Places to sail
in the Florida Keys

General

Northeast

• Biscayne Bay.
  
  • Biscayne National Park
    
    
  • From Biscayne National Park Superintendent's Compendium:
    "A Special Use Permit, issued by the Superintendent, is required to camp or moor a vessel for more than 14 consecutive days or more than 30 days within a calendar year."
    [As far as I can tell, most of these park regulations are enforced over on the mid-east side near Elliot Key.]
    
    
  • South of Rickenbacker Causeway.
    Near beach (no dinghy landing allowed).
    Some wakes.
    Some traffic and music noise.
    Protected from most swell.
    Photographer and model on beach just about every other day.
    
    
  • Crandon Park Marina: at NE end of Key Biscayne (Virginia Key).
    Fuel dock (price signs don't include tax) and mooring field, but nothing nearby. Water free if you get fuel, coin laundry, oil disposal, no showers, no dinghy dock unless mooring, all moorings and slips are full 12/2001.
    
    
  • Key Biscayne anchorages: Hurricane Harbor, No Name Harbor (Cape Florida at S end; fee charged). No facilities, no way to get ashore.
    
    
  • Dinner Key / Coconut Grove.
    
    • In 2005, I'm hearing news that the free dinghy dock is being shut down, and mandatory moorings will be installed in the future.
    • Anchorage very rough: exposed to wind from every direction except W. Very grassy bottom.
    • Dinner Key Marina (3400 Pan American Dr, Coconut Grove FL, 305/579-6980). Laundry, but nothing else (no fuel, water).
    • Free dinghy dock and garbage cans outside SW corner of marina, at NW corner of mooring field. Thefts at night.
    • Library: 3 blocks away to S at 2875 McFarlane Rd; 305-442-8695, hours MWRS 9:30-6, T 11:30-8, FSu closed.
    • Town is mostly boutiques and restaurants; 2 miles to supermarkets and marine stores. Nice boutique area 2 blocks away to SW. KMart and supermarket 15 blocks away (32nd near US 1).
      Marine stores 15 blocks away (Crook and Crook 305-854-0005 at 27th and US 1; West Marine somewhere else on US 1).
    • Can take 42 bus from city hall to Miami airport.
      Can take 48 bus to Government Center metrorail hub in downtown Miami; also goes past Vizcaya and science museum.
    
    
    
  • Elliot Key.
    Big boat-party on Columbus Day.
    
    
  • Pumpkin Key / Angelfish Creek / Card Sound.
    Jumping-off point for Bahamas, good for getting to Bimini, but don't transit creek and reef in dark.
    No facilities.
    No way to get ashore.
    Good holding and shelter.
    Some big powerboat traffic.
    Can receive Miami TV stations.
    
    
• Key Largo ashore (mile markers 110-87).
  
  • Key Largo Mini Storage, 555 St Croix Pl, Key Largo Florida 33037, 305-451-4111.
  • Key Largo Storage, 103530 Us hwy 1, Key Largo Florida 33037, 305-451-0677.
  • Winn Dixie Grocery Store, MM 106 BS.
  • K Mart, 101499 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, MM 101.5 OS.
  • Key Largo Public Library, Mile Marker 101.5, 101485 Overseas Hwy., Tradewinds Shopping Center, 33037, 305-451-2396.
  • Publix, MM 101.5 OS.
  • Napa Auto, Discount Auto, Radio Shack, Scotties Hardware (out of business ?).
  • Dispose of used oil: Napa Auto.
  From FloridaKeyz on The Live-Aboard List:
  
  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!
  
  Key Largo needs a Dinghy Ramp!
  
  
  
• Key Largo ocean-side.
  
  • Anchorage: Rock Harbor ? Bluefin Rock Harbor Marina, Mandalay tiki bar, MM97.
  • Rodriguez Key.
  • Pennekamp State Park (mile marker 102.5)
  
  
  
• Blackwater Sound / Sexton Cove.
  
  • Very bad holding; scoured coral.
  • West Marine, 103400 Overseas Hwy #124, Key Largo FL 33037. But no legal way to get ashore to it.
  
  
  
• Tarpon Basin.
  
