Ski Island Pocket

• Location: Banana River North
• Lat / Lon: N 28° 24.749' / W 080° 38.173'
• Depth: 10+
• Tide: 4
• Description:

  (The name comes from Active Captain.) This anchorage is in a pocket of deep water north of the Canaveral Lock and Canal. It's a little tricky to get into. Head north in the north/south channel until you get to Green 13A. Then head due east, south of the little island there but north of the big white sign. We never saw less than 7 feet on that track, but did see as low as 3 feet south of the sign (on our first attempted approach). Once past the island, head southeast and the water deepens to 10 to 12 feet. We anchored there in about 9 feet of water with three sailboats. There is virtually no current or tide change and this spot is very protected from wind from the south and east. Very close to the cruise ship terminals; the happy music played on the Disney ship before departure can be annoying but none of the ships spend the night. Very quiet overnight. We woke to glassy smooth water and four new cruise ships that had arrived silently between 4 AM and dawn.

  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.