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Reviews: Indian River R40

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Indian River R40

Holding:
4.25
Good, Sandy Mud
Wind Protection:
2.63
Open Northwest Through South
Current Flow:
3.88
Wake Protection:
3.75
Open Northwest Through South
Scenic Beauty:
3.88
Ease of Shopping:
1.86
Shore Access:
1.29
Pet Friendly:
1.29
Cell Service:
4.29
WiFi:
1.00

  • Reviews Summary

    The reviews highlight a popular anchorage spot for viewing rocket launches, particularly the Artemis II and SpaceX Crew 4 launches. Reviewers consistently mention the good holding capabilities of their anchors, especially in sandy conditions, although some experienced challenges with seaweed. The water depth is generally around 6 to 8 feet, and while the area can get bumpy with strong winds, many found it comfortable for overnight stays.

    The location is praised for its excellent views of launch pads 39A and 39B, making it a great spot for a "Launch Party." However, some reviewers caution that the anchorage may not be ideal during winds from the northwest to south. Overall, the experience of watching rocket launches from this anchorage is described as enjoyable and memorable, with some noting the presence of dolphins and the ability to stream content via cell service.

  • Review for Indian River R40

    Reviewed by: Tony-donna Lagera on Apr 4, 2026
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 4.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    Wow, this was an awesome spot to see the Artemis II rocket launch. Follow the chart. We stayed for three nights and were in 6.5 to 7 feet of water. It does get a little bumpy when the wind picks up. Great holding with our Mantus anchor. Saw two spacecraft launches while there.

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  • Review for Indian River R40

    Reviewed by: Captain Wes, Toscana, on Apr 1, 2026
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1

    3/26/26 - Anchored further into the bay at the AC marker. Great anchorage for viewing launches. Our planned viewing was delayed and we moved on, but a very peaceful night. Anchor came up fairly clean, mostly sand, some mud.

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  • Review for Indian River R40

    Reviewed by: Craig & Rhonda Davis, Clarabelle, on Jun 7, 2023
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 36'
    Draft: 4.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    2
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    Watching a rocket launch made this anchorage worth the stay! First attempt at setting the anchor wasn't good due to a mix of sand and seaweed, but we were able to get good holding when we moved closer to the blue WG symbol. Strong winds out of the north made it a bit bumpy.

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  • Review for Indian River R40

    Reviewed by: Paul Hoffman, Changes in L'Attitudes, on Apr 29, 2022
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 3.8'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    2
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Overnight 26/27 APR for SpaceX launch of Crew 4. Dropped anchor slightly south east of WWG icon at 28 32 35.13N 080 45 41.65W.

    Light (5-10kt, gusts ~15kts) easterly wind in the late afternoon of the 26th, veering overnight to a southwesterly wind by the morning of the 27th.

    No drag with sixty five pound Mantus 1 and seventy feet of chain in eight feet of water. Perfect 'smile' on overnight anchor watch 'track'. Chain came up clean. Anchor came up with easy to spray off mud & light shell mix.

    Cell phone reception (Verizon) supported YouTubeTV streaming on Roku.

    Launch viewing was excellent with rocket departing SLC 39A.

    Probably not the best area if there are any appreciable winds from any direction than the east.

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  • Review for Indian River R40

    Reviewed by: Scott Lapointe, Heliopause, on Apr 26, 2022
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 56'
    Draft: 4.3'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    Good holding in 7 feet in sand. Great view for launch from pads 39A and 39B. Not good for NW to S winds. Lots of dolphin activity.

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  • Review for Indian River R40

    Reviewed by: John Collins on Jan 2, 2022
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 39'
    Draft: 4.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    2
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Cell Service:
    4

    Had to anchor out here due to an engine issue. Winds were out of the south at 10 - 15. Small chop and wakes were not an issue after dark. Pretty comfortable night.

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  • Review for Indian River R40

    Reviewed by: Heath Phillips, Philyria , on Apr 19, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 35'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    3
    Pet Friendly:
    3
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Ideal for having a “Launch Party”. This anchorage can get busy during launches but was very fun. Holding was ok. Did not go ashore.

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  • Review for Indian River R40

    Reviewed by: Elizabeth Kelch on Feb 8, 2017
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 42'
    Draft: 4.0'

    Overall Rating:
    3
    Holding:
    3
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    Great anchorage for watching the launches from Cape Canaveral. We had loads of fun. Blogging along the ICW at elizabethkelch.com

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