Question for you S. Fla people

[Jaxfishgyd]

Have a couple (Jackie and Ben) who will be leaving here to make their trip to the Tampa area in about 2 weeks. He's 33 and she's a bit younger....

They plan on going down to Key West before making the trip up the West coast and asked me what marinas they should stop at while cruising the East coast and the Keys.

They want "fun" places and/or "must stop at" marinas, be it tiki bars, resturants or whatever.

Plus they plan on spending a week or so in Miami visiting friends. So Pascal, Ang and Ed, where would the best place for them to stay? They have bikes so will be using them for transportation....

Also they are VERY NEW to boating but have caught on quickly. I have gone with them a couple of times and they are a joy to be around.

They are liveaboards ( 35' Cruiser Yacht) along with 3 dogs and a cat !! Both are RN's and he is about to finish his training to become a ,a, a, hell, I can't spell it, the dude that gives you the meds to knock you out for the operation.........

Know it starts with an A..... anithesiologist......... It stinks not being able to spell....

 

[Pascal]

for "action ", miami beach marina is probably best... although here Diner Key has a mini more normal miami beach within walking distance.

further south, an overnight stop at Eliot key, on the hook, is a must, nice clear water... Key largo for snorkeling/diving, many marinas, not sure which is best.

Holliday isle is closed now, i think, being converted into a condo/resort.

I like Plantation Yach Harbor in islamorada, but a quiet, family setting.

Marathon ? there are few marinas, last stop before KW, Faro Blanco bay side is pretty nice.

tell them to run on the inside till marathon, easy and much nicer/more scenic

 

[Angela]

In addition to what Pascal recommended, there is Bayside ("Miamarina"), a City of Miami marina. The dockmaster there is Juan. There is some nightlife there and the tourists seem to gather there. Most of the locals have a "been there, done that" attitude about it, but it is a very busy place with lots of restaurants, live entertainment and shopping. It's is right at the water's edge of downtown Miami and gives a fairly close up view of the big cruise ships.

Dinner Key over where Pascal is also gives a similar experience, but the happening places are not all right at the marina like Bayside is. There are pros and cons to that. Bayside will be more noisy at night than Dinner Key is. The locals seem to prefer Coconut Grove (where Dinner Key is) over Bayside. The tourists, mostly cruise ship goers, flock to Bayside.

As much as I'd like to recommend my marina, we're located on an island and you need a car to go anywhere except for the one restaurant on the premises, Rusty Pelican. My marina doesn't sound like what they are seeking. We do have a breathtaking view of the Miami skyline - you can't get that anywhere else.

Miami Beach is going to be VERY expensive.

Charlie....it's anesthesiologist or perhaps a nurse anesthetist.

 

[skrmetta90]

I thought i posted this earlier but it apparently didn't make it to the thread. I also would recommend Miami Beach Marina. I work right next to Bayside and it has alot to offer tourists, but downtown can be sketchy at night and traffic is horrible during the day. I say this because your friends have bikes, which riding a bike doesn't go well with either of the above!!!!! I think riding a bike over on the beach side would be more appealing, plus Monty's is an awesome bar in the harbor. If they'll leave the bikes on the boat then by all means consider Bayside, it has alot more to offer in the harbor than miami beach. On down South a little past elliot key is a place called gilberts. I would recommend a stop here, awesome tiki bar with great booze, weekend live entertainment, and a raw bar. Good anchorage too. Kind of tricky with skinny water around the featherbeds, but a good GPS should take care of it. I apologize if my previous post made it to the thread and i'm sitting here repeating myself. I do sometimes like to hear myself talk

Oh, and i love the brunch at the Rusty Pelican Angela. We always try to get there as early as possible on Sundays!

 

[Paul45c]

I'm not sure if they're looking for recommendations right at Key West, too, nor how far up the east coast, but here's what I'd say based on firsthand experience.

Key West - loved the City Marina just about 4 blocks away from Duval Street in the deepwater part of town -- not to be confused with Garrison Bight, which really can only accommodate shoal-drafters. Great location, not too pricey, and pretty.

Islamorada -- I'd second Pascal's recommendation on Plantation Yacht Harbor. Great sunsets, very nice marina staff, fuel dock right there, nice pool and little beach, etc. Holiday Isle is still open (the condo development project fell through, I heard), but it'd be way too noisy for me to stay at. Drunks chucking beer bottles at your boat @ 2AM is more action than I need, and I've heard stories.

Miami/Miami Beach -- don't have experience anywhere other than Miami Beach Marina, but that one's first class and close to fun stuff on SoBe.

Ft. Lauderdale -- for a first time, I'd have to say Bahia Mar. There are a lot of choices in and around the general area, but no location can beat Bahia Mar. Impossible not to have a good time there.

Palm Beach -- Sailfish Marina on Singer Island. Really scenic spot, but Singer is quiet. Sailfish is all the activity on that island, but you're not far at all from West Palm. Secure marina, great views, beautiful clear water with a fresh current keeping it clean. Fishing is great off of Palm Beach at times, too.

Hope this helps.

 

[hyperfishing]

Gilberts IS awesome. Nothing like a great band playing YOUR favorite classic rock tunes under the palm trees at night. Look for the 18 foot croc that swims past the Anchorage resort around 11PM, and another smaller one that follows it. Oh yeah, don't swim in the ocean there! The Anchorage resort is just a walk across the bridge from Gilberts, has a great pool and whirlpool overlooking the marina. Usually moorage at the Anchorage resort is no problem, have stayed there twice and loved it. Walked over to Gilberts at night.

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

Thanks all, I printed out the replies and gave them to Ben.

I was born/raised in S.Fl but it's been a few years since I've been down there.

Sailfish marina is a neat place, but with what little training they have, would not want them to tackle the current.

Is Rivera Beach marina still there? Last time I was down we stopped there, loved the armed guards and the fact a taxi would do a "drive by" before stopping to pick you up.

Looks like they plan on leaving next week so will keep you updated... Probably not as exciting as the Bird's trip though....

 

[Wayne]

I second the City Marina at Key West. The actual name is Key West Bight Marina 1-305-296-3838. Besides great location you have the pool at Dante's which you can use. Everything is walking distance from your slip.

 

[Captned]

Miami Beach Marina is nice but bring your wallet and make sure it is full!

If you need Fuel in the Miami area, call Peterson fuel barge, you can meet them out in the bay and fill up at a great price. - (305) 785 6834. (Carlos)

Cheers,

Captned
Miami Beach Marina

 

[Imthebeachgirl]

Hey Charlie, Riviera Beach Marina is still there and still not the best of neighboorhoods to be in. Spoke to a guy on the L/A forum who lives in the marina, and he said they do have a great tiki bar and live entertainment on weekends, but watch your back when you go out past the gated areas....

Cheers, Laurie