Cruising north from the Florida Keys, Flamingo is the first stop on the southwestern Florida mainland coastline. Prior to the 2005 hurricane season, many made use of the Park Service leased marina here. However, several of the 2005 storms washed mud and sand into the harbor. There has been some dredging since then, but my info is that at low tide, you can still only count on 2 1/2 to 3 feet of depth.
The discussion below is copied from the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page and the “Great Loop” mailing list.

Has anyone been into Flamingo reciently? This is the Everglades Park. What depts were seen going into the basin.
Larry

We drove over there a few weeks ago and the only boat in the marina was a small sailboat that looked like it was on the bottom. Granted, it was low tide and the wind had blown a lot of water out. There were some center console fishing boats using the ramp. I would recommend calling the ranger station for current local knowledge. 239-695-2945. There is a small convenience store there, the lodge is closed. The ranger station is quite active and there are boat tours of the inner waterways and canoe/kayak rentals and tours. The lift that used to take small boats from the sea side to the waterway is no longer functional.
George

Been to flamingo 2 times by outboard this year, it kinda sucks.
No services, no electric on some or more docks, no charge for dockage, not much there since the hurricane.
See you on the Waterways!
Capt. Sterling

Stopped winter of 2007. A friend with 3.5′ draft bumped bottom but there is enough tide you should be able to do it if you time you’re entry and exit for high tide.
The docks are in rough shape but not a major problem If you fender well. There are some spots with power and we strung hoses together to get to fill up everyones tanks. Good cellphone coverage, suprisingly.
Awsome stop. We stayed till we ran out of food (there is only just a small convience store and it is around 45 miles to civilization). You are closer to the ranger station than campground is. We went every morning to the walk or talk. Did a little work in the afternoon and enjoied the sunnset in the evening. Usually with a fresh coconut off the ground (the ranger told us it was fine as long as we found it on the ground and didn’t pick it off the trees).
Mike & Tammy

For what its worth, I’ve only been to Flamingo by car and didn’t care for it one bit. However, Everglades City is a different matter. We seldom miss the opportunity to stop there. If you go, make sure you take cash for the Rod and Gun Club. Unless they have recently changed their policy, they don’t take credit cards. How’s that for “Old Florida”! And be sure to try the Key Lime pie at Suzie’s Stop.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR