Margaritaville Key West Approach

ttmott

ttmott

PhD in OCD
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Apr 3, 2012
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Space Coast Florida
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2006 52 Sedan Bridge
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Cummins QSM11
We have a slip for five days at Margaritaville Key West Florida during Fantasy Fest last week in October. I understand they have replaced their docks after last year's hurricane. Margaritaville was the Westin Hotel. However in the past, I understand, it's been a bit of a pain to get in due to the cruise ships docking in front of the marina. Has anyone been in there this year and did they change the approach? Highlights? Cautions?
Thanks!
 
I'd be curious as well. We have a slip reserved for New Years. I have stayed there in the past and don't remember there being any issue getting into the basin. I doubt the approach has changed and I believe just the floating docks were replaced after damage from Irma.
 
This is what I was concerned with on approach; I think this is the right basin. cod - how did you come in?
MargerKeyWest.jpg
 
Ttmott

Looks like even with a ship there, as long as you can squeeze by the water depth is deep enough. I'd estimate there is about 50' to maneuver around the bow, and around 25-30 ft of water. Come in on a slack tide and I would think it could be safely done, wind not withstanding. Not the easiest...

I would call the dock master and see what they advise, I'm sure this is a constant issues and the have dealt with it before.

KW.PNG
 
I would verify if there are restricted movement security rules while a cruise ship is in port. Some places are much more restrictive than others.
 
It is most likely you will be going into the basin at the bottom of the picture, not the one at the top. Margaritaville controls both basins, contrary to what's shown on Active Captain. If there is a cruise ship docked, you simply pass it on your approach and is not nearly of an obstacle as shown in the picture going around the bow. I suggest calling them to confirm it's the southern basin.
 
Thanks - I'll confirm which basin. They seemed to be specific we would be adjacent to the hotel. This was reception not the dock master so I'll give them a call. Getting around the bow of the ship may not be possible as all of the bow lines are to bollards forward; I doubt they would allow any boats under them.
 
The ferry boat that runs to that private island just to the west runs out of the top basin in your pic. That maniac comes flying out of there up on plane. Maybe he has special security clearance. I went around the cruise ship in my dinghy last time there and no one screamed at me. But taking a bigger boat around the bow of a moored cruise ship would be a white knuckle event for sure!
 
My wife and I were in Key West this past Spring and walked by the Margarittaville marina. I wondered how/if boats were able to enter and exit that north basin with the cruise ship in port. Looked a little tight especially with those mooring lines overhead.

There was a Disney ship parked when we were there.

Looks like a fantastic place to park for a few days. Color me jealous...
 
I spoke to the dockmaster and as I suspected he avoids putting any boats in the north other than larger yachts because it's not very protected from waves of passing vessels.
 
cod said:
I spoke to the dockmaster and as I suspected he avoids putting any boats in the north other than larger yachts because it's not very protected from waves of passing vessels.
Click to expand...
Talked to the dockmaster Friday - confirmed in the South Basin. New floating docks, power, and water. FYI he said it will be a bit snug for my beam (15' 3") but will fit.
 
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