We were coming north and called in from the Palm Bay area to get a slip for the night and gave them all of the information about the boat and an eta of 6:40 P.M. twenty minutes after sundown. We
were told they would be closed and there would be nobody there after hours. We asked if we could pull in and tie up to an empty slip and pay them in the morning. we were [told] that we could not
do that and not to enter the marina after hours and to go someplace else. They advertise their marina to boaters and then turn them down when they need their services the most (it was turning
dark with small craft warnings from the Coast Guard).
John Adams

How wonderful to receive such a glowing report on Titusville City Marina, with this facility being the NEWEST SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. Not only can you follow the link below in Captain message to receive a GREAT deal on dockage, but the same result can be achieved by clicking this facility’s new sponsorship panel contained in this posting. See you there!!!

We recently spent a couple of nights at Titusville City Marina’¦weathered a strong front there, and we were in slip B-82’¦we did experience a little roll’¦but it was not bothersome’¦ We found the facility well maintained and well run’¦very helpful staff.
Don’t tell anyone I said this’¦but if you go to this link’¦ you will find a good deal on their marina’¦.
http://www.titusville.com/files/fdc1up.pdf
Basically’¦.its a deal they have going until June 30, 2010’¦ if you stay 3 nights (consecutively) and you mention the deal’¦.you only pay for 2 of the nights and the 3rd is free!!
We were very pleased with our stay there, and their new docks are built very well.
Rob Homan

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Titusville City Marina

Coca Village Marina is a facility that receives consistent praise here on the Cruisers’ Net. Anyone who happens to stay here, please mention to the management that you saw good things about their facility on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net!

This is a great marina with Cocoa Village across the street. There is no problem renting a slip in either the protected west basin, or the more exposed east basin. We found everything top shelf. The facility is under new management but very little has changed, I even heard of more improvements down the road, like slip side pump out. When that happens, this will be a 4 star marina. Don’t miss this one.
SG Wilcox

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cocoa Village Marina

Harbortown Marina has a LOT going for it, and not only because they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! They feature a very sheltered harbor, and some really GREAT fuel prices. This facility is NOT located directly on the Indian River section of the AICW. Rather, it guards the southern banks of the Canaveral Barge Canal, which is easily accessed from the Waterway, south of Titusville.

We left our boat here for over 6 weeks to return home for holidays before heading south. Yes, the docks are in need of some maintenance, but we had no problems and the staff is very nice. Very good protection from the wind/waves due to mangroves on the East side of the basin. If you need a diver, recommend Mike Bovis at cell 215-205-3875. We also had some electroncs work done and recommend Jim Rinehart at cell 772-696-3548. Lastly, the Grill Refill for propane at 772-489-6899.
Pete & Mary Ann
s/v MicMac

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

If you need ANYTHING in the way of hardware while visiting Cocoa, run, don’t walk to S. F. Travis Hardware. This establishment is within easy walking distance of Cocoa Village Marina

Hi Claiborne,
We have not made a decision on our trip without consulting your Cruising Guides and website, and virtually all of our marina decisions are the result.
Even today, you came through again with the recommendation of S.F. Travis Hardware in Cocoa, FL. I needed a cable to lock the dinghy. Got one made there. I’ve never seen a hardware store to equal it. And I thought Riddick and Windley in Belhaven was the best. They now have competition for that status!!
As always, thanks for all you do for us,
Best regards,
Norman Mason

Cape Marina is located on the seaward side of the Canaveral Barge Canal. You must either come in through the inlet, or pass through the canal lock to reach the docks.

