Visit Logged
  • Select Region
    • All Regions
    • VA to NC Line
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • Western Florida
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Northern Gulf
    • Bahamas
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • Washington
    • Puerto Rico
    • Minnesota
    • Maryland
    Order by:
    • Good Time at Harbor Cay Club (Marathon)

      The Harbor Cay Club is located along the northern shores of the Marathon peninsula, south of the Fanny Keys. As Captains Jeff and Chen note, this is a private club, BUT they regularly rent open slips to passing cruisers. This facility is a real FIND in Marathon.

      We have discovered an unbelievable “secret paradise” here in marathon called Harbour Cay Club. They are a private club owned by the boat/slip owners but they rent any absent owner slips to [cruisers] etc. by the week or longer. The facilities and grounds are excellent. every slip is a lay along with W-E-Cable TV & pumpout. Laundromat, clubhouse, bike rack, tiki hut and the most fantastic unobstructed sunsets you can imagine.Very quiet and relaxing Short walk to many restaurants & bars (mm47.5) super markets and K-mart about 2 miles, easy bike ride.Very friendly and helpful liveaboard boat/slip owners.they usually have slips for rent.When we arrived we found 6 other loopers here. we like it so well we have decided to stay an extra week!
      Call Dock Captain ED SKINNER 410-570-5089 for reservations.
      Jeff & Cheri Conniff
      aboard Annie Lee III.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Harbor Cay Club

      Be the first to comment!

    • Great Description of the Dinner Key Mooring Field, Statute Mile 1094.5, Miami, FL

      Dinner Key Marina overlooks the waterfront south of Grove Key Marina and north of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, within sight of the huge Miami City Hall.

      I would like to give you my thoughts on Dinner Key Mooring Field. First, this is not Marathon and will never be. This field will develop its own cruiser community and style over the years to come. The moorings are secure and well maintained. The field itself is open to the ESE to the S and in a strong wind can be a bit choppy. The mooring field is big and if you’re at the outer edge it will be a long ride to the marina. I believe this to be a secure and safe mooring field. They have a shuttle boat service that runs on the hour till five pm and 7pm on weekends. This is a nice for that long ride, the down side to the service is that if it is windy and choppy they may suspend the service, leaving you to use your own dinghy. The dinghy dock in the marina, at this time is inadequate and would never accommodate a large transit group of boaters. The second dinghy dock, which is inadequate in size as well and is shared with the local anchorage, is not secure and open to the public at this time. Hopefully they will address these two issues to better improve there facilities.
      For those of you who like shopping this is a great place to shop locally or take the Miami Transit system to downtown Miami or Miami Beach. There is also good bus/train service to the airport and even to Ft Lauderdale as well. There are food stores within walking distance and serviced by buses as well. They have showers and laundry on site, but the new trailer with showers and laundry at this time is not open. I have found the working staff to be very friendly and helpful. I think that anyone who stays here will find it to be a good place to be. The rates are similar to Marathon and there is wifi in the field, but is not provided by the marina. There are wifi cafés in Coconut Grove, a 5 minute walk from the marina, and as boaters we all could use a little walk. I hope that anyone who does stop here will find it to be a pleasurable experience.
      Captain Wil

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Dinner Key Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Praise for Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina in Key Largo, Fl.

      Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina lies along the south side of the Port Largo canal, just to the west of Key Largo Harbour Marina.

