Reviews from Markus (4)

Anchorage Review for Punta Blanca North Cove

Reviewed by: Markus on Sep 10, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Anchoring here was straightforward. The bottom is sandy with solid holding, and there's no noticeable current. Room for several boats without crowding. The area is surrounded by low shrubs and mangroves, which help block wind from the north and east. If you go all the way into the northern corner, you'll get some cover from westerlies too. We came in from the north using Navionics SonarCharts, which matched the actual depths well. The shoals near the entrance are well captured in the charts, but you need to hug the western shore pretty closely to avoid trouble. Since the anchorage is tucked at the far end of the cove, there's no traffic and no wakes. It's quiet, with no noise from nearby activity.

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Anchorage Review for Emerson Point Anchorage West

Reviewed by: Markus on Sep 10, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Wide anchorage with plenty of space that can hold several boats without crowding. Entry from the bay is straightforward, with no tricky turns or narrow channels. Mostly sand bottom seems to hold well in most conditions; anchor comes up clean. Northerly winds are blocked by the surrounding land, so boats stay fairly steady. Westerly winds can push a swell into the anchorage. Passing boats create some chop during the day, but that usually settles down by evening. The current does swing boats around, often a full 180 degrees, although it's light and doesn't cause much trouble. Overall, a good spot for a day or overnight with decent shelter and dependable holding.

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Marina Review for Crow's Nest Marina & Restaurant

Reviewed by: Markus on Sep 10, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The marina's location by the inlet is ideal for quick access to both the ocean and the ICW, and the fuel dock is right next to the slips. Docks are in good shape, fixed along a concrete wall, so careful tie-up is important. Bathrooms are nearby in the restaurant building and kept clean. Staff are consistently friendly and helpful. However, the site is exposed to any wind with a northerly component, which brings in a strong swell, not suitable for rough weather. Passing boat traffic adds wake, so it's not the calmest spot. Best for short stays in fair conditions.

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Marina Review for The Harborage at Waterview Marinas

Reviewed by: Markus on Aug 5, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed at Harborage Marina for about a year and still consider it one of the best. The staff is fantastic — always responsive, very experienced, and on top of things. Great communication, not only during storms and when there're any issues but also with their weekly activity news.

The floating concrete docks are super solid with tall steel pilings — our boat made it through Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton here without a scratch. Good protection from northerly, westerly, and southerly winds, with taller buildings to the north and south. The breakwall provides decent protection from swell coming in from the bay. Just check the dock cleats — some of the wood trim under the docks can be soft. But report it and the staff fixes it as soon as possible.

You get your own private bathroom on the breakwall side—shower, toilet, sink. But there are only two, so you might have to wait during busy times. They are clean and functional, just a bit dated—could definitely use a refresh.

Pool at the main entrance is nice and clean and a good spot to connect with other marina residents.

The liveaboard community is the best part — friendly, down-to-earth people who always look out for each other. Island Packet Yachts commissions boats here, so you see a lot of IPs and their techs on the docks — we found them always super helpful and willing to help.

This place felt like home, with solid infrastructure and even better people. Missing it.

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