Picture this: you’re setting sail from Ft. Myers Beach with the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico spread out before you, a call to adventure and relaxation awaiting all at once. Your destination is the enchanting island city of Key West, known for its vibrant culture and marine wonders. Let's chart an ideal course that combines safety with the pleasures of discovery along this splendid journey.
As you leave the shore of Ft. Myers Beach, navigate out of Matanzas Pass carefully, watching for the green and red channel markers that guide you out past the shoals and sandbars towards open water. The Gulf Coastal route southbound is where you'll keep your compass, weather permitting, staying a comfortable distance offshore for navigational ease and clearer waters.
Your first major waypoint is the iconic Sanibel Island to the northwest. While cruising by, you can admire the striking Sanibel Lighthouse, an intriguing piece of maritime history first lit in 1884. Sanibel and its neighbor, Captiva Island, offer sheltered anchorages if you want to take a pit stop. These islands are rich with natural beauty and shell-filled beaches, offering the chance for a delightful day’s detour or a safe haven should the weather take an unpleasant turn.
Continuing south, the next key passage involves bypassing the endless beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands, especially the Wilderness Waterway around Marco Island. Here, the waters can get quite shallow and complex with shifting sands, so thorough knowledge and attention to your charts are paramount. Consider taking an hour to navigate the channels into Marco Island to enjoy a break; perhaps lunch at one of its waterfront eateries?
As you keep cruising further down the coast, the Everglades lie to the east and open Gulf waters to the west. This section of the trip is relatively free of large hazards but rife with the need to remain conscious of depths and tidal changes – the perfect opportunity to hone your navigation skills, using apps such as savvy navvy or Navionics to track bathymetric data and avoid unexpected surprises. Observing these elements with diligence keeps you informed and safe.
Now, en route to Key West, you might decide to hug the Florida Keys themselves – a stunning archipelago leading you south. If weather conditions allow, dropping anchor at Bahia Honda State Park presents an idyllic, protected bay perfect for an overnight stay. Its turquoise waters and pristine shoreline make it a favored spot for boaters and beachgoers alike.
Your final approach into Key West involves negotiating the Northwest Channel. It's a busy and narrow stretch, chaperoned by a series of markers and crowded with vessels, so maintaining a sharp lookout and following right-of-way rules are imperative. Approaching Key West Bight via its well-marked channel, you’re welcomed by the vibrant Keys lifestyle amidst a hub of bustling marinas and lively waterfront attractions.
Each waypoint on this journey holds its unique allure, from the eco-rich islands of Sanibel and Captiva to the cultural vibrancy of Key West itself. While safety reigns supreme, this maritime journey across the Gulf indeed promises wonder and delight to the sensible yet adventurous boater, well-versed in navigation and eager to explore the beauty of Florida's waters.