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Hontoon Dead River

Location: St. Johns River
Mile Marker: 141.5
Lat / Lon: N 28° 58.530' / W 081° 21.746'
Depth: 10 to 15 feet
Description:
Leave the St. Johns at red daybeacon 50 and proceed as far into the river as you like.
NOTE: Per Florida Statute 327.4109

The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure may not anchor or moor such that the nearest approach of the anchored or moored vessel or floating structure is:
1. Within 150 feet of any marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other vessel launching or loading facility;
2. Within 300 feet of a superyacht repair facility. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "superyacht repair facility" means a facility that services or repairs a yacht with a water line of 120 feet or more in length; or
3. Within 100 feet outward from the marked boundary of a public mooring field or a lesser distance if approved by the commission upon request of a local government within which the mooring field is located. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subparagraph.

4.75

(4)

4.75 out of 5 stars

Holding:

4.75

Good, Mud

Wind Protection:

5.00

All-around

Current Flow:

3.75

Wake Protection:

4.75

All-around

Scenic Beauty:

5.00

Ease of Shopping:

1.00

Shore Access:

2.25

Pet Friendly:

2.25

Cell Service:

2.75

WiFi:

1.33

Review for Hontoon Dead River

Reviewed by: Dan Bowers on Mar 6, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 25'
Draft: 2.5'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

4

Pet Friendly:

4

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

2

Stayed here again and continues to be a great peaceful anchorage. In addition to the good reviews previous, it's a great sanctuary from adverse weather. 13 feet of depth with mud bottom.

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Review for Hontoon Dead River

Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer, Do It Now, on Feb 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

5

Shore Access:

3

Pet Friendly:

3

Cell Service:

3

Wonderfully calm and quiet anchorage about 1/4 mile from Hontoon Island State Park. Calm water, very little current, some wake from passing boats on St Johns River and occasional fishing boats going down the Dead River. Lots of birds, including wild turkeys and barred owls. Shore access at the State Park, which also has public restrooms and showers and is dog friendly. Would definitely stay here again.

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Review for Hontoon Dead River

Reviewed by: Dan Bowers, Lake Effect, on Mar 9, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 28'
Draft: 2.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

1

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

1

WiFi:

1

Quiet, wake and wind protection. Lots of water birds and wildlife sounds.
Might need to close up the boat after dark. Bugs.

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Review for Hontoon Dead River

Reviewed by: Captains Bob & Pat Amidon, Velomer, on Mar 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

1

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

1

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

2

WiFi:

1

Anchored in 12 ft about two boat lengths from south bank around the first bend. I set a stern anchor as the width here is only 150 ft, we were about a 1/2 mile from main channel. This has to be one if not the prettiest anchorage we’ve ever found. Alligators and manatees swam by the boat in the evening. After local tourists on rental pontoons go away, there is no noise except wildlife sounds like we were in a Johnny Weismeuler Tarzan movie.

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