CHART 2 N
St. Johns River North
CHART 2 S
St. Johns River South
Cruising the ST. JOHNS RIVER
The first of the river's three sections includes Mayport and the Mayport Naval Station which guard the eastern terminus at the Atlantic. This is a major port and commercial traffic is heavy, not to mention commercial fishing traffic, not to mention sportfishermen!
The city of Jacksonville is upstream on the St. Johns (one of the few north-flowing rivers on the continent) where boaters and football fans are welcome. Five bridges cross the river in the city and all can handle 40' without opening. If you're a city person, you'll want to stay a while!
Past "Jax" the river changes character and the second section begins with a 40-odd mile stretch of broad, deep estuary with alternating woodlands, beautiful homes and pretty towns. Interesting animal life abounds. You'll have an opportunity to visit some freshwater springs and the pretty little history-loving riverfront town of Palatka.
Then, the third section of the St. Johns starts as it narrows and deepens and begins to twist and turn its way southward toward Sanford on Lake Monroe, the end of our St. Johns cruise ... over 160 miles from our start at Mayport. Well worthwhile cruising!
Now it's back to the ICW