Navigating Port Canaveral
Streamlined Navigation at Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral offers easy navigation with a well-marked 7-nautical-mile channel and clear depth guidelines, accommodating vessels up to -12.2 meters draft. With strategically located terminals and berths, the port ensures smooth access for both cargo and cruise ships. Coordination with the Harbormaster guarantees a seamless and efficient experience.
Location
The Port's location is given as LAT 28°24.6N and LONG 80°36.5W.
Channel
Channel length is 7 nautical miles (13 km).
Main Channel Mean Low Water Levels
- Entrance Channel: -14 meters (-46 feet)
- Main Channel: -13.4 meters (-44 feet)
- Central Turning Basin: -13.1 meters (-43 feet)
- West Turning Basin: -13.1 meters (-43 feet)
Channel Depths and Restrictions
The Canaveral Port Authority provides depths in the channel of -13.4 meters (-44 feet).
- Maximum Draft in Channel: -12.2 meters (-40 feet)
- Minimum Under-keel Clearance for Vessels in Channel: 1 meter (3.3 feet)
NOTE: For the most up-to-date restrictions, contact the Harbormaster's office directly.
Tide Restrictions
Vessels drawing 11.6 meters (38 feet) or less: Transit anytime.
Vessels drawing more than 11.6 meters (38 feet) up to 12.2 meters (40 feet) and any cargo vessel proceeding to the West Basin will be advised by the Harbormaster and Canaveral Pilots of the time of boarding by a pilot for transit with consideration given to the stage of the tide.
NOTE: Vessels drawing more than 11.6 meters (38 feet) draft require three tugboats and a 48-hour notice to ensure there are no delays.
Swing or Turning Basin Radius
- Central Turning Basin: 2000 feet x 1400 feet (609.6 meters x 426.7 meters)
- West Turning Basin: 2000 feet x 1400 feet (609.6 meters x 426.7 meters)
North Cargo Berths (NCB)
| Berth | Dock Length | Maximum Draft | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCB 1 | 196.6 m | 645' | 11.6 m | 38'06" |
| NCB 2 | 196.6 m | 645' | 12 m | 39'06" |
| NCB 3/41 | 532.5 m | 1747' | 13.1 m | 43'00" |
| NCB 5/6 | 570.6 m | 1872' | 12.2 m | 40'00" |
| NCB 8 | 310.9 m | 1020' | 10.7 m | 35'00" |
-Under Construction
North Cruise Terminals
| Terminal | Dock Length | Maximum Draft | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT 5 | 208.8 m | 685' | 10.2 m | 33'06" |
| CT 6 | 211.2 m | 693' | 10.2 m | 33'06" |
| CT 8 | 240.2 m | 788' | 9.75 m | 32'00" |
| CT 10 | 248.1 m | 814' | 10.4 m | 34'00" |
South Cargo Berths (SCB)
| Berth | Dock Length | Maximum Draft | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCB 13 | 492.2 m | 1615' | 9.75 m | 32'00" |
| SCB 24 | 12 m | 39'06" | ||
| SCB 3 | 12 m | 39'06" | ||
| SCB 4 | 125.6 m | 412' | 12.2 m | 40'00" |
South Cruise Terminals
| Terminal | Dock Length | Maximum Draft | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT 1 | 431.9 m | 1417' | 11.1 m | 36'06" |
| CT 2 | 212.4 m | 697' | 10 m | 33'00" |
| CT 3 | 402 m | 1319' | 10 m | 33'00" |
NOTE: Each vessel will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Harbormaster's office and the Pilots. Minimum under-keel clearance for vessels at all berths is always 0.1524 meters (6 inches). It is the responsibility of the vessel's Master to ensure that this requirement is met.
Further restrictions may be imposed due to current water depths and vessel characteristics. To receive updates of Port Canaveral Operational Guidelines, Surge Warning Letter for Moored Vessels, Pilot Rates, or other information, contact the Harbormaster's office.