Information presented on this page is for the page author's use only. Use of this information by anyone other that the author is offered as guidelines and non-professional advice only. No liability is assumed by the author or this web site. Regardless of information presented here, the captain is solely responsible for the safety of craft and crew.
Trip Quick Facts:
Baltimore to Norfolk is 161 nm (140 mi) or 2 days
Norfolk to Ft Lauderdale is 925 nm (1064 mi) or 11 to 18 days
Miami to Key West is 140 nm (122 mi) or 17 hours (3 days).
Key West to Dry Tortugas is 61 nm (71 mi) or 8 hrs.
It takes two days to travel 161 nm from Baltimore MD to Norfolk VA, and then at least another 18 days to travel the 1064 statute miles (925 nm) from Norfolk VA to Ft Lauderdale FL. Assume departure 4 Nov and staying north of the Florida/ Georgia border (~STM685; 30° 43.5384) until after 15 Nov. Then travel another ~379 statute miles to Ft Lauderdale.
Our insurance restricts operation between noon 1 June and noon 15 November to north of the Florida / Georgia border. Norfolk VA to Ft Lauderdale via ICW ~ 925 nm (1064 mi)
Waterway Guide Nav Alerts map and Fuel Prices
Take the Virginia Cut route rather than the more historic/scenic Great Dismal Swamp Canal route to the Alligator River in North Carolina on the southbound leg. The Virgina Cut route is wider, deeper, has more services, and has only one lock. The Dismal Swamp is closed, but may reopen Oct 2017. ICW Virginia Cut Route via Google 'My Maps'
Plan to start trip no later than the week of 6 May 2018 to accommodate four offshore legs from Marathon to Lake Worth. (assumes two offshore legs per week completed). Plan for 12 days travel via ICW beginning 20 May from Lake Worth to Cumberland Island GA, crossing the FL/GA border by 1 June.
Must be north of Florida / Georgia boarder by 1 June 2018; STM 685 30° 43.5384
source: cruisingworld.com, Aug/Sep 2017
An alternative offshore route that is faster than via the ICW and it doesn't require a multiday passage offshore. Each leg can be completed within a day. Plan carefully the tide at inlets and the current relative to the wind. Plan an incoming tide entry for large inlets such as Winyah Bay, Charleston, and St. Simons. All inlets except St. Catherines are used by large ships and therefore are well marked. Never enter these inlets after sunset.
STM -11.2 Hampton VA Google static map
STM -0.2 Portsmouth VA Shipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery on High St;
STM 50.9 Elizabeth City NC (Dismal Swamp) ; free docking; The city offers 48-hour free dockage to travelers from around the world. The “Rose Buddies Receptions” where visiting boaters enjoy wine and cheese parties next to Mariner’s Wharf and roses are handed out to the ladies.
STM 135.8 Belhaven NC
STM 147.0 Washington NC Travel off ICW 33 miles west up the Palmico Rvr to historic town. Anchor or dock for free. Free dinghy access. Shopping, museums, restaurants nearby.
STM 157.5 Hobucken, NC Limited transient dockage at R.E. Mayo Company (working shrimp dock) for $0.40/ft/nt. Cruisers can purchase uncleaned seafood. Pull up along straight warf south of the facility. Unstaffed. Anchoring alternatives nearby down the river. Captain John favorite stop.
STM 181.6 Oriental NC Free docking at city dock (check status of dock using Harbor Cam. Free dinghy dock. Town has grocery, West Marine, hardware.
STM 203.0
Beaufort NC & Morehead City NC
No good anchorage options.
Beaufort NC
Waterfront area with shipping and museums.
Shacklefort horses nearby.
Beaches.
Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum and
Watercraft Center. Ferries go to Shackleford Island and Cape Lookout.
If you can get a ride, see the lighthouse on Hunting Island.
CJ favorite stop.
OWG NC-49
Morehead City NC
; OWG NC-48
STM 285.0 Wrightsville Beach NC Wrightsville Beach, NC - a nice anchorage, a free dinghy dock and a short walk to the beach.
STM 297.0 Wilmington NC 13 MILES north of STM 297. The battleship U.S.S. North Carolina is permanently moored in a small lagoon just off the Cape Fear River. and is open for tours.
STM 297.1 Carolina Beach NC Mooring @ $20/nite or nearby anchorage options. Book mooring online in advance. The Carolina Beach Mooring Field is located South of Snows Cut, between markers #4 and #5 on the approach channel into Carolina Beach town waterfront (Myrtle Grove Sound). N 34° 02.827', W 077° 53.355'. The Carolina Beach State Park just past where Snow's Cut meets the Cape Fear River between Channel Marker 163 & 165. The City of Carolina Beach has a dinghy dock at the end of the channel which is less than 1/2 mile away. Grocery, laundromat within bike ride.
STM 309.0 Southport NC (Cape Fear area); Old Brunswick County Jail Museum. Check Six Brewing Company. Shops along N. Howe St.
STM 356.3 Barefoot Landing, N Myrtle Beach, SC Access to a huge outlet shopping area along with multiple entertainment complexes and lots of restaurants. property map ; OWG Take the bridge across and try to see an alligator.
403.0 Georgetown SC Georgetown Harborwalk. Fort Sumter National Monument. The downtown is filled with pre-Revolution and antebellum homes, and there are plenty of good restaurants, boutiques, antique stores, and walking tours. Boat tours can take you to surrounding plantations, marsh islands, and beaches. On your own boat, visit Winyah Bay and the pristine Waccamaw River.
STM 470 Charleston SC Limited anchorage. Famous for culture, history, restaurants. See Fort Sumpter. STM 469 There’s a large and popular anchorage just off the municipal marina. Walk down The Battery, a long waterfront park that lies on the Ashley River. U.S.S. Yorktown is another interesting diversion across town on the Cooper River. ;CJ Riley Watefront Park. Charleston City Market. Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon. South Carolina Aquarium. Morris Island Lighthouse. The Calhoun Mansion. Audubon Swamp Garden.
STM 536.3 Beaufort SC Pass under Lady's Isl Bridge and go to Lady's Isl Marina. About 100 feet from the marina is a rough looking bar called the The Fillin' Station. Best happy hour eats throughout the Great Loop. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Hunting Island State Park. Hunting Island Lighthouse. Spanish Moss Trail. Hilton Head Island Beach.
STM 539.5 Port Royal SC
STM 583.0 Savannah, GA Historic homes, eye-pleasing scenery, great shopping and dining, abundant art and cultural opportunities. Tie up at the riverfront docks and then start wandering. River Street Savannah. Old Fort Jackson. Historic Savannah Walking Tour. City Market. Ghost Coast Distillery. Moon River Brewing Company. Southbound Brewing Company.
STM 710.7 Cumberland Island GA Free dinghy dock. A must see stop - spend the day exploring the island. ;CJ Cumberland Island National Seashore Park.
STM 716.8 Fernandina Beach, FL 50-block downtown historic district. Many shops and restaurants near the mooring field.
STM 747.0 Jacksonville FL Hurricane Patty's Tiki Bar & Restaurant; Bold City Brewery. Aardwolf Brewing Company. Engine 15 Brewing Co.
STM 778.2 St. Augustine is the oldest permanent European settlement in the U.S. Its fort, Spanish architecture, shops and restaurants make a fascinating stop. Try Hurricane Patties next to River's Edge Marina. ;CJ El Galeon. Beach Street shopping. Oceanwalk Daytona Beach. Daytona Flea & Farmer's Market. Amusement Area and Pier. Daytona Beach Brewing Company. Riverfront Marketplace. 17th-century stone fortress Castillo de San Marcos.
STM 829.0 Daytona Beach FL STM 830.7 Memorial Bridge anchorage. dinghy shore access via public boat ramps.
STM 951.6 Vero Beach Moorings City Marina at Marker 139 on the Intracoastal Waterway. Vero Beach FL moorings (reserve 48 hrs in advance); $15/day. Groceries & laundromat.
STM 987.0 Stuart FL Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Riverwalk. Bathtub Reef. Elliott Museum.
STM 1064.0 Ft Lauderdale, FL. A mooring for $45/day at Las Olas Municipal Marina gives you the best access to the Ft Lauderdale waterfront.
Alternatively, anchor at Lake Sylvia or Sunrise Bay anchorage. Dink to the Raw Bar and end of canal and dock for free if you eat a meal. Anchor at Middle River for easy dinghy access to Las Olas Municipal Marina ($15/day) and then downtown via water taxie. Stage departure for Bahamas by picking up mooring for $45/nite at Las Olas Municipal Moorings (FL-163).
STM 1094.4 Dinner Key FL moorings Dinner Key Mooring Facility $23.36/nite (max 40' LOA). ph (305) 329-4755 Mooring field map Mooring field to area map Free pumpout. A few blocks away is The Fresh Market grocery store chain.
Take ICW route to Biscayne Bay
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Anchor in Venetian Islands (STM 1088.4). Dink up Collins Canal to east, dock dink, and explore shops and restaurants. You may be able to dock dink near the Publix store, or near the anchorage next to the bridge. Pickup a bus near the bridge and take a bus to the Lincoln Mall.
Anchor in Key Biscayne Bight
*** VERIFY ANCHORAGE - moorings not available for transient
A waterfront community known for its cultural activities and sailing community. Three anchorage areas, and a large mooring field.
The cruiser’s VHF net is on every day at 9AM local time on channel 68. Anything else you need to know, just ask.
Intracoastal waterway guide + maps
Guide: Capt. John's "Doing the Ditch"
OWG = On The Water CruiseGuide for the ICW
Salty Southeast Cruiser' Net (click on the menu 'ST.M./LAT-LON WIDGET)
The ICW route is along the Florida Bay side, and the Hawk Channel route is on the Atlantic Ocean side. Either the ICW or Hawk Channel may be taken for the Upper and Middle Keys, but the Hawk Channel route must be taken for the Lower Keys. The north or south route to the Dry Tortugas will be chosen based on wind/wave conditions. The total distance from Miami to the Dry Tortugas is 201 nm (231 mi). The 192 mile reef (3rd largest system in the world) lies only four to six miles offshore.
This plan favors a transit from Miami to Key Largo (48 nm), Key Largo to Marathon (46 nm), and then Marathon to Key West (40 nm) in three legs as quickly as the weather permits. After a trip to the Dry Tortugas, the return north/east trip will slowly follow the Hawk Channel route to expore the snorkeling and fishing opportunities.
ICW or Hawk Channel route okay for Knot Workin.
Hawk Channel route Anglefish Creek (1120.4) to Long Key Viaduct (1177.8).
Popular reef destinations for snorkeling are: Carysford Reef; Dry Rocks; Molasses Reef (32 moorings); Pickles Reef (5 moorings); Davis Reef; Hens and Chickens; Cheeca Rocks; Alligator Reef. (assumption is that you take boat to reef and anchor in sand)
Several sites to choose from. See Doyle guide or the FKNMS online map.
As of 11 Nov 2017 the park has no overnight slips or mooring balls available (due to Irma storm damage).
Wreck: 'City of Washington' at Elbow Reef (East of Key Largo) in 25 feet of water east of Key Largo.
One of few anchorages on the Hawk Channel route. Land dinghy at dock near dive flag at Mandalay Restaurant.
Wreck: The Benwood. sunk in 1942 when it collided with another ship. She lies between French Reef and Dixie Shoals on the bottom of a low profile reef and sand, in depths ranging from 25 to 45 feet.
Snorkeling:
Islamorada anchorage accessible from the Hawk Channel via the Snake Cr crossover. Anchorage. Anchor at NE anchorage (my waypoint), avoid the SE area for depth and comfort reasons. Dock dink at Bass Pro. Land dink at mangroves left of public boat ramp west of Lorelei's to go shopping, or at a restuarant if you plan to eat out.
MetroBus #301 from Marathon to Islamorada. Cost is $2.25 each way. North bound picks up at Marathon MM #50 at 9:40 am, get off at MM #74 at Islamorada. South bound from Islamorada departs, 12:20 pm, 2:05 pm, 4:55 pm, 6:05 pm. Look for green bus stop signs.
Cotton Key anchorage accessible from the Hawk Channel via the Snake Cr crossover.
Snorkeling at Cheeca Rocks (STM 1160.8 HC)
San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park. Features a submerged shipwreck that sank in 1733. The underwater site has been enhanced with seven replica cannons, an anchor, and an information plaque. Mile Marker 78.5
Reef fishing for grouper, mackerel, mahi mahi (dorado).
