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Pensacola Beach

Location: Santa Rosa Sound
Lat / Lon: N 30° 21.300' / W 087° 02.257'
Depth: 8+
Description:
Plenty of water and room for multiple boats. Bottom is hard and anchor slid some but dug in when I backed down. The anchorage is not well protected and it should be used in light winds. Easy access to shore and a short walk over the dunes to the beach.
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.
DISCLAIMER: The laws and regulations governing anchoring in Florida waters are complex and everchanging. If you plan to anchor, whether overnight or for an extended period, you should confirm whether you are in compliance with local and state requirements before committing to a location. Two sources of information that may be helpful are the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida State Statutes.

Holding:

4.00

Hard bottom, can be a little tough to get set

Wind Protection:

4.00

Current Flow:

5.00

Wake Protection:

4.00

Scenic Beauty:

5.00

Ease of Shopping:

2.00

Shore Access:

4.00

Yes

Cell Service:

4.00

Review for Pensacola Beach

Reviewed by: David Dix on May 30, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 28'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

2

Shore Access:

4

Cell Service:

4

This is a nice anchorage if you like quiet, scenic, and somewhat secluded. Protection is pretty good from SW, S, or SE. The wind was from the SW and blew 10 to 15 nearly the entire two days I was there. The anchor held great and came up clean.
Getting in close to the shore required following the GPS to stay in deep water and watch the depth sounder. I simply followed my track when leaving.
If you go to shore you can cross over to the gulf side where there is great beach access and not too crowded.
There are lots of places to explore on the sound side all around Big Sabine point. I will be coming back, because I didn't get to see everything.
This spot probably wouldn't be comfortable in a strong north wind, as there is no protection.
Overall, this is an excellent anchorage.

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