Sunset Bay Marina and Anchorage - Stuart, FL

Although not officially on the ICW, this marina is used by many cruisers as a winter base or as a stop as they go back and forth across Florida using the Okeechobee Waterway. The marina offers both slips and moorings, however we have not used a mooring. Reservations were easily made by phone and the marina staff was responsive as we neared the facility. Docking instructions were clear and the dockhand was helpful getting us tied up. The floating docks are in excellent condition. Fuel and pumpout are available on the outside T-head dock, but we did not have a need for those services.

You reach Sunset Bay by turning west off of the ICW and head up the St. Lucie River.  After going under the Route 1 fixed bridge, you pass through a railroad bridge that is normally in the open position and then the Old Roosevelt Bridge that opens on the hour and half hour (except between 4 and 5:30pm on weekdays). The bridge will not open at those times if a train is passing, however it will usually open after the train has passed. After going through the bridge, you will see the marina immediately on your port side.

The marina grounds are very nice and include a modest ships store in the marina office as well as an active coffee bar. A large restaurant is adjacent to the marina, serves lunch and dinner, and provides live entertainment. Bathrooms are very nice and the laundry facilities can service many boaters at once. 

The marina has a shuttle service, however we did not use it during our stay. Publix was within in walking distance (about a mile) and gave us the opportunity to re-provision. 

There is a very pleasant boardwalk along the St. Lucie River that will lead you to the downtown area with a number of shops and restaurants. As with many marinas along the east coast of Florida, the train tracks for the Florida East Coast Railway are nearby and trains pass through at all hours of day and night. Not only do you hear the trains, but also the bridges.

Stuart is considered a trawler center, so you will see many long-distance cruisers in the area. Boat services are plentiful if you need services while you are there.