Lignumvitae Key Bonanical State Park. Five overnight mooringings NW of Lignumvitae Key. Anchorage NNW of Lignumvitae Key. Crossover at Indian Key Channel STM 1165.
Several anchoreages in Lignumvitae Basin on ICW / Gulf side
Wreck: The San Pedro, a member of the 1733 Spanish treasure fleet caught by a hurricane in the Straits of Florida, sank in 18 feet of water one mile south of Indian Key.
Alligator Reef nearby. 4 mooring balls reported 9 Nov 2017
Anchorages on Gulf Side near the Channel Five crossover are at waypoints Long Key and Matecumbe Bight provide fair wind protection. Very limited nearby services.
ICW or Hawk Channel route okay
ICW route Conch Key (STM 1177.8) to Little Duck Key (1200.8)
Boot Key Harbor is dominated by the City Marina mooring field ($300+/month). The mooring field is typically full by Thanksgiving Day Moorings are allocated on a first come - first serve basis. City Marina dinghy dockage is $225/mo (very limited since Irma). Lots of good reasturants within walking and bicycle distance.
Anchorages exist west and north of Marathon. West side holding good and has good access to several dingly dock locations. Rachel Bank on the north size offers good holding in a quiet location. Limited dinghy access from north size of Marathon, but it may be possible to use a public boat ramp or docks at a restaurant.
Crossover at Seven Mile Bridge (19 ft) at Knight Channel
Carefully plan to be in the water during slack tidal current, and with the sun directly overhead. The water clarity and fishing is best when the Gulf Stream location is close to the offshore reef. You must post a diver down / Alpha flag when snorkeling or diving.
Sombrero Reef (snorkeling). Marked by a 140-foot lighted tower. We counted 11 moorings December 2017. Approach carefully from south west (do not cross reef with boat). Some of moorings closer to the reef (tower) are very close to coral heads - too close for anything but shallow draft boats. The moorings are generally set above a coral head, so no need to swim far.
Delta Shoals (snorkeling & fishing).
Coffin's Patch (snorkeling). Six distinct patch reefs in 20 ft of water.
Wreck: The Adelaide Baker lies in 20 feet of water, four miles south-southeast of Duck Key.
Catch dolphin fish and mahi mahi on ballyhoo lures. The best fishing is when the Gulf Stream location is close to the reef off of Marathon, and during a maximum tidal ebb.
Tidal current, tide (height) and sea temperature for Marathon FL
Hawk Channel route only
Hawk Channel route from Little Duck Key (STM 1200.8) to Key West (STM 1241.7)
Anchor north west of island, or in the channel at bridge between Bahia Honda Key and Ohio Key. Dinghy to state park in the protected basin. Great beach.
Best protected anchorage between Marathon and Key West. Access from Hawk Channel.
Snorkeling at Newfound Harbor (STM 1214.4 HC)
Snorkeling at Looe Key Reef
The Key West City Marina provides moorings at the Garrison bight Mooring Field (between Fleming Key and Sigsbee Park) Mooring cost for $19/day or $336/month ph 305-809-3981 The mooring field is exposed to the north.
See Jim & Deb Faughn's website for a possible anchorage location at Wisteria Isl SE (N24 33.938 W81 48.602). The only dinghy dock is near Dante's and access costs $80/month (pay the City Dock).
Tour Ernest Hemingway’s house
Visit Mallory Square an hour before sunset and watch street entertainers.
Key West Pub Crawl. Tues, Fri, Sunday; 8pm; 2.5 hrs; $65/2 people; or haunted pub crawl Wed, Fri, Sun at 8:30 pm.
Anchor east of Stock Island near marker G5B (but watch depth!). Possible to dock dingly at Maxwell Marine beyond ramp (lock dinghy). Across road is bus to Key West.
Garrison Bight Mooring Field. Anchorage holding is questionable. Paid dinghy dockage.
Key West FL NOAA weather forecast
Anchorage accessible from Hawk Channel between Key West and Dry Tortugas.
The regular lobster season is always August 6 through March 31. Depending on where you hunt/collect, there are different bag limits, but min is typically 6 per day. A valid Saltwater fishing license and (lobster) crawfish permit is always required when you go lobstering. Lobsters must be measured immediately after being caught and before taking them out of the water. Using a 'Tickle stick' + net (only).
