Sand Key Moorings (FREE)

• Location: Key West
• Lat / Lon: N 24° 27.430' / W 081° 52.470'
• Description:

  This is a great snorkeling site, especially in calm conditions. The nearby Marine Sanctuary sites also offer excellent snorkeling (Rock Key, Eastern Dry Rocks). Mariners should be aware that the US Coast Guard extinguished Sand Key Light because it was structurally compromised. A temporary light has been established in its place. Exercise caution when transiting this area. At Sand Key, you can secure your boat to one of 21 mooring balls made available at this natural shallow reef. If no mooring buoy is available and you are outside a no-anchor zone; you may anchor in sand (but not on the coral).

  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.

  DISCLAIMER: Before committing to an anchorage, you should confirm that the location is not governed by a regulation that may conflict with your plans. An increasing number of states and municipalities are enacting laws that define where and how long you may anchor.