Just west of the Florida Key’s Inside Route’s intersection with Channel Five, one of the most important transition routes from Hawk Channel to the Inside Route (or the other way around), cruisers’ can visit the Fiesta Key – KOA Campground Marina. This is a small, quite place, with a stone breakwater enclosed harbor. Don’t look for major restocking facilities around here, but otherwise, Captain Dalton is quite right about it being a good place to “hang out for a few days.”
We have stayed here several times. Always enjoy the friendly staff and lovely surroundings. Spent much of our visit 3 years ago, watching a 300+ lb sea turtle in the inlet to the marina. He came and went at his leisure on a daily basis, as did my husband and myself. A cool place to hang out for a few days or weeks away from the cold weather in Virginia. Dot Dalton
Well, I can give a short answer to Captains Ed and Bonnie’s question below. We have anchored within sight of the old fort on Garden Key, and when the wind got its dander up, we did a very passable imitation of a Mexican jumping bean. PLEASE, other cruisers who have had a similar/dissimilar experienced, share your experiences by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below.
What would the anchorage be like if the wind kicked to say 25-30. Would it be safe to anchor there? It does not appearto afford any shelter until back to Key West necessary.. We don’t mind a moderate roll roll or chop. Thank You & Our Lord,s Blessings Ed & Bonnie S/V Almost Heaven- 51′ O.I. Ketch
Wonderful news to hear that the Miami/Dinner Key Mooring Field is being operated in such an efficient, cruiser friendly fashion. Cruisers can now put this facility on their list of stopovers with confidence!
After reading the reviews I was skeptical of this marina. However the mooring field is a different division of the marina and you can tell it in the pride and we care attitude of James and his helper (sorry I did not get his name). After talking with James on a Sunday afternoon on our way down he gave us preliminary instructions and assigned us a mooring ball. Upon entry one call on the radio and James gave us final instructions and then made a stop to check if everything was okay. The next morning without a call his helper stopped by with the pumpout boat to see if we needed a pumpout and we did. After that we checked in. James gave us info about the marina, showers, places to eat and where to get supplies. These two guys made for a great experience. I’m sure they would always go out of their way to accomodate the customer. S/V indecision Capt. Mike
No Name Harbor Anchorage has been the source of many differing opinions, mostly negative, in the last month or so. Ed and Bonnie have a more positive opinion of No Name Harbor which is on the waters of the tadpole-shaped harbor, indenting the westerly banks of south Key Biscayne, near Cape Florida.
Awesome anchorage! We could not use the local mooring fields because of our 51 ft length & weight so No name was our only choice to avoid strong winds from ALL DIRECTIONS.Yes the bottom is soft mud however properly set hooks will hold at least to 30 mph no problem. In regards to the weekend party this is Miami’s back yard and should be expected near any large boating community. The actual fee is $20.00 per night to anchor and $8.00 to tie up to the wall until 11 P/M. Our personal comment is No Name Harbor is if not the best anchorage we have been in it comes close. Our Lord’s Blessing to All Ed & Bonnie S/V Almost Heaven
The brief discussion below is copied from the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association forum. Really, there are at least three different routes from Marathon to Cape Sable and the Western Florida coastline (or the other way around), but the first message below refers to only the easternmost of the three, known as the Yachtsman’s Channel. In the second message below, our good friend, Captain Chuck Baier, gives some good general advice about this passage!
This is actually the reverse of what you want to do but it gives you some perspective. There is a place called Yachtsman’s Channel which is accessible from Channel 5 which is well north of Marathon. In fact you could take the ICW all the way to Yachtsman. From that channel you pass by Cape Sable and which is the edge of the gulf. Name Not Provided
We have made that crossing several times. About the best advise I can give you is to wait for the weather. You don’t have any information that I can find on the type of boat you have, the draft or how fast you can travel so the question is hard to answer. Ideally you want to wait until any fronts forecast on the way are already through and the seas have settled down. You can wait at Indian Key or Shark River to be a little closer. If you have a slower trawler you will want 24 hours of wind and or seas NOT on the beam and 10 knots or less winds. We use 24 hour wind and wave reports from weatherfax rather than NOAA vhf forecasts to make our decision. Best advise I can think of is to not try and outrun any approaching fronts. Chuck
The exchange of anchoring information below is copied from the AGLCA mailing list, and organization that all of us at the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net continue to HIGHLY recommend. The SSECN Florida Keys Anchorage Directory actually notes (at least) three good, anchor down spots in Tarpon Basin. Captains Dave, Alan and Jean, speaking below, seem to refer to what we term the “Tarpon Basin Interior Anchorage.” Follow the links below to check out all three possible anchorages!
