Stock Island Atlantic Side – 14-Foot Deep-Water – Authentic Old Key West – Commercial Fishing Heritage
Safe Harbour Marina is Key West’s most authentic old-school marina located on the Atlantic side of Stock Island at 6810 Front Street, featuring 14-foot minimum deep-water depth throughout, originally constructed in the late 1950s, historic commercial fishing and shrimping dock adjacency (the heart of the last vestiges of Key West’s working waterfront), throwback to old Key West character before tourism development, and eclectic community of locals, transplants, snowbirds, artists, and craftsmen living aboard and gathering at this unique encampment.
This authentic working waterfront facility preserves genuine Keys maritime heritage adjacent to Stock Island’s historic pink shrimp docks, making it ideal for boaters seeking the real Florida Keys experience, liveaboard community atmosphere, authentic maritime culture, and old Key West character away from tourist crowds. Safe Harbour Marina’s 1950s heritage positioning, working waterfront integration, and legendary connection to Keys history (including local lore as a staging area for the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961) make it Key West’s most authentic historic marina.
Marina Overview & Location
- Address: 6810 Front Street, Stock Island, Key West, FL 33040
- Phone: (305) 294-9797
- Dockmaster: Walt Crumbley (local expertise and direct service)
- Location: Atlantic side of Stock Island, adjacent to historic shrimp docks
- Type: Historic authentic working waterfront marina
- Minimum Depth: 14 feet deep-water throughout basin
- Constructed: Late 1950s (original construction preserved)
- Character: Old Key West throwback; pre-tourism authenticity
- Adjacent: Historic commercial fishing and shrimping docks (pink shrimp capital)
- Community: Very eclectic collection of locals, artists, craftsmen, snowbirds, transplants
- Atmosphere: Unique working waterfront encampment
- Historic Significance: Local lore indicates Safe Harbor was staging area for Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961
- Booking: No credit card or deposit required
- Cancellation: 24-hour courtesy notice appreciated
Safe Harbour Marina – Key West
Safe Harbour Marina occupies historic Stock Island waterfront with authentic 1950s character, preserving the last vestiges of Key West’s commercial fishing heritage before modern tourism development.
Table of Contents
14-Foot Deep-Water Access
Unrestricted Navigation
Depth Features
- 14-foot minimum depth – Deep-water throughout entire basin
- Atlantic side positioning – Ocean-facing location on Stock Island
- Unrestricted access – No draft limitations for most vessels
- Professional channels – Safe navigation approaches
- Historic depth – Original 1950s construction standards
- Consistent basin – Reliable depth for large vessels
- Large vessel friendly – Deep-water capacity for commercial and recreational boats
Late 1950s Historic Construction
Old Key West Authenticity
Historic Features
Safe Harbour Marina represents one of the last remaining authentic old Key West marinas:
- Late 1950s construction – Original facility from pre-tourism era
- Historic preservation – Authentic character maintained
- Old Key West throwback – Genuine atmosphere before development
- Working waterfront – Commercial fishing and shrimping heritage
- Authentic materials – Period construction preserved
- Heritage integrity – Historic preservation of Keys maritime culture
- Time capsule quality – Largely unchanged character since construction
Why This Matters
Safe Harbour Marina represents one of the last remaining authentic old Key West marinas, preserving working waterfront heritage and genuine maritime culture from the 1950s-1980s era before modern resort development transformed the area. As locals say, “Stock Island is becoming what Key West used to be.”
Historic Shrimp Dock Adjacency
Commercial Fishing Integration
Shrimp Dock Features
Safe Harbour Marina sits in the heart of Stock Island’s working waterfront:
- Adjacent to shrimp docks – Immediate proximity to commercial fishing operations
- Active commercial shrimping – Working vessels still operate (though diminished)
- Pink shrimp capital – Key West specialty; Stock Island was home to major fisheries
- Working commercial vessels – Shrimpers, lobstermen, commercial fishermen
- Authentic maritime activity – Real fishing industry, not tourist recreation
- Maritime heritage – Historic Keys fishing trade and tradition
- Cultural significance – Preservation of authentic Keys working waterfront
Waterfront Character
The marina is located in the heart of the last vestiges of Key West’s commercial fishing and shrimping docks, offering authentic working waterfront experience unavailable at modern resort facilities. Weathered shrimpers can be spotted mending nets, wooden lobster traps stacked around, and the sounds and smells of a real working dock.
Eclectic Community Character
Unique Encampment Atmosphere
Community Features
Safe Harbour Marina hosts a truly unique community:
- Locals – Long-time Florida Keys residents
- Transplants – New arrivals embracing Keys lifestyle
- Snowbirds – Seasonal boaters escaping northern winters
- Artists – Creative community of painters, craftspeople
- Craftsmen – Skilled artisans and boat builders
- Liveaboards – Residents living on their vessels full-time
- Unique encampament – Authentic gathering unlike any other Keys marina
- Throwback culture – Preserving old Key West character and values
Atmosphere
Safe Harbour Marina is described as “a very eclectic collection” of diverse residents creating a unique community unlike any other Keys marina—authentic Keys character preserved from an earlier era when Key West was a fishing village, not a tourist destination.
Liveaboard-Friendly Operations
Residential Marina Lifestyle
Liveaboard Features
- Liveaboard welcome – Residential option encouraged
- Community atmosphere – Strong social integration and neighbor network
- Long-term moorage – Permanent slips available
- Authentic lifestyle – Real Keys living, not vacation resort
- Working waterfront – Genuine maritime culture daily
- Affordable rates – Reasonable pricing (call for current rates)
- Local community – Integrated with Stock Island residents
Old Key West Authenticity
Throwback Maritime Culture
Authentic Character
Safe Harbour Marina preserves authentic Keys character:
- Pre-tourism development – From era before Key West became resort destination
- Working waterfront – Commercial fishing integration, not manufactured atmosphere
- Authentic atmosphere – Real Keys culture with multigenerational families
- No modern resort amenities – Genuine character, not polished tourist facility
- Local community focus – Resident-oriented, not visitor-centric
- Maritime heritage – Fishing tradition dating to 1950s and earlier
- Historic preservation – Largely unchanged since construction
Cultural Significance
Safe Harbour represents authentic Key West maritime culture from the 1950s-1980s before modern development. As one longtime local explains, “Stock Island is becoming what Key West used to be”—a working fishing community where people catch their own lobster and fish for dinner, not a tourist attraction.
Historic Connection
Local lore indicates Safe Harbor was a staging area for the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961. A ferry that once connected Key West and Havana departed from docks across from the nearby Hogfish Bar & Grill.
Hogfish Bar & Grill
Legendary Dockside Restaurant
While not part of the marina itself, Safe Harbour Marina is adjacent to the legendary Hogfish Bar & Grill:
- Opened 2008 (earlier incarnation 2002) – Converted old shrimper bar
- Dockside location – Right on Safe Harbour Marina waterfront
- Open-air atmosphere – Ramshackle, authentic Keys vibe
- Fresh local seafood – Boat-to-table dining
- Cultural landmark – Catalyst for Stock Island transformation
- Hemingway & Castro photos – Historic fishing photographs on walls
- Ferry poster from 1950s – Advertising Key West-Havana connection
Owner Bobby Mongelli moved to Keys in 1983 and opened Hogfish to preserve authentic Keys character. The restaurant’s tagline embodies the spirit: “The parrot’s cleaner than most of the people!”