  • NW side is good holding, SE is bad.
  • Dinghy ashore (illegal) to abandoned Quay Restaurant (but county is buying it).
  • Dinghy ashore to end of street at SW corner of anchorage ?
  • Walk 1/2 mile SW to Publix/KMart/library.
  • Walk 1.5 mile NE to West Marine.
  
  
  
• Buttonwood Sound / Sunset Cove.
  
  • Bad holding.
  • Dinghy ashore to dock at SW corner ?
  
  
  
• Hammer Pt / Mangrove Marina.
  
  • Good holding.
  • Channel and entrance to marina are very shallow, usually 4 feet.
  
  
  
• Snake Creek.
  Can cross between ocean and gulf, through opening bridge.
  
  
• Islamorada ashore (mile markers 86-66).
  
  • Voyager's Mail-Forwarding, 88005 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada FL 33036-3087
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Islamorada Library, MM 81.5, P.O. Box 1129, 33036, 305-664-4645.
  
  
  
• Cowpens Anchorage.
  
  • Moderate holding.
  
  
  

Middle

• Long Key Bight / Channel Five Bridge.
  Exposed to NE, but shoal stops most chop. No facilities.
  
  
• Marathon / Boot Key Harbor / Vaca Key.
  
  • Navigation:
    • Boot Key Harbor
    • Boot Key Harbor Message Board
    • Boot Key bridge operates 6 AM to 10 PM.
    • Easy to run aground in several places, even in middle of channel near Sister Creek. Sister Creek is very shallow at both ends (about 4 feet MLW at ocean end), fine everywhere else.
    • Harbor is big, but gets crowded in winter, and the city is slowly adding mooring fields (65 moorings as of 6/2004). They're planning to have 230 moorings and more-or-less outlaw anchoring by end of 2006. They don't require insurance to use the moorings. As of 6/2006, moorings are $15/day or $160/month; I think it doesn't include dinghy dockage or showers.
    • Dinghy ashore to:
      City marina (NW side of harbor; $4/day, $60/month).
      West Marine / Marathon Boatyard dinghy dock (for using WM store only).
      Bar/restaurant at SW corner of harbor (free for customers).
    • Heard in early 2005: Sombrero / Dockside has been closed to liveaboard boaters; no dinghy dock. Slips will be sold, not rented to transients.
    • Hurricane hole: Whiskey Creek (off Sister Creek). When entering Whiskey Creek, stay very close to SW side.
  • Misc:
    • Town is long and thin and usually hot; get a bicycle.
    • Get charged for water, usually 5 to 10 cents/gallon.
    • Hospital: 33rd st OS.
    • Marathon airport, 9000 Aviation Blvd Marathon FL, 305-743-2155
    • Dispose of used oil/fuel: county transportation yard on Aviation Blvd; city marina at 36th st OS.
    • There is a "workshop" at the city marina. $2/day, have work-tables and floor space and AC power.
    • Cruiser's radio net: 9 AM every day on VHF 68. May cease in summer ?
    • "Smorgasboat" started 11/2004: delivers coffee and pastries and newspapers in morning; on VHF 17.
    • No broadcast TV.
    • NPR radio rarely receivable, on 91.3 or 90.1
    • Buy/sell radio program on 104.1 each morning; need a phone and a car to take advantage of it.
  • Stores:
    • West Marine, 2055 Overseas Hwy Marathon FL 33050, 305-289-1009.
    • Boaters World, 5001 Overseas Hwy Marathon FL 33050, 305-743-7707.
    • Home Depot, 4555 Overseas Hwy Marathon FL, 305-289-1966.
    • Publix Super Market, 5407 Overseas Hwy Marathon FL, 305-289-2920.
    • K Mart, 5561 Overseas Hwy.
    • Winn Dixie Store, 5501 Overseas Hwy Marathon FL, 305-743-3636.
    • Mailboxes Etc / UPS Store, 5409 Overseas Hwy Marathon FL 33050, 305-743-2005.
      Internet access for $12/hour, charged in $3 increments; only 1 computer.
    • Specialty Hardware: MTWRF 9-5 ? No credit cards.
    • Auto parts etc: Napa Auto (7 days a week), Discount Auto, Island Auto and Marine (going out of business 6/2004). All at far east end of town, 105th St and further.
    • Welding / machine shops: Bobcat metal fabrication (east of West Marine; not sure if he does welding), another across from West Marine, Hot Arc (107th St gulf side; 305-743-6758; MTWRF 7-4), another on 107th St gulf side (won't do plain steel). All are very busy and not particularly cheap, and first three have done decent work for me (haven't used the 4th shop). Hot Arc is the biggest and most professional (in terms of communication and schedules).
    • Walgreens, Office Depot, Radio Shack: around 109th St gulf side.
    • Storage: Bonefish Bay (MM 55, 305-743-4633), Island (10730 4th ave GS, 305-743-0231).
    • Car storage: L&L Auto/Marine, 800-700-2946, 305-743-9334, 2188 Overseas Hwy GS, MM 48.5, $35/month to park car. But my car got vandalized while stored there, and they wouldn't pay a dime of the damages.
    • Pizza: Papa John's 5105 Overseas Hwy OS 305-743-3232.
    • City marina: 800 35th st OS (entrance at 36th St OS through park), 305-289-8877, flkeysmarina@marathonkey.com
    • Boatyards: cheapest are Marathon Marina (at west entrance to harbor) and Keys Boat Works (on gulf side, 700 39th St). Others are Marathon Boatyard (near West Marine) and another at east end of town (about 120th St OS).
    • Fuel docks: three near west entrance to harbor (Marathon Marina, Pancho's, Burdine's). None is consistently cheaper than the others, and prices can vary a fair amount; check all three.
    • Propane refills and tanks: AmeriGas at 11th St OS: MTWRF 8-5; 305-743-2021.
    • Propane tank exchange: Home Depot, several convenience stores.
    • Sea Wiz Marine at 2250 Overseas GS: refrigeration and electronics, some boat parts, will order from lots of marine catalogs, free internet computer; 305-289-4044.
  • Internet:
    • Marathon Library, MM48.7, 3251 Overseas Hwy. 33050, 305-743-5156.
      Internet access is free but limited to 1/2 hour; 10-4 often there is a line of people waiting.
      $0.10 per black-and-white page printed; no floppy allowed. MW 10-8, TRFS 10-6.
    • BWISK internet services, 6363 Overseas Hwy OS, MM 50.5 oceanside, 305-743-9609.
      Internet access for $10/hour; FTP is allowed; connection a bit flaky; software and customer service very idiosyncratic.
      MTWRF 9-7, Sat 9-12.
      Also rents a local-call-only phone line for $6/hour, so your own laptop can dial your internet service.
    • Wi-Fi access in the harbor: see Roy at Dockside. $20/month for short-term, $15/month for long-term. Antenna is near Dockside, and reaches only the 1/3 of the inner harbor nearest Dockside.
    • Internet access in the harbor: Digital Sail (60th St) has high-speed access with an antenna near the bridge. Have to use their proprietary high-speed modem, which is AC-powered. Antenna on boat is directional; might have to adjust as the boat swings ? Start-up fee $79, monthly fee $40.
    • Internet access: Marathon Computers, 11400 Overseas Hwy suite 121.
  • Transportation:
    • Airport-to-airport: Keys Shuttle: 6 times per day, 7 days a week, to Miami and Ft Laud airports. 888-765-9997.
    • Monroe Express / JGT bus: from Publix in Marathon, up to Walmart in Homestead.
  • Leaving: about 50 NM N to Little Shark River.
  
  
  
• Bahia Honda.
  Bahia Honda state park (mile marker 37).
  
  From Bill and Charmaine on the SailNet liveaboard-list:
  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. ...
  
  From Michael Trautman on SailNet FloridaKeys mailing list:
  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.
  
  From Ray Taylor on Great-loop mailing list:
  
  Dinghy in to the marina, no charge to tie up. Good swimming beach (no charge), small store, restrooms, showers.
  
  A bit of traffic noise from the highway bridge, and occasional motorboats flying through between ocean and gulf. About 10-foot depths.
  
  
  

Southwest

• Newfound Harbor.
  As of 9/2006, there is a proposal to establish a no-anchor zone for masted vessels between Big Pine and Little Torch Key (Pine Channel, just off Big Pine Key), because loose sailboats have hit powerlines.
  Lots of powerboat traffic in the channel.
  Can dinghy ashore to "Sea Center" on Big Pine Key near highway (large beige/yellowish building with "Sea Center" on the end) during working hours.
  Could dinghy ashore through mangroves near highway on Big Pine Key.
  Also can dinghy ashore to "Dolphin" on Little Torch Key ?
  Winn-Dixie supermarket on Big Pine Key.
  
