Anchorages: Indian Key and Little Shark River

[F51]

We are slowly working our way down the west coast of Florida and need information regarding the legality of anchoring at two spots in Everglades National Park, Indian Key and Little Shark River. I have unconfirmed reports that anchoring is not allowed within the bouandaries of the National Park. Anybody have definitive information? Thanks.

[GordMay]

See the online anchorage guide to Southwest Florida
Anchorage Inventory:
➥ Florida Sea Grant - Boating & Waterways - Anchorage Inventory

Or contact the Park:
➥ http://www.nps.gov/ever/contacts.htm

[hgd137]

There are no restrictions anchoring at Indian Key or Little Shark River.

[rognvald]

F51, there are no issues anchoring at either spot. Indian Key is a delightful anchorage with many meandering creeks where one could easily spend a couple days in complete solitutde. Good holding in a sand and gravel bottom. The Little Shark keyhole is really just an overnight spot with a tide driven current. Don't set two hooks, one is fine and be certain to close your hatches well before dark . . . the mosquitoes will carry you away. Very beautiful spot that always reminded me of the flora in the Age of Dinsosaurs. Perhaps after a few sundowners . . . you might just see one. Good luck and good sailing.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by F51

We are slowly working our way down the west coast of Florida and need information regarding the legality of anchoring at two spots in Everglades National Park, Indian Key and Little Shark River. I have unconfirmed reports that anchoring is not allowed within the bouandaries of the National Park. Anybody have definitive information? Thanks.

There are no restrictions on either anchorage. Note, however, that at least at the Little Shark River, at this time of year and until next November or so, you will be at the mercy of the no-see-ums and mosquito's unless you have very good screens (that work better sprayed with DEET) and Lots! of Deep Woods Off.

FWIW...

[Boatguy30]

Little shark river is super cool, BUT you need really good screens as mentioned or is a nitemare. Can also anchor near the mouth in calm conditions so not as buggy.

[AnchorageGuy]

We've anchored in both very recently and there are no restrictions whatsoever. Here is our last stop at both, http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot....ise-begin.html . Chuck

[capngeo]

When there's an east wind, I anchor up half a mile from shore..... no bugs at all! BUT in a wind from any other direction, I slide up Shark about 1/2 mile or so. During the day there are literally thousands of square miles of exploring to do either by kayak or dinghy. You can run all the way to Flamingo inside if you need provisions. I spent Hurricane Andrew anchored up in an oxbow up Shark river

[rognvald]

Originally Posted by Waterwayguy

We've anchored in both very recently and there are no restrictions whatsoever. Here is our last stop at both, The Trawler Beach House: Let The Cruise Begin . Chuck

Nice pics and very accurate description for Indian Key, Shark and the Crab Pot Olympics to the Keys.

[Group9]

Originally Posted by rognvald

Nice pics and very accurate description for Indian Key, Shark and the Crab Pot Olympics to the Keys.

Crab Pot Olympics is right.

I love both those anchorages. Getting in is a lot easier than it looks on the charts. Be ready to reverse directions with the tide, though.