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1. Claiborne -  April 29, 2010 - 10:39 am

   Miles of Great Beaches and shelling!
   Pick you [fair weather] day as you are exposed, and you also in the Everglades National Park.
   Captain Sterling

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Comments from Cruisers (11) Add Comment

1. Mitch and Carole -  January 22, 2014 - 9:41 pm

   Going south from Marco I. we have stopped at the Little Shark River. One time we found it to be buggy on warm, windless night. Every other time (about five) we have found it to be a pleasant, quiet stop. VERY remote with plenty of place to anchor.
   Mitch & Carole On Serendipity

   Reply to Mitch
2. Glenda Libby -  November 19, 2013 - 11:57 am

   Recently enjoyed a wonderful 2-week cruise from Cape Coral, FL to Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL late Oct/early Nov. 2013. Anchored in Little Shark River off Red “4” and it was an incredible experience! Unbelievable fishing, dolphin feeding frenzy, and manatees everywhere enjoying the tidal feast! Offered the most incredible sunsets, brilliant star gazing and sunrises I have ever experienced. Winds were N so I can only guess they blew the mosquitoes away as we were prepared for them and only a few show up on our screens. Tidal swing is strong but a solid holding. Happiest thought I have had in a long time and I look forward to visiting and exploring the area when we have more time. Excellent anchorage if you can bear to be without electronic communication devices! Happy thought for me!
   Glenda Libby

   Reply to Glenda
3. Nils Pearson -  November 3, 2013 - 4:38 pm

   In the past, we had to hug the shore away from Fl G”1″ at the entrance to the Little Shark River, as the shoaling came out into the channel there. Not sure what the current conditions would be.
   Our first visit to Little Shark was during a 50K/12′ seas blow. The conditions inside were “severe calm”. A Great Anchorage!
   Nils Pearson “Fairwinds”

   Reply to Nils
4. Dave Fuller -  November 1, 2013 - 4:25 pm

   We were there on August 10, 2013 with one other boat for one night and had nearly zero bugs. I suppose it was because we had a 15 to 20 knot wind just about the entire time. We had a few of the big horsefly type flies, but nothing else. I suppose we were just lucky, but we were prepared none the less. I was actually able to cook a pork loin on the grill outside without any issues. This is REMOTE and a really fine anchorage – well protected in just about any direction as long as you choose your spot wisely. A west or southwest wind might be a problem, but when we were there the wind was out of the east. It even has a marker to help you find it, but I would recommend GPS as the coast looks pretty much the same all around. Don’t confuse the larger Shark River just north of here – it does not have much protection. We had a few fishermen come by in small boats before dark, but after dark, it was dead quiet and VERY dark with zero ambient light. It is strategically located just about the halfway point between Marco and the Keys. I highly recommend this anchorage.
   Dave Fuller

   Reply to Dave
5. Ed Robinson -  October 23, 2013 - 1:07 pm

   “A little buggy” is quite the understatement. This is a fantastic anchorage . . . in January, February. Otherwise it’s mosquito hell.
   Ed Robinson

   Reply to Ed
6. Jim Luby -  October 23, 2013 - 1:05 pm

   Anchored here Oct 2013 and it was fascinatingly beautiful. Though the water is black and nothing much visible below the surface, there were many creatures jumping. One very large creature would surface making a large splash but we could never see what it was – thinking it would be manatees surfacing. We were alone this night and it was incredibly peaceful and the sky was incredible with billions of stars and no ambient light. Bugs were fierce after dark and cutters held most at bay but a few got through. Hatch screens a must here if you want to sleep. Recommend this as interim between Marathon and Marco areas. Depths going in and out were fine. A little challenging to locate by eyesight so the GPS was required to find it. Have fun.
   Jim Luby

   Reply to Jim
7. Swing Set -  February 3, 2013 - 11:53 am

   We couldn’t get out of the Little Shark River fast enough. We got a good hook, but the currents are swift and the tidal range is extreme. A catamaran that came in behind us had a lot of trouble getting an anchor to set due to a hard bottom. We set one anchor and used an anchor alarm, but probably should have set two because of the tidal current changes. The water is just plain nasty and make sure you have plenty of bug spray when the sun starts to set. Next time we’ll pass this one up unless weather dictates otherwise.
   Swing Set