I would like to thank Clairborne for establishing such a great website’¦’¦’¦.living proof that you can make money AND still provide valuable service.
ON TO CAPE MARINA COMMENT: `The Prudent Skipper Should ALWAYS Have a Second Plan’
We made an overnight passage from St Augustine to Cape Canaveral. Arriving around noon we had plenty of time to transit the triple bridge, pass through the lock, and anchor in the Banana River or Cocoa.
However, we were lured in by Cape Marina’s advertising: e.g. $67 FOR 45′. We prudently tied up at the fuel dock to plan for docking. Indeed they had a slip for the advertised price: It was a fixed dock with a small finger pier in a fairly narrow fairway. Probably not your first choice on a gusty and breezy day.
At this point another option came on the table: `You could stay at the floating dock for a small additional charge’. Somewhat exhausted AND without a backup plan, we took the bait. Fairly close to the old `bait and switch’ eh?
So here we are for $2.30/ft tied up behind some shrimp boats along the Barge Canal. There are a few restaurants within 1/2 or 3/4 mile but not much of anything else. If you prefer to always tie up at a marina, this may work for you. Personally I like to get more value for my money.
Skipper Jim
`Feelin Lucky’

Captain Emerson’s message below is actually in response to an earlier posting here on the Cruisers’ Net, but I wanted to give this info “front and center” status. Everyone can be SURE that I will be giving Cafe Chocolat my most serious attention whenever we next visit Titusville!

Too bad the above reporter missed `Cafe Chocolat’ and two other restaurants (closed, when we were there, for the Thanksgiving weekend). We ate lunch at Cafe Chocolat and recommend it highly for quality, service, and value for money. There’s also a good used bookstore just down the street from Cafe Chocolat (and across the street from one of the two closed night spots). Granted the Save-a-Lot is not the greatest grocery around, although we found some things we wanted and which fit our needs. There is bus service to additional shopping. Ask at the marina office about where the bus stops, etc.
Rick Emerson

Oops, forgot to mention Sunrise Whole Grain Bakery and Coffee Shop – good bread and free WiFi! – http://www.sunrisebread.com/ They’re on the S. Hopkins Ave. side of the same block as Cafe Chocolat, which fronts on S. Washington Ave. (This makes more sense when you Google on these places, trust me’¦)
Rick Emerson

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Titusville Municipal Marina

Below are a copy of a question and answer which appear on the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page (/category/ask-your-neighbor/). Not only did Captain Emerson answer his own question, but he has provided some valuable information about Dragon Point anchorage. By the way, this anchor down spot lies at the extreme southern foot of the Banana River, and is easily accessible from the Indian River/AICW.

Subject: Dragon Point Anchorage
Cruising News: Has anyone anchored off Dragon Point or used the anchorage at the mouth of the Banana River recently? It appears the local community has a ban on anchoring and the marinas won’t allow a dinghy to tie up. If so, why bother stopping there? Or are we missing something?
Rick Emerson

As expected, the anchoring ban has been overruled by the change in the new anchoring law. However, the area marinas are still adamant about not allowing dinghies from anchored boats to tie up. Friends stayed in the area because they had to go ashore for business reasons. Their only choice was to take a slip at, in their case, Telemar Bay Marina.
Rick Emerson

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Dragon Point/Banana River Anchorage

I have always thought that the Titusville Municipal Marina was one of the best smaller, city operated facilities in Florida. Looks like Captain agress below. Now, if we could ONLY convince them to become a Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net sponsor!!!

We have only stayed at Titusville Marina once (in 2004). The facility had been improved greatly since then. We have, however tied up at the marina for a short stay during the day to go the the grocery (Save-a-Lot – not much variety and bring your own bags) and this time to fill our propane tank. The marina staff are helpful and we ave never been charged for these short stays. We usually then go on through the bridge before 3:15 PM and anchor at Addison Point.
Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE)

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Titusville Municipal Marina

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Addison Point Bridge Anchorages

The accolades keep rolling in for Cocoa Village Marina. Clearly, this is a GOOD place for cruisers to coil their lines!

Very nice marina with the swankiest Captain’s Lounge yet. We hit Cafe Margaux for lunch which was outstanding. It’s a pretty fancy spot and not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. Guys’¦suggest you send the first mate to the `cutesy shops’ while you spend an hour wandering through Travis Hardware. You gotta see this place.
s/v MicMac

On Board Take Five, 11/30/09. Just dropped by to inquire about rates. There are two areas: one is exposed to northerly winds, the other has a concrete bulkhead. The protected slips have recently been sold at auction. The marina staff will not be able to commit to any renting of slips until Dec 7, when the owners will announce their intentions to rent their slips or keep their own boats in them. Costs for rental of protected slips are based on length of slip, not boat, with 50 foot minimum. Costs of rental at exposed slips based on length of vessel. First impression of this marina is that it is excellent.
HB Koerner

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cocoa Village Marina

Wow, what a glowing recommendation. Don’t miss this facility!

