Canaveral Locks - West

• Location: Canaveral Barge Canal
• Mile Marker: 894.1
• Lat / Lon: N 28° 24.503' / W 080° 38.484'
• Depth: 6 - 8
• Description:

  Serves as an ideal 'wait' spot for eastbound lockage, or overnighting after a long day on the ocean and when you're headed west to pick up the AICW. The area is well protected from easterly and northern winds. Open to south westerlies. Excellent holding in sand/mud. Anchor comes up clean. Six to eight feet of water. There is a shoal (~four/five feet of water) extending northward from the SR 528 Causeway which is best avoided by entering the anchorage on it's northside, paralleling the Canaveral Lock's fender wall. One of our favorite anchorages for watching rocket launches. This spot is especially good for SpaceX launches when the booster is doing a 'fly back' landing at their Cape Canaveral Landing Zones. It's proximity to our marina makes it ideal for quick runs out with guests to sit on the hook for relaxing launches/diners.

  NOTE: Per Florida Statute 327.4109

  The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure may not anchor or moor such that the nearest approach of the anchored or moored vessel or floating structure is:

  1. Within 150 feet of any marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other vessel launching or loading facility;
  2. Within 300 feet of a superyacht repair facility. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "superyacht repair facility" means a facility that services or repairs a yacht with a water line of 120 feet or more in length; or
  3. Within 100 feet outward from the marked boundary of a public mooring field or a lesser distance if approved by the commission upon request of a local government within which the mooring field is located. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subparagraph.

  DISCLAIMER: The laws and regulations governing anchoring in Florida waters are complex and everchanging. If you plan to anchor, whether overnight or for an extended period, you should confirm whether you are in compliance with local and state requirements before committing to a location. Two sources of information that may be helpful are the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida State Statutes.