   Reply to Swing
8. Capt. RL& Karen -  December 16, 2009 - 11:08 am

   Anchored in the Little Shark River on Sunday Dec. 13, 2009. Very buggy but we have a screen enclosed cockpit, stayed in the cockpit all night to view the Geminid Meteor Showers…spectacular show. Several dolphins circled our boat all night. No problem entering the river but when we left the next morning it was a very low tide and at one point we did tap the bottom but didn’t have any problems getting out. Our boat draws 5 1/2 ‘. A great place to view the wildlife and stars, also no cell phone reception which can be good and bad. A welcome change from the Keys.
   Capt. RL & Karen
   s/v Last Call
   45’ Island Trader, Ketch

   Reply to Capt.
9. Duane Ising -  August 27, 2009 - 2:47 pm

   I have not been to Little Shark River in 2 years, but I would say that going there is like a trip back to pre history. If you can get inside there is plenty of water and you can anchor on the sides of the channel. Bring bug repellant that can stop a horse, and screens that can stop the no seeums.
   Richard A Bruning

   I do not recall the exact lowest depths, but we draw 4.5 ft and were never close to being concerned in moderate conditions. I would not wish to run in/out on a low tide and running seas.
   Regards,
   Duane Ising
   s/v Diva Di
   36 Catalina

   Reply to Duane
10. Norm Naughton -  August 27, 2009 - 11:35 am

    Spent three days anchored in Little Shark River in Everglades National Park with Bob and Stephanie aboard September Song and Rick and Lynnie aboard Rickshaw. Very remote area – it’s just us, the birds, the mangroves, and the river running about 4 knots. (No kayaking in that current.) Spectacular stars. We anchored upriver a bit away from where other boats typically anchor. It was remote enough to give us a tiny feel of unease. We saw the occasional fishing boat and a herd of teenage Outward Bound canoeists who were on the 14th day of a 20 day journey. Yikes! Bob and Stephanie led us on a dingy expedition. We explored some of the inner-reaches of the rivers and streams in this Everglades paradise. Did not see any alligators, but did see tons of birds.
    Norm decided to try his luck fishing. He caught several small catfish with the squid from the freezer. (It’s there for bait – we don’t actually dine on squid.) He was trying to hook mangrove snapper, or river trout, or the little black shark that sister Joyce and Steve used to catch here. Released the catfish. Decided to try a different bait. Tried meatballs and pepperoni, but either the fish are vegetarian or they don’t like Italian food.
    Norm Naughton
    Aboard M/V Tide Hiker

    Reply to Norm
11. Gerry -  August 27, 2009 - 9:02 am

    Keep a close watch on your dog between Little Shark river and Flamingo if you stop….Gators!
    Gerry

    We always do keep a close watch on her. especially in areas like that. quicktrip to the beach by dinghy and a leash walk on the beach to do her
    business. never runs free
    Jay

    Reply to Gerry

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Comments from Cruisers (7) Add Comment

1. Glenda Libby -  November 19, 2013 - 11:59 am

   Recently enjoyed a wonderful 2-week cruise from Cape Coral, FL to Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL late Oct/early Nov. 2013. Anchored in Little Shark River off Red “4” and it was an incredible experience! Unbelievable fishing, dolphin feeding frenzy, and manatees everywhere enjoying the tidal feast! Offered the most incredible sunsets, brilliant star gazing and sunrises I have ever experienced. Winds were N so I can only guess they blew the mosquitoes away as we were prepared for them and only a few show up on our screens. Tidal swing is strong but a solid holding. Happiest thought I have had in a long time and I look forward to visiting and exploring the area when we have more time. Excellent anchorage if you can bear to be without electronic communication devices! Happy thought for me!
   Glenda Libby

   Reply to Glenda
2. Swing Set -  February 3, 2013 - 11:53 am

   We couldn’t get out of the Little Shark River fast enough. We got a good hook, but the currents are swift and the tidal range is extreme. A catamaran that came in behind us had a lot of trouble getting an anchor to set due to a hard bottom. We set one anchor and used an anchor alarm, but probably should have set two because of the tidal current changes. The water is just plain nasty and make sure you have plenty of bug spray when the sun starts to set. Next time we’ll pass this one up unless weather dictates otherwise.
   Swing Set

   Reply to Swing
3. Ken & Pat Goewey -  December 18, 2012 - 2:34 pm

   I wish we would have spent more time exploring the Everglades. We did anchor in Little Shark River, and enjoyed exploring in the dinghy.
   We went up the mouth of the river, turned right at the T, and anchored below the first Island. Very nice spot!
   Ken & Pat Goewey

   Reply to Ken
4. Bill -  December 22, 2009 - 4:53 pm

   When we anchored in Little Shark River, near the southeast shore between G”3″ and R”4″, the anchor was in ~7 feet of water at high tide. Strong SE wind predicted, so we put out plenty of scope. The next morning, when we got ready to leave, the anchor was in ~3 feet of water (low tide) and we draw ~4. Fortunately, that scope and the wind had us in deeper water. The tide didn’t get high enough for us to retrieve the anchor until after mid-day. We decided to re-anchor and enjoy the area for another day. I was used to 1-2 foot tides in the Gulf and didn’t pay attention.
   The point is, don’t rely on charted depths and do check the tide predictions. There is plenty of water in Little Shark River, but not near the southeast bank at low tide.
   Great anchorage!
   Bill

   Reply to Bill
5. Richard A Bruning -  August 27, 2009 - 2:47 pm

   I have not been to Little Shark River in 2 years, but I would say that going there is like a trip back to pre history. If you can get inside there is plenty of water and you can anchor on the sides of the channel. Bring bug repellant that can stop a horse, and screens that can stop the no seeums.
   Richard A Bruning

   I do not recall the exact lowest depths, but we draw 4.5 ft and were never close to being concerned in moderate conditions. I would not wish to run in/out on a low tide and running seas.
   Regards,
   Duane Ising
   s/v Diva Di
   36 Catalina

   Reply to Richard
6. Norm Naughton -  August 27, 2009 - 11:35 am

   Spent three days anchored in Little Shark River in Everglades National Park with Bob and Stephanie aboard September Song and Rick and Lynnie aboard Rickshaw. Very remote area – it’s just us, the birds, the mangroves, and the river running about 4 knots. (No kayaking in that current.) Spectacular stars. We anchored upriver a bit away from where other boats typically anchor. It was remote enough to give us a tiny feel of unease. We saw the occasional fishing boat and a herd of teenage Outward Bound canoeists who were on the 14th day of a 20 day journey. Yikes! Bob and Stephanie led us on a dingy expedition. We explored some of the inner-reaches of the rivers and streams in this Everglades paradise. Did not see any alligators, but did see tons of birds.
   Norm decided to try his luck fishing. He caught several small catfish with the squid from the freezer. (It’s there for bait – we don’t actually dine on squid.) He was trying to hook mangrove snapper, or river trout, or the little black shark that sister Joyce and Steve used to catch here. Released the catfish. Decided to try a different bait. Tried meatballs and pepperoni, but either the fish are vegetarian or they don’t like Italian food.
   Norm Naughton
   Aboard M/V Tide Hiker

   Reply to Norm
7. Gerry -  August 27, 2009 - 9:02 am

   Keep a close watch on your dog between Little Shark river and Flamingo if you stop….Gators!
   Gerry

   We always do keep a close watch on her. especially in areas like that. quicktrip to the beach by dinghy and a leash walk on the beach to do her
   business. never runs free
   Jay

   Reply to Gerry

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Comments from Cruisers (6) Add Comment

1. Marty and Jerry Richardson -  January 22, 2014 - 9:44 pm

   A good stop for the night when traveling out of Marco is Little Shark River. This breaks the trip up into two nice segments. When anchoring in Little Shark, go up the river 1/2 mile or so past the entrance. You will find good depths and good holding. Plan on a fast tidal current in both directions, inbound and outbound. This current will set you securely on your anchor for the night. Even with the cool temps currently being experienced, have screens ready for the bugs.
   Marty and Jerry Richardson onboard M/V Monarch

