Florida East Coast and Keys

The Florida East Coast runs from the Georgia border to Miami. It has a long, low‑lying sandy shoreline backed by barrier islands and tidal rivers. This coast includes major urban areas and commercial ports. Beach communities, marinas, and other waterfront facilities create relatively dense shoreline development along much of this coast.

South past Miami, the Florida Keys form a curving chain of islands that runs from the end of the peninsula toward Key West. They are separated from the mainland by Florida Bay and bordered offshore by reef systems. The Keys feature shallow clear water, mangrove islands, and small towns and fishing communities scattered along the island chain.

Several historic forts line this coast, many originating in the Spanish colonial period and later seeing use in conflicts such as the Anglo‑Spanish and Seminole wars. Castillo de San Marcos Fort, Fort Clinch, and Fort Matanzas each provide accessible examples of masonry coastal defenses and offer visiting crews a chance to link modern passages with the region’s long history of fortified seaways.

Navy Seal Museum (the National Navy UDT‑SEAL Museum) stands on the oceanfront section of State Road A1A, just outside the town, making it an easy shore excursion for yachts stopping in the area.

A fun day out for kids young and old can be had at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, with raised walkways, alligator and crocodile exhibits, and bird enclosures all within easy reach of yachts laying over in St. Augustine.

Restrictions along the Florida coasts and in the Keys can affect anchoring, mooring, speed, access to sensitive areas, discharges, and taking marine life. Crews should review local information and notices for planned stops.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Shell Key ★ 5.0 Shell Key features a calm anchorage with limited mooring ball availability, free of noisy speedboats. Multiple visitors highlight the spectacular sunsets, making it a tranquil destination for anchoring. Observing numerous crab pots may require caution.
	NASA rail bridge east - Launch Viewpoint ★ 5.0 Protection from winds is noted, with conditions remaining relatively calm despite gusts. Anchoring depths of 7ft are suitable for vessels with a draft of 3.7ft, though caution is advised at entry due to shallow areas. Visitors also appreciate the views of space launches.
No image	Melbourne Beach Pier Anchorage ★ 5.0 Anchoring near the pier allows access to a grocery store and various restaurants. Visitors report consistent depths between 8 to 10 feet and mention good protection from NW winds. The area is suitable for overnight stays and convenient for stocking supplies.
	Ponce Inlet Anchorage ★ 5.0 Calm and quiet, the anchorage provides good holding with ample swing room. Nearby amenities for food and fuel are accessible. Visitors should be cautious of sand bars and consult navigational charts.
	Blount Island ★ 4.8 A calm anchorage provides excellent holding, with depths reported at 12 feet. Visitors enjoyed the opportunity to see dolphins and manatees, as well as facilitated provisions deliveries. Local support from residents enhances the experience with services like water refills and local transportation.
	Vero Beach Anchorage ★ 4.7 Mooring balls are available for $25, and easy dinghy access is provided to shore. The anchorage experiences calm conditions with good holding, and it's conveniently located near amenities, including a free bus service into town. Visitors have reported sufficient space and a pleasant environment for overnight stays.
	Lantana Anchorage ★ 4.7 Holding is reported as good and the location remains calm, even with strong east winds. Multiple visitors mentioned the anchorage's suitability for short stops, although some noted depth concerns at low tide for deeper draft vessels. Nearby amenities enhance the overall experience.
	No Name Harbor ★ 4.5 Calm conditions and scenic views characterize this anchorage. Amenities include restaurants and easy access to stores via a free ride service. Crowded conditions on weekends and potential nuisances from powerboaters have been reported.
	West Palm Beach Anchorage ★ 4.5 Anchoring is available with strong holding in West Palm Beach. Visitors appreciate the free dinghy docks and nearby restaurants. Nightly wakes can be disruptive on weekends, and some crowding issues have been noted.
	Outside No Name Harbour ★ 4.4 Strong holding conditions are reported in No Name Harbour. Wakes from passing boats can be disruptive, but there are favorable depths for anchoring. The area provides easy access to amenities and is well-connected to local services.

Show more

Marinas

	Marineland Marina ★ 5.0 Floating concrete docks are in good condition, providing suitable protection from currents and wakes. The dockmaster offers helpful guidance upon arrival. This marina is accessible and ideal for resting before a voyage.
	Harbortown Marina-Fort Pierce ★ 5.0 Docks are new and secured, making for a pleasant stay. Staff are attentive, with well-maintained facilities and a vibrant restaurant. Amenities include a fitness center and nearby provisioning options.
	Port Canaveral Yacht Club ★ 5.0 The yacht club features friendly staff, welcoming transients with various amenities. Facilities include free laundry, clean bathrooms, and a community atmosphere with regular dinners and social events. Many visitors appreciate the new floating docks and reasonable rates.
	Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor Marina ★ 4.9 A highly friendly staff and clean facilities contribute to visitor satisfaction. The marina's central location provides easy access to downtown shops and restaurants. Amenities include free laundry and nearby car rental services, enhancing convenience for those staying longer.
	Vero Beach City Marina ★ 4.8 The marina features clean facilities, friendly staff, and convenient services such as a free city bus. Several visitors mention a helpful cruising community alongside amenities like showers and a dog park. Mooring challenges were noted, particularly with mooring ball markings.

