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Barley Basin (North)

Location: Florida Bay
Mile Marker: 1160.0
Lat / Lon: N 24° 56.026' / W 080° 37.577'
Depth: 6 - 7
Description:
Most boats anchor close to Lorelei's on the west end of the basin. However, if you want to get away from others, reduce boat wakes, and kayak through some beautiful shallows, this is a good spot. This anchorage will also provide some protection from northeasterlies. All are private homes here and access to shore is only at opposite end of the basin. This spot does bring you closer to a dinghy ride out to Islamorada sandbar.
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.

Holding:

4.00

Wind Protection:

3.50

Current Flow:

3.50

Wake Protection:

3.00

Scenic Beauty:

3.50

Ease of Shopping:

2.00

Shore Access:

2.50

Pet Friendly:

3.00

Cell Service:

3.50

WiFi:

1.00

Review for Barley Basin (North)

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

3

Scenic Beauty:

4

Shore Access:

3

Cell Service:

4

With moderate NE wind 12-18 predicted we anchored in the NE corner of the harbor in heavy, sticky clay. There a dozen or so flats boats that came through on plane each day, so wakes were minimal; this end is not much of a thoroughfare.

Although the Publix was only about a quarter mile away as the crow flies, there is no shore access east of Lorelei's (see marker for Islamorada Yacht Basin), so getting to the grocery was a mile dinghy ride to the southwest, followed by a mile-and-a-half walk up US 1.

There are two other options for shore access (both free): Library Beach Park and Blackwood Drive Ramp. These are both SW of Lorelei's and this more people—including liveaboards and permanent moorings—are at the southwest end of the harbor.

All in all this was a quiet, pleasant anchorage, particularly with winds from NE to SW. It may provide decent protection from west winds as well.

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Review for Barley Basin (North)

Reviewed by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Overall Rating:

3

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

3

Wake Protection:

3

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

2

Shore Access:

2

Pet Friendly:

3

Cell Service:

3

WiFi:

1

It is a long dinghy ride and super dark if you don't back in time. We did have enough light pollution to see the small islands. Definitely stay one cove south if you are planning on going to shore.

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