Reviews: Peck Lake

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Holding:
4.40
Fair, Sandy Mud
Wind Protection:
3.33
Open Northwest Through South and Wakes
Current Flow:
3.60
Wake Protection:
2.47
Open Northwest Through South and Wakes
Scenic Beauty:
4.60
Ease of Shopping:
1.45
Shore Access:
4.27
Pet Friendly:
4.36
Cell Service:
4.36
WiFi:
1.00

  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Rick Vicars, Best Mate, on Apr 28, 2024
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Shore Access:
    5

    4-15-24 Entered south of G19, did not see less than 7 feet of water to anchorage icon. Good holding in mud. Some wake from passing boats. We did not go ashore but there is access.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer, Do It Now, on Dec 20, 2023
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 32'
    Draft: 2.5'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    3
    Cell Service:
    4

    I anchored twice here in December 2023 (and am actually here writing this now). On both visits, it was very windy -- gusts up to 25 mph.

    This is a very large anchorage that can fit a lot of boats. There are about 30 of them in here right now and room for more who aren't afraid to get closer to the island. Follow the instructions to turn east at G19 and then head 60° into the cove. Drop anchor north of the big wooden platform. The water stays pretty deep very close to shore; I never saw less than 5 feet at low tide. The closer to the island you get, the more protected you'll be from winds from north, east, and south. ICW wake will always be an issue; large boats sure do move through this stretch, which is just south of a No Wake zone.

    A lot of island beach is exposed at low tide, making it very easy to dinghy pups ashore or visit the ocean side of the island. The main path to the ocean is clearly marked NO DOGS on a large sign but another path with a smaller sign simply says NO PETS. I have seen boaters take their dogs to the ocean side, but the "lake" side is big enough for my small dogs. (Please clean up after your dogs, folks!)

    The ocean beach is a quick walk across the island. It's mainly used by boaters, at least during the week, probably because it's so far from any road access. Good beachcombing opportunities, with lots of shells.

    There appears to be a surveillance camera on a tall pole that scans the area; it's high enough to see into the anchorage and the ocean beach.

    A lot of the larger boats seem to be here for a long term stay; I saw many of the same boats during both of my stays. I also saw one boat getting a pumpout at anchor from a Martin County pumpout boat. (I don't know how to arrange for that.) There are a handful of what are probably abandoned boats, but they're still floating and they aren't taking up much space.

    Good holding in sandy mud. On both of my visits, my boat's swing was determined more from wind than current. Good cell signal on Verizon and Google Fi.

    I like this anchorage despite the crowd. It's very quiet and nice to hear the ocean from my boat.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Mark Kitchens on Nov 24, 2023
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 43'
    Draft: 3.5'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    3
    Cell Service:
    5

    Great place to stop, hug the mile marker 19 sign coming in on the south side. We stopped twice this trip. The lowest we saw was 4 feet in a couple of places, most around 6-7 feet (at low tide). Easy dinghy and walk to the beach on the ocean side.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Barry Bicknell, KAT, on Oct 30, 2023
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 3.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    3
    Pet Friendly:
    3
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    This is a "Popular" anchorage ICW south of St. Lucie / Stuart inlet. "Busy" with locals on weekends. Located in between two no wake zones, Pecks Lake area becomes a Go Zone so expects wakes.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Pat & Kathy, Puffin, on Jun 1, 2022
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 33'
    Draft: 4.5'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Stayed here 1 night on our way back up the ICW. Only 5 boats here this night but passed here about 2 months ago and there were a dozen boats. Good cellphone coverage (Verizon) and easy beach access via dinghy. Good protection from the East but probably all around if needed. Yes there are wakes but they are not too bothersome.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Benjamin Resch on Mar 23, 2022
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 47'
    Draft: 5.5'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    2
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    1

    Love this place. Great anchorage south of Stuart, quite remote, fun and easy beach access to the Atlantic. We found 7-13 feet in most places but do mind the guidance to not angle further north than 060 from the green marker - some really shallow spots that way. Good holding.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Bill Mcmahon on Feb 4, 2022
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.5'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Shore Access:
    4
    Cell Service:
    4