Show more

Moorings

	John Pennancamp Moorings ★ 5.0 Mooring balls are available at a rate of $30 per night. Careful navigation is advised due to blind corners and shallow depths; maintaining awareness of channel markers is crucial. Come prepared as limited services are offered within the area.
	Loggerhead Park & Mooring Field ★ 5.0 The mooring field accommodates vessels up to 40 feet. Facilities include a dinghy dock, clean restrooms, and security features. Staff are noted for being friendly and helpful, although special attention to tide conditions is required due to shallow areas.
	Lignumvitae State Park Moorings ★ 5.0 Mooring balls at Lignumvitae State Park are in good condition, as noted in multiple reviews. Visitors reported enjoyable stays, protected from northeast winds, easy access to the park, and opportunities for recreational activities such as snorkeling and self-guided tours.
	Vero Beach City Marina Mooring Buoys ★ 4.8 A strong community of sailors contributes to Vero Beach City Marina Mooring Buoys. The location allows easy access to shopping via a free bus system. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and sheltered mooring options.
	St Augustine Municipal - North ★ 4.6 Mooring balls are easily accessible with helpful marina staff. Proximity to the town center is notable, though visitors should be aware of potential noise from tour boats and varying conditions related to wind and current. Facilities including dinghy docks and laundry are well regarded.

Show more

Harbours

No image	Jacksonville Southbank Public Dock ★ 5.0 The dock operates with suitable conditions for vessel mooring. Some reviews indicate challenges with water depth experienced near the dock, especially for boats with deeper drafts. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
	Sisters Creek - Jim King Park ★ 4.6 Strong currents are prevalent at this dock. Visitors should dock at slack tide for easier access and be cautious of a submerged boat marked by a buoy. Free water is available on-site, enhancing the docking experience.
	Boca Chita Key ★ 4.0 Visitors appreciate the strong winds for kitesurfing, making the location favorable for those seeking such conditions. Accommodations include side-tie to the quay wall with a fee of $35 per night. The park can be noisy during weekends due to local boaters.
	Daytona Free Day Dock ★ 4.0 Limited cleats are found on the dock, causing challenges in tying up dinghies. The dock features a playground and picnic area, but access to nearby amenities is restricted. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
	Jacksonville Metropolitan Park Free Dock ★ 3.3 Downtown Jacksonville's dock provides access to amenities like water and a pump-out station. Conditions may include wakes that can shift unsecured items. While some visitors reported encounters with homeless individuals nearby, safety concerns seem mixed, with no reported boarding incidents.

Show more

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Boatyards

No image	Oasis Boatyard and Marina ★ 5.0 Service includes DIY work, living aboard while making repairs, and outside contractors recommended by the owner. Visitors have experienced quick responses for major repairs and dock access. Notably, a 20% surcharge is applied to outside labor services.
	Westland Boatyard & Marina ★ 5.0 Service includes handling repairs such as steering cable issues. Staff are noted for their quick response and reasonable pricing. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
	Cracker Boy Boat Works Inc ★ 4.8 Service includes haul-out options and access to professional contractors for repairs. Multiple reviews highlight the efficiency of work completed in short turnaround times. A variety of shops are available nearby for additional services and supplies.
	Sea Love Boat Works & Marina ★ 4.4 Service for repairs and haul-outs is available, with staff known for being friendly and responsive. Visitors have highlighted staff's willingness to help, with positive remarks about fixing engines quickly. Shower facilities are basic and not geared toward transient boaters.
	Riverside Marina & Heritage Boat Yard ★ 4.3 Services offered include haul-out and storage with good staff interactions. Expedient processes on haul-out were noted, along with easy access to shop supplies. Pricing for storage and services varies, with noted costs for hurricane blocking.
	Saint Augustine Marine Center ★ 3.5 Service includes haul-out, engine installation, and rigging work. Communication issues were noted, with updates lacking throughout the process. While work quality received praise, some visitors expressed disappointment in the service interaction.
	Lauderdale Marine Center ★ 3.0 Navigating to this boat yard can be challenging, with multiple bridge passages required. Some visitors expressed dissatisfaction with rapid slip changes and inadequate facilities. Staff responsiveness varied, and there were concerns about debris and cleanliness during peak events.
No image	Scorpion Marine (Port Canaveral Marine) ★ 3.0 The boat yard offers catamaran haul-out services, and it is the only option in the area. Customers should be aware to make reservations early, especially before hurricane season. Some feedback indicates issues with staff accountability and concerns regarding damage to boats during service.

Show more

Chandlers

	Key West Marine Hardware ★ 5.0 A variety of inventory is available at reasonable prices. For example, plastic hose is priced at $1.60 per foot, significantly lower than the $3.80 per foot charged by another provider. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
	Sailorman New & Used Marine Emporium ★ 5.0 This chandler features an extensive selection of new and used boat parts. Visitors consistently mention the friendly and helpful staff. Prices are noted to be better than a comparable local establishment.
No image	Onboard Marine Goods ★ 5.0 Service includes boat parts procurement in Marathon. Reviews highlight knowledgeable staff and high-quality offerings, particularly in rigging. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
	Stuart Plastics ★ 5.0 Service includes custom fabrications, such as helm dash panels and acrylic pieces. Reviews indicate reasonable pricing, quick service, and helpful staff. Visitors have noted high satisfaction with finished products.
No image	Marine Supply And Oil Company ★ 4.8 A wide selection of marine parts and hardware is available. Staff interactions are reported positively, enhancing the experience for visitors seeking to stock up. It is advisable to go with a parts list, as inventory may not cover every possible need.

Show more

Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in United States of America: