Disclaimer
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Please note that channel conditions, depths, references to navigational aids and almost all on-the-water navigational and anchorage data is subject to change at any time. While we have been careful and attempted to verify all anchorage information, on-the-water conditions may be QUITE different by the time of your arrival. Failure to follow current on-the-water reality, even when it differs from the data contained in this anchorage directory, can result in expensive and dangerous accidents. There are potential hazards in any cruising situation, for which captains, navigators and crew are solely responsible.
Neither I, nor any member of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net make any guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of the information contained within this Anchorage Directory, and will not accept any liability for injuries or damages caused to the reader by following this data!’
A word about anchorage Lat/Lon co-ordinates given in the Anchorage Directory:
We have included APPROXIMATE latitude and longitude positions of the recommended anchorages within this Anchorage Directory. All of these lat/lon positions are presented strictly for informational purposes; they must NOT be used as GPS or Loran way points!
There are several reasons why. Loran C and GPS readings give mariners a straight-line distance or bearing to the intended way-point destination. Straight-line tracks do NOT take into account such vagaries as shoals you will need to avoid, peninsulas you will be unable to cross, or islands that just seem to get in the way.
Please also note that anchorage Lat/Lon positions are given to help generally locate an overnight anchorage. With few exceptions, mariners need not drop the hook at the exact location given. Within most creeks, bays, and other sheltered bodies of water appropriate for anchorage, there will likely be many places where you can rest comfortably and safely for the evening, swinging tranquilly on the hook.
Comments from Cruisers (2)
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
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