Anchoring in the Florida Keys - Help

[Rick14]

I am planning on sailing a small sailboat, such as a Catalina 22, in the Key West and lower Keys. Can anyone suggest where there is free anchorage locations where you can drop anchor.

Thx

[Dulcesuenos]

Active captain is a great resource

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Rick.

See ➥ http://cruisersnet.net/category/all-...ys-anchorages/

And ➥ http://jfaughn.com/crew_boat_project...dinghykeys.htm

[AnchorageGuy]

Rick, There aren't a lot of options for anchorages around Key West, But there are few. The main channel off Fleming Key and Wisteria Island is one often used. The currents are strong and the boat traffic creates a lot of wakes. There is an anchorage at Stock Island and another in Garrison Bight near near Sisgsbee Park. None are ideal and all except Stock island will be very uncomfortable in certain wind directions with strong to moderate winds. We cover all of these in our anchorage book. With your draft you can find some spots to sneak in if you have current charts. In the "lower keys" you have lots of options on both Bay Side and Ocean Side. Boca Chica, Newfound Harbor, and Marathon are the most popular and are well protected. Chuck

[Peter1949]

Rick
Bahia Honda has a anchorage inside the old bridge.
They also have tie ups inside for $.
If you anchor for free outside you can dinghy in for free and get wi Fi ice but no gas

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by Peter1949

Rick
Bahia Honda has a anchorage inside the old bridge.
They also have tie ups inside for $.
If you anchor for free outside you can dinghy in for free and get wi Fi ice but no gas

Be very careful at Bahia Honda. The currents are strong, the bottom scoured out and you are between two bridges. It's OK for very settled weather as far as we are concerned. The basin entrance is shallow so again, that depends on your draft. Even if you anchor, you are required to pay to land the dinghy and enter the park. At least that was the policy the last time we were there. Chuck

[tjdj0214]

Seven Seas Cruising Association University has just has an update on anchoring in FL. There is a video recording of the session available for about 6 weeks. You can register to see the recording by going to www.SevenSeasU.com On the right hand side, under Cruising Lifestyles, is Recording of CLS100: A Florida Anchoring Update I believe the session is free for members and $10 for non-SSCA members.

[zboss]

While I do not have as much experience with this area as others, we did just leave KW after spending over a month there.

With a smaller boat without a lot of air draft or regular draft, you can anchor on the other side of the power lines that go through Garrison bight. There are very few people anchored there because of the power line height restriction. Be prepared for a lot of grief from the cops they are very strict when it comes to keeping your boat clean and in order - lest you get tagged as a vagrant. This is more difficult than it sounds - the cormorant love crapping on boats every day... "Hey chuck! There's a clean boat over there! Lets go crap on it!"

[rwidman]

If you want your answer all in one place, the simplest thing to do is just buy AnchorageGuy's book. This thread could go on for twenty pages and not cover everything.

[Miniyot]

With a draft of two feet (board up) you can get into places most people can only wish they could go there.

[boatpoker]

2' draft ! ...... just tie up to the nearest tree.