"Boot Key Harbor" Boot Key Travelogue by grandmaR

Sailboat with no mast - from boat

Boot Key Harbor, lying between Boot Key and Vaca Key in Marathon, Florida, is the best harbor in the Florida Keys. It's an all-weather harbor that can hold more than 200 anchored and moored boats.

Coming from bridge in boat

Harbor depth varies from shoal grassy spots to about 10'. The holding is very good in marl. Boot Key Harbor was created when marl was dredged in 1920's and 1930's to provide cement-like material for railroad beds in the Keys.

Looking toward City Marina channel

As a result of recent efforts by the State of Florida and the City of Marathon, the harbor water is cleaner tha in years past with more tha 50 wrecks having been removed with 38 more to go (as of Nov 2004).

Mooring field from the marina

Prior to the installation of the mooring field, there has never been a problem finding a place to anchor, even at the height of the winter season.

From City Marina

Boot Key Harbor is the most important stagin area in the Florida Keys for vessels voyaging to Cuba, the eastern and western Caribbean and the Bahamas

Anchorage from boat near bridge

This is because many name-brand stores such as Home Depot, Radio Shack, West Marine, Publix and Winn Dixie Supermarkets, as well as the Marathon Boat Yard and many other marine support services are all within walking distance of the dinghy docks.