      On Monday, July 12th, we headed southwest between the reef and the island chain on Hawks Channel. One of our favorite marinas is Marina Del Mar in Key Largo. It is pricey at $3.00 a foot. However, we like the resort feel and opted to pay the price. We were going to continue on to Duck Key and Hawks Cay Resort, but after doing the turtle speed this far, we decided to just stay put and spend 3 nights at this marina. The dockmaster, Candi, is a knowledgeable and helpful host. If you do not want to pay resort prices, you can always anchor to the south on the lee of Rodriquez Key.
      As you enter Port Largo Canal follow the red channel markers. It is very shallow (hitting 3-feet at low tide). Make sure to do a security call on channel-16 as you enter the canal and again as you approach the 45-degree turn known as crash corner. There are some large commercial vessels who call this canal home. So the security call is a must for safe passage. The three hotels at the end of the canal (Marina Del Mar, Holiday Inn, and Ramada) are owned by the same group, so marina guests can use facilities at any of the hotels. We like the pool and Jacuzzi at Marina Del Mar (just steps from our slip). The restroom and laundry facilities are clean and well maintained. As a marina guest, you can partake of the resort’s complimentary continental breakfast.
      There are lots of dive shops to service your needs both on the canal and just steps away on US-1. A Dollar Store and a Service Station are just outside of the marina for small grocery purchases. A real grocery store is further away and would require a cab on a bicycle. Key Largo is the closest of the Keys to the mainland and has numerous mobile mechanical services available.
      There was a small but gregarious live aboard community at this marina. They said we could have bargained for a lower slip rate. I find it hard to believe. Unlike Pier 66 there were very few open slips. Just a few steps down the dock is Ocean Divers. They run two dive boats from there. They have a full-service dive shop. They have the least expensive fuel we saw anywhere. Right next to Ocean Divers is a local hangout called Sharkeys. Their happy hour is great fun. Coconuts is a fun bar and restaurant with good food right next to the Marina pool.
      Jeff and Michele Prahm

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Marina Del Mar

      Be the first to comment!

    • Caloosa Cove Marina (Hawk Channel, off Channel 2)

      I checked, and we actually list 4-feet of MLW depth for Caloosa Cove Marina in our “Florida Keys Marina Directory.” However, sounds like depths here may have shoaled even more.

      Just spoke with a very nice lady from Caloosa Cove Marina. She remarked and we discussed the depth for their marina, which is maximum 5 feet at high tide. Repeat; MAXIMUM 5 feet at hight tide. This is very different from the 5.5 foot depth reported here.
      Hope this helps
      Opsailor

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Caloosa Cove Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Reminder of Transient Moorings at Coconut Grove Sailing Club (AICW Statute Mile 1094.5)

      We’ve had numerous reminders of moorings available to transients at Coconut Grove Sailing Club on Biscayne Bay over the last year and the location sounds so inviting! Give the Club a try and let us hear about your stay, because they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Coconut Grove Sailing Club is a member supported sailing club but the moorings are available to the public on a first come first serve basis. They have 200 moorings in the most protected mooring field in Biscayne Bay. The restaurant on property offers great lunch and dinner choices with a view that is hard to beat in the Grove and they usually have live music on Friday nights.
      Sean Connett

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Coconut Grove Sailing Club

      Be the first to comment!

    • Banana Bay Marina & Resort, Marathon

      Banana Bay Marina & Resort lies along the northern shores of the Marathon peninsula, east of the Marathon Yacht Club. The marina here was heavily damaged during the memorable 2005 hurricane season, but, judging from Rich and Lynne’s message below, it would appear as full repairs are now in place.

      Subject: Banana Bay Marina & Resort, Marathon
      Cruising News: We spent two nights at the newly-renovated Banana Bay Marina & Resort. There are 34 slips of various lengths. The showers and bathrooms are clean but not air conditioned. Rates are average. We paid $93 for a 38 footer. Included are cable, electric, pump out, pool and wi-fi (although you must walk to the pool area for reception). The docks are all new and the dockmaster is most accommodating and helpful. We had a nice slip facing the bay and enjoyed the breeze and sunsets. There is no restaurant on site at this time. Home Depot is directly across the street for emergency repairs!!
      Rich & Lynne

      Be the first to comment!

    • Private Developer Seeks Approval For Mooring Field Around Wisteria (Christmas Tree) Island – Key West

      Below, you will read a series of messages that have passed between the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net and Roger Bernstein, a developer who is seeking approval to establish a planned mooring field off the Key West waterfront, around Wisteria (Christmas Tree) Island. We are glad to bring this proposed project to the collective attention of the cruising community, but the appearance of this posting should in no way be inferred as approval or recommendation of this field by the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net.

      Claiborne,
      We are seeking approval to install a 116 ball mooring field at Wisteria Island in Key West Harbor. Good depth, dinghy dock and all support facilities on the Gulf side of the Island. We plan scheduled water taxi service from the Island to the Westin dock in Key West.
      Check out the website and please contact me to discuss.
      Roger

      I e-mailed Roger and asked him for the website’s URL, referred to in the message above, and received the following response.

      Claiborne,
      The site can be found at http://www.kwharbormoorings.com
      We are getting serious and noisy opposition from the no-growth segment of the Key West community. They oppose the project, particularly the requested zoning designation that would let us do the mooring field and limited upland development. I have explained that the infrastructure necessary to proceed can not be supported by the mooring field alone. Their site, http://www.savewisteriaisland.com
      The proposed 116 ball mooring field is linked to the 22 acre Island we own in the harbor, 2500 feet offshore. We plan to service the mooring field from the upland on the island and to provide scheduled water taxi service to the Westin Hotel docks so people can leave their dinghies on the Island.
      Thank you,
      Roger

      Claiborne,
      This is a private venture-100% open to the public, but not operated by the City.
      Roger

      Be the first to comment!

    • Don’t Dare Miss Schooners Wharf Bar In Key West

      “Amen,” to the recommendation of Captains Joe and Mary Beth below. I think I remember having some of the best Key West times we’ve ever experienced at Schooners Wharf Bar!!!!! This great watering hole is found harborside in Key West Bight!

      A trip to Key West is never complete without an afternoon (12 -5, any day but Tuesday) to Schooner’s wharf bar (outdoor tiki bar downtown).
      Music by Michael McLeod, throw a $5 in his jar and ask him to play the National Anthem of the Conch Republic.
      Have Fun!!
      Joe & Mary Beth Amelia
      S/V “Pot ‘O’ Gold”

      Be the first to comment!

    • The Good and Bad of Anchoring (or Mooring) in No Name Harbor (Key Biscayne, St. M. 1096)

      No Name Harbor is located on the southern portion of Key Biscayne. Shelter from foul weather is superb, but you must now pay a fee here to anchor (or moor) overnight. Below, Captain Ron gives you some of the other good news and bad news for this overnight haven.
      By the way, if anyone knows whether moorings have indeed been installed in No-Name (or not), PLEASE click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.

      Claiborne,
      The Hurricane Hole you mention can be one of two places both of which are located in the Cape Florida channel. The one most frequently used is No Name Harbor further to the East. In the past you could anchor there, but recently I have heard they have installed moorings. In any case, it is a small, hot, muggy, airless harbor that most would not want to spend too long. The boats meander with the changing currents and the only positive is that there was an excellent Cuban restaurant at the harbor wall. Many first time cruisers who feel insecure about anchoring in a semi-open anchorage find this harbor appealing. When you want to depart, especially at night, you have to weave through the tightly packed boats to enter the Cape Florida Channel.
      Ron

      And, thanks to Captain Jules, here is the answer to the question of whether moorings have been installed in No-Name Harbor:

      Hello,
      I just called the park and no moorings have been installed. It’s a very nice park to visit with an award winning beach, two great restaurants, bike, kayak and catamaran rentals, hiking trails and a restored historic light house open to the public with amazing views from the top. For the overnight boaters, showers, laundry and free pumpout so it’s well worth the very nominal anchoring fee.
      Yes of course in summer it will be hot and buggy in a small landside anchorage and like all anchorages there is a capacity limit, this one being very very small fills up fast. I have stayed in fall and winter and found it to be very enjoyable and all chain rode keeps the meandering to a minimum and I never have had problems with neighbors swinging to close. Also a good deal of the boats that anchor during the day are locals don’t spend the night. Outside of summer if there is space I will go in. When it is full I anchor in the channel and dingy in to take advantage of all the park has to offer. There is little or no traffic in the channel at night so you can still get a good night sleep there, just be sure your anchor is well set as a strong current runs but I have never dragged.
      I know that anchoring in a channel seems like the wrong thing to do but the channel is wide and it is common for boats heading to the Bahamas to anchor in the channel to one side when the harbor is full.
      Cap. Jules

      As of July 29, 2010 there is a fee to anchor in No Name Harbor. Two dollars for a day use and $20.00 per night. This is on the honor system.
      Captain Cheryl Martin aboard Fair Winds

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For No-Name Harbor

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. alan -  December 28, 2014 - 10:43 pm

        Please be prepared to deal with riff rafs who do not respect others take up the seawall and play loud crazy music even take space at the pump out.
        The restaurant boaters grill is awful we almost died from eating there.

