St. Augustine Camachee Cove: Excellent Location

If you’re thinking about becoming a member of Freedom Boat Club in Northeast Florida, the Camachee Cove marina is my top choice. Offering the most diverse selection of boats, including center consoles, bowriders, and bay boats, this marina is perfect for those who enjoy both inshore and offshore fishing. Its prime location near the St. Augustine inlet makes it the busiest marina of the four in the region. While reservations can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, planning ahead will help ensure you get the boat you want. Whether you’re looking to explore downtown St. Augustine or simply cruise along the scenic coastline, Camachee Cove has something for everyone.

An aerial view of a marina showing several sailboats and yachts docked along wooden piers in calm, green water. The boats are neatly lined up in individual berths, with walkways extending out to each vessel. A small motorboat can be seen maneuvering away from the dock. The clear, organized layout of the marina highlights the orderly arrangement of boats, and the serene water gives the scene a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, ideal for a day at the harbor. — Credit: Windward

Freedom Boat Club at Camachee Cove:

Boat Options:

At Camachee Cove, you’ll find the most varied selection of boats among all the Freedom Boat Club marinas in Northeast Florida. This makes it an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts and recreational boaters alike. Whether you’re looking for an offshore adventure or a relaxing day on the water, you’ll find the right boat for the occasion.

Boat types available:

Bay Boats: Excellent for navigating shallow waters and creeks. Primarily Fishing boat.
Center Consoles: Perfect for both inshore and offshore fishing.
Bowriders: Great for cruising with friends and family or enjoying watersports.

How Busy Is It?

Due to its proximity to both the inlet and downtown St. Augustine, Camachee Cove is the busiest Freedom Boat Club marina in the area. Reservations can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. If you want to secure a specific boat, we recommend booking at least a week in advance. Waiting until a few days before can leave you with limited options, as boats tend to get reserved early.

How Far Can You Go?

From Camachee Cove, you have a good 25-mile radius to explore. A popular offshore destination is Nine-Mile Reef, located nine miles from the inlet. This spot is great for bottom fishing, where you can expect to catch species like Kingfish, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, and occasionally even Blackfin Tuna.

Map Overview:

Here’s a quick overview of the Camachee Cove layout on Google Maps:

1 = Drop-off Location
2 = Pickup Location
3 = Parking Area

Aerial view of Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor in St. Augustine, Florida, highlighting key locations for Freedom Boat Club members. The number 1 indicates where boats should be returned, number 2 marks the location to take boats out, and number 3 shows the designated parking area.

Boats at St. Augustine Camachee Cove:

Here’s a closer look at some of the boats you can reserve at the Camachee Cove marina:

Hurricane SunDeck Sport 201: A versatile boat perfect for watersports and family outings.
Key West 203 FS: A popular center console, great for both inshore and offshore fishing.
Key West 210 BR: A bowrider model designed for comfort and leisure activities.
Key West 239 DFS: A dual console offering additional comfort and protection from the elements.
Key West 239 FS: Another top choice for fishing enthusiasts, providing ample space for gear and passengers.

What to Expect at Camachee Cove:

Activities

Fishing is the most popular activity at this marina, but it’s also a great spot for wildlife viewing. You can easily beach your boat at one of the nearby sandbars for a relaxing beach day. Heading north along the Intracoastal Waterway offers excellent opportunities for spotting local wildlife.

Navigating

Navigating the marina is straightforward. Stay in the channel and be cautious of boat traffic, as this is a high-traffic area. The tidal currents can get really strong, so be mindful of returning boats and give them plenty of space.

Channel Markers

When navigating the channel, remember the rule of “Red Right Return.” However, note that the Intracoastal Waterway operates differently, with green markers on the ocean side and red markers on the land side.

Amenities

Camachee Cove is equipped with several convenient amenities:

Fish Cleaning Station: Located near the parking lot, this is ideal for fishermen looking to clean their catch before heading home.
Ice Machine: Available near the marina, and it accepts card payments for your convenience. Open 24/7.
Bathrooms: Situated next to the check-in area, providing clean and accessible facilities.
General Store: A small store for snacks, drinks, or some fishing equipment.

For dining, Kingfish Grill is located just across the marina. It offers fresh seafood and a relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the water.

Contact Info:

Conclusion

Camachee Cove is the standout marina for Freedom Boat Club members in Northeast Florida, offering a perfect balance of boat variety, great location, and access to both inshore and offshore options. While it may be the busiest of the four marinas, with a little planning, you can secure the boat you need for a day of fishing, exploring historic St. Augustine, or cruising along Florida’s beautiful coastline.