Matanzas Inlet/Summer Haven area

[Dougcole]

Hi All,


A friend of our recently bought and restored an historic home on the water on the Summer Haven River, a little south of Matanzas inlet. He is not a boater, so doesn't know a lot about the water in that area, but has invited us to come stay with them. We are considering making a cruise out of it, coming up on the boat from Stuart.


He knows he doesn't have enough water for us at his dock on low tide but not much else. I looked on active captain, and it appears there is a good anchorage just north of the inlet, but there are no soundings south of it.


I'm wondering if there is anywhere to anchor in the creek just east of Rattlesnake Island and west of what I think is called Summer Haven?


We draw 3' 8" and I'm comfortable squeezing into shallow water. Any local knowledge would be appreciated.


Thanks,


Doug

 

[caltexflanc]

Used to be a nice anchorage right off the historic Fort Matanzas. I know there have been some issues with the ICW there in recent years. Hopefully some locals will chime in, and you could call your towing company for advice as well.

 

[Blissboat]

I can vouch for the anchorage just north of the inlet and east of Ft. Matanzas. You do want to be alert to the strong tidal current, especially on the ebb. Your most reliable plan for visiting your friends by boat would be to anchor up there, and dinghy the rest of the short distance to their dock.

As you move south toward the inlet itself, the bottom contours are prone to change, which is likely why no one bothers trying to chart the depths. In the most recent satellite view, you'll notice that none of the docks in the so-called Summer Haven River are graced by boats of any size. In fact, most are empty, for which there is probably a good reason.

Like you, I am comfortable with nosing into shallow pockets, which can result in a lovely private anchorage. Just don't go boldly exploring on a high tide!

 

[High Wire]

Marineland Marina looks reasonable. Don't know anything about it.

 

[Blissboat]

Marineland is a cool place. Excellent docks, Saturday morning market, and the dolphin shows right across the road. Not much else nearby, though.