Boat‑Lover’s Guide to Living Near Camachee Cove

Picture this: you finish work, walk five minutes, and cast off for a sunset cruise on the Matanzas River. If you’re a boater considering a move to Vilano Beach, living near Camachee Cove can turn that vision into your daily rhythm. You want quick ocean access, reliable services, and a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle. This guide gives you the essentials to plan your move with confidence, from slip options to hurricane prep and everyday life tips. Let’s dive in.

Why Camachee Cove fits boaters

Camachee Cove sits along the Intracoastal Waterway by Vilano Beach with direct routes to the St. Augustine Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. You can enjoy inshore fishing in the estuary, day sailing, or nearshore and offshore runs when conditions allow. Coastal cruising is easy in both directions, with destinations north toward Jacksonville and south toward Flagler and Daytona.

Local conditions matter. The St. Augustine Inlet can see strong tidal currents and shoaling, so stay current on charts and advisories. Confirm tide timing, and check in with the harbor master before your first transits. If your vessel has a deeper draft, verify slip depth at mean low water and any approach constraints before you commit.

Slip options to confirm

Every boat and lifestyle is different. Before you sign a lease, ask the marina about these specifics:

• Slip types and size

  • Wet slips, finger piers, and end ties
  • Transient, monthly, and annual options; ask about waitlists
  • Maximum LOA, beam, and draft limits at mean low water

• Utilities and dockside services

  • Shore power availability (commonly 30A and 50A; some marinas may offer 100A)
  • Potable water at the slip
  • Cable or internet options and how billing works

• Fuel, pump-out, and environmental rules

  • On-site fuel dock hours and fuel types
  • Pump-out availability and procedures
  • Participation in clean marina programs and local waste rules

• Security and access

  • Gated access, keycards, lighting, cameras, and staff hours
  • Guest access and visitor policies

• Insurance, fees, and contracts

  • Required hull and liability coverage and certificate holder details
  • Deposits, move-in requirements, and pet rules
  • Month-to-month vs. annual agreements, termination notice, and refund policies

• Liveaboard policy

  • Whether full-time liveaboards are allowed and any added fees
  • County and HOA rules you must follow

Rates can vary by slip size, amenities, and demand. Request the current rate sheet and ask what is included and what is metered. During holidays and festivals, confirm transient and event pricing.

Liveaboard realities near the marina

If you plan to live aboard, confirm the marina’s policy and any county regulations before you move. Ask about mail and package handling, quiet hours, and guest rules. Parking can be limited, so ask how many spaces are assigned per slip and where visitors should park. If you have a dinghy or trailer, verify storage rules and whether the marina or HOA offers a designated lot.

On-site services and maintenance support

You will find a range of support in the St. Augustine and Vilano Beach area. Confirm what is on site at Camachee Cove and what is available nearby:

• Fuel dock and pump-out services
• Boatyard and haul-out access, including travel lift capacity and bottom work
• Marine mechanics for inboard, outboard, and diesel service
• Electronics, rigging, fiberglass and gelcoat repair, canvas and upholstery
• Chandlery and parts suppliers, plus delivery options
• Towing and salvage providers for emergencies
• Surveyors, marine insurance support, and yacht brokers

To make life easier, set up your vendor team before you relocate. Ask the harbor master for recommended contractors and any access rules for outside vendors. Ahead of hurricane season, confirm haul-out reservation windows and priority policies so you are not scrambling when storms approach.

Neighborhoods near Camachee Cove

You have several lifestyle options within a short drive or bike ride of the marina:

• Vilano Beach

  • Beachside condos and cottages, local dining, and easy beach access
  • Close proximity to slips and the Intracoastal Waterway

• St. Augustine (north and downtown)

  • Historic homes and newer builds near restaurants, shops, and cultural venues
  • Quick drive or boat ride to the marina

• Anastasia Island, St. Augustine Shores, Butler Beach

  • Island living with coastal access and varied housing types

• Newer St. Johns County communities

  • Planned neighborhoods with parks and amenities; commute times vary by area

If schools are a factor, the local public district is St. Johns County School District. Confirm current zoning and assignments directly with the district before you decide on a home.

