Planning a boat trip from the charming town of Bokeelia to the vibrant Miami Beach can be an exciting boating adventure. This journey, spanning approximately 150 nautical miles across the scenic waters of Florida's west and south coasts, offers a delightful mix of serene cruising, potential stopovers, and captivating landmarks. Before we set sail, however, safety should always take precedence. Make sure your vessel is well-equipped with all necessary safety devices and performing at its best. Additionally, ensure you have an up-to-date marine chart, whether a physical one or on a reliable app like Navionics, savvy navvy, or Aqua Map to help track your progress and monitor the weather.
Starting in Bokeelia, located at the northern end of Pine Island, you’ll want to exit through the Boca Grande Pass, carefully navigating past the sandbars and shoals. As you make your way into Charlotte Harbor, keep an eye on the navigation markers. Pay special attention to red and green markers indicating the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW); red on your right when returning can save you from grounding.
For your first potential stopover or shelter, look at Cayo Costa Island State Park. This stunning barrier island offers a serene setting with beautiful beaches and is considered a safe anchorage in bad weather; a delightful spot for those looking to explore Florida’s natural beauty or enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.
Continuing down the ICW, you'll eventually reach the Naples Channel. This is a lovely place to pause and explore the Naples area, known for its upscale shops, dining, and stunning sunsets. It would be prudent to consider Gordon Pass as your entry and exit point to the Gulf, ensuring you follow the local markers closely as shoaling is quite frequent here.
From Naples to Marco Island, enjoy the turquoise waters and watch for local wildlife such as dolphins playing in your wake. Marco Island provides another excellent stopover with marinas and anchorages available, should weather conditions necessitate a longer stay.
As you venture from Marco Island towards the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands, maintain caution. This area is renowned for its captivating, yet challenging, maze of mangroves. It's wise to navigate with updated electronic charts and possibly enlist savvy navvy to help plan your course, ensuring you’re aligned with the best routes.
Heading south, make your way through the Florida Keys, relishing the clear, warm waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Key Largo can be a delightful midway stop—a hub for snorkeling and diving, you might enjoy a day of underwater exploration in this tropical paradise. It's also known for its ample supplies and excellent marina facilities, should you need to refuel or restock.
Approaching Miami Beach, maintain awareness of the South Florida Water Management District regulations and respect any speed restrictions, particularly in manatee zones. This route is particularly well-suited for boaters who adore coastal cruising, marine life, and who respect the need for meticulous navigation.
As you arrive at Miami Beach, prepare to be greeted by its iconic skyline, pristine beaches, and lively ambiance—a vibrant contrast to the tranquil journey. Whether you're seeking shelter from weather, wishing to explore new locales, or simply observing the diverse coastal landscapes, this trip from Bokeelia to Miami Beach is sure to captivate both seasoned sailors and those newer to the boating world.
Stay updated on weather forecasts throughout your journey, and within your navigation apps such as savvy navvy, utilize local knowledge to ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure. Safe travels!