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Vilano Beach ICW

Location: Tolomato River
Mile Marker: 775.8
Lat / Lon: N 29° 54.977' / W 081° 18.186'
Depth: 10+
Tide: 5
Description:
Good holding in sand to West of ICW channel and south of Usina bridge. No Wake zone.
CAUTION: Significant shoaling extends from shore if you anchor further south near the boat ramp.
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.

3.25

(4)

3.25 out of 5 stars

Holding:

3.67

Good in sand in 15 to 20 feet. Good wind protection from all sides except South.

Wind Protection:

3.67

Current Flow:

2.00

Wake Protection:

1.25

Scenic Beauty:

2.33

Ease of Shopping:

5.00

Shore Access:

5.00

Yes, to free Vilano Beach city dock to east. Publix supermarket and restaurants within 1/4 mile walk.

Pet Friendly:

4.50

Cell Service:

4.33

WiFi:

4.00

Review for Vilano Beach ICW

Reviewed by: Will McCullough on Dec 19, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

Overall Rating:

3

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

1

Wake Protection:

1

Scenic Beauty:

1

Ease of Shopping:

5

Shore Access:

5

Cell Service:

5

The saving grace of this anchorage is the proximity to the town fishing pier. Other than that it is very loud with music and party boats. It is also alarming shallow with shoals in many places. Lots of boats here though and the holding is good. Probably a good party going on on shore.
- WG Editor Comment:
  
  Shoaling extends from shore if you anchor further south near the boat ramp.
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Review for Vilano Beach ICW

Reviewed by: Scott Gregory, My Happiness, on Sep 10, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

3

Holding:

3

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

3

Wake Protection:

2

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

5

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

4

WiFi:

4

On March 25, 24 we anchored at 29°11'47.5"N 81°00'16.9"W. We had a very hard time getting our anchor to set here. It took three times, then we dragged a few hours later and had to reset it at 10:00 pm. It is close the Vilano Beach free dock that provided easy access to town and shopping. We didn't have a lot of boats on this side of the bridge. Wind protection was just OK and we had wakes from passing boats..

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Review for Vilano Beach ICW

Reviewed by: John Irvine, Ooga Chaka, on Jun 4, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.6'

Overall Rating:

3

Current Flow:

1

Wake Protection:

1

Have read several comments about opposing wind and current here, and for catamarans, boat riding over the anchor causing the bridle to bend/damage the bow sprit. Experienced the same conditions so didn't stay. Beautiful location though.

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Review for Vilano Beach ICW

Reviewed by: Francis Gravel on Dec 9, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 6.7'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

3

Wake Protection:

1

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

5

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

4

Cell Service:

4

It's a busy anchorage. Many boats are there. I anchore in 15' low tide. Night is quiet but wakes from fishing boats start early in the morning. Nice dock and beach at Vilano Beach. Publix, restaurant at less then 1/4mile.

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