Reviews: Fort Jefferson South Beach

Fort Jefferson South Beach

• Lat / Lon: N 24° 37.593' / W 082° 52.598'
• Description:

  Anchor in 7-20 feet of water outside the marked swim buoys off of South Beach, being sure you won't swing into the swim area. This area has sand and coral so pick your spot carefully. During a weeklong stay in April 2021, two intense thunderstorms came through. This area had better holding than Garden Key in front of the fort. Snorkeling or diving in the anchorage is good with many fish and both hard and soft corals. There are also a lot of areas of coral rubble here. It's a short dinghy ride to Fort Jefferson. Note there are two dinghy areas, one before the docks and one after. The one before has lots of stones where the one after is all sand. There is no WiFi or Cellular service anywhere in the Dry Tortugas. Bring a satellite device if you have one. The rangers post weather daily. The gift shop has internet and was willing to look up area weather. They also have a satellite phone should you need one. Boats in the anchorage with satellite weather will often also share reports. It's about a 3 mile dinghy ride to the lighthouse. Dinghy landing is just to the left of the dock on a sandy beach. Bring your snorkel gear and walk across the island for some great snorkeling. Interested in photos, we have several albums. Check out this one and a couple addl ones from days before and after. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.142535701210385&type=3

  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.