Description:

Carrabelle and Apalachicola are two small cities on the mainland behind a long series of barrier islands.

Carrabelle is the beginning of a break in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).

Keep in mind that Apalachicola and Carrabelle are separate cities and many miles away from each other. Apalachicola is the larger of the two towns and cruisers report having more success with repairs and provisions.

Specifically in Carrabelle, cruisers intending to “jump” to Tarpon Springs or Tampa Bay will stage here and prepare for the 150+nm crossing.

When coming from the south, cruisers must pass from Tarpon Springs (north of Tampa Bay) to the St. George Sound behind the barrier islands near Carrabelle. The sound stretches approximately 35 miles westward from Carrabelle and includes Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve and the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge. This means that the area is ecologically sensitive and additional rules may be in effect where fishing is concerned. Cruisers that have made the northbound journey will occasionally spend time in this area in order to make repairs or refuel/provision, especially if having come the “slow route” through the Nature Coast where there are less provisioning options.

It is a welcome area to anchor and cruise leisurely. There are plentiful marine supply stores and marinas in the area.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

There are numerous approaches to the St. George Sound and Apalachicola Bay, but there are two primary approaches suggested by local boaters for deep draught cruising vessels as follows:

• 29° 46.47’N, 84° 40.90’W (East Pass)
• 29° 36.93’N, 84° 57.595’W (Government Cut)

The approach via Government Cut has some shallow spots, but stay to the channel and 6-7ft draught should clear okay.

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