Florida – West Coast Pilot Notes
become a very busy yachting center. Expect
Entrance Buoy 1
heavy recreational traffic. Currents run up to
4kts in the channel. If you are continuing to
30 22.47N, 86 30.57W Green
Destin, the outside route is 45nm and devoid
can.
of any safe harbors. Consider the GIWW as a Dockage/Moorings: Many marinas along
safer alternative in the event of weather. the city side of the lagoon east of the bridge.
Waypoints
Anchorage: Anchor in Destin Harbor.
St. Andrew Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy SA
Note that it is a disignated Zero Discharge
Zone.
30 05.5N, 85 46.4W Mo (A) W 6M Red/White
Fuel: Available at several marinas.
stripes w/ red spherical topmark.
Supplies: Most marine supplies and other
Lighted Buoy 1
provisions.
Services: Haulout facilities available nearby
30 6.9N, 85 44.5W Fl G 4s 4M Green
on the bay.
Port of Entry: Customs 850-763-8418.
Dockage/Moorings: Panama City Marina
Pensacola: 30 24N, 878 13W
at the T-wharf centered on the waterfront
(see chart on next spread)
and at other marinas in Panama City and in
Pilotage: The entry is well marked and the
other areas of St. Andrew Bay. The marina
Big Lagoon anchorage is close at hand.
is at mile marker #290 and green flashing
Caution: Check the state of the tide before
17, just N of Red Fish Point. All marinas
entry. Tidal currents in Causcus Channel can
are within walking distance of downtown
reach 8kts with 2-2.5kts on the ebb in Caucus
Panama City.
Cut. Heavy onshore winds can create hazard-
Anchorage: Many good areas in St. An-
ous sea conditions in and near the channel.
drew Bay. Also in the lee of Shell Island.
Shipping and naval traffic can be heavy.
Fuel: Available at many marinas. Waypoints
Supplies: All marine supplies .
Pensacola Light
Services: All repairs and haulout facilities.
30 20.8N, 87 18.5W Fl W 20s 27M White/Black
Destin: 30 24N, 86 30W
conical brick tower. 191ft. W:222°-090°.
Pilotage: This is the only good inlet be-
Aircraft warning light shows F R 090°-222°.
tween St. Andrew Bay and Pensacola, but lo-
Pensacola Bay Entrance Lighted Gong Buoy 1
cal knowledge is strongly recommended. The
inlet is shifty and subject to shoaling. Buoys
30 16.3N, 87 17.5W Fl G 2.5s 5M Green
are frequently moved. Port of Entry: Customs 850-434-6648.
Bridges: A 48ft vertical clearance fixed Dockage/Moorings: The Palafox Pier &
high way bridges lie between the inlet and the Yacht Harbor is located in downtown Pensa-
GIWW. cola within walking distance to restaurants
Waypoints
and shops. Several other marinas, most of
Choctawhatchee Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy CB
them in Bayou Chico, also welcome transients.
Anchorage: Anchor in 10ft over white sand
30 22.3N, 86 30.9W Mo (A) W 6M Red/White
in Big Lagoon or head E into Santa Rosa Sound.
stripes w/ red spherical topmark.
Fuel: At several marinas.
Supplies: All supplies available.
Services: Repair facilities and haulouts.
Note: See marina information on next
spread.
192