Anchoring at reefs in the Keys?

[smthng]

So we're all but confirmed for a September week in the Keys with the boat. We've been to the Keys a few times and enjoyed it, but it's always been because of the water and beaches, not the nightlife. This will be the first time with a boat.

We'll probably be in Marathon or Key Largo (depends on what frees up for my time-share swap) at a resort with at least docks, if not a full marina. Since family will be with us, the focus will be on snorkelling (I am starting to dive, but won't want to alone). I'm assuming that getting to the barrier reefs will probably be our best bet for snorkelling. We'll probably base most of our planning on http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-florida-keys.html or recommendations from you guys.

My first question issue is how do boaters moor or anchor at reefs? I suspect dragging an anchor across a reef is frowned upon and probably not real safe... I suspect the wrong kind of coral can shred an anchor rope fairly quickly. Anchor in clear sand and swim in? Swim down and strategically place the anchor? Those are really the only options I can think of and neither sounds like a great idea to me. There have to be thousands of boats a year visiting reefs there, I must be missing something.

 

[Scuba_ref]

If you don't have a sandy bottom then don't put an anchor down, I believe it is illegal to anchor on coral. I think you will find that there are mooring balls at the popular sites for diving and snorkeling. Some of the Florida guys will need to chip in for verification, all of my knowledge is based solely on diving in the Keys with dive shops.

 

[Andy S]

From what the guides that have taken us snorkeling it is against the law to drop anchor. All the reefs we have snorkeled had mooring buoys to tie off to. Here is a some info on the regulations, http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/zones/spas/welcome.html

 

[Andy S]

In Marathon you need to checkout the Sombrero Reef and Lighthouse. In Key Largo go out of John Pennekamp State Park and snorkel at the Dry Rocks Reef and see the Christ of the Abyss, http://www.divespots.com/scuba-diving-spots/florida/florida-keys/key-largo/spots/christ-of-the-abyss

 

[smthng]

Thanks @andy07sx230ho ... that NOAA link shows how to use the buoys if you dig around a bit. That's what I was looking for... take a bow line.