I have noted the location of Swimming Pen Creek and Whitey’s Fish Camp (see below) in “Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida” for many years. Glad to see some intrepid cruisers like Ben and Barbara are finding there way here! And, oh yes, the anchorages on Doctors Lake are not to be missed, BUT you must be able to clear a 37-foot fixed bridge to access all these attractions!

Off the St. John’s River is a huge lake Doctor’s Lake.? Off Doctor’s Lake is a creek (to us it seemed to be a river) called Swimming Penn Creek (don’t ask me where they get these names!).? Up the creek, just a short way is Whitey’s Fishcamp Restaurant.? It was voted “The best fishcamp restaurant on the St. John’s in 2007.? We were there on Tuesday night when they had? all you can eat boiled shrimp.? Believe me they did not make any money off of us!? They also have Swamp Vittles such as alligator, turtle and frog legs along with a full seafood/chicken menu.? The owner, Luke, invited us to stay at their dock for the night, which we did.? Just outside the restaurant there is a small beauty shop called Susan’s.? I got a shampoo and a badly needed haircut for $15.00.? You can’t beat that!
As posted on the MTOA listserv by Ben and Barbara Falmlen
Two Cats Too

If you enter Ortega River from the St. Johns, moving upstream from downtown Jacksonville, Ortega Yacht Club Marina is the second facility you will encounter on the northern shores. As noted by Ben and Barbara below, there’s lots of shopping and restaurants nearby!

While in Jacksonville we went up the Ortega River and stayed at the Ortega Yacht Club Marina.? We choose this marina since we were meeting family in Jacksonville.? It is a very nice marina with all amenities.? We paid 1.25 pf daily rate.? The marina is 1 block away from the very large Roosevelt mall with a West Marine, Publix and several other large stores and restaurants.? The Pier 17 Marine Supply is right next to the Ortega Yacht Club Marina.? It has absolutely EVERYTHING you could need for your boat…you just have to FIND it.? The owners are a 96 year old delight named Grace and her daughter Cynthia.? If you have the time to look you WILL find what you need and Cynthia has a “general” idea of where things are.? Be sure to tell them “hello” from us!
Ben and Barbara Falmlen
Two Cats Too

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ortega Yacht Club Marina

If you were ever wondering whether a cruise of the St. Johns River was for you, just read Captain Barbara's note below!

Subject: St. Johns River
Message: We are currently heading south down the AICW and stopped in Jacksonville and decided, after reading, Clairborne's glowing reports of the St. John's to take a side trip and see this beautiful river.  Actually, we are on the hook after spending the night in the huge Doctor's Lake, just off the St. Johns.  We have encourted absolutely no debris and very little boat traffic.  All depths seem to be just as they are charted.  If you have the time a trip down the St. Johns is highly recommended…even if it is just a short one to Palatka or Sanford.
Barbara Falmien

Several people have recommended Acosta Creek Harbor. Don't know just how far we will go, befoe we need to turn around and head back "up" the St. John's.  We really do not have a schedule, but you could spend the rest of your life poking around all the little creeks and cranies. Come to think of it…what's wrong with that?!?!?
Ben and Barbara Falmlen
Two Cats Too

Outback Crab Shack – Six Mile Creek – St. Johns River

Does anyone know where the "Outback Crab Shack," referred to in Catian Dave's note below, is located? I'm not familiar with it, but it sounds as if it would be well worth finding!!!!

Subject: Outback Crab Shack
Cruising News: Please include the "outback crab shack" in your places to eat off the St. Johns. Really good food at a great price, and the longest dock i have ever seen. A good side trip in with decent depths.
I visited several years ago, but forget the exact location. Somewhere near Green Cove Springs, by land it has a St. Augustine adress.
Dave Chili

And, as usual the cruising community has responded in a big way!

From a little research Outback Crab Shack is on Six Mile Creek, bear approx. 100 degrees from red flashing #22. 1,500 ft dock, 15' depth at dock, some shoaling at entry to creek from Parmo bay, entry to creek is way back in bay.
Dave Chili

Subject: outback crab shack
Cruising News: For Outback Crab Shack; by car take Rte 16 (N. St. Aug) from I 95 West; road T's off at the end and make left on Rte 13 DO NOT cross bridge to Green Cove Springs. Make right into their lot just before first bridge.Go slow as you approach this bridge and go in regardless of what you might think!
Les Glaser

Subject: Outback Crab Shack
Cruising News: Outback Crab Shack is located on 6 Mile Creek which is inside Palmo Cove about 8 miles South of Green Cove Springs on the East side of the St. John River. Unfortunately for sailors the location is also South of the Shands Bridge which has about a 42' clearance.
Jim Schofield
S/V Almost Heaven
Solomons, MD

St. Johns River Anchoring Advice

GREAT anchoring advice for the most cruisable river in Eastern Florida!

General Note about anchoring: Many of the anchorages on the southern St Johns (particularly in the cut off bends) are liquid mud.  After many frustrating attempts to set a 50-lb CQR, we've learned to set our Fortress anchor on the "Mud setting" and have found that it holds very well in normal conditions.  However, the liquid mud is not so liquid when it comes up the next morning — You can often plant crops on your bow!  Having a black bow is regarded as a sign of a true St Johns cruiser.
Randall & Susan Moring .

Emmanual Bend Anchorage (St. Johns River, south of Lake George)

I did not ask about the anchorage Randall and Susan describe below in my recent "St. Johns River Wish List," as I thought the list was getting over long. However, I do cover this overnight haven in "Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida," I agree that is is an excellent stop!

Another anchorage we have enjoyed is at charted Emanuel Bend, marker #96.  Again, very soft mud.  We use the S entrance and favor the N side as charted.  Good at least for 4 feet, not sure of depths.  Good anchorage for a dinghy trip up the Wekiva River, where we've seen some of the largest gators we've seen in 35 years of Florida living.
Randall & Susan Moring .

Starks Cutoff Anchorage (St. Johns River, south of Lake George)

On 7/17/08, as part of a "St. Johns River Wish List," I posed the following question:

28. Near flashing daybeacon #70, we've found good anchorage behind the island west of charted Starks Cutoff. Anyone else anchored here lately? What did you find?

Responses follow:

Anchorage at Starks Cut-off — We go in at marker #69 and anchor in 6 feet where the chart shows 23 feet!  Extremely soft mud (see note below).  Many dinghy trips in this area: Snake Creek, the charted canal opposite Snake Creek cut-off, and one at marker #80 — all leading to the Hontoon Dead River.  These may be blocked by vegetation from time to time, but persistence will get you through!   You can also beach at Blue Spring, another State Park, or kayak/canoe up the Run except during the winter manatee season (Nov. – Feb.?)
Randall & Suan Moring .

Seven Sisters Anchorages (St. Johns River, south of Palatka)

On 7/17/08, as part of a "St. Johns River Wish List," I posed the following question:

20. South of Buffalo Bluff, a whole series of stream flow around a collection of islands along the river's easterly shoreline, known collectively as the Seven Sisters. There are many possibilities to anchor on these streams. Who has dropped the hook here, and what did you find?

Responses follow:

Seven Sisters Islands anchorage – Proceed NE from marker #31, favoring the SW side of the unnamed island to get the best depths as charted.  Six to eight feet is available at the SE tip of the island — muddy bottom and shoals up fairly quickly to 4 feet to the south (as shown on chart).
Randall & Susan Moring .

Florence Cove Anchorage (St. Johns River, near Green Cove Springs)

On 7/17/08, as part of a "St. Johns River Wish List," I posed the following question:

15. The Shands Bridge crosses the St. Johns River just southeast of Green Cove Springs. This fixed span's 45-foot vertical clearance sets the height limit for cruising the upper portion of the river. A short hop southeast of the Shands Bridge, Florence Cove indents the northeastern banks. We've always found this to be a good spot anchor. Anyone else dropped the hook here recently? What did you find?

Responses follow:

Florence Cove anchorage – We have anchored several times in Palmo Cove (just south of Florence Cove) with 6 – 8 feet, medium holding, mud bottom.  Six Mile Creek (off the SE corner of Palmo Cove) is reputed to carry 5 feet, but we have only taken the dinghy up.  The creek is a nice primitive dinghy ride (birds and gators) with a restaurant (burgers and beer) at the 12-foot clearance highway bridge shown on the chart.  They have a l-o-n-g floating dock.
Randall & Susan Moring .

Lambs Marina and Repair Yard on Ortega River (Jacksonville, St. Johns River)
On 7/17/08, as part of a “St. Johns River Wish List,” I posed the following question:

After passing under the second bridge on Orgtaga River, Lambs Marina and Repair Yard (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR), guards the northwestern shore. Who has stayed here or had repair work done lately? Please describe your experience.

Responses follow:

Lambs Marina – Several years ago we had extensive lighting damage repaired there, and on another occasion replaced two fuel tanks. Thorough, friendly and very expensive! — but worth the price.
Randall and Susan Moring .

Murphy Creek – Dunn Creek Anchorage (St. Johns River, south of Palatka)

On 7/17/08, as part of a "St. Johns River Wish List," I posed the following question:

19. East of charted Murphy Island, the combined mouths of Murphy Creek and Dunns Creek make into the St. John's southern banks. There are lots of anchorage opportunities here. Who has dropped the hook on either of these streams. Please give us a full report. Has anyone tried to follow Dunns Creek all the way to Crescent Lake?
20. South of Buffalo Bluff, a whole series of stream flow around a collection of islands along the river's easterly shoreline, known collectively as the Seven Sisters. There are many possibilities to anchor on these streams. Who has dropped the hook here, and what did you find?

Responses follow:

Have anchored in Murphy's Creek many times in 18 feet but never over night.  Lots of insects.  Have followed Dunn's Creek to Crescent Lake and ran aground twice, once each way, even staying to the outside of the turns.  Depths vary from 50 feet to two feet very rapidly.  Go slowly, Soft and easy to back off.
Les Rothman

Subject: Cresent Lake
Cruising News: 2 years ago, we ventured all the way to Cresent Lake. Not much on the lake except Bannanas pub on the southwest corner.
Caution, could not get even two anchors at once to set. Had to tie to a dock. Talked to a local and they claimed holding in cresent lake is Non exsistant, and from what I a seen that is true.
If your not going to a dock, be cautious!
Capt. Sterling

Dunns Creek and Murphys Creek – We have anchored in Murphys Creek behind Rat Island.  There is a little noise from the highway, but not too objectionable.  A dinghy ride through Polly Creek also offers birds and gators!
Randall & Susan Moring

Green Cove Springs City Dock (St. Johns River)

/08, as part of a "St. Johns River Wish List," I posed the following question:

14. I've heard that the town of Green Cove Springs offers a city dock, but I have never personally found this facility. Can anyone shed some light on this, and, if so, please give specific navigational directions to cruise from the river to this dock.

Responses follow:

Green Cove Springs.  The City Dock is way in to shore W. from the channel and is basically for small boats.  Just a bit up river you can find Reynolds Park Marina as well as Holland Marine Boat Yard.  This Marina is fine for an over night or longer but you can't get to town unless you call a cab or someone offers you a ride.  Holland marine is an excellent service facility with very reasonable prices.  I have used them for the past ten years in two different locations and have never been disappointed.  Both are reached by cell phone.  They don't monitor VHF.
Les Rothman

Green Cove Springs city docks….very very shallow. Too shallow for us to even attempt to tie up. We went a bit further up and anchored in a small cove right next to a public boat landing and across from a nice little shopping center with a grocery store, drug store and little bar and grill.  Took a dink ride around and got close enough to see that the docks were in disrepair. From what we saw we wouldn't have felt comfortable tieing up even if we could of gotten in.  Of course, that was several months ago so hopefully things have changed.
Lee Ann Carter
"Oh dolce far niente!"

