Williams Island Marina to South Boca Grande

Setting sail from Williams Island Marina, our voyage to South Boca Grande promises both the thrill of open water cruising and the serene beauty of Florida's coastal gems. This meticulously plotted course is crafted for the avid mariner seeking both safety and the allure of adventure. Let’s embark on planning a journey that balances the call of the horizon with the wisdom of navigation.

Departure: Williams Island Marina

Begin your journey at the well-equipped Williams Island Marina, where all necessary provisions can be secured. Ensure your vessel is well-prepped, weather forecasts checked, and safety gear inspected. Departing from this point, we head south, hugging the Florida coast and taking in the scenic views.

Navigating the Waters

As we chart our course southward, keep Biscayne Bay to your port side. This stretch is straightforward but demands vigilance for commercial traffic and recreational boaters alike. Navigational aids such as channel markers and buoy systems are your companions here, guiding your path clear of shoals and ensuring a safe passage through the shipping channels.

Points of Interest and Safety Havens:

• Key Biscayne: Early in our journey, this island offers beautiful anchorages, stunning beaches, and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. In case of unfavorable weather, it provides shelter and activities like exploring Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
• Elliot Key: Further down is Elliot Key, part of Biscayne National Park. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stopover, offering anchorage, snorkeling, and diving opportunities amidst vibrant coral reefs. Its sheltered waters on the west side make it a safe haven if need be.
• Card Sound: As we navigate around the upper keys, keep mindful of the Card Sound Bridge height restrictions and the alternate route through Angelfish Creek, should your mast height necessitate it.

Continuing South: The Jewels of the Keys

Our passage threads through the enchanting Florida Keys, where the Atlantic meets the Gulf of Mexico. Here, the waters are a boater's paradise, but respect for marine zones and protected areas is paramount. Use the Hawk Channel for a safer route, provided your draft allows, and keep an eye out for coral heads.

Marathon and Seven Mile Bridge: Halfway to our destination, Marathon offers marinas, repair services, and a welcoming community. The iconic Seven Mile Bridge nears, a sight to behold and a testament to man’s endeavor to link these remote islands.

The Approach to South Boca Grande

As we near our destination, the waters open up to reveal Charlotte Harbor and the Boca Grande Pass, known for its tarpon fishing. The approach requires attentiveness to tidal currents and navigational aids marking the shipping channel. The pass can be treacherous, so timing your passage with favorable tides is advised.

Arrival: South Boca Grande

Our journey concludes at the tranquil yet mesmerizing South Boca Grande, a place where time seems to stand still. The area offers peaceful anchorages, friendly locals, and stunning sunsets, encapsulating the essence of what boating in these waters is all about.

Navigational Considerations and Safety

Throughout this voyage, adherence to safety protocols cannot be overstressed. Updated charts, GPS navigation, and weather monitoring are your lifelines. Be aware of local regulations, especially speed zones in manatee habitats and protected areas. Night sailing through these waters is not recommended due to the increased risk of running aground on unseen shoals or encountering unlit vessels.

Who is This Route For?

This journey from Williams Island Marina to South Boca Grande is crafted for the boater who treasures the blend of open-sea cruising with the exploratory zest of coastal navigation. It appeals to those who respect the sea's might but are drawn to its wonders, ensuring a memorable voyage filled with vistas, wildlife encounters, and the warm embrace of Floridian hospitality.

Embrace this voyage not just as a passage through water, but a journey through the heart of boating paradise. Welcome each day's sail with preparedness, and every anchorage as a haven of rest, making your journey to South Boca Grande nothing short of extraordinary.