Reviews: Port Mayaca Dolphins

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Port Mayaca Dolphins

Location: Okeechobee Waterway
Mile Marker: Okeechobee Mile 38.7
Lat / Lon: N 26° 59.160' / W 080° 36.895'
Depth: 6-7 Feet
Description:
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.
DISCLAIMER: The laws and regulations governing anchoring in Florida waters are complex and everchanging. If you plan to anchor, whether overnight or for an extended period, you should confirm whether you are in compliance with local and state requirements before committing to a location. Two sources of information that may be helpful are the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida State Statutes.

4.17

(6)

4.17 out of 5 stars

Holding:

5.00

Tie to Dolphins

Wind Protection:

4.17

All Around but Wakes

Current Flow:

4.83

Wake Protection:

3.67

All Around but Wakes

Scenic Beauty:

2.67

Ease of Shopping:

1.00

Shore Access:

1.00

Pet Friendly:

1.00

Cell Service:

3.50

WiFi:

1.00

Reviews Summary

The reviews for the dolphin mooring system near the lock highlight several key points:

1. Mooring Setup: Reviewers describe the process of tying up to the dolphins, noting the presence of cleats on both upstream and downstream sides. The cleats are generally well-maintained, but some users found them challenging to reach due to their height and the need for careful maneuvering, especially in windy conditions.

2. Spacing and Accessibility: The dolphins are spaced at varying distances, with some reviewers mentioning specific gaps (e.g., 40 to 70 feet). This spacing can affect how boats are tied up, and users recommend using long lines to secure their vessels effectively.

3. Environmental Conditions: Reviewers mention the noise from nearby traffic, particularly from a highway bridge, which can be bothersome during the day. Additionally, some areas are exposed to wind, but the dolphins provide a secure hold when properly tied.

4. Maintenance and Cleanliness: While the dolphins are generally well-maintained, one reviewer cautioned about tar on the dolphins that could mark boats, advising to keep hulls away from them.

5. Overall Experience: Many users found the dolphins to be a good place to spend the night, appreciating the security and relative quiet once moored. However, they noted the lack of shoreside access and the importance of arriving early enough to lock through.

Overall, the reviews suggest that while there are some challenges with mooring and environmental factors, the dolphins offer a reliable and secure option for boaters looking to rest near the lock.

Review for Port Mayaca Dolphins

Reviewed by: Lance Williamson on Mar 13, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

1

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

1

WiFi:

1

Each dolphin has a cleat on the upstream and down stream side. The gaps between the dolphins are on varying distances. Approach the dolphin going into the current. We attach two bow lines to the cleat with one line going to our port bow cleat and one going to our starboard bow cleat (like using our bridle at anchor or tying to a mooring ball).There is enough current to keep the boat facing into the current. There is traffic noise from the highway bridge by the lock. This is a great place to spend the night.
- WG Editor Comment:
  
  Photo courtesy Lance Williamson
  m/v Blessings Flow
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Review for Port Mayaca Dolphins

Reviewed by: Jeremy Hatch, River Girl, on Apr 1, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 5.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

3

Cell Service:

4

The dolphins are well maintained. The cleats are arranged E-W so to reach them from your bow involved maneuvering carefully with one at your bow and one astern in order to pass your line around/ through the large galvanized cleat. Our bow is 8+ feet from the water so made for some interesting gymnastics in a 15-20knt wind. Most lower bow heights will be fine. Fortunately the dolphins are spaced at different distances (we had 70+ feet between #4 & #5). Once hooked on, a very quiet night before catching the W bound lock thru @0730.

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Review for Port Mayaca Dolphins

Reviewed by: Heath Phillips, SV Philyria, on Jan 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 5.1'

Overall Rating:

3

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

3

Scenic Beauty:

2

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

1

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

3

WiFi:

1

Tied up between the first two dolphins when headed west. They are spaced at about 40' or so. Cleats aren't super high and were easy enough to get to. Bow and stern line.

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Review for Port Mayaca Dolphins

Reviewed by: Stephen Ord on Jan 18, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.3'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

2

Scenic Beauty:

2

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

1

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

1

After clearing the railroad bridge by only 3 inches (thanks to lower water levels) we needed a place to stop and relax. Tied up to the dolphins but keep your hull away from them as they are tar impregnated and will mark the boat. Very secure and little boat traffic.

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Review for Port Mayaca Dolphins

Reviewed by: Scott Lapointe on Apr 11, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

3

Scenic Beauty:

1

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

1

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

1

Good hold on the dolphin on the east side of port mayaca lock. Noisy traffic during day. Exposed to wind but hold with 2 lines at stern or bow and one at the opposite it's a good hold

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Review for Port Mayaca Dolphins

Reviewed by: Chris Caldwell, AskCaptainChris, on Jul 2, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

1

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

3

WiFi:

1

If you arrive too late to lock through use the multiple pilings called Dolphins. Pay attention this works. Tie a very long bow line to forward piling cluster, back down to aft piling cluster and tie long line to it. Then take in slack on forward line and your boat is tied between the two dolphins, no drift, drag or swing. No current or tide. Also no shoreside access.

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