Call Dockmaster Walt Crumbley
Local Knowledge & Service
Dockmaster Services
- Walt Crumbley – Experienced local dockmaster
- Phone: (305) 294-9797 – Direct contact for all inquiries
- Slip availability – Current information on openings
- Local knowledge – Area expertise and insider information
- Direct coordination – Personal service, not corporate bureaucracy
- Community integration – Connected to local network
- Maritime expertise – Professional guidance for Keys waters
No Deposit or Credit Card Required
Flexible Booking Policy
Reservation Policy
- No credit card required – Simplified booking process
- No deposit – Easy reservation without upfront payment
- Call for rates – Custom pricing; direct conversation with dockmaster
- 24-hour cancellation courtesy – Just notify marina in advance
- Flexible terms – Accommodating policy reflecting community values
- Personal service – Direct coordination with Dockmaster Walt
Stock Island Working Waterfront
Authentic Keys Location
Location Features
Stock Island offers a completely different experience from tourist-focused Key West:
- Stock Island – Historic fishing island adjacent to Key West
- Atlantic side – Ocean positioning separate from Key West harbor
- Historic shrimp docks – Commercial fishing integration
- Working waterfront – Active maritime operations (though diminished from peak)
- Minutes from Key West – Short drive or boat ride to downtown
- Away from tourist crowds – Authentic atmosphere; local community
- Affordable – More accessible than Key West proper
Stock Island History & Transformation
Historic Working Waterfront:
- One of the bigger fisheries in Florida Keys
- Pink shrimp, spiny lobster, yellowtail snapper, grouper
- Weathered shrimpers mending nets; lobster traps stacked everywhere
- Ferry to Havana departed from these docks in 1950s
Past Challenges:
- “Stock Island used to be total ghetto—drug dealing, shrimp-boat trash” according to locals
- “You didn’t really come to Stock Island” before transformation
- Hurricane Wilma (2005) destroyed many trailers; residents left
Recent Revitalization (2008-present):
- Hogfish Bar & Grill (2008) catalyzed change
- Perry Hotel Key West (2017) and Oceans Edge Resort (2017) opened
- $7.9 million Bernstein Park recreation facility (2017)
- Stock Island Marina Village (2011+) – 40-acre waterfront development
- Artists, jewelry designers, home décor boutiques emerging
- Vision: “Preserve waterfront for fishermen while developing tourist economy”
Current Character:
Despite recent development, Stock Island maintains working waterfront character and is “becoming what Key West used to be”—a place where locals outnumber tourists and authentic Keys culture survives.
Find Professional Boat Services
Need Services at Safe Harbour Marina?
YachtService.VIP connects you with certified professionals serving Safe Harbour Marina and Stock Island.
Common Services Available
- Boat maintenance – Professional routine and emergency service
- Engine specialists – All makes and models; commercial vessel expertise
- Commercial vessel service – Working boats, fishing vessels, shrimpers
- Detailing – Professional cleaning and maintenance
- Mechanical systems – All boat systems diagnosis and repair
- Canvas work – Custom fabrication; commercial vessel covers
- Provisioning – Supply coordination and delivery
- Local Keys expertise – Navigation, fishing grounds, maritime knowledge
- Hull work – Repairs and maintenance for working vessels
- Electronics – Navigation and fish-finding systems
Marina Features & Specifications
| Category | Details |
| Depth | 14 feet minimum deep-water; Atlantic side; Unrestricted draft access; Large vessel friendly |
| Historic | Late 1950s construction; Bay of Pigs staging area (local lore); Old Key West throwback; Preserved authenticity |
| Location | 6810 Front St, Stock Island, Key West, FL 33040; Atlantic side; Adjacent to historic shrimp docks |
| Working Waterfront | Last vestiges of commercial fishing/shrimping; Pink shrimp capital heritage; Active operations nearby |
| Community | Eclectic collection: locals, artists, craftsmen, snowbirds, transplants; Liveaboard-friendly; Unique encampment |
| Dockmaster | Walt Crumbley; (305) 294-9797; Local expertise; Direct personal service |
| Booking | No credit card required; No deposit; Call for rates; 24-hour cancellation courtesy; Flexible terms |
| Character | Pre-tourism Key West; Working waterfront culture; Authentic maritime heritage; Time capsule from 1950s |
| Nearby | Hogfish Bar & Grill (legendary); Perry Hotel; Oceans Edge Resort; Minutes to downtown Key West |
| Historic Ferry | Key West-Havana ferry departed nearby docks (1950s pre-embargo); Bay of Pigs connection (1961 local lore) |
Why Choose Safe Harbour Marina?
