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Sunny by day, glittering by night, Florida is irresistible. The 1,350-mile coastline is the longest of any state in the mainland United States, and its unique heritage has had countless influences, with Native American, European, Latino, and African-American cultures among them. From the graceful charm of Fernandina Beach to the casual sassiness of Key West, Florida’s East Coast offers miles of diversity and many facilities for large yachts. In 2016, the regional marine impact for Broward, Palm Beach and Dade counties was $11.5 billion. There are more than 8,000 vessels in the world that are 80-plus feet, and 40 percent of them call Florida’s East Coast their homeport.
Sunny by day, glittering by night, Florida is irresistible. The 1,350-mile coastline is the longest of any state in the mainland United States, and its unique heritage has had countless influences, with Native American, European, Latino, and African-American cultures among them. From the graceful charm of Fernandina Beach to the casual sassiness of Key West, Florida’s East Coast offers miles of diversity and many facilities for large yachts. In 2016, the regional marine impact for Broward, Palm Beach and Dade counties was $11.5 billion. There are more than 8,000 vessels in the world that are 80-plus feet, and 40 percent of them call Florida’s East Coast their homeport.
St. Augustine, known as the Ancient City, is the oldest settlement of European explorers in what became the United States. It is also one of the most charming historic cities as well. Camachee Cove Marina is a very well protected marina with floating piers and a first class service yard on the property.
The self-proclaimed “Gateway to the Sea,” Port Canaveral is a primary stop for travelers entering or exiting the ICW or the Atlantic Ocean. Port Canaveral is located on central Florida’s Space Coast, which has a wide variety of things to do and see. As the name indicates, much of the activity revolves around the exploration of space. Don’t miss stopping at Kennedy Space Center to take in the Astronaut Hall of Fame. The Rocket Garden is also a must see! Climb inside the historic spacecrafts and capsules on display. Many visitors stop by the Cove Market Place, Port Canaveral’s entertainment, retail and restaurant hub. The open-air village offers an assortment of restaurants, locally made knick-knacks from local artists and craftsmen and a casino ship. Port Canaveral has an array of recreational options in its public parks. Jetty Park, located at the mouth of the Port Canaveral Inlet, has more than four acres of family beaches with designated areas for swimming and surfing and year-round lifeguards. It’s also a popular spot for watching shuttle launches. Cape Marina can accommodate vessels up to 140 feet and offers a fuel dock, full service repairs, a pool and a game room.
Located on Florida’s Gold Coast at MM 21, The Club at Admirals Cove Marina is a beautifully manicured Golf and Country Club just two miles south of the Jupiter Inlet. It is the perfect spot for a permanent residence or a brief stay for boaters traveling along the ICW. Visiting boaters can easily re-provision at the on-site general store, which sells gourmet food, cheeses, meats, wines and baked goods, along with ship store items. And you will not be bored by the sheer amount of activities and amenities offered at the club. There are three nine-hole golf courses plus an 18-hole course, all with pristinely manicure lawns. The community has a fitness center with exercise classes daily, the Bluewater Spa & Salon, tennis courts, and physical therapy facilities.
Bahia Mar is the ultimate Marina destination in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The property features restaurants, shops, swimming pool, tennis and is directly across the street from a pristine sand beach along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. The marina offers 250 slips capable of handling vessels up to 300 feet along it’s 3,000 foot parallel dock and more than 5,000 feet of floating docks. This facility offers High Speed fueling, free WiFi, cable television, in-slip sanitary pump-out, a marine store and dive shop.
A collection of urban districts, charming beach villages, and unique ethnic neighborhoods, Miami Beach has an international flavor all its own. The Design District sports more than 130 art galleries, antique dealers, high-end restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops. The stand-out Wolfsonian-FIU Museum displays 180,000 objects from the 1850s to the 1950s. The area is showcased during Art Deco weekend in January. No one will go hungry in Miami Beach. Among the myriad amazing options are Taquiza, serving handmade torillas; Lure Fishbar, with oysters and butter-poached lobster; Otentic Fresh Food, for French fare in an intimate setting; and Sunset Harbour’s gastropub, Pubbelly. Miami Beach Marina has 400 slips for vessels up to 250 feet with a 12-foot dock depth.
Just an hour south of Miami Beach lies Key Largo, the key made famous by Humphrey Bogart. Although most scenes were shot in a Hollywood studio, the background was filmed on location. Key Largo is home to John Pennecamp State Park, which has great diving opportunities. To the west is Everglades National Park and to the east is the only living coral barrier reef in the mainland U.S. Ocean Reef Club located in Key Largo, is a sophisticated private facility dedicated to boating, birding and golfing. The member-only marina has 175 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 175 feet and up to a 9-foot dock depth
Located in the Florida Keys near Islamorada, Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina provides 83 slips for yachts up to 80 feet. Visiting boaters have access to the facilities and activities at the adjacent Founders Park in addition to the marina’s prime location and outstanding customer service.
The Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club offers 74-slips at its two marina basins, east and west. The west basin has slips for vessels from 50 to 120 feet, while the east basin accommodates vessels from 35 to 60 feet. The marina also features pump-out from the dock, Valvtect fuel, shower and restroom facilities, a private captains lounge, 24-hour security, concierge services, WiFi, a fitness center and a marina swimming pool. Lighthouse Grill, the onsite restaurant, serves a delicious array of seafood dishes for both lunch and dinner. Dine indoors or outside, where the Veranda Bar has picturesque views over the gulf. And if you don’t feel like leaving your boat, the resort offers a dockside service of ‘docktails.’ While in Marathon, don’t forget to swing by Keys Fisheries to sample their famous Lobster Reuben. Other adventures include renting a bicycle to cycle to Pigeon Key, and visiting the Dolphin Research Center or the Turtle Hospital. Another fun place to visit is the just-opened, interactive Aquarium Encounters facility, which puts you up close and personal with local marine life.
In Key West, Conch Harbor Marina located in the historic “bight” area, accepts vessels up to 185 feet with a 10-foot dock depth, plus there’s a West Marine store on-site. Begin the day savoring a cafe Cubano or cafe con leche, before visiting the Ernest Hemingway House, the Truman Little White House and the Butterfly Conservatory, or just bicycle around. Seafood and Latin-inspired cuisine abound at Santiago’s Bodega, Garbo’s Grill, and El Siboney. After dinner, indulge at the dark and mysterious Better Than Sex for dessert and wine served in a chocolate- dipped glass. From midday until late at night, live music drifts out of the myriad saloons and breezy waterfront bars on Duval Street.
