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Sands Key (Inner)

Location: Biscayne Bay
Mile Marker: Mile 1108
Lat / Lon: N 25° 30.564' / W 080° 10.959'
Depth: 8 to 9 feet
Description:
The approach can be a little tricky (4-foot depths), and you might have to wait for high tide to either enter or exit.
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:

5.00

Excellent, Grassy, Mud

Wind Protection:

4.00

All Around

Current Flow:

4.00

Wake Protection:

4.00

All Around

Scenic Beauty:

5.00

Ease of Shopping:

1.00

Shore Access:

1.00

Cell Service:

2.00

Review for Sands Key (Inner)

Reviewed by: Jonathon Lever on Jan 7, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

1

Cell Service:

2

Stayed here for a few nights around New Years 2025. Be careful on the approach as the depths can get shallow. Once you get into the anchorage, look for sandy spots to set your anchor.

There were not a lot of other boaters here, which was really nice. Absolutely beautiful place to stay. When the wind is from the westerly directions, there's not much protection, but there's some from the east. You can see Boca Chita Key from here, easy to dinghy over to it, but it's $25 to dock there. Plus the lighthouse is closed for renovations.

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