        Reply to alan
    • Galleon Marina Recommendation (Key West)

      Galleon Marina is truly one of the finest facilities in Key West. It is located in Key West Bight. Just be sure to check our Florida Keys Marina Directory listing (see below) for the latest transient dockage rates to avoid surprises.

      We go to Key West often since it is only a little more that 100 mile from here in Naples. We always stay at the Galleon Resort and Marina. It is very close to all the action on Duvall St., Mallory Square, etc. with many restaurants within easy walking distance, and several adjacent to the yacht basin.
      Mike

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Galleon Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Virginia Key Anchorage (Statute Mile 1092.5)

      Captain Ron knows whereof he speaks below. This anchor down spot, hard by the southern shores of Virginia Key is convenient to both Government Cut and Biscayne Channel inlets.

      The Virginia Key anchorage is the perfect staging point for a Gulf Stream crossing. Good holding in sand and gravel, protection from the banks to the South and an easy exit out the channel to the Gulf Stream. The channel markers are well lit and easy to follow for a night departure. If you get bad weather, there is an excellent anchorage just to the North- the Marine Stadium. We have sat through 50 knot blows and held steady. The only downside is that the bottom is mud and your anchor retrieval will be quite messy. Still worth the effort.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Virginia Key Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Ragged Keys Anchorage (Biscayne Bay, Statute Mile 1106)

      This anchorage lies off the eastern flank of the Florida Keys Inside/ICW Route through Biscayne Bay, just north of Boca Chita Key. We have certainly seen other boats anchored here, but note Captain Ron’s advice about the poor holding!

      This is another question mark anchorage. Sand over coral, strong tidal current and strictly a day anchorage with someone always on board. However, this is one of the most beautiful areas in the Keys for water quality, tranquility and beauty. It’s just not an anchorage.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Ragged Keys Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Pumpkin Key Anchorage (Statute Mile 1122.5)

      Pumpkin Key lies off the eastern flank of the Florida Keys Inside/ICW Route’s run through Card Sound. Our fearless roving reporter, Captain Jane, recently wrote an in-depth article about the many different spots one can anchor on these idyllic waters (/pumpkin-key-anchorage-indian-key-anchroage-and-angelfish-creek-captain-jane-reports). Sounds like Captain Ron agrees that this is a very fine place to spend an evening!

      Pumpkin Key is one of the best anchorages for an exit from Bayside to the Gulfstream. Even at low tide if you draw 5ft or less you’ll have no problem. Deeper draft boats will have to wait for high tide. The anchorage is not where it is shown on the chart, but to the SW of R12 between Pumpkin Key and the marker in 8-12 feet of water. Good holding and protection and even if it blows from the West, you’ll be OK. However, if you’re expecting bad weather, you can go NW of the anchorage across the bay to the Arsenicker Keys and anchor in 8 feet of good holding sand with beautiful clear water and excellent protection from the West. The oddity is that the water at Pumpkin is opaque green while the Arsenickers is Bahamas like.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchoage Directory Listing For The Northeastern Pumpkin Key Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchoage Directory Listing For The Western Pumpkin Key Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchoage Directory Listing For The Southern Pumpkin Key Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Southern Card Sound Anchorage (Statute Mile 1124)

      Be sure to follow the link below to discover just where the anchorage which is the subject of this posting can be found. Entry here is a bit more complicated, and is made vastly easier by use of a GPS chartplotter.

      Very pretty mangrove anchorage away from the crowds. Anchor here based on the prevailing winds. Good holding in sand with abundant wildlife.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For

      Be the first to comment!

    • Thursday Cove Anchorage (Statute Mile 1132)

      This near little anchorage lies just off the Florida Keys Inside/ICW route, just north of Jewfish Creek. You don’t want to be caught here with fresh northerly winds. We did this late one inky black night, and you can’t take my word for it – it’s a really bad idea. HOWEVER, during southerlies, this is a GREAT spot that we really like!

      Another pretty mangrove anchorage. Take your dingy and fish for snappers in Jewfish Creek along the mangrove roots. Be aware the powerboats will not be considerate with their wakes.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Thursday Cove Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Buttonwood Sound–Northeastern Anchorage (Statute Mile 1141)

      This Florida Keys Inside Route/ICW anchorage features good shelter from northern, northeastern and northwestern winds. From Captain Ron’s report below, sounds like the bottom could make for a messy anchor up procedure.

      We hid here once from a strong northerly, but the bottom is all mud. Fortunately, if you drag anchor, you will drag into clean water and eventually sand. If I were caught in Sunset Cove in a pinch I would still use it. But, the cleanup is something else.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Buttonwood Sound’“Northeastern Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Buttonwood Sound–Sunset Cove Anchorage (Statute Mile 1142.5)

      This anchorage lies just off the Waterway’s run through Buttonwood Sound. Interesting that Captain Ron notes he does not see as many boats anchored here as in times past. I remember this anchorage as being extremely popular. I suspect that one reason for the fall-off is that dinghy landing is now considerably more difficult than in times past. Still, Ron seems to be saying that dinghying ashore is still a possibility, probably at “Snooks” (see below)!

      This has always been one of our favorite anchorages on the inside passage. In the middle to late 90’s it was often frequented by cruisers. In the last ten years, you hardly see a soul other than some local boats. Snooks has a nice palapa bar and a decent restaurant which is a nice respite if you’ve roughed it all the way from Miami. You have access to shopping, jerry can gasoline, and a drug store. Look for the patches of sand between the grass and drop your hook in 8-10 feet of water. You can get fairly close to shore if you want but the breeze is better further out. Good holding
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Buttonwood Sound’“Sunset Cove Anchorage

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Andree J Hardy -  July 30, 2016 - 11:43 am

        I was anchored out in Sunset Cove from 2001 to 2007 we tied our dinghies off the Bayside Resort pier. A chain link fence was put up and no trespassing sign a few years later. Thanks to some people who slept under the tree, drank , litter and trash the shore. It was a disgrace and bad image for the resort and tourists so they did what they could to prevent it. That is why there are barely any boats there anymore. The anchorage has moved to Government center a few miles up the road.

        Reply to Andree
    • Back-country – Bottle Key Anchorage (Statute Mile 1147.5)

      Mariners piloting craft that draw LESS THAN 5 feet have a whole host of what might be described as “wilderness anchorages” available off the ICW/Inside route between Buttonwood Sound and the Waterway’s intersection with northern Tavernier Creek. Be SURE to have a well functioning chart plotter aboard before trying this, and be aware that there is the possibility of keel meeting up with bottom. If you can overcome these limitations, be ready for an evening you won’t soon forget!

      Bottle Key is a beautiful wildlife anchorage. We anchored there on the way to Key West and without the faint lights of the mainland, you could be anywhere in the world. There were no other boats and we anchored in 6-8 feet of good sand and gravel. When you make your approach, stay clear of the shoal area to port when you’re coming from the intercoastal and work your way around to the other side of the key(Florida Bayside) and drop your hook. We caught a lot of small sharks and because it was blowy, the water was not clear. But, if you like seclusion and draw 5 ft or less, give it a try. Unfortunately, we didn’t visit Butternut since we were meeting friends in Key West, but it is equally as beautiful. I bet it is stunning during the windless days of Summer.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Back-country ‘“ Bottle Key Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Matecumbe Bight Anchorage (Statute Mile 1166)

      The anchorage so accurately described below by Captain Ron lies off the Inside/ICW Florida Keys route, just southwest of the long gap between Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys. With winds blowing from the south, southeast or east, this is a great place to anchor!

      This is one of our favorite Keys anchorages. For some reason, the water is always clear, even on the turn of the tides, and the holding is superb. We frequently check our bottom here with the excellent visibility and is a nice place to take a dip. We have rarely seen other boats here. Even if the wind switched from the West, we wouldn’t worry as the most you’d get is a bumpy 2-3 foot chop. There [are no services] available here to the cruiser.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Matecumbe Bight Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Eastern Anchorage (off Key West Waterfront)

      The city of Key West is seriously considering the establishment of a mooring field around Wisteria/Christmas Tree Island. Only time will tell if this popular anchorage morphs into a mooring field.

      The last time we were here, the anchorage was an overcrowded assemblage of derelict boats-many of which were liveaboards who never left their mooring. It was too crowded to anchor safely and frankly, I wouldn’t anchor there under those conditions. It may have changed since the advent of the new mooring field and perhaps the derelict boats have gone.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Eastern Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!


    Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com