Florida state regulated waters for most species are from shore to 3 nautical miles on the Atlantic. The following three species have specific limits by zone:
It has been written that the Florida Keys are littered with boats on the bottom in shallow water, creating great fishing opportunities. You can also fish for grooper along the edge of the mangroves. Try first catching small baits such as pinfish. If it is a wreck, or mangrove, the technique is the same, you need to lure the fish away from the protection of the wreck / mangrove in order to land it.
Speckled or spotted sea trout can be caught with live shrimp or with an imitation D.O.A. shrimp with a popping cork followed by the shrimp. Watch for 'muds', caused by fish stirring up the bottom to dislodge food.
Fish during an outgoing ebb tidal current (when the tide is outgoing from Florida Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, bait will flow out of the Bay and fish come in from the ocean to feed.).
A foodborne illness caused by eating certain reef fish whose flesh is contaminated with a toxin made by protists (marine plankton, etc). Ciguatera cannot be removed by conventional cooking. There is no effective treatment or antidote for ciguatera poisoning. Ciguatoxin is found in over 400 species of reef fish. Avoiding consumption of all reef fish is the only sure way to avoid exposure.
Requirements: Less than 5 ft draft. Max height 19 ft. Fuel range 250 mi. Six to nine months of time. More than 5600 miles across 22 states.
Capt. John - The Frugal Voyager
Assume arrival in Ft Lauderdale will be around the 10th of November. The trip from Ft Lauderdale to West End, Bahamas will take one day. The maps below depict a trip of eight trips between West End and Nassau, and then 11 trips to Georgetown at the Exumas. The return could consist of 11 trips back to Nassau, and then three trips along the Berry Islands route to Freeport. So a total of 33 day trips to travel among the Bahamas, with periods of time to enjoy each location and wait for the next weather window. Each leg assumes travel beginning at 7am and no longer than 40 nm so that arrival at each destination is approximately at noon.
Bahamas Cruisers Guide (online)
All crossings across the Gulf Stream between FL and Bahamas should be made in winds that do not have a northern component (NW through NE). Wait for a several hundred mile, slow moving high over the crossing area. The forecast for this high will be light NE winds, followed by light SW winds. Only depart if your departure will follow a period of at least 24 hours after high winds, in order to allow the ocean waves to settle down. Plan for a destination arrival of 1 or 2 pm. A departure at 6 am will result in an arrival at a destination 66 nm away at 2 pm when traveling 8.2 knots.
Anchorage at North Cat Cay South (exposed to south; go to Citris Haven anchorage for south protection).
Bimini Blue Water Marina $1.00/ft ph 242-347-3166 & 242-347-3291, ch 68. Browns Marina $1.25/ft Big Game Club Marina $2.50/ft + $40/night electric & water. Fisherman's Village Marina closed due to Irma damage?. Mega Marina $5/ft (confirmed 17 Feb 2018). From Bimini, it is 84 nm to Chub Cay.
See also Explorer Chartbooks fuel & dockage prices
Stay at Old Bahama Bay Marina, $2.00/ft/day + $20 resort fee. ph 242-350-6500 or email sales@obbresort.co
Anchorage area available Customs check-in available.
ICW crossover vis Biscayne Channel for departure to Bahamas. Anchor nearby in ICW at waypoint Key Biscayne Bight. ~STM 1095
Crossover wait point. Hillsboro Inlet provides a safe anchorage. The Hillsboro Inlet Bridge (13 ft) must be opened for excursions beyond the Hillsboro Inlet anchorage. Lighthouse Point Marina a short distance north of the anchorage has fuel, pump out, etc. 954-941-0227 ext 206
Cell phones won't work in most parts of the country. Unlikely to find a mechanic along the coast other than in major cities. No commercial towing service. Nobody will respond to a EPIRB in an emergency. Must be able to travel at least 150 miles safely between fuel stops. Boat insurance typically excludes coverage in Cuba. Internet at major hotels and marinas cost $3/hr using an Internet Card. The SPOT Gen 3 tracking device will work throughout Cuba.
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Atlantic ICW
Florida
Bahamas
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The Great Loop