Pierce, FL. to Morehead City, NC. aboard the MY Twilight Time, a WC Hyatt 53′. Having stopped at Melbourne Harbor Marina twice within the last three months, I could not help but notice how rundown the men’s’ shower has become. It really is in a sad state. While true, Ichabod’s, is still around, the new crown jewel in dining is only one block away, The Mansion in Melbourne. Food, atmosphere, spirits, shopping. deli and a beer garden and rooftop terrace dining with a view of the ICW. Check it out at www.thebigmansion.com More as we travel northward. Kindest personal regards, Harold Harold “Cap’n H” O’Briant
Boca Raton Anchorage on the northeastern section of Lake Boca Raton, east of flashing daybeacon #65, and, as reported earlier (see link below), the preferred entrance channel seems to be on the north side of marker #65.
Moving north, Lake Boca Raton is a great anchorage – beware the hordes on weekends but few remain overnight – nice public dock you can use for your dinghy at Silver Palm Park adjacent to the first bridge heading north on the ICW tucked into the NW corner – not much nearby but a few stores and again the great beaches. Peter TenHaagen, Transition
Inlet Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, flanks the eastern shores of the AICW, a short hop north of St. Augustine Inlet, and hard by the southern side of the high-rise Vilano Beach Bridge. There is newly opened restaurant on-site, and a new Publix supermarket within walking distance. You can easily provision while filling up those hungry fuel tanks!
Claiborne: As promised, we stopped at Inlet Marina in St. Augustine Thursday. We checked out the prices on fuel at Comachee Cove, Conch House and the Municipal Marina. Inlet’s price with the usual discounts was .10 – .20/gal less than the others. They do have the best price of any St. Augustine marina on the ICW. Still, it was .15 higher than the price in Jacksonville. The fuel dock is located on the east side of the ICW between the Villano bridge and the fishing pier, which makes entering look somewhat intimidating. However, there is deep water all the way in and out to both bridges, so maneuvering with our 54′ boat was relatively easy. Dockmaster Jay and his staff are on hand to assist. I would not hesitate to take anything up to 80′ into the dock, although I would be sure to have adequate help on hand if the tide is running or there is a strong wind with a westerly component. The Publix supermarket is within walking distance, as is the Villano beach on the ocean. There is a good restaurant with Tiki bar on site, and the entire place is dog friendly, which was very important to us. Although the marina does not have transient slip Jay will allow boats to tie up at the fuel dock overnight for $25. There is no electric. There is water, but it does have a strong sulphur odor. The town of Villano provides a free 100′ floating dock located just south of the fishing pier next to Inlet Marina. There are no services, but boats are allowed to tie up all day to visit the town and the beach. Overnights are not technically allowed, but Jay says it is not enforced. In my opinion, Inlet Marina and the town of Villano Beach are a good place to stop for a day to take on some fuel, re-provision and relax on the beach or at the restaurant. Bill Root
Ortega Landing, the first facility you will encounter upon entering the Ortega River from the St. Johns, only a mile or so upstream from downtown Jacksonville, is indeed a fine facility, as is nearby Lambs Marine Center.
We are currently at the Marina and it is fantastic. Over 5.5ft. of water on the approach (call for directions) and plenty at the dock. friendly people, great pool and club house, even a dog park next door. Free washer and dryer, great showers and good internet, and concrete floating docks. We had always blown past the St. John’s River on the ICW or outside. I am really glad we stopped at the pretty convenient luxury marina. William Lawrenson
It’s a 13 mile cruise up the St. Johns River from the AICW to the Jacksonville waterfront, where mariners will discover Jacksonville Landing, on the north side of the St. Johns, midway between the Main Street Bridge and the Acosta Bridge. This complex is a downtown shopping mall/food court with a stage area for special events and concerts, featuring its own dock for visiting pleasure craft.
We stayed at Jacksonville Landing, FREE! just a few months ago. No power or water, but FREE. We loved it. I think the maximum stay is 3 nights. Betsy Johnson Rick ‘n Roll
This question came in from a fellow cruiser and I am happy to confirm that Gibson Dry Dock is still in business and their contact information and directions are listed at their website: http://www.gibsondrydock.com The facility is located on the St. Johns River east of marker #12 in San Mateo.
I would want to contact by e-mail for a quotation for drydocking my boat. Is there an e-mail address? Raynald C
March 21, 2013 This is a good place to dry store your boat during the hurricane season and a great yard for cruisers who want to do their own maintenance. David Burnham
May 13, 2013 15years on the Fl coast, 10 at Gibson. Would not consider any place else. Dry stored all these years during hurricane season with no damage. Harley
When we last visited with the Jacksonville Municipal Marina in 2012, we found this facility virtually locked down behind multiple gates and fences, and the wet slips were all but empty. There was nothing except the football stadium anywhere close by, and it would be a healthy taxi ride back into town, as this facility is located well downstream of the principal Jacksonville waterfront. The question and answer below are copied from the Great Loop mailing list.
Has anyone stayed at the Jacksonville municipal recently ? How does it compare to others ? We will be in a 56 Motor yacht. Olivia and Bob
We stayed at the Municipal Marina last April on Palm Sunday. There was power and water but you are a long way from anything except the stadium. We prefer the Jacksonville Landing right on the waterfront downtown, however there is no power there but so much more to do. Marty and Jerry onboard M/V Monarch
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