Cruising the Upper St. Johns River – Palatka to Sanford (Lake Monroe)
I could not possibly agree more with the sentiments presented below by Captains Bill and Kathleen Root. If you have not cruised the upper St. Johns River from Palatka to the city of Sanford on Lake Monroe, you have, quite simply missed some of the best and most unique cruising in the Sunshine State.
There are myriad opportunities to spend an evening on the hook, about as far removed from civilization as you are likely to get this day and time. The “Seven Sisters” come to mind, as does “Bucher’s Bend.” There are even some superb dining opportunities, and an adequate number of friendly marinas.
The only caveat, as noted below, is that you want to be SURE your diesel tanks are topped off before cruising south from Jacksonville. Diesel fuel can be tough to come by on the upper St. Johns!
We would very much like to hear from more of you who have explored the St. Johns between Palatka and Sanford. Please follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link on the above, right side of this page, and share your experiences with the rest of the cruising community!
You definitely do not want to miss the lower St. Johns River from Palatka to Sanford. It’s the best part of the river, much nore interesting than the Dismal Swamp. Just be sure you fuel up with Diesel in Jacksonville because diesel can be hard to find farther south. Some marinas that advertise it may not have it when you want it.
Sanford is our home port. There are several marinas in Sanford that will accomodate transients. Each has it’s advantages and disadvantages, and Acosta Creek marina just north of Lake George is run by very friendly and accommodating folks. We stop there every time we go north. Cafe Blue is an extraordinary restaurant located a short cab ride from Acosta Creek that really shouldn’t be missed.
Regarding Silver Glen Springs, I agree that no boat over 25 feet should attempt to enter it. However, there is great anchoring just off the mouth of the river running into the springs, so drop the hook and dinghy in. A little farther south you can anchor across from Blue Springs and dinghy into the park. There are plenty of fine anchorages all along the St. Johns for boats under 40 feet in length and 4 foot draft, and several that will accommodate boats up to 55 feet.
Bill & Kathleen Root
MV BUFFALO GAL
54′ Hatteras MY
Lisa and I did the ST Johns a couple years ago, spent almost a month exploring. The water was a little higher then and we were able to get into Silver Glen Springs with our (at that time) 4 1/2′ draft but it was touch and go even then. If you’re thinking of cruising the St Johns and want to view photo’s you can check out the following posts on our blog.
http://www.favorsgreatloopblog.com/category/our-new-loop-adventure/5-great-loop-st-johns-river-fl/#.URELH6XrbzI
Jim Favors
Kismet
Ranger Tug R27
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Acosta Creek Harbor
Comments from Cruisers (1)
I direct your attention to the fact that the online article’s (below) title is the “UPPER” St John’s River. This is incorrect. The St. John’s river flows south to north and, therefore, the northerly-most section is correctly referred to as the LOWER St. John’s River. A reader’s (Bill & Kathleen Root) letter just below your title correctly refers to the very same stretch (Palatka to Sanford) as the “LOWER” St. John’s River….FYI
Jim Tracey