I am looking for Good/Safe anchorage (overnight) along the route from Key West to Miami. Dave Saltie, Mainship 40′
Try Tarpon Basin at ICW mile 1140 at red daymark 48A. Alan & Jean Lloyd
There are many options and Alan’s is an excellent recommendation. There is a dinghy dock in the NE section of the [Tarpon Basin] cove. Picnic tables etc. next to the community building. Ted
We have had earlier, laudatory postings here on the Net concerning the Key West city mooring field off Fleming Key (serviced through the Key West City Marina on Garrison Bight), but, speaking in my role as editor, I can tell you from personal experience that Captain Colket has a point in his remarks below. I guess it all depends on wind direction and speed, but I have been in this field when it was very comfortable, and at other times, we did a passable imitation of a Mexican jumping bean.
I must take exception regarding the Key West mooring field. I spent one December there. The nearest protection to the north is the Florida Panhandle. There was a persistent two foot chop the entire month, sometimes more. The dinghy ride to the dock was fun if you like getting soaked. By the way, they didn’t tell us the moorings do not have pendants attached. We arrived after the office closed, and had to put crew overboard to attach a line to the mooring. There have been many reports of boats dragging the moorings there. Nancy came close to going home, and I was one day away from giving the boat away by the time we found another location. Garrison Bight Marina is a good alternative to the expensive marinas downtown. Best way to visit Key West is by car. Happy cruising, Peter Colket
I knew about the Shuttle Bus in Key West, but I did not realize that this same excellent service was available in Marathon. You learn something new every day in this business!
The shuttle Bus stops in Marathon a short walk away from Sombrero Dockside Marina. Right beside the Publix Market. It stops on the Highway in Big Pine and I do not think it is anywhere near a Marina. You can check the website and use Mapquest, Google maps to check. We are currently sitting at Sombrero Dockside and used the Shuttle Last Year, it is an easy walk. Mitch & Carole
The inexpensive Key West Shuttle is one of the best ways for cruisers to get around ashore in this fascinating community. Thanks to Captain Bill for providing this great means to access info about this service.
Browse this site for all sorts of info on the Key West shuttle: http://www.keywestcity.com/department/?fDD=14-0 Note that seniors can ride one way for $.50. The shuttle does stop at the Key West Airport and many places in Marathon and Big Pine Key. You will need exact fare. The website has a number you can call for real time information (305-809-3910). Bill Donovan
I have been preaching from my pulpit for years now, that the fly in the proverbial ointment when it comes to the struggle for Florida Anchoring Rights, is the very real problem of abandoned vessels (“derelicts”) and what I term, “live aboard hulks” (vessels that are being lived on, but which will probably never move again)! These problem vessels are the excuse that the anti-anchoring forces keep throwing in the mix every time the debate rages about Florida anchoring. Many others here on the Cruisers’ Net, and on many other forums, have opined that the problem of derelicts and “live aboard hulks” can be solved with existing Florida laws and regulations, thereby not penalizing all other boat owners. Now, our good friend, and true friend of the cruising community, Captain Jay Bliss, member of the St. Augustine Port Commission, has provided us with the means below to research derelict vessels in Florida, on a county by county basis. Thank you Captain Bay for providing this wonderful resource!
Hi Claiborne, Here’s the pertinent website for the identification, procedures, for Derelict, Abandoned,and AtRisk vessels in FL
At that url, examine the Legend (rh side), then clik “Queries”. The page there allows you to type in a FL county. Do that, and press Search. Your county will show problem boats as colored circles. Clik on a given circle, and you’ll see further details about that boat. Stats are in the lower left side of the page. You can compare counties, etc. You can learn dates boats were identified, etc. It’s a valuable tool to see how we progress in ridding our Public waters of problem boats. Jay Bliss
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
TonyMalone- March 14, 2019 - 3:26 pm
These "live aboard hulks" aren't a problem as you describe. these are peoples homes. Shame on anyone who tries to take anyone's home away from them.
Well, it’s not the cheapest night’s entertainment I’ve ever come across, but it sure sounds like a LOT of historic FUN. Those fortunate cruisers who are visiting Key West this January, should seriously consider marking this event on their calendars!
