Small Boat Camping in Florida: Exploring Anclote Keys with Captain Trip
In this episode of Trip Smith, Captain Trip takes his Sea Dory on a four-day small boat camping expedition along Central Florida’s Gulf Coast to explore the barrier islands of Anclote Keys. Launching from the Anclote River Park in Tarpon Springs, Trip sets out to navigate unfamiliar waters, face shifting weather conditions, and experience the remote beauty of Florida’s coastal wilderness.
Overcoming Nighttime Anchoring Challenges
The trip gets off to a testing start when unseasonably cold, windy weather arrives. During the first night anchored off North Anclote Key, thick seagrass prevents the anchor from setting properly, causing the boat to drift nearly a third of a mile. At 5:00 AM, Trip navigates through dark, shallow channels—dodging crab traps and an unlit derelict vessel—to set two anchors near the southern end of the island.
Lighthouses, Low Tides, and Barrier Islands
Morning reveals a breathtaking coastal scene teeming with birdlife. At low tide, Trip grounds the boat on a sandbar and hikes ashore to inspect the historic Anclote Key Lighthouse, built in 1887 and recently re-lit in 2023. Continuing south, he explores Three Rooker Island—a dynamic barrier island formed by currents in the 1980s—where he picks up beach debris, watches passing Great Loop cruisers, and takes an icy outdoor rinse off the stern.
Lessons from the Gulf Coast
After shifting locations to find protection from choppy night winds near Howard Park, Trip concludes his voyage with a quiet sunrise over the palm trees. Balancing technical boating challenges with off-grid solitude, Captain Trip’s voyage offers practical insights into small boat anchoring, tidal navigation, and the raw beauty of Florida’s barrier island ecosystems.