Lunch stopover between Miami and Little Palm Island (in Hawks Channel)

[jff]

Assuming the current forecast holds or gets any better (they are calling for 2-3s in the channel down to Seven Mile Bridge), we're planning on running tomorrow from Miami down to Little Palm Island (15-20 miles South of Seven Mile Bridge). The 'halfway' point is roughly in the Hens and Chickens Reef area so I'm looking for a place to stop in for lunch. Somewhere between southern Key Largo and Upper Matecumbe Key - something with easy pull in/out from Hawks Channel. Anyone have ideas/suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[FootballFan]

sorry, don't have a lunch suggestion -- but just got back from Little Palm - one of my favorite places in the universe.

 

[Art]

I don't have my cruising guide with me so I went on Activecaptain to check out Islamorda. The water can get skinny fast there and some of the comments on potential stops indicate poor channel marking. So I would suggest calling ahead to insure there is space at the dock and get specific approaching info.

Florida Keys Marina in Islamorada at Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle has a Tiki Bar that looks interesting (305-664-2321) BUT, I have not been there. If it were me I would seriously consider pushing south another 30 miles and pulling into Hawks Cay.

Let us know what you ultimately decide and post pics if you can.

Good and fair seas,

Art

 

[FootballFan]

We have done alot of bare boat charters in the area. When coming down from Miami, if we don't make Little Palm - we have stopped over at Hawks Cay. Right off of Hawks Channel, south side. Well marked channel that enters, then goes around the resort. Only thing, once you enter the basin, with your draft, have to follow the edge around to the slips. Several 50-60ft boats in there. They will advise on entry. Pretty good food. Not something I would say is "top of the list" - but if nothing better comes along, would be a realiable option.

 

[jff]

Thanks all. Due to the seas/winds we actually pulled into Ocean Reef Yacht Club. We ran on the inside (in the bay) down to Angelfish Creek and then out and around the corner to Ocean Reef. This place is *nice*. Planning tomorrow to do the run down to Little Palm (seas/winds forecasted to be much smaller). Anyway, thanks everyone for the advice.

 

[Art]

JFF, Just curious do you have to be a member or sponsored by a member to go to Ocean Reef, or is it open to the public? Enjoy your stay!!!

Art

 

[jff]

Art, I'm not an expert it how it all works - but my understanding is it's one or the other, either you have to be a member or an 'invited guest', in our case we were an invited guest (we made some calls to work that out in advance). It's an amazingly nice place, highly recommended. I've heard the same about Little Palm, heading there tomorrow, can't wait!

 

[FootballFan]

I bought fuel there one time, called, told them I was not a member just wanted fuel ... they said come on in. Just talking to them on the fuel dock, they said the same as above - overnight was member or guest.