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Blue Heron Cove

Location: Gasparilla Sound
Mile Marker: GIWW 37.3
Lat / Lon: N 26° 51.069' / W 082° 17.827'
Description:
Good anchorage with minimum 9' depth MLW just off the GICW at Green 35 with good wind protection in all directions and good swing room.
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.

Holding:

5.00

Holding excellent in a minimum of 9' of water

Wind Protection:

4.00

Current Flow:

4.00

Wake Protection:

4.00

Scenic Beauty:

4.00

Ease of Shopping:

1.00

Shore Access:

4.00

Shore access to civilization is not nearby. Shore access to Don Pedro State Park and the beach is just across the GICW from the anchorage

Pet Friendly:

3.00

Cell Service:

3.00

Review for Blue Heron Cove

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel, Contributing Editor on Mar 10, 2022
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

4

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

4

Pet Friendly:

3

Cell Service:

3

At Green 35 turn east off the GIWW and come directly into the cove in no less than 10' MLW. Circle to the north to find no less than 9' MLW of water to anchor with good holding in mud with good wind protections from all directions. You are anchored in front of private homes so be considerate and stay a respectful distance from shore and refrain from loud music. (There is enough of that coming from some of the boats on the GIWW.) Properly planned there is room for two 40' boats in this pocket. The anchorage is in a No Wake Zone on the waterway so, in theory, there should be no issue with wakes. We experienced one minor incident in the afternoon but nothing after that. Boat traffic dies off after dark and we spent a quiet night. On deck in the evening we could hear the waves breaking on the beach at Don Diego Park.

The anchorage is right across the waterway from the dinghy access to Don Pedro State Park Beach. Go south 200 yards from G35 and turn west into the dinghy channel that takes you to the day dock for the beach. Depth in channel is reported to be 2.5'. Dogs are allowed in the park but not on the beach. We could not find a convenient public landing on the shore side for access to shops. Cell service was adequate with ATT having 1 bar 5G, T-Mobile 3 bars 5G, and Verizon having 2 bars service.

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