Coconut Grove to Punta Gorda by boat

Starting your journey from Coconut Grove, Miami, you'll embark on an extraordinary boating adventure to Punta Gorda, weaving through the scenic beauty of Florida's coastline. Let’s chart the course with safety as the spine of our plan, while also highlighting the enjoyable aspects for the seafaring spirit in you.

Departing from Coconut Grove:
Situated in Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove is your gateway to relaxed cruising. Ensure your boat is well-prepared, with all safety equipment on hand, and check weather forecasts as sudden shifts can occur in subtropical Florida.

Route Overview:
As you navigate from Coconut Grove, aim to follow the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) for much of your journey. This sheltered route provides protection from open ocean conditions, with well-marked channels that ensure a safe passage.

Leg 1: Coconut Grove to Fort Lauderdale
Head northward along Biscayne Bay, enjoying views of Miami's skyline. Be cautious of local marine traffic and adhere to speed limits. It's a vibrant area with many recreational boaters.

• Navigational Aids: Follow ICW markers that begin with red "2" as you head north. Stay vigilant for bridges—many are bascule bridges that require VHF communication to open.
• Safe Shelter: If weather conditions worsen, Biscayne National Park offers protected anchorage.

Point of Interest:
Stop by the famed Haulover Sandbar north of Miami Beach for a quick respite. It’s a bustling spot, perfect for a midday swim.

Leg 2: Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach
Continuing along the ICW, you'll venture toward Fort Lauderdale's web of canals known as "The Venice of America." A slower pace here is advisable due to residential areas and corresponding no-wake zones.

• Navigational Aids: The ICW markers, generally red on the Gulf side and green on the Atlantic side, guide your way. Keep a steady lookout as the waterway veers close to residential docks.
• Safe Shelter: Lake Sylvia in Fort Lauderdale provides sanctuary and is suitable for overnight anchoring.

Leg 3: West Palm Beach to Stuart
As you navigate further north, enjoy the mansions along the ICW in West Palm Beach. You’ll pass through Jupiter, where the scenic limestone formations at Blowing Rocks Preserve make a fantastic detour.

• Navigational Aids: The iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse shines as a historical marker. Ensure to stay within buoy-marked channels, especially as you pass through inlets.
• Safe Shelter: Jupiter’s Harbourside Marina offers docking facilities for rest or provisioning.

Leg 4: Stuart to Punta Gorda
For the final stretch, consider taking the Okeechobee Waterway from Stuart, crossing Florida through Lake Okeechobee, and descending on the west coast. This inland route offers a unique perspective and avoids fully open Gulf conditions.

• Navigational Aids: Monitor lock timings, particularly at St. Lucie and Franklin locks. The waterway is well-marked, but extra care is needed to manage freshwater navigation nuances.
• Safe Shelter: Roland Martin Marina in Clewiston on Lake Okeechobee provides another shelter point and is renowned among bass fishing enthusiasts.

Approaching Punta Gorda:
Re-entering the Gulf side via the Caloosahatchee River, you'll finally reach Punta Gorda, nestled on the charming Peace River.

Points of Interest and Considerations:
Punta Gorda welcomes you with Fishermen’s Village, bustling with shops and restaurants. As this area is prone to sudden weather changes, always have a solid forecast check the night before arrival.

Essential Apps:
For continual updates on tides, weather, and navigation, consider: savvy navvy, which consolidates charts, weather, and route planning beautifully into one intuitive platform, and Navionics for detailed coastal charts.

Regulations and Communication:
Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 16 for Coast Guard notices. Adherence to local speed zones and no-wake areas is crucial, primarily within residential and ecologically sensitive zones.

This expedition is ideal for well-prepared cruisers with a keen eye on safety, eager to explore both sheltered water paths and the vivid culture along Florida's coast. It blends the charm of leisurely cruising with the vibrancy of local attractions, making it an unforgettable maritime voyage.