   Reply to Marty
2. Glenda Libby -  November 19, 2013 - 12:00 pm

   Recently enjoyed a wonderful 2-week cruise from Cape Coral, FL to Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL late Oct/early Nov. 2013. Anchored in Little Shark River off Red “4” and it was an incredible experience! Unbelievable fishing, dolphin feeding frenzy, and manatees everywhere enjoying the tidal feast! Offered the most incredible sunsets, brilliant star gazing and sunrises I have ever experienced. Winds were N so I can only guess they blew the mosquitoes away as we were prepared for them and only a few show up on our screens. Tidal swing is strong but a solid holding. Happiest thought I have had in a long time and I look forward to visiting and exploring the area when we have more time. Excellent anchorage if you can bear to be without electronic communication devices! Happy thought for me!
   Glenda Libby

   Reply to Glenda
3. Swing Set -  February 3, 2013 - 11:53 am

   We couldn’t get out of the Little Shark River fast enough. We got a good hook, but the currents are swift and the tidal range is extreme. A catamaran that came in behind us had a lot of trouble getting an anchor to set due to a hard bottom. We set one anchor and used an anchor alarm, but probably should have set two because of the tidal current changes. The water is just plain nasty and make sure you have plenty of bug spray when the sun starts to set. Next time we’ll pass this one up unless weather dictates otherwise.
   Swing Set

   Reply to Swing
4. Richard A Bruning -  August 27, 2009 - 2:47 pm

   I have not been to Little Shark River in 2 years, but I would say that going there is like a trip back to pre history. If you can get inside there is plenty of water and you can anchor on the sides of the channel. Bring bug repellant that can stop a horse, and screens that can stop the no seeums.
   Richard A Bruning

   I do not recall the exact lowest depths, but we draw 4.5 ft and were never close to being concerned in moderate conditions. I would not wish to run in/out on a low tide and running seas.
   Regards,
   Duane Ising
   s/v Diva Di
   36 Catalina

   Reply to Richard
5. Norm Naughton -  August 27, 2009 - 11:36 am

   Spent three days anchored in Little Shark River in Everglades National Park with Bob and Stephanie aboard September Song and Rick and Lynnie aboard Rickshaw. Very remote area – it’s just us, the birds, the mangroves, and the river running about 4 knots. (No kayaking in that current.) Spectacular stars. We anchored upriver a bit away from where other boats typically anchor. It was remote enough to give us a tiny feel of unease. We saw the occasional fishing boat and a herd of teenage Outward Bound canoeists who were on the 14th day of a 20 day journey. Yikes! Bob and Stephanie led us on a dingy expedition. We explored some of the inner-reaches of the rivers and streams in this Everglades paradise. Did not see any alligators, but did see tons of birds.
   Norm decided to try his luck fishing. He caught several small catfish with the squid from the freezer. (It’s there for bait – we don’t actually dine on squid.) He was trying to hook mangrove snapper, or river trout, or the little black shark that sister Joyce and Steve used to catch here. Released the catfish. Decided to try a different bait. Tried meatballs and pepperoni, but either the fish are vegetarian or they don’t like Italian food.
   Norm Naughton
   Aboard M/V Tide Hiker

   Reply to Norm
6. Gerry -  August 27, 2009 - 9:03 am

   Keep a close watch on your dog between Little Shark river and Flamingo if you stop….Gators!
   Gerry

   We always do keep a close watch on her. especially in areas like that. quicktrip to the beach by dinghy and a leash walk on the beach to do her
   business. never runs free
   Jay

   Reply to Gerry

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Comments from Cruisers (1) Add Comment

1. Claiborne -  January 13, 2011 - 12:01 pm

   Good Anchorage but mind how far you swing if you don’t go all the way in. We anchored here on a calm night a swung a little to close to shore and found ourselves aground at low tide (we draw 3′9″). It wasn’t a big deal, we took the dogs for a run in the mud flats on the other side of New Turkey and floated right off an hour later but anyone with a draft of more than 4 might want to skip this anchorage.
   Nicole

   Reply to Claiborne