Step back in time and enjoy an opulent night of period costumes, dinner, dancing and fireworks, celebrating the glories of the Flagler era. From 6-10 p.m. at the historic Casa Marina – A Waldorf Astoria Resort, located at 1500 Reynolds Street. Seats limited; 180 guests maximum. Tickets are to be available for purchase at the Flaglerkeys100 site. Cost per person: $100, includes one hour of open bar cocktails, dinner, beverages, fireworks as well as a silent auction to benefit Friends of Old Seven, a nonprofit organization formed as a community effort to save, enhance and maintain the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon, a significant piece of railroad history. More details to follow, check: http://www.flaglerkeys100.com/flaglers-100th-anniversary-gala-costume-ball
Little Basin is a semi-enclosed body of water, just off the Florida Keys Inside (Florida Bay) route. Its shores are overlooked by World Wide Sportsman – Bayside Marina, and several other smaller facilities. IN addition to “Ma’s Fish Camp,” listed below, also give Islamorada Fish Company a try, just next to WWS. GREAT grouper sandwiches and dockside dining!
Little Basin is a nice anchorage if you don’t draw too much. I was able to hug the channel with a wing keel catalina drawing 4 feet. Stay close to the channel. Across the street is a great little restaurant. Ma’s Fish Camp. Great Bahamian Conch Chowder and fish dip. I am a snob for both and they have some of the best of both in the keys. The Key Lime pie is great and they will also make a salad and put grilled fish on it for you. North about one block up the street is the Keys Hurricane Memorial Park which is worth a visit for the history. Also a decent package store. Bob
Bayside Marina is the (what else) marina part of the mammoth World Wide Sportsman’s operation, in the heart of Islamorada. There’s lots of neat restaurants, shops and provisioning possibilities within walking distance. HOWEVER, Captains Brooke and Susan are quite correct in their comments about the shallow entrance passage to this facility. We have often sounded 4 feet during MLW, while cruising into Little Basin. Deep draft vessels need not apply, but for those whose draft does not exceed 4 feet, give this facility a try!
Today it was a short trip to Islamorada and are at the World Wide Sportsman Marina. Diesel is $4.09 and slip is $2.00/ft including free pumpout and electricity too. This is an EXTREMELY shallow approach 4′. Tide is 1 hour after Alligator reef if you want to come here. It really is nice once you get in. Brooke & Susan
Captain Feiges is responding, in her message below, to a posting which appeared here on the Cruisers’ Net some time ago, about the victory in St. Augustine, when the city proposed ten day anchoring limit outside the mooring field, was shot down, and changed by the FWC to a thirty day limit. Her point in this missive is very different, and very much worth the cruising community’s thoughtful consideration. Beverly speaks of a lack of anchoring “space” in Florida due to the proliferation of private moorings!
We are cruisers, plain and simple, and seldom stay in one spot for even a week. Even in Georgetown, in the Bahamas, where we may spend a month or more, we switch anchoring spots every so many days, depending on wind or activities ashore. Putting in mooring fields in very popular spots has the advantage of allowing many more boats to safely anchor, but it is also nice to have some room to anchor left over for those of us who may be too big for the spacing and holding power of the moorings, or too high off the water to easily pick up the mooring. Having permanently anchored boats in what is a limited area, even if they must move them every thirty days, does not help the honest to god cruiser who is passing through and wants a spot for a night or two. Even worse seems to be the unregulated dropping of private moorings everywhere it used to be possible to anchor. I want the right to anchor, but there must be room to do it, and in allowing people to set their private moorings all over the place, (in Maine some people have as many as five in different harbors), or to stay anchored more than 5 days without a valid reason, then this room does not exist, and you just as effectively have cut off my right to anchor. We had this experience in St. Augustine this fall, almost impossible to anchor. Beverly Feiges
Virtually all anchoring regulations being promoted by FWC are in violation of Florida Statute 370.04 in the wake of two Florida Supreme Court decision favoring boater’s (almost) unrestricted anchoring rights. There is nothing to be applauded here as FWC seems to be forging ahead unempeded with its greed and rise of power with little or no sound rationale or legal foundation. Make your resistance known against this flagrant arrigance and disregard for formal constitutional decisions. Bruce Bingham
Perhaps a private mooring can now be considered `the owner is anchored’ and falls under the new regs ?? Interesting possibility’¦ Dennis McMurtry
I agree with Beverly. Sure, Florida’s mooring fields are busy in the winter, but for most of the year there are many vacant moorings that eliminate huge areas that used to be available for anchoring. St. Augustine has effectively eliminated all of the best anchoring areas by covering the harbor in moorings, most of which remain vacant most of the year. Same thing in Marathon. I have squeezed into the remaining anchorage there during the off season when half the moorings were empty. John Kettlewell
Laws continue to be changed. FL Statute 370.04 I could not find. Overriding everything is our Federal Navigational Servitude and the Public Trust doctrine which provide, among other things, that navigation includes the right to anchor in all navigable waters. FL Statute 327.44 states `no anchoring’¦in a manner which shall unreasonably or unnecessarily constitute a navigational hazard.’ Jay Bliss
More than a few of St. Augustine’s north mooring field buoys remain empty because of shoaling of the bay bottom. This prevents the marina from being able to assign boats to these buoys because a falling tide MAY have the boat on the hard bottom. Because this is a designated mooring area, a shallow draft cruiser that COULD anchor in this space is denied anchoring as allowed by FS 370.04.
