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Big Marco River

Location: Marco Island
Mile Marker: Mile 43 - Florida West Coast I
Lat / Lon: N 25° 58.425' / W 081° 43.510'
Depth: 10-12 Feet
Description:
Anchor to the northwest of flashing green 15. This is fairly exposed; expect wakes.
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.

4.00

(3)

4.00 out of 5 stars

Holding:

4.67

Good, Sandy Mud

Wind Protection:

3.33

Somewhat Exposed West, Southeast and Wakes

Current Flow:

2.33

Wake Protection:

3.67

Somewhat Exposed West, Southeast and Wakes

Scenic Beauty:

3.33

Ease of Shopping:

4.00

Shore Access:

4.67

Pet Friendly:

3.00

Cell Service:

4.67

Review for Big Marco River

Reviewed by: Robert Herrera, Salty Rims, on Sep 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.5'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

3

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

4

Shore Access:

5

Cell Service:

5

Easy anchorage great holding. Very open space no other boats on anchor. If outdoors after sunset mosquitoes are a nuisance. Northerly Wind protection

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Review for Big Marco River

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

2

Wake Protection:

3

Scenic Beauty:

3

Shore Access:

4

Cell Service:

4

Holding here was very good, the bottom being a muddy sand with some small shell. Mantus set quickly and securely and held well, although it was not really tested. We lay to the current and so had to rod a wind scoop sideways to deliver three light breeze through the forward hatch. The mosquitoes were sufficiently ferocious, necessitating the cockpit be abandoned just after sunset.

There's no wake protection to speak of, but it is an idle speed zone which most people observe, so despite a fair amount of traffic, there's little rocking.

We did not go ashore this trip, but there is a dinghy dock behind a pizza joint, The SpeakEasy (25.9564021, -81.7209223), which puts you next door to a Walgreen's, which is kitty-corner to a Publix with a WestMarine next door. In the same shopping center is a Publix Liquor store, completing the Cruiser's Trifecta.

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Review for Big Marco River

Reviewed by: Michael Praizner on Feb 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 34'
Draft: 4.6'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

2

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

4

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

3

Cell Service:

5

This is a good anchorage I have used in Marco Island several times while heading back and forth to the Keys. The holding is excellent despite a fairly strong current, which can cause the boat to point in opposition to the wind. Despite being close to the entrance channel there is little wake. There is a dinghy dock directly across the channel at the Snook Inn, which has excellent food and live music. There is a grocery store within walking distance.

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