Jacksonville
We decided to make the trip to Jacksonville outside rather than on the ICW because of tides and shallow water. As much as I like traveling the ICW, it is really much easier on the Captain to travel outside. The views are greater on the ICW but the turns and the constant lookout for shallow water and shoaling areas is a pain.
Entering the St. Johns River at Mayport can be exciting. Naval Station Mayport is located in this well protected harbor. Many aircraft carriers ready for action as well as those in need of maintenance can be seen. A military airfield with a paved runway can also make things interesting with plans flying overhead. We just try to stay out of the way of the big boats and get on out of here.
A few of the smaller US Navy water craft came zooming by us heading to a nearby marina. Glad they waved at us and went about their business–leaving us alone.
Interested in gambling while in Mayport? Enjoy a cruise on the Victory Casino for just $10. The cruise line operates 5 days a week, twice daily. If you can’t make it to Mayport–they have an online gambline site just for you!
A ferry service for the St. John’s River crossing at Mayport has been operating since 1894. This service provides a vital transportation link between the north and south banks of the St. John’s alone the A1A. The ferry service charges $10 for buses and RV’s, $6 for cars, & $1 for bicycles and pedestrians. The ferry departs every half hour making the almost mile long trip 2.5 miles from the rivers mouth. As the third largest non-military business in Mayport, it saves travelers 24 miles driving.