Key West’s Most Authentic Historic Working Waterfront Marina
- 14-Foot Deep-Water: Minimum depth throughout; unrestricted access; large vessel capability
- Late 1950s Construction: Original historic facility; authentic character preserved
- Old Key West Throwback: Pre-tourism era atmosphere; “what Key West used to be”
- Historic Shrimp Docks: Adjacent to last vestiges of commercial fishing; working waterfront
- Eclectic Community: Locals, artists, craftsmen, snowbirds; unique encampment atmosphere
- Liveaboard-Friendly: Residential lifestyle welcomed; community integration; affordable rates
- Working Waterfront Heritage: Real maritime culture; commercial fishing tradition
- No Deposit Required: No credit card; flexible booking; call for rates
- Dockmaster Walt Crumbley: Local expertise; personal service; (305) 294-9797
- Authentic Character: Real Keys culture; not manufactured resort; genuine community
- Stock Island Location: Away from tourist crowds; minutes to Key West; affordable
- Bay of Pigs History: Local lore as 1961 staging area; Key West-Havana ferry connection
- Hogfish Bar & Grill: Legendary dockside restaurant adjacent; authentic Keys dining
- Last of Its Kind: Preservation of authentic working waterfront before modern development
Weather & Boating Conditions
- Year-Round Boating: Subtropical climate; warm waters 12 months; hurricane season considerations
- Water Temperature: 75-85°F; warmest July-September
- Air Temperature: 72-88°F; mild winters; very warm summers
- Best Months: November-April (dry season, cooler temperatures, peak season)
- Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30 (Stock Island largely spared by Hurricane Irma 2017)
- Water Conditions: Atlantic side; deep-water; 14-foot minimum; protected from some weather
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Safe Harbour Marina authentic?
Originally constructed in the late 1950s, adjacent to historic shrimp docks, preserving old Key West working waterfront character from before tourism development. Local lore indicates it was a staging area for the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961.
Is Safe Harbour Marina liveaboard-friendly?
Yes, very eclectic community of locals, artists, craftsmen, snowbirds, and transplants living aboard with authentic Keys lifestyle and strong social integration.
Do I need a deposit or credit card to reserve a slip?
No credit card or deposit required—just call Dockmaster Walt Crumbley at (305) 294-9797 for slip availability and rates. Simple, flexible booking reflecting community values.
What’s the community like?
“Very eclectic collection” of locals, transplants, snowbirds, artists, and craftsmen creating a unique encampment atmosphere unlike any other Keys marina—authentic throwback to old Key West.
How close is Stock Island to downtown Key West?
Just minutes from Key West by car or boat, but offers completely different atmosphere—away from tourist crowds with authentic working waterfront character. As locals say, “Stock Island is becoming what Key West used to be.”
Is Hogfish Bar & Grill part of the marina?
Hogfish Bar & Grill is adjacent to the marina on the waterfront (not owned by marina), offering legendary dockside dining with authentic Keys atmosphere since 2008 (earlier version 2002).
What’s the historic significance?
Constructed late 1950s; local lore indicates Safe Harbor was staging area for Bay of Pigs invasion (1961); nearby docks once hosted Key West-Havana ferry in 1950s pre-embargo era
Contact Information
Safe Harbour Marina
6810 Front Street
Stock Island, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 294-9797
Dockmaster: Walt Crumbley
Type: Historic authentic working waterfront marina
Depth: 14 feet minimum throughout
Constructed: Late 1950s (original)
Location: Atlantic side of Stock Island; adjacent to historic shrimp docks
Community: Eclectic locals, artists, craftsmen, snowbirds, liveaboards
Atmosphere: Unique working waterfront encampment; old Key West throwback
Booking: No credit card or deposit required; call for rates
Cancellation: 24-hour courtesy notice appreciated
Nearby: Hogfish Bar & Grill; Perry Hotel; minutes to Key West
Historic Note: Local lore as Bay of Pigs staging area (1961)
Emergency: 911 or Coast Guard Channel 16
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Safe Harbour Marina – Key West’s Most Authentic Historic Working Waterfront Marina Since the 1950s