The report below from our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, sounds very hopeful. This is an important issue as all of the Florida Keys have been selected to be included in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. Sites selected for inclusion in this program have the power to regulate anchorage outside of mooring fields, but only after gaining input and approval from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). The Cruisers’ Net, BARR (Boaters’ Anchoring Rights & Responsibilities) and Boat/US are working hard to insure SENSIBLE anchorage regulations are adopted by all participants in the Pilot Mooring Field Program.
Last night’s meeting of the MPAC held here in Marathon, went exactly as planned. Prior to the meeting, I spoke with Senior Administrator Rich Jones via telephone and informed him though I would not be there personally, I had sent him a letter. He said he would read the letter at the meeting. Mariner’s Barr and SSECN both are very happy with how Monroe County has handled the responsibility of meeting the objectives of the Pilot Program. All with a carefully thought out plan so as not to displace or burden those in the cruising or local liveaboard communities. There are very caring people here, that is wholly apparent. We’re still quite a ways before the actual ordinance is written and approved by the BOCC, but we’re getting there. The areas discussed last night are Boca Chica and Sunset Cove, where longterm liveaboards have a community. The ordinance will NOT affect cruisers and transient boaters in those areas. This was a way to keep from displacing those who live there. It’s not really in the realm of the Pilot Program, per se, as there is no mooring field associated with either area. However, Monroe County could do it under protection of the marine sanctuary…so it’s all good. We’ve worked very hard here in Monroe County to protect all boaters and cruisers from over-regulation. No time limits and a way for those who live aboard and do not navigate to still feel welcome…but making them own up to responsibility. I applaud the efforts made to accommodate and represent ALL boaters who enjoy the waters of the Keys. – On another note, the vendors in KW Harbor can have their floating structures as long as they are licensed otherwise to do business. That’s a huge thing for those whose livelihood depends on such. Key West Harbor was never in the loop of the regulations that were outlined for Boca Chica Basin and Sunset Cove, Michael. It’s easy to get them confused. KW Harbor was only to have a buffer area around their mooring field, of which no one has any complaint. Most anchor on the other side of Fleming Key or off Wisteria. With Wisteria out of the picture, things look very good to stay the same in Key West Harbor. The “approval” is only for language to be drafted into an ordinance to be presented to the BOCC in January; now that everyone is on the same page with what the ordinances should state. The BOCC will then take a look at it with the Public’s input, and it could still need tweaking. Once it is approved by the BOCC it will then be submitted to the FWC. Still a long way to go before there are ordinances of any kind in place. No surprises here of any kind, this has been the path Monroe County has taken from day one. A good one: LESS IS MORE. Charmaine Smith Ladd (SSECN Special Correspondent & Representative) Executive Director, Mariner’s Barr (Boaters’ Anchoring Rights & Responsibilities) scmithladd@marinersbarr.org
The anchorage commented on below by Captain Espinosa is entered by way of the charted channel north of the charted “Cormorant Rookeries.” You then break off from the charted track and anchor on the waters to the north in 4 to 5 feet. Vessels which draft 4 feet or more need not apply!
This is a great bay with lots of room to shelter from any wind direction. The bay has a good controlling depth of 4 tp 5 ft. You can take the Glades canal all the way in to South Dade Marina, which caters to sailboats. Not much there but great shelter. Good Trout fishing also. Rick Espinosa
Now here’s a spot to anchor north of Jewfish Creek that I’ve never researched. We do recommend an anchorage farther to the north of Manatee Bay, but that haven is entered by an entirely different route than the one leading to the potential anchorage briefly described below. To reach the anchorage recommended by Captain Espinosa, you must first pass between markers #1 and #2 north of Division Point and then anchor in the charted 4 to 5-foot pool of water beyond. Anyone else tried this – if so, PLEASE let us hear from you. Adhering to our long standing policy, we will not consider entering this anchorage into our “Florida Keys Anchorage Directory” until we can research these waters in person!