    Lots of boats, lots of room. Scenic, good holding in mud.
    Good cell service.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2022
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.8'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    3
    Pet Friendly:
    3
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    A good anchorage to hang out in. We spent a week here and really enjoyed the peace and quiet. Beware that the bugs will eat you if there is no breeze. The no-see-ums will ruin your sleep.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: George Oats, Slainte, on Dec 23, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 36'
    Draft: 3.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    4
    Pet Friendly:
    4
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    We stayed on the hook for 5 days. Wakes during the day, but after sundown not an issue. Never had a problem with holding. A short walk thru the mangroves opens up to a very nice beach. The noseeums were an issue now and then. We enjoyed our time there.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Jason Spitz, Breathe, on Dec 2, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 4.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    Peck Lake is an excellent stop when heading North or South on the ICW and is close to the St Lucie Inlet as a jumping off point. Lots of wildlife with excellent kayaking in the mangroves and access to a beautiful unspoiled beach right in the anchorage. We anchored a bit North about 200 feet from shore and saw 6-8 foot depths low tide in this area. There are some wakes from motor yachts on the ICW during the day, but super peaceful at night. Check out our drone overview of the anchorage at https://fb.watch/9FedGQZgFG/ . And photos of the anchorage and beach at https://www.facebook.com/100063618668322/posts/303518301778790/ . There is good TMobile cell service. No WiFi. Parking lot to town is 2 mile walk South on the beach. 3 mile walk North to Inlet park.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Heath Phillips, Philyria , on Apr 15, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 35'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    Awesome anchorage. Had no issues with holding. Anchored in 12-13’ of water. This anchorage can get crowded. The beach is very nice. Make sure to use bug spray as the noseeums are fierce here! Definitely worth spending a couple days.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Ross Wiltse on Apr 1, 2021
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Shore Access:
    4
    Cell Service:
    4

    A great stop over, anchorage is larger than you would think. There are two shoals: one off the north tip of the Southern bay, and one north of the 19 marker. Most everywhere else we checked with a handheld depth gauge. On the east shore are 2 different paths to the Atlantic. Boat traffic on the weekend is as expected, with lots of wake, night time was fine. There is a boat ramp South of the lake with restrooms, look for the entrance just past the observation deck and follow the waterway to the ramp.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: brian richard, Windchaser, on Jun 5, 2018
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 31'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    3
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    2
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Anchoring can be a little tough if not in the good mud and sand, but once set it holds well. Has good depth and easy access from the ICW. The deepest area is near to the shore of the barrier island, on the north side of the anchorage. Turn to port once you have turned off the ICW. The south side is very shallow. A nice beach is near on the Atlantic side of the barrier island, accessible only by water. A good spot to wait for weather and tide to jump off to the Bahamas, assuming provisioning was done already in Stuart. Be very careful going out St. Lucie inlet (avoid condition where wind is opposite the tide) waves can get dangerous.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Scott LaPointe on Mar 26, 2017
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 3.5'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    3
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Stayed here 2 nights in March 2017. Excellent anchorage with 9+ depth. Room for 10-15 boats. There were 9 when we anchored and room for many more. Close dingy ride to beach to swim, boogie board or explore. Not great protection during the day for passing boats. Quiet at night and early morning. Waves can pick up a bit if coming from the north.

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  • Review for Peck Lake

    Reviewed by: Chris Caldwell, AskCaptainChris, on Jul 1, 2016
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 4.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    3
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Wonderful secluded area with short dinghy ride to ocean beach. Sign says no pets on beach but everyone walks their dogs on ICW side of island. This is NOT a no wake zone so hold on tight, some people just don't know how to slow down. Most ICW traffic is near end of day so sleeping overnight is fine. The beach is worth it. Water ranges from 8 to 12 feet not shown on chart.

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