We've done lots of anchoring in the keys over the last winter and spring. We had our labradoodle with us for the entire time.
I'll just give you from Key Largo to Islamorada, on the Gulf side.
Our boats are well-suited for the Gulf side, as we can get into and anchor in many shallow draft places that others cannot.
Here are a few good stops:
As mentioned, PenneKamp is a great place. Mooring balls for $25 and Slips for $50. Get water, pump out, garbage and walk the dog. The marina crew are very nice and very flexible. You can walk to the farmstand, west marine or Uber any place. You can also refill propane at Holiday RV and Marine ($10 Uber ride).
Anchorages:
In front of Carribean Club and or Captain Jacks, just north of Marvin Adams Waterway (this is the canal that connects Key Largo Sound to the Gulf. There is one bridge that we had to drop our mast for (We have a 31CB). Anchor and dink in to walk the dog. Or, tie up to dock and get a drink and walk the dog. Most places allow the pooch.
Going South, Tarpon Basin is a good anchorage with a public ramp and place to tie your dink.
You can go further into the Gulf to an Island called Nest Key. Great little island with a nice beach. Sign says no dogs, but No way to enforce. There were plenty!
Further south, Community Harbor is a nice safe Basin to anchor in with a marina that has a dingy dock. Nobody seemed to mind when we came in, tied up and had the dog.
Further south is Cowpens. Not very well protected, other than from the east. You can anchor and run the dink in to the dinghy doc. This is a public marina called Plantation Marina. There are baseball fields and lots of greenspaces.
Continue a little more south to Snake River. There is a marina near the bridge to get fuel, bait and walk your dog.
A little further soutb is Little Basin. You can anchor here. Very well protected. You can dinghy into Bass Pro shops. They have a great bar on the water. They allow dogs. You can walk the pooch there, too.
From Little Basin you can also dink over to Larelie (sp) great sunset place. Good for drinks, dinner or breakfast. Very dog friendly.
There are lots more places, too! PM me if you want to talk.
And remember, most eateries on the water will allow you to bring your dog. Good opportunity to walk the dog and have a cocktail. Big upside to getting drinks in the Keys is that you generally get a very good pour ; )
We are heading back down for a few weeks this winter. Probably first two weeks after January 1. And Maybe the week before Christmas, if I'm lucky.
Cheers!
Bobby