Daily life for boaters

Think about how you will use the marina day to day. If you work nearby, factor in commute times and bridge openings. If you plan to commute by boat, check marina operating hours and gate access times. For provisioning, map out nearby supermarkets and seafood markets so you can stock up efficiently before longer trips.

Parking and storage can affect your routine. Ask about on-site vehicle limits, trailer and dinghy storage, and any HOA restrictions. Keep a list of local urgent care and hospital options in case you or your crew need quick access to care.

Hurricane season planning

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Start planning early. Ask the marina for its written hurricane policy, including haul-out timelines, line-doubling requirements, and whether the marina closes during certain wind thresholds. Confirm that your insurance policy covers wind and water damage and that it aligns with the marina’s procedures.

Create a backup plan. Identify alternate inland storage, trailer routes, and safe harbor options well ahead of time. If you need a haul-out, reserve early. Keep a supply kit for storm prep on board with lines, chafe gear, fenders, and essential documents.

A boater’s relocation timeline

• 60–90 days out

  • Contact the marina to confirm slip availability and request a lease sample
  • Start insurance changes and request required certificates
  • If needed, schedule a haul-out for bottom work or surveys

• 30 days out

  • Order dockside gear like power adapters, lines, fenders, and a dock box if allowed
  • Set up local vendors for maintenance and provisioning
  • Plan for parking and any trailer storage

• 7–14 days out

  • Confirm hurricane procedures for the current season
  • Test key systems and confirm fueling and pump-out rules

• Move day

  • Bring registration, insurance, and identification
  • Arrive with lines and fenders sized for the slip and tidal range
  • Do a walk-through of the marina’s safety equipment and access points

Budgeting for boat-centric living

Build a budget that reflects seasonal and maintenance needs. Common line items include:

• Slip rent and possible seasonal rate changes
• Electricity and water if metered separately
• Routine maintenance like bottom paint and engine service
• Insurance premiums and deductibles for wind and storm events
• Haul-out, storage, and any off-season work you prefer
• Club or association dues if you join local groups

Key questions to ask the marina

• Which exact slip is available and what are the LOA, beam, and depth at mean low water?
• What shore power is at the pedestal and how is electricity billed?
• What is the liveaboard policy and any related fees?
• What are the minimum insurance requirements and certificate details?
• What is the hurricane plan and timeline for haul-out reservations?
• How are dinghies and trailers stored and what are the rules for launching?
• What contractors are approved for on-site work and how do they gain access?
• How do transient reservations work for visiting friends? Is there a waitlist for permanent slips?
• Are event or festival rates different from standard transient rates?

Ready to make the move?

Living near Camachee Cove puts the Intracoastal and Atlantic within easy reach, with marina services and coastal neighborhoods that support a boat-first lifestyle. If you want help aligning the right home with the right slip and a smooth relocation plan, let’s talk about your timeline and goals.

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FAQs

Can I live aboard at Camachee Cove?

• Policies vary by marina and may include fees and registration requirements. Confirm the current liveaboard policy with the harbor master and review county and HOA rules before you decide.

How close is downtown St. Augustine to the marina?

• It is a short drive from Camachee Cove to downtown St. Augustine. Travel times vary by day and season, so plan for parking during busy periods.

What should I know about the St. Augustine Inlet?

• Tidal currents and shoaling can be significant. Use up-to-date NOAA charts, monitor local advisories, and consult the harbor master for recommended transit windows.

Where can I get fuel and pump-out nearby?

• Ask the marina about on-site fuel dock hours and pump-out services. If you plan longer runs, confirm alternative options along your route in advance.

How do I prepare for hurricane season as a boater?

• Review the marina’s hurricane plan early, confirm your insurance coverage, reserve haul-out if needed, and keep storm lines, chafe gear, and documentation ready on board.