Biscayne Channel

[salty_dog_68]

I draw 5'3". I would like to stop in No Name Harbor or at least anchor on the inside(west) of Key Biscayne on my way to Miami. Is Biscayne Channel deep enough for a 5'3" draft sailboat to go from the outside(Hawk Channel) to the inside(Biscayne Bay)?

[GordMay]

See the excellent USPS Boating Guide to:
Virginia Key, Biscayne and Boca Chita Key
Boating_Guide_to_America:State_FL:Place_Virginia_K ey_Key_Biscayne_and_Boca_Chita_Key

[pete33458]

Never been in No Name (I believe 5'3" is not a problem there either), but plenty of sailing the Biscayne Bay, and you'll have no problems anchoring if you follow the charts.

[stevensc]

If you stop in No Name Harbor check out the Cuban Resaturant, the only restaurant there, good food especially the whole fried snapper!
Steve

[AnchorageGuy]

No problem. We have been in and out of there several times with a 6' draft.

[salty_dog_68]

Great. How about the Cape Florida Channel, to get into No Name Harbor, rather than Biscayne Channel? Upon further review I think this is the channel I had in mind when I first asked the question. From the charts it looks passable but a little tricky. However, some guide books state there are shoaling problems and that only a draft of 5 feet or less is passable. I am probably beating a dead horse but I just dont ewant to run aground in Biscayne National Park. Thanks!!

[AnchorageGuy]

Just come in til the lighthouse is midships on your starboard side. You should be at a red marker on dolphins, then turn in and head straight in keeping the point on your starboard side. we never saw less that 7' feet. stay close to the park seawall going in and follow the channels. don't cut corners. Sorry I don't have my charts so not sure of the exact marker number but it might be 8. But don't bet the bank on that.

[salty_dog_68]

Thank you ever so much, Chuck. You are my hero!