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.
	Newfound harbour ★ 5.0 This anchorage is well protected, making it suitable for peaceful stays. Depths can be shallow, particularly outside the channel, but total depths of 5-6 feet were reported. Clean water and a muddy/grassy bottom allow for secure anchoring.
	Blount Island ★ 4.8 Blount Island offers good holding in a well-protected anchorage with depths sufficient for larger vessels. Several visitors appreciated the helpful local family's hospitality, with options for grocery deliveries and assistance with shore access. Regular encounters with marine life, including dolphins and manatees, enhance the experience.
	St Augustine South of Mooring Field ★ 4.8 The anchorage provides access to clean facilities and a regular shuttle service. Visitors appreciate the proximity to dining options. Several note that a boat is needed for provisioning, requiring Uber for grocery access.
	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.
	Little Tiger Island ★ 4.7 Calm and spacious anchorage with good holding capabilities. Visitors mentioned easy access to the marina and saw dolphins frequently. While the smell from nearby factories was noted, amenities on shore appear to be cruiser-friendly.
	No Name Harbor ★ 4.5 The anchorage provides good holding and protection from winds. It is relatively busy on weekends, with amenities such as nearby grocery and hardware stores easily accessible via a free ride service. Many visitors enjoyed the scenic location and proximity to walking trails.

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Marinas

	Harbortown Marina-Fort Pierce ★ 5.0 New floating docks enhance the experience at Harbortown Marina. Visitors appreciate the attentive staff and well-maintained facilities, including a good restaurant with live music. Strong support for transient cruisers is noted, particularly for assistance with various issues.
	Port Canaveral Yacht Club ★ 5.0 Transient slips are available and the yacht club welcomes visitors warmly. Facilities include clean bathrooms, free laundry, and a member-run tiki bar. Various activities are offered, enhancing the overall experience.
	Palm Cove Marina ★ 5.0 The marina features new floating docks and friendly staff. Visitors mention various nearby amenities including Publix and West Marine, making it accessible for those staying. Reasonable monthly rates are highlighted for those needing extended stays.
	Vero Beach City Marina ★ 4.9 Accommodating staff and clean facilities are highlighted by visitors. Free bus service and convenient access to supplies contribute positively to the experience. Complaints about mooring ball markings were noted but do not overshadow the overall community appeal.
	Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor Marina ★ 4.9 Visitors highlight the friendly staff and convenient location near downtown Fernandina, offering easy access to shops and restaurants. The marina features clean facilities, including showers and laundry. Support for mooring is also noted, as is the newly remodeled structure.

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Moorings

	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 Mooring buoys offer a protected and conveniently located facility with helpful staff. The marina is well-regarded for its active cruising community, and access to public transport around Vero Beach enhances the experience. Laundry and shower facilities add to its appeal.
	Marathon City Marina ★ 4.8 The marina features a strong community atmosphere and friendly staff. Facilities like clean restrooms, showers, and access to a laundry area enhance the visitor experience. The availability of mooring balls is noted positively, providing reasonable accommodations for transient boaters.
	St Augustine Municipal - North ★ 4.7 Mooring balls are available, providing access to nearby attractions and amenities. Reviews highlight strong currents and noise from passing tour boats. Facilities, including well-maintained showers and a dinghy dock, receive positive remarks from multiple visitors.

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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.

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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 at Oasis Boatyard includes accommodation for DIY projects and a commitment to cleanliness. The owner, John, is noted for his proactive support during repairs, including emergency services. Visitors mention friendly interactions with dogs on-site and access to necessary facilities.
	Westland Boatyard & Marina ★ 5.0 A well-run DIY boatyard operates with reasonable prices. Visitors highlight the excellent staff and services, noting prompt repairs and accommodating service to meet their needs. Positive interactions with local businesses enhance the experience at this facility.
	Safe Harbor ★ 5.0 Amenities at this boat yard include a restaurant and a modern laundry facility. A courtesy van provides transport to various city locations. A new mega dock allows easy fuel access while the shower facilities are described as decent.
	Buddy’s Yard ★ 5.0 The yard provides a straightforward channel for access, with a minimum depth of 2.5 meters. Antonio and his team efficiently handle onboard work and offer a clean environment with basic facilities. Various nearby services enhance convenience for visitors.
	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 Haul-out services are available at Riverside Marina & Heritage Boat Yard. Reviews highlight prompt staff responsiveness and positive experiences, particularly with specific personnel like Sally and Sue. Visitors have reported smooth operations during the haul-out process.
	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.
No image	Scorpion Marine (Port Canaveral Marine) ★ 3.3 Scorpion Marine handles catamaran haul-outs and is recommended for coppercoat bottom painting. Visitors report a range of experiences, with some highlighting professional interactions, while others experienced issues with staff accountability. Make reservations early due to high demand during hurricane season.
	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.

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Chandlers

	Key West Marine Hardware ★ 5.0 A wide range of inventory is available. Staff are reported to be helpful. The shop is closed on Sundays.
	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.

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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: