The Pine Island Loop Anchorage lies off the eastern flank of the AICW’s run through Tolomato River. Be SURE to enter ONLY by way of this loop’s southern entrance. In spite of depths shown on the NOAA charts, the northern mouth is shoal.

When we arrived on 4/20/10, we found 3 sailboats and a trawler already there and all the prime spots taken. We took the last spot, out near the channel. Two other trawlers came later, looked for a spot, but finally gave up and proceeded back down river looking for an anchorage.
Some shoaling at entrance. Buggy if winds are calm and especially if you turn lights on inside. Good holding.
Dick Litchfield

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Pine Island Loop Anchorage

Beach Marine guards the AICW’s eastern banks, immediately north of the new B. B. McCormick high-rise bridge.

15 May 2010.
We stopped only for the night, a Saturday, and found it to be a pleasant stay. We didn’t eat at the restaurant in the marina although there is a 10% discount for marina stayers. It had live entertainment that was not intrusive from our boat, located near the fuel dock. We came in at low water during a big spring tide ‘“ 6.2 feet! ‘“ and dragged through a soft mud bottom coming into the slip. They were aware of our 4’6’ draft when assigning the slip so may have other deeper ones available further out.
There were plenty of lights on and no evidence of rough trade in the marina. The floating docks looked new. The washrooms were clean and spacious but worn. There were at least three sets of them available at various locations.
Overall, it was a first-class operation although I declined paying $8.00 for 30-amp service, offering to make a deal for our expected $.30 electrical usage but it wasn’t taken up. There was no manager available to talk to. Instead, we purchased our usual 30 lbs of ice for our icebox. The illogic of paying $8 for others’ refrigeration and air conditioning on top of our own refrigeration costs is not being acknowledged by marinas, unfortunately.
Fair winds and following seas,
Austin Whitten, s/y Discovery II

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Beach Marine

The Pine Island Loop Anchorage is about the only spot to reliably drop the hook between southern Jacksonville Beach and the Tolomato River. Even so, be SURE to check out this haven’s entry in our “Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory” BEFORE attempting first time entry. There are some navigational concerns on these waters!

Good anchorage, but anchor farther in if your concerned about the occasional wake. Quiet, no traffic after sunset.
Captain Sterling

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Pine Island Loop Anchorage

Palm Cove Marina is found along the western flank of the AICW, just north of the new, B. B. McCormick high-rise bridge. This fine facility is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!!! Please patronize them whenever possible.

Last night, we stayed in Jacksonville Beach at Palm Cove Marina. We arrived at dead low tide and had about an inch under us in their channel as we very slowly approached. Our draft is 5′.
Showers were clean and spacious. Pool looked inviting, but too chilly to try it out.
After an invigorating walk to Publix to restock the frig, we enjoyed one of our best dinners of the entire trip at Marker 32 Restaurant next to the marina. Florida pompano and Florida shrimp and grits were great. Service was terrific too. Ask for Tiffany or Steve.
Pete & Mary Ann

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Palm Cove Marina

Beach Marina guards the AICW’s eastern banks, just north of the new fixed, high-rise BB McCormick Bridge in Jacksonville Beach.

Stayed here last night, 2/25/10. Easy access, limited bath/head facilities but adequate, two restaurants short walk away.
CAUTION: We departed when an outgoing tide was running with a 3 ‘“ 4 knot northerly flow. It caught me off guard and some difficulty turning south. Had it been flowing the other direction it could have created a hazard of being swept into pilings and bridge construction equipment.
Capt Dave

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Beach Marine

10/16/2010 I strongly recommend against this marina, especially for sail boats. We pulled into the marina basin late yesterday and promptly ran aground (we only draw 4.5′). The dockmaster encouraged us to continue forward saying that they had 6′. Since we were cold and tired, we continued on.
The floating docks seem fairly new but they have no rub-rail or any other protection from the bent and exposed aluminum sides. The metal lining is very sharp with exposed edges and joints. We docked in heavy current and stiff winds with no help from the marina staff. We scratched the side of the boat but were happy it wasn’t much worse.
Unless or until they put some protection on those docks, I would recommend by-passing this marina.
Mary & Clay

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Beach Marine

I call the overnight haven discussed below the, “One And Only Anchorage,” because it’s the only anchor down spot anywhere near the AICW between the Wateway’s crossing of St. Johns River and the Tolomato River. It is found along the AICW’s eastern flanks, north of the high-rise Pablo Creek bridge, BUT you MUST enter from its northern mouth.

Dear Claiborne,
We are back on board and moving south from Jacksonville. Tonight anchored off Pablo Creek on what you call “the one and only anchorage”. We couldn’t find those 10-15 foot depths you mention behind the three islands on the northern part of the creek. 20-35 ft was more like it close to low tide. We anchored in the northern mouth of the creek in 19 feet. There are a couple of old resident sailboats and a couple of moorings farther in behind the islands. Maybe we should have gone nearer to shore?
Jean Thomason
DOVEKIE

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For The One and ONly Anchorage

The span reported on below sits in the heart of the AICW’s passage through Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Try to hit this bridge at slack tide. Otherwise you will be facing a swift current (4+ kts) which will test your nerves and
helmsmanship passing under the bridge.
s/v MicMac

First off, it’s the ebb current that’s the faster current, with speeds up to 4 kts. The flood is about a knot slower. Moreover, this issue exists only in the immediate vicinity of the Atlantic Boulevard bridge. Looking at the chart, the opening between the bits of land to the north of the bridge taper down, but open quickly to the south. We recently passed through the area with a 3 kt flood current and had little trouble under the bridge and only moderate turbulence south of the bridge. The St. Johns River crossing, by comparison, was harder, with strong cross current and turbulence.
Rick Emerson

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For The San Pablo/Atlantic Boulevard Bridge

Cruising News: We found this marina to be less than advertised. We tied up for the night (early Nov 09) on a t-dock at the end of a pier where there were covered slip — but NO LIGHTS –NONE WHATSOEVER!!! Some friends were assigned to the same place a few nights after us and they said that they didn’t even feel safe because of the type of people around the marina restaurants.
Stephanie DiBelardino

We stayed there last week on our journey South, and were assigned a slip were we could fill up with Diesel, and get our tanks pumped out. Very convenient. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We found the facility had many lights all down the dock at the dockmasters building, even Christmas Lights up the walkway. We took advantage of their 3 front load washers and dryers, and were even given access to the upgraded showers. They have a basic shower bath area at the end of the dock, but we were told we could use the showers close to the laundry room. They must have added the lights since the previous post in November. This is our second stop at this marina.
Sun & Splendour
Catalina 375 Sailboat

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Beach Marine

The entrance to Palm Cove Marina lies along the AICW’s western banks, a short hop north of the B. B. McCormick Bridge. This is a well sheltered facillity, and we highly recommend a stop here. And, why not, as these good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Stopped for fuel at Palm Cove Marina just north of the bridge. We entered at low tide with a solid six foot draft. Eased over a few mud spots but really no problem. Fuel price was as promised and dock assitance was cordial and effective.
Ed Grygent

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Palm Cove Marina