Setting off from Ft. Myers, you'll embark on a memorable journey up Florida's captivating Gulf Coast. This trip to Ozona is an excellent choice for boaters who value both the thrill of navigation and the tranquillity of picturesque escapades. Your course is rich with natural beauty, offering ample opportunities to explore while ensuring a safe passage.
Departing Ft. Myers, the Caloosahatchee River serves as your pathway to the Gulf of Mexico. Ensure your passage through the river is well-timed with outgoing tides, providing a smoother transit. With over 60 miles ahead in your journey, navigation skills come into play especially near the Matanzas Pass bridge, where you’ll need to mind the currents and remain vigilant for commercial traffic.
Once in open waters, you'll head north towards Sanibel Island, keeping an eye out for the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, an iconic landmark to your starboard. As you sail along, Bowditch Point is an excellent initial stop if you need to provision or want to soak in the local charm without venturing far inland.
Continuing northwards, Pine Island Sound offers a protective buffer from open seas. This area is laden with intricate channels and rich biodiversity, a boon for nature lovers. Here, instinct and electronic navigation like savvy navvy will serve you well, as the varying depths and sandbars demand attention. Should weather conditions start to sour, the marinas at Useppa Island or Cabbage Key offer welcoming shelter and quaint sights.
Further along, your journey north brings you to Charlotte Harbor, renowned for its sailing culture and incredible fishing spots. At Punta Gorda, consider taking a short detour to Fishermen’s Village—a vibrant place for dining and shopping. As you exit the harbor, sail past the Boca Grande Pass carefully, minding the strong tidal currents notorious in this region.
As you progress, the broad expanse of Sarasota Bay lies ahead. The inland Crescent Beach serves as a sheltered spot if you encounter challenging weather. This leg of your trip is ideal for sailboats or trawlers, where steady winds often favor your journey. You'll notice Longboat Key on your starboard, a prime destination for its pristine beaches.
Ahead lies the complex waterways around Tampa Bay. As you navigate into Tampa's vast expanse, be prepared for increased traffic and stay alert to numerous navigational markers. Enter through Egmont Key, noting its historic Egmont Key State Park, a historic fort site and symbol of local heritage. The calm waters of Little Manatee River offer a safe haven if you face sudden storms, ideal for regrouping and steering clear of inclement weather.
Finally, approaching Ozona, your trek will gently wind through the intracoastal waterways, with the Anclote Key Preserve State Park a must-see. Here, stunning beaches and the famous Anclote Lighthouse mark the beginning of the end of your voyage. The channel into Ozona requires careful handling of tides; shallow spots and local boating regulations necessitate a watchful eye.
Throughout your trip, staying informed on local weather patterns and tides is essential. Make use of their comprehensive data and user-friendly interfaces from navigating apps such as savvy navvy or Navionics. As the Gulf Coast weaves its magic with every mile, this route is a boater’s dream. It caters to both leisurely explorers and experienced navigators, balancing serenity and adventure between Florida’s historic backwaters and vibrant coastal towns. With safety prioritized, your jaunt promises to be both a voyage worth remembering and a story to share.