Go thru the markers at Division Point into the southwest part of Manatee Bay. 4 to 5 foot depth and great shelter!! Rick Espinosa
Captain Paul and Key Lime Sailing Club are one of our oldest and most loyal SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS! So, here’s the deal. If you rent a room at Key Lime Sailing Club, it comes complete with your own 22′ Catalina sailcraft. How’s that for a deal!
This is a great Place, As the Owner and on site manager for 11 years, I personally make sure each of my guests has the best vacation the Florida Keys has to offer, With its great Weather and setting around the beach getting some sun, Kayaking, Fishing, Snorkeling, swimming in the warm waters of the Florida bay, or Sailing off to see the Florida Everglades and the 100’s of Islands that make it up our Shoal Draft 22′ Catalina sailboat will get you there and Safely back to port to see one of the nicest sunsets in the keys. I am sure if you try us, you will be back again & again’¦’¦’¦.Check out our Site’¦..[Click sponsorship icon at above left to access the Key Lime Sailing Club website!] ‘¦’¦.. We are Easy to Reach But Hard to Forget’¦’¦.. Thank You Paul
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR Key Lime Sailing Club is offering GREAT off-season rates. Check it out at their website by clicking either their sponsorship panel to the left, or the link to their web site below: www.keylimesailingclub.com
Below you will find a SUPER article authored by our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. This story concerns some recent changes you will need to be aware of if you plan to visit the Dry Tortugas from Key West!
October 29th, 2011
Dry Tortugas – Mooring Balls at RNA & Park Permits Required by Charmaine Smith Ladd
The Dry Tortugas is so named due to the combination that none of its islands have fresh water, and that there are many differing species of sea turtles found in its gorgeously turquoise waters (including loggerhead, leatherback, green, and hawksbill). Only 70 miles west of Key West, it’s a fabulous passage whether under sail or power. However, just be sure to have an optimal weather window during the time of your trip. Of course, the faster the vessel, the less time needed for this ever prudent caution. If you’d rather not invest the time or travel to sail there on your own, one can always opt to use one of the Dry Tortugas’ Official transportation services out of Key West:
The Dry Tortugas National Park has changed its rules since the last time I visited. Currently:
All vessels (except those in transit merely passing through without stopping) visiting the Dry Tortugas National Park must now have a free-of-charge permit (including kayaks and dinghies). Once there, permits can be obtained a number of ways. 1) Hailing a Park Ranger on VHF channel 16, or 2) appearing in person at the Garden Key Visitor Center [Fort Jefferson] or 3) appearing in person at the Park’s Headquarters Office. Park Rangers will patrol and monitor vessels for permits. If you do not have one, there is no penalty–instead, the Ranger will fill one out for you on the spot. Nice!
Six mooring balls have been installed for use at the Dry Tortugas’ Research Natural Area (RNA). Anchoring is no longer allowed in the RNA area. Those who wish to anchor within the National Park can do so only in sandy bottoms (sea grass is protected) located within one nautical mile of Garden Key Harbor Light.
I have written about the Dry Tortugas for SSECN in the past, but our server didn’t carry many items over when things were recently updated. I’ll be sure to resubmit that article so you can familiarize yourself again with the beauty and tranquility of the Dry Tortugas and its many unique attractions. In the meantime, here are some photos from my last visit there:
Charmaine Smith Ladd (SSECN Special Correspondent for the Florida Keys) “Bringing you the low down from down low!” csmithladd@marinersbarr.org or charmaine@septembersea.com
Where is the dry toryugas’ research natural area? Bill
Below are two follow-up notes from Captain Charmaine:
I believe the Windjammer was the original one and may be reserved for private use. The six that follow are those put in for public use. Hugs, Charmaine
Remember, this is a National Park. Even though much of it is comprised of being part of the RNA, that simply means it is a no-fishing zone and no-take zone of its natural wildlife and flora. But it IS a `People-Zone’ for others to enjoy it! Please reference: http://www.nps.gov/drto/naturescience/upload/What’s%20a%20RNA%20-%20edit%205.pdf The Research Natural Area is a 46-square-mile area in the northwest portion of the park. It is the area enclosed by connecting with straight lines the coordinates of 82:51:00 W and 24:36:00 N with 82:58:00 W and 24:36:00 N, and with 82:51:00 W and 24:43:32 N. Not included in the RNA is an area one nautical mile in diameter around the Garden Key Light, and the developed areas of Loggerhead Key. Before boating in the park, please key these points into your GPS system. Charmaine
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
24thesea- December 7, 2014 - 4:21 pm
GPS N24°37.413 W082°56.548 is directly on top of a wreck and the rest of the points are in shallow or near shallow water… Copy and paste to Google maps and take a look.
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