My family and I are going to spend a couple of days in the Dry Tortugas & Marquesas the last week of May. I've read all of the cruising guides and reviewed the archives on this site, but direct communication with someone who has recent local knowledge is always nice to have. Any tips or info on those areas would be appreciated. My boat draws about 5'. It seems that a Northern route from Key West to the Western anchorage on Marquesas as well and a Northern entrance to Dry Tortugas is preferred. We'll also spend a day or 2 on the Norther side of the lower keys at either Marvin Keys or Content Keys. Any information on good anchorages near there would also be appreciated. thanks! Guy
Navigation & Anchorages in Dry Tortugas & Marquesas
- Thread starter Persy
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Ask Brian of BoatBabe Fame
Brian is going there soon and has been there before. In the lounge under boat babe is where he can be found.
Brian is going there soon and has been there before. In the lounge under boat babe is where he can be found.
Dry Tortugas
Most of the navagation is easy as the water is very clear, like in the Carribean islands. If you have searched all the info on line you see the way in to the anchorage at Ft. Jefferson. You will always see boats there so pick a good spot. Stand off the little island off the anchorage as it is a nesting ground and if the wind is right the smell of bird crap will overwhelm you. The only thing I would recommed is to have sattelite radio and if possible the weather set up on your GPS. Just 2 years ago we were there and left just ahead of a storm that we were unaware of as the VHF weather radio does not receive out that far. Several boats were caught in a pretty big squall as no one was really prepared. The Rangers sometimes have a night walk through the fort where you have a great tour and use old fashioned lanterns to see. The Marquesas are easy to spot when you are in the channel and although we usually pass them you can readily see where other boats are anchoring. (5 feet is about the max I am told) If you stop in Key West and leave from there most locals can fill you in on any new developements you would need to know about. It is a great spot but has nothing but scenery and a few souvenirs at the gift shop. The anchorages are crowded since tours arrive daily from all over the SW coast.
Most of the navagation is easy as the water is very clear, like in the Carribean islands. If you have searched all the info on line you see the way in to the anchorage at Ft. Jefferson. You will always see boats there so pick a good spot. Stand off the little island off the anchorage as it is a nesting ground and if the wind is right the smell of bird crap will overwhelm you. The only thing I would recommed is to have sattelite radio and if possible the weather set up on your GPS. Just 2 years ago we were there and left just ahead of a storm that we were unaware of as the VHF weather radio does not receive out that far. Several boats were caught in a pretty big squall as no one was really prepared. The Rangers sometimes have a night walk through the fort where you have a great tour and use old fashioned lanterns to see. The Marquesas are easy to spot when you are in the channel and although we usually pass them you can readily see where other boats are anchoring. (5 feet is about the max I am told) If you stop in Key West and leave from there most locals can fill you in on any new developements you would need to know about. It is a great spot but has nothing but scenery and a few souvenirs at the gift shop. The anchorages are crowded since tours arrive daily from all over the SW coast.
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