In 1982, it was reported that a draft of about 8 feet could be taken through the main channel to the Cedar Key city dock which had reported depths of 8 to 15 feet alongside. A circular boat basin, accessible through a causeway with an estimated clearance of 3 feet, is also used by small boats at Cedar Key.
A marina in the small cove just NE of the city dock can provide berths, water, ice, electricity, and marine supplies. A launching ramp is in the small cove. In 1982, a reported depth of about 3 feet could be carried in the privately marked channel leading to the marina.
Navigation:
Click the “Map View” button above to see a chart of this harbor.
Cedar Keys are a group of low sandy islets covered with mangrove trees. Prominent from offshore is the white tower of the abandoned lighthouse on Seahorse Key, the outermost of the group. The tower, which is flanked by two white-roofed buildings, shows to seaward among the trees; the tower is 30 feet high and stands on a 45-foot mound on the S side of the key. Seahorse Reef, a dangerous shoal with little depth over it, extends 11 miles SW from Seahorse Key. The outer end of the reef is marked by Seahorse Reef Light (28°58’31″N., 83°09’13″W.), 31 feet above the water and shown from a white square skeleton tower on piles. A lighted whistle buoy is about 3.8 miles SW of the light.
A submerged wreck with 7 feet of water over it is about 3.5 miles ESE of Seahorse Reef Light in about 28°57.7’N., 83°05.4’W.
Main Ship Channel, a dredged channel, leads from the Gulf in a general NE direction between East Bank and West Bank, E of Seahorse Key and Grassy Key; thence by a crooked and winding channel W of Atsena Otie Key into Cedar Key Harbor. In 2010, the centerline controlling depth was 6.5 feet. The channel is well marked by lights and daybeacons. Extreme caution must be exercised at two hairpin curves.
Northwest Channel, a dredged channel, leads from the W between North Bank and South Bank. In 2010, the centerline controlling depth was 6 feet from the entrance to the Main Ship Channel, except for lesser depths to 2.5 feet between Daybeacons 17 and 21. The channel is marked by lights, daybeacons, and an approach light. Small craft bound up the coast should enter by Main Ship Channel and leave by Northwest Channel rather than cross Seahorse Reef. In 1985, a partially submerged obstruction was reported about 30 yards SW of Northwest Channel Daybeacon 17. In 1982, local fishermen reported a controlling depth of 4 feet in Deadmans Channel, a natural channel, which is unmarked and should not be used without local knowledge.
South Bar Channel, the approach channel to Cedar Key from the E, had a reported depth of about 2½ feet in 1982. The channel is marked by an entrance light and several daybeacons.
Cedar Key is a small town on Way Key. The most prominent object in the town is the municipal water tank, 140 feet high. A radio tower is nearby.
