Trip planning for Keys Jan.-Feb.

[heritage]

Sum, my friends say that I can be modest to a fault when it comes to money. As I recall, it was in the 6-7 $ range for the buffet (mainly cold cuts, potatoe salad, and chips) and included a coke or bottled water and a great view from the ships dinning area. A bag of ice was a little over the top though, at $6.

 

[Sumner]

.. As I recall, it was in the 6-7 $ range for the buffet (mainly cold cuts, potatoe salad, and chips) and included a coke or bottled water and a great view from the ships dinning area. A bag of ice was a little over the top though, at $6.

Thanks I could afford that once of twice if I make it there. Probably not much else to spend money on there . Don't need the ice got a fridge ,

Sum

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[Ded reckoner]

Generally speaking, Hawks Channel is fine for your draft. But, if you go any distance, you will want to check the charts carefully and consider using waypoints to stay clear of the odd low spots. You will need to pay attention to the tides accessing most marinas. Bahia Honda has a nice anchorage between the bridges and there were a handful of mooring balls off the Indian Key Anchorage to keep boats out of the adjacent field of lobster traps. If you intend to dive on any of the reefs, I recommend the website florida-keys-vacation.com since they have nice detailed maps of the reefs (under the Diving menu). You will want to plan your entry and exit carefully to any reef since you will need to be selective choosing your mooring.

 

[gettinthere]

Prevailing wind is easterly. So heading down Hawks Channel is fairly easy. Coming back to Miami is often dead upwind. So crossing over to the Fl Bay side on the return works well. 5' is the word I hear often inside. And the 56' Tuttle bridge is north of Miami so bridges should not be an issue all the way up the inside route.

The Key West anchorage and the mooring field are quite exposed and uncomfortable in winter.

The Marathon mooring field is already full. You cannot get on the wait list until you are in the harbor.