in the Florida Keys.
This page updated: October 2004
| Places to sail in the Florida Keys. |
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Please send any comments to me.
This page updated: October 2004 |
| ... There will be random inspection of all vessels in all waters surrounding the Keys to insure that boaters are in compliance with the no-discharge zone that has been in existence in the Keys since 2002. ... |
| ... if you run aground here in the Sanctuary (Florida's name for the Keys Waters), they'll charge you criminally for destruction of park property, as well as $6.60 a foot for any grass that remotely looks like you touched it. ... [and the towing service will call the park rangers to report you.] |
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We have:
No dinghy dock. No free dock. No access to shore from anywhere you don't pay. No mooring balls. I have found EVERY Florida town and city I have been to more boater-friendly than Key Largo. Welcome to Key Largo, boaters! |
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That "broken bridge" IS Bahia Honda State Park. ... It is a LOVELY anchorage. Showers
available, etc. Also, there is a marina there but I believe it is for
drafts of five feet or less.
Anchor as close to the beach as feasible, where there is a nice, sandy bottom, and avoid getting too close to the new bridge. I always set two anchors in there, as you are sitting in the middle between two bridges. ... When you enter, be sure to stay to the west side of the small sandy island near the bridge as it gets rather shallow over there. There is otherwise plenty of room to get in comfortably. ... |
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I agree about Bahia Honda State Park, it's a really neat place. One
suggestion ... in most anchorages, you look for clear sandy bottom and try to
place your anchor there for the best set.
At Bahia Honda the current washes through the anchorage, first into and then out of Florida Bay, and this effectively scours the sand from the bottom, leaving hard pack. At Bahia Honda you want to look for the grassy patches and place your anchor there because that's where the sand is deep and penetrable. I would strongly suggest snorkeling down and checking the set. I would also suggest not relying on one anchor, especially if there's a strong wind. Remember the current can be strong and reverses direction. If there was a serious storm I would either go inside the protected harbor if the park people will let you, or move somewhere else, since you are surrounded by the two bridges and have little "leeway" or choice in escape paths. Bahia Honda is a great place to spend a day or two, with snorkel trips from the park docks, a nice "convenience store", and freshwater showers on the beach. |
| Dinghy in to the marina, no charge to tie up. Good swimming beach (no charge), small store, restrooms, showers. |
| Bottom is hard, would not recommend in bad weather. Also, not much room. |
| ... officials are trying to eliminate all vessels anchored out and ensure that all vessels are at moorings or at a marina, where pump-outs are available and enforced ... |
| Boca Grande Key is fabulous, located about 15 miles west of Key West (and a great place to anchor and decide whether or not to continue to the Dry Tortugas). White sand beach and you can literally step off your cat and step on white sand if you wish. The water is beautiful and very warm because it's so shallow near the beach. The key itself is an explorer's dream. I believe there is actually a fresh water "lake" within the key as eagles and bird drop down from high above to get in there. I've never explored inside, but I bet you won't be disappointed. Snorkeling is wonderful too, especially if you have a dinghy to take out to the shallows. |
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I have spent many a day and night - for that matter weeks at the Dry Tortugas.
If you are leaving from the west coast do yourself a favor and plan
to arrive in the daylight hours.
We left Naples and got within 6 miles of the DT and it was 3 AM. The fort is surrounded by reefs and is not safe at night. We anchored in 110' (no windlass). That is the biggest mistake to make. Count in weather, which we did not. Once you arrive within the boundaries, I suggest going to the southwest yellow buoy (I want to say Q, but I am not sure). Bypass loggerhead to your port, follow the buoys but be aware. The green on your port is difficult to see as well as the next red on your starboard. Once inside the harbor choose to anchor a little east of the fort, nearer Sandy Key. You will encounter local fisherman and they are just as us. Making a living. Prepare yourselves with tobacco or rum. I say this because I have bartered many a lobster, fish or Crab with them. The fort listens to not only 16, but as you get close change to channel 11, they monitor that as a park service. The employees are great. All will give you whatever assistance you may need. If you go to the DT and wish to stay (2 week limit but they do not enforce it) be sure you have the provisions you need. The Sky Planes charge you a flat $65 to bring you supplies. So a case of Bud will cost you about $100. Check with the ferry boats about bringing you fresh supplies. I have found they do not charge you because they are there daily. I would suggest tipping them. As a private boat you are allowed to fish within the boundaries (2 miles). Dinghy or take your boat just west of the fort, maybe about 300' just outside the channel. It's about 30' and the grouper are great. The most important thing to remember is DO NOT TRY TO ATTEMPT THE FORT AT NIGHT! |
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Main (only??) anchorage is by Garden Key, good holding and the park service
comes over to check you out (make sure you close off and seal your throughhull
from holding tank). Make sure you make a day trip over to Loggerhead Key.
If you have a good dinghy use that, or you can also take your boat over
and anchor and dinghy in from there. Far side of the key has some great
snorkeling and some fantastic beach area and a big lighthouse as well.
This spot is virtually empty as the large ferrys and float plans stick
with Garden Key and the Fort. Off the south end of Loggerhead key is an
old wreck which is in very shallow water. Tried to snorkel on it but
the currents were too strong the day we tried.
Park staff are very helpful and polite, as well when we were there they conducted tours and in the evening a slide presentation on the fort. Traded some cool ones for a bag of shrimp with the fishermen. So we ended up one night sitting in the cockpit enjoying large shrimp on the barbie as the sun set over the Fort. Doesn't get much better than that! Suggest you plan for min of 3 days there, and more if you can. |
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Entering Fort Jefferson: stay close to green markers. Anchor as far S/SE of R-12 as possible. Park is open sunrise to sunset, can be crowded 10:30 to 3:30. May be lots of fishing boat traffic in early morning. No supplies, no garbage disposal, no cell-phone coverage. |
| The Dry Tortugas is a blast. Crystal clear waters, Fort Jefferson to explore. It is located 72 miles west of Key West and includes a passage of about 16 miles through open water. If you're experienced, the reward is worth it. You could easily spend the entire week there. |
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