We have spent many days at this marina on our annual trips to and from the Keys. This is one of those facilities that you have to look very hard to find something wrong with it. To date, we haven’t . The staff is great and the facilities are clean and modern. The marine is well protected from the elements. Security is good. The location is across the street from downtown Cocoa Village which offers great food and entertainment. Travis Hardware store is worth the trip to Cocoa alone. This is a `time warp’ experience with an inventory of every known hardware item ever made!! I would (and do) strongly recommend this marina as a great stop for anyone.
Marsh and Bob
M/V ‘˜Threadbare’

Cocoa is good place to stop and spend some money having fun. Ryans Pizza really hit the spot after not getting in further north. For decent protection from the north, the west basin is much better than the east. Good showers, unfortunately the sauna is only for property owners!
Capt Bill, s/v Kittiwake

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Easern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cocoa Village Marina

Cocoa Village Marina occupies the mainland side of the Waterway, just north of the Cocoa bridge. As you can tell from Captain Kat’s message below, it’s a quick step from the docks to the downtown Cocoa business distict!

I just wanted to let everyone know that we had a very pleasant stay at Cocoa Village Marina. We went to Ryans Pizza just a few blocks away. A sweet girl named Mel was the server. We had a wonderful meal and a very enjoyable evening. I recommend every one to go to Ryans. Next day as we cruised South we saw several pods of dolphins and were happy to be back in Florida.
Kat Luchene

This is a great spot for cruisers. The basin is nicely protected and the staff is very nice. Cocoa Village is across the street and should not be missed. Great shops and rest. as well as the best hardware store on the east coast of Florida. I’d give the marina 4 stars.
Scott W.

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cocoa Village Marina

There has been an ongoing discussion on the EXCELLENT MTOA Listserv about the “best live aboard marina.” I have pirated a couple of the contributions in this string here on the Crusiers’ Net. as they give excellent advice about several marinas and marine facilities.
Below, we hear from Captains Laurel and Murray about Westland Marine in Titusville, Florida. This facility is located in the same semi-enclosed harbor as Titusville Municipal Marina, but whereas the city facility guards the southwestern bank, Westland flanks the harbor’s southeastern shores.

We spent time the past 2 winters at Westland Marine in Titusville, Florida. It is across the Indian River from Cape Canaveral.
They have not had a hurricane in many years and insurance is not restricted there.
It is a DIY yard and has excellent local services as well. Grocery, drugstore and West Marine are within walking distance. It is about an hour from Orlando or Jacksonville. Good shopping in the small friendly
community.
We would go back there without hesitation.
Laurel and Murray Thompson
Northern Magic I

Below, Captain Jennifer gives us a very useful report on one of the facility’s found along the western end of the Canaveral Barge Canal. This marina has a very sheltered harbor, but note in the report below, there are now less serivices available here than in times past.

Harbor Square Marina (where we are presently moored) is still alive and well but has fewer services than is mentioned in the book. Duncan has no fuel and does not offer repairs, although his father who previously owned the place may have. However, he has no problem with outside workman and DIYs at all. He does take in transients, although he rarely has empty docks. I have seen him make room, whenever it’s needed. I even talked to a couple in Indiantown who told me that Duncan had moved his own boat to make room for their trawler. They were quite impressed. It’s a very low key operation. It’s still one of the most protected harbors for a really bad storm (ie. hurricane) on the E. coast of FL. People bring their boats from all over to tie up here when tropical weather is on its way.
Jennifer Clendinen

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Harbor Square Marina

Here’s an update on a marina facility that I thought was no more. The old Diamond 99 Marina, now Sun Dance Marine, is located on the AICW/Indian River’s western shoreline, a short hop north of Melbourne. Glad to know this facility is still active, and under new ownership.