  
• Saddlebunch Harbor.
  From Ray Taylor on Great-loop mailing list:
  
  Bottom is hard, would not recommend in bad weather. Also, not much room.
  
  
  
  
• Stock Island (anchorage between Stock Island and Boca Chica Key).
  Chart says 60-foot power lines across Boca Chica channel, but the lines go underwater now.
  Anchor off E side of Stock Island, from ocean side, up Boca Chica Channel. Many shoal areas.
  Dinghy in to Peninsular Marina, at extreme SE tip of Stock Island (but call on VHF 16 first; they allow dinghy-docking on space-available basis; $5/day for one-person-no-pet). Bus to Key West is across the street.
  Some people pull dinghy up to mangroves near boat-ramp in NW corner of harbor, but it's shallow and looks unsafe.
  Rough area at night ? Always lock the dinghy.
  Approximately 2 miles to KW shopping on North Roosevelt Blvd; 4 miles to KW downtown.
  NPR: 89.9 intermittent.
  
  
  
• Key West (mile markers 8-0).
  
  • Max flood: current sets you northward.
  • From 5/2005 issue of Southwinds magazine:
    
    ... 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 ...
  • Anchorages:
    • East of Wisteria (Christmas Tree) Island: Closest to town, but crowded and very rolly and not good holding.
    • W and NW of Wisteria Island: good holding, but often rolly. Passage between Tank Island and Wisteria Island has 8-foot depth at MLW, but do it cautiously.
    • SW corner of Fleming Key: decent holding and fairly close to town, but 20+ feet deep and often rolly and strong tidal current.
    • NW corner of Fleming Key: fair number of boats out there, but a long way from town.
    • Mooring field: E side of Garrison Bight Channel, E of Fleming Key, near Sigsbee Park: 40-foot maximum. $150/month as of 3/2004; will be $240/month as of 3/2005. Always completely full.
    Main harbor very choppy, strong currents (especially through Fleming Key Cut), fast boats, and full of wakes. Be careful in the dinghy. Reasonably strong tidal current, so boats can swing strangely as current and wind interact.
  • Dinghy docks:
    • Dinghy dock inside Key West Bight, in Key West Bight Marina, next to Turtle Kraals restaurant: head for "Waterfront Market" sign or "guard-tower"; $5.50/day or $24/week; dockmaster's office on Chevron fuel pier; comes out on Margaret St. Occasionally they scan the dock, and if you haven't paid, they'll request a $20 "fine" from you. Use a very short painter; otherwise someone will push you out and take your space, and then others will get mad at you for blocking the middle.
    • Tiny free area at west end of Simonton St (actually, just a bad-looking area with a small sandy spot with a sign "dinghy storage area" and some non-motorized dinks on the hard).
    • Free 2-hour floating dinghy dock: inside Key West Bight, down east side of Chevron fuel dock, near restaurant.
    • Dinghies (probably from city mooring field) docked in Garrison Bight (closer to major/non-tourist shopping but farther from interesting part of town).
    • Water-taxi "Magic Penny": $5 each way. A small operation; sometimes an hour or two before they can pick you up or drop you off.
  • Stores:
    • Small supermarket: "Waterfront Market" next to Turtle Kraals dinghy dock. Also has internet cafe upstairs; 20 cents/minute.
    • Medium-sized supermarket: "Fausto's Food Palace": 522 Fleming St between Duval St and Simonton St.
    • Key West Marine Hardware, 818 Caroline St between Margaret St and William St; MTWRF 8-5, S 8-2.
    • Strunk's Hardware (large): Eaton St at Frances St, MTWRFS 8-6.
    • West Marine: 725 Caroline Street at William St.
    • Electric/pump service place: on Margaret St near Caroline St.
    • Supermarkets and non-tourist shopping: NE corner of KW, on North Roosevelt Blvd. Home Depot, NAPA Auto, Radio Shack, two supermarkets, KMart, Boater's World, etc.
    • Self-serve laundromat: 629 Eaton St.
  • Key West Library, 700 Fleming St between Elizabeth St and William St; NW corner of KW; MW 10-8, TRFS 10-6.
  • Can get list of internet cafes at the library.
  • Small book exchange in Schooner Wharf bar. Nice exchange in the library.
  • Supplies:
    • Diesel and gasoline: about 30 cents/gallon more than in Marathon in 4/2004. Gasoline cheaper at the Valvetec fuel dock; diesel prices about same at Valvetec and Chevron fuel docks.
    • Water: included with dinghy dockage; hose at dockmasters office on Chevron fuel dock.
    • Used-oil-disposal (and recycling center): on back side of dock area, behind public restrooms or tall tower at Turtle Kraals.
  • Customs office: Federal building on or near Simonton St ?
  • Government
  • Key West airport
  • Post Office: Eaton St and Whitehead St.
  • Bus system: get schedule at dockmaster's office. 75 cents per trip; 6 routes, most running down Caroline St; all buses going east on Caroline St head straight to shopping on N Roosevelt Blvd.
  • NPR: 89.9, 90.1
  • Best beach is Smathers Beach, far from harbor, near airport. Very small beach at the end of Simonton Street.
  • More pretty women in this town than I've seen anywhere else except South Beach Miami.
  • Leaving: about 90 NM N to Marco Island; about 70 NM NE to Little Shark River.
  • Fantasy Fest: last week of October. The good public events are in the last 2 days, especially the street-scene on Duval street. Parade comes down Whitehead toward Mallory Square, then turns and goes up Duval street.
  
  
  
• Boca Grande Key.
  From Charmaine and Bill Aboard on SailNet FloridaKeys mailing list:
  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.
  
  
  
  
• Marquesas Keys (about 20 miles W of Key West).
  Mosquito-infested and uninhabited.
  
  
  
  
• Dry Tortugas (about 70 miles W of Key West).
  SailNet - Sue and Larry's "Discovering The Dry Tortugas"
  National Park Service - Dry Tortugas
  
  Do not enter via (shoaled) channel NNE of Garden Key; use channel NW of the key, and circle around the W and S sides of the key. Also, Bush Key now connects to Garden Key; no way to get down east side into anchorage.
  
  Holding is mixed. Deep spots close to the key get crowded, and anchor may slide off into deeper water. Shallow areas are grass and sand.
  
  $5 per person per week. Limited to 14 consecutive days, and 30 days per year. Pay by putting cash in envelope on wooden ferry dock.
  
  Park Service keeps track of boat arrivals and departures; good idea to call them on VHF 16.
  
  Park Service posts a printout of the latest NWS forecast every morning, in the room on the ferry dock. Reception of VHF weather channels is very poor.
  
  Get free maps/guides in small bookstore in visitor's center, inside the fort.
  
  Tiny lending-library in visitor's center.
  
  Garden Key / Fort Jefferson is fairly lively from 10 to 3, when people from two ferries are ashore.
  
  From Ben on Cruising World message board:
  
  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!
  From BJV on Cruising World message board:
  
  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.
  
  Summarized from article by Karen Hermanson in 1/2003 issue of Southwinds magazine:
  
  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.
  
  From Charmaine and Bill Aboard on SailNet FloridaKeys mailing list:
  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.
  
  From article in 5/2003 issue of BoatU.S. magazine:
  • Crossing from Key West to DT's is roughest in winter; lots of northerly wind. Best in summer; ESE wind.
  • 200 known shipwrecks to dive or snorkel on.
  • Route south of the Marquesas is best.
  • Near Fort Jefferson, overnight anchoring is limited to within one mile of Garden Key Harbor Light. In all areas, anchor on sand or rubble bottom only.
  • No-discharge; must lock through-hulls.
  • Stay is limited to 14 days. No spearfishing. Garden Key dock and fort close at sunset.
  
  Main anchorage: east side of Garden Key, south side of Bush Key.
  
  Windjammer / Avanti wreck: in about 20 feet of water, about 1 NM SW of Loggerhead Key, 4 NM from main Garden Key anchorage as the crow flies, maybe 7 NM by big boat. Lat 24.37.413 long 82.56.548. Maptech chart has it mis-positioned, and doesn't show how to get around reefs south of Loggerhead Key. Apparently there is one mooring buoy near the wreck.
  
  NPR: 90.1 (intermittent).