Subject: Green Cove Springs
Cruising News: St John's River….Green Cove Springs City Docks.  I beg to disagree with the postings about this facility having used it twice in the past 3 years, most recently in April of 2008.  There is plenty of water (6-7 ft) at the dock and all the way in to it.  We have a 40 ft trawler, draw 4 ft and have never touched bottom.  The first time in we took our time, read the chart carefully and felt our way in.  There IS a large spot of shallows but with careful navigation it is easily avoided. (Hint: Stay closer to the long docks of Green Cove Springs Marina and do not try to drive in at a ninety degree angle to the town docks.  If one has a chart plotter (as we did this Spring), it is even easier to get there.  The docks have room for a least 3 trawler size boats.  When we were there this year a 50 footer was on the t-head.  These docks are actually more user friendly than those in Elizabeth City, NC!!!!  They still have water, but have not repaired the electric even though the posts are there.  Maybe by this writing they have been fixed.
Bobbie Blowers

Doctors Lake Anchorages (St. Johns River, south of Jacksonville)

On 7/17/08, as part of a “St. Johns River Wish List,” I posed the following question:

11. Doctors Inlet, crossed by a fixed 37 foot bridge, makes into the St. Johns western shores south of Orange Point. Before passing under the Doctors Inlet bridge, Whitney’s Marine will be visible just to the south. Anyone stayed at Whiteneys lately? What did you find? For those that can clear the 37-foot bridge, the body of water body beyond, known as Doctors Lake, offers some wonderful anchorage. Who has dropped the hook here? Did you visit the fish camp style restaurant on Swimming Pen Creek? How was the food?

Responses follow:

For my taste, Mill Cove in Doctors Lake is the best anchorage on the Lake. Have not tried to tie up at Whitey’s Restaurant in years. Last stopped via car. This the once enjoyable restaurant has turned in to a heavy drinking noisy crowd from its former self.
Les Rothman .

Plummers Cove Anchorage (St. Johns River – south of Jacksonville)

On 7/17/08, as part of a “St. Johns River Wish List,” I posed the following question:

10. At Jacksonville, the St. Johns turns south (making it one of the few northward flowing rivers in America). The river remains a mighty stream for many miles south to Palatka. Along the way, there are several opportunities to anchor. One lies in the large body of water charted as Plummers Cove, immediately north and east of the I-295 bridge. Anyone anchored here lately? Did you find this a good spot to swing on the hook overnight?

Responses follow:

Plummers Cove. Have anchored there many times. Wind protected from the N.E. through the S. Holding and depths fine. Lots of traffic noise 24/7 from I-295 and from Jax Naval Air station flights over head.
Les Rothman .

Restaurant Recommendations Convenient to Ortega River Facilities (Jacksonville, St. Johns River)

On 7/17/08, as part of a “St. Johns River Wish List,” I posed the following question:

9. Can someone make some restaurant recommendations for places to eat within walking distance of the Ortega River facilities?

Responses follow:

Walk five minutes to the Roosevelt Mall and choose from a dozen places to eat, simple like a Subway, C.C.s Pizza, Panera’s Bread Company and Starbucks, through Tom and Betty’s, Longhorn Steaks, Harry’s Seafood Bar, a Japanese Restaurant and a Sushi Bar. You can also pick up ready to eat at Publix Market.
Les Rothman

In the Roosevelt Shopping Center which is with-in walking distance of several of the Ortega/St. John’s marinas there is a Starbucks, KFC/Taco Bell, chinese restaurant, Panera Sandwiches, Tom and Bettys (casual food and bar), Harry’s (like a New Orlean’s style Red Lobster) Long Horn Steak House, Cee Cee’s Pizza, Chik-fil-A, a Japanese restaurant, and a guy with a hot dog cart that has killer dogs!
Lee Ann
“Oh, dolce far niente!”

Good Repair Facilities on Ortega River (Jacksonville, St. Johns River)

Here are some repair yard recommendations on Jacksonville’s Ortega River, from Captain Les, a long time correspondent here on the Cruisers’ Net.

Huckins does top draw work as does Saddler Point Marina and boat yard. Each of these straddle the Roosevelt Avenue Bridge, Huckins inside and Saddler point out. Huckins is pricey but performance is reported to be excellent.
Les Rothman .