Diamond 99 Marina (SM 910.5) is still there despite getting smashed up by H. Frances and Jeanne in 2004 (We were moored there during those storms. Not fun.) The pool, alas, was destroyed by H. Frances, much to my children’s dismay. The marina has changed hands, however, and is now called SunDance Marine. As far as I know, Carter’s Marine Services is still operating out of there, also. I’ve not used him but I know people who highly recommend him.
Jennifer Clendinen

Nice summary of what the charming community of Cocoa has to offer cruisers lucky enough to stop here.

There is also a free dock in Cocoa just  south of the [Cocoa] bridge and west of the channel. Carries 5 ft at the dock. Room  for 2-3 boats. More if you raft off. 2-3 blocks to town. Good restaurants (Black  Rose or Black Orchid, also a pizza place whose name escapes me). Monday  evenings, an entertaining jazz ensemble plays at the local coffee house/ice  cream parlour on the corner (again I don't remember the name). I think they also  play in the park on Saturdays. Maybe some others can fill in the blanks  here.
Phil

The pizza restaurant is Ossorio and they are the ones that have Monday jaz.
Ray

There is another Pizza location that we thought was very good, Ryan's Village Inn.  Ryan's is just behind the park area, and a real "don't miss" is Travis Hardware Store, even if you do not need any hardware.  They have everything from wooden wagon wheels, potbelly stoves, bolts and screws.  And Phil, what were the fuel prices when you were there?
Robert
C-Life

Not only does Harbortown Marina have great fuel prices and excellent marine services, they are also a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!

Just about the best fuel prices on FL east coast are at Harbortown Marina, mm 894 on the ICW, just north of the Cocoa bridge. Turn east off the channel onto the Canaveral Barge Canal and run 2 1/2 miles to the marina on the south shore. $1.00/ft dockage with BoatUS. You may get a fuel discount (10 cents/gal) if you stay there.
Phil

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

The marina which is the subject of this posting sits in behind Dragon Point, on the southern foot of Bananna River. It features a very sheltered dockage basin, and a fuel dock fronting onto the river.

Subject: Telemar Bay Marina
Cruising News: We just stopped in at Telemar Bay Marina, Indian Harbour Beach, FL at MM 914.7. The dockage rate has dropped to $1.25/ft and $1.50 for Catamarans. Diesel fuel is $2.60 plus tax and Gasoline is $2.59 incl tax for 89 Octane and no ethenol. Very friendly staff and a great place to stay in bad weather.
Rick Wellman

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Telemar Bay Marina

Any report of a good mechanic is an excellent report. All cruisers need to know about exceptionally good service people, and it looks like we've found on in Cocoa!

A heads up for anyone needing a reliable and experienced mechanic in the area between Fort Pierce and Daytona.David Hicks who owns Atlantic Marine Diesel in Melbourne 321-302-5176 has really bailed us out quickly and efficiently here in Cocoa.He worked at Caterpillar for 10 years (he is Caterpillar certified) and went out on his own and does all types of work on most engines.
This is an unsolicited testimonial!! Smooth sailing.
Dave Weinstein

Here are some GREAT cruising destinations on and just off the Indian River portion of the Easter Florida AICW, near the charming community of Cocoa. I could not agree more with Captains Robert and Kay's recommendations, plus Harbortown Canveral Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR!

 a.. Anchor at Dragon Point, a great anchorage at mm 914.2, where we watched space shuttle Discovery lift-off on March 15!
  b.. There is a great stop at the town of Cocoa at mm 897.6 with a free dock for the day (no overnight) as described in Skipper Bob.  Do not miss Travis Hardware Store for a real treat.  When is the last time you were in a hardware store that had new wooden wagon wheels or potbelly stoves?  After a tour of the hardware store then have lunch at Ryan's Pizza, sandwich, and salad Pub just one block up the street.  This was a GREAT stop!
  c.. Then diesel for $1.75/gal, tax included, and dockage for $1.00/ft with Boat US, at Harbortown Canaveral Marina, just 3.7 miles up the Canaveral Barge Canal at mm 893.7
Robert & Kay Creech
C-Life