One of the most popular stopovers in the Keys for boaters and cruisers alike, Boot Key Harbor is often filled to the brim with anchored vessels, boats coming and going and all sorts of happenings ashore. The entrance into Boot Key Harbor is lined by Boot Key on the south shore of the inlet, and Knight Key on the north shore.

Use NOAA Chart 11453.

Approach from the south. Sixteen-foot-tall flashing green “1” marks the beginning of a long line of daybeacons that lead you into the harbor. Channel depths range from eight to 11 feet, but do keep a close eye on your depth sounder for any possible shoaling. A drawbridge with a closed vertical clearance crosses the entrance about a mile from the beginning of the inlet. Effective April 24, 2006, a new bridge schedule will be in effect for the bridge: between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. the bridge will open on the hour. The bridge will open on demand at all other times.

Local Notices to Mariners are now exclusively available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Marathon Florida