Reviews: Memorial Island

Reviews Summary

The reviews highlight a mixed experience at a marina and surrounding area, with some positive aspects and notable drawbacks:

1. Scenic Location: Reviewers appreciate the beautiful public park, "Memorial Island," and the well-maintained facilities, including a boat ramp and dinghy docks. The area is described as peaceful, with green spaces, walking paths, and memorials.

2. Anchoring Challenges: Some reviews mention difficulties with anchoring due to varying depths and shoaling, advising caution when approaching certain areas. The holding is noted to be good in mud, but protection from boat traffic is limited.

3. Dog-Friendly Issues: While some reviewers had positive experiences with the marina staff, there are complaints about restrictions on dogs, particularly during events, which can be frustrating for liveaboard cruisers.

4. Limited Amenities: The public boat ramp lacks a dock, and there are no laundry or shower facilities available at the marina. Additionally, there is a fee for dinghy docking.

5. Dining and Social Opportunities: The nearby Riverside Cafe & Bar is highlighted for its seafood buffet, and there are mentions of local social events for boaters.

6. Wildlife and Tranquility: One reviewer enjoyed a calm night anchorage with wildlife sightings, emphasizing the serene environment.

Overall, while the area offers beautiful scenery and some amenities, there are significant concerns regarding dog policies and limited facilities.

Review for Memorial Island

Reviewed by: James McLelland on Apr 20, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.2'

Stumbled on this gem headed NB on ICW. Directions were confusing so looks we missed the eastern channel and ended up just north at "Red Gazebo" which turned out fine. Found deep spot that dropped quickly to zero as we tried anchoring so be warned. Stay off shore. Took our dinghy under the 5' high fixed pedestrian bridge that leads from the public park (which is huge and gorgeous) to "Memorial Island". There is a big American Flag there so you can't miss it. The park has wide well maintained boat ramp and two dinghy docks all in great condition. The park is large with lots of green areas, pet friendly, with walking paths, pickleball courts, etc. Don't miss taking the white pedestrian bridge across to the little island. It's amazing. So quiet and peaceful, with benches, old trees, landscaped areas and memorials to our fallen soldiers. I could have stayed longer. Forgot to take my cell with me so no pix. The holding is mud so it's a strong hold. Not a lot of protection from boat traffic (it's just south of a big causeway) but the land helps if winds coming from east. Great stopover. Would have stayed another night but we had reservations as a marina for next day.

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Review for Memorial Island

Reviewed by: Shawn on Mar 8, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 5.0'

Came here because I had fond memories of how well they treated us and our dog. While the Marina staff is still top notch, if you have dogs you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere you'll be welcomed. We were even told our dog was not allowed where a free outdoor concert was being held in a park! When you're a live aboard cruiser with a pet, leaving the dog at home isn't an option. A so called boating community should know this!

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Review for Memorial Island

Reviewed by: William Randall on Feb 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 0.0'

The Public boat ramp lacked any dock. Ramp only 2/11/24. $20/day dinghy dock fee at the Municipal Marina. No access to laundry or showers. Bus stop by the dock.

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Review for Memorial Island

Reviewed by: Jeremy Hatch, River Girl, on Apr 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 5.0'

The WWG icon is over a sand bar between 2 anchorages so difficult to know whether the reviews pertain to the "Red Gazebo" roadstead Anchorage or the small bay tucked behind it. With a storm immediate we did not try the bay since no record of depths. Slightly N & W of the red gazebo& the shoal, there is 12' of water with good holding which served our purpose. If you venture too far N or too far S, shoaling to 5-6' happens quickly.

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Review for Memorial Island

Reviewed by: Ma Barley on Jan 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 65'
Draft: 4.0'

I have not anchored this one yet but will be spending a lot of time there in the next couple years as we have a home on the river near enough to dinghy to the boat. The Vero Beach City Marina is just to the north as is the amazing and famous RIVERSIDE CAFE & BAR which is riverside dining. (the "all you can eat" Seafood Buffet on Sundays is quite good, LOTS of oysters! If you order the oysters any other day it is about $24 a dozen. On Sundays Pay $25. for the brunch and eat them till you explode! (Don't do that it is unhealthy to eat too many...LOL). Feel free to ask me any questions about this area.

There is a BUS that comes through the City Marina regularly that will take you to local shopping.

For 3 years I hosted the Boaters Social at the north pavilion but since I stopped I am not sure what is happening. Check it our on Thursdays at 3:00 - 6:00 (or so....depends on bugs)

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Review for Memorial Island

Reviewed by: Charles Cashulette, Rachael Anne, on Dec 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 3.0'

Calm, quiet anchorage for the night. I was the only boat. Saw a pod of porpoises swimming and feeding.

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Review for Memorial Island

Reviewed by: Addison Chan on Feb 2, 2021
Draft: 0.0'

Comfortable place to spend the night with east shore access nearby if you need to walk the dog.

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