We are planning to sail from Pensacola to Sarasota to Florida Keys this spring/summer. I'm looking for a web site that would have cruising info on the southwest Florida coast and especially the keys. I know there are a few books out there, which I will probably get, but guess there are probably also some web sites with great info on the keys regarding anchorages, marinas, 'must sees', etc. any help appreciated!
Sailing info on Florida 's West Coast & Keys
- Thread starter Persy
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What is your boats draft? Will you have kids on board that need entertainment? Would the adults on board be more like bar hoppers or nature lovers? Given decent weather, would you prefer to sail outside or lean more towards ICW. About how many miles or hours per day do you plan?
What is your boats draft? Will you have kids on board that need entertainment? Would the adults on board be more like bar hoppers or nature lovers? Given decent weather, would you prefer to sail outside or lean more towards ICW. About how many miles or hours per day do you plan?
More info needed
GuyH Some things will depend on what you would like to do,and some on your boat. You can stay inside completely as far as Pensacola from Ponchatrain. After Pensacola, you will have make offshore runs if your mast if over 50'. You can make day sails to Destin, Panama City etc. You can do Pt.St.Joe to Appalachicola inside. After that you have to go outside to at least the Clearwater area. This is a 24 hour run, or a tad more depending on boat speed and weather. From there south you can stay inside most of the way down to the Keys. If you want to make a straight shot it is approx. 4 days from the Pascagula entrance to the south end of Sanibel island, Fr. Meyers area. If you decide for the offshore route, be sure to check the weather forecast carefully, and also the gulf loop currents. Depending on the currents you may want to stay closer to shore, or maybe pick up a boost at some point. I am familiar with the area as far south as Ft.Meyers, Sannibel area. Some very good sailing down there, but if you stay inside you will be pretty dependent on the engine most of the time. Offshore is some pretty fantastic sailing. Get a good cruising guide, and have fun. Some really nice anchorages along the way. If you have any more specific questions drop me a line.
GuyH Some things will depend on what you would like to do,and some on your boat. You can stay inside completely as far as Pensacola from Ponchatrain. After Pensacola, you will have make offshore runs if your mast if over 50'. You can make day sails to Destin, Panama City etc. You can do Pt.St.Joe to Appalachicola inside. After that you have to go outside to at least the Clearwater area. This is a 24 hour run, or a tad more depending on boat speed and weather. From there south you can stay inside most of the way down to the Keys. If you want to make a straight shot it is approx. 4 days from the Pascagula entrance to the south end of Sanibel island, Fr. Meyers area. If you decide for the offshore route, be sure to check the weather forecast carefully, and also the gulf loop currents. Depending on the currents you may want to stay closer to shore, or maybe pick up a boost at some point. I am familiar with the area as far south as Ft.Meyers, Sannibel area. Some very good sailing down there, but if you stay inside you will be pretty dependent on the engine most of the time. Offshore is some pretty fantastic sailing. Get a good cruising guide, and have fun. Some really nice anchorages along the way. If you have any more specific questions drop me a line.
replies...
We're planning on going straight from Pensacola to Sarasota, stay week, then straight to the keys. We'll go outside as my mast is almost 60'. Looking more for family oriented marinas and anchorages. We'll need a marina in Sarasota and the keys as I will leave the boat for a week or 2, but definitely will spend a week or so at anchorages in the keys and would like some local info on that. Boat draws 5.5' Where do I get info on the gulf current conditions and forecasts? What I' really looking for is info on marinas in Sarasota & the keys as well as anchorages in the keys (for snorkeling, beach etc).
We're planning on going straight from Pensacola to Sarasota, stay week, then straight to the keys. We'll go outside as my mast is almost 60'. Looking more for family oriented marinas and anchorages. We'll need a marina in Sarasota and the keys as I will leave the boat for a week or 2, but definitely will spend a week or so at anchorages in the keys and would like some local info on that. Boat draws 5.5' Where do I get info on the gulf current conditions and forecasts? What I' really looking for is info on marinas in Sarasota & the keys as well as anchorages in the keys (for snorkeling, beach etc).
Marina Jacks in Sarasota
Is a large clean well known marina. It has onsite resturants from tiki bar on the beach to fancy formal dining. A nice little park overlooks the bay with play ground and a play in water fountain for kids. Of course fuel and laundry. The great thing is you can easily walk into down town Sarasota and there are alot of great resturants--you won't be able to sample them all in a week. The main drag through town is Highway 41. This is where all the service type stores are. Several WM and atleast one Boat US and all types of shopping are on 41 (also called Tamiami Trail)If you have any car buffs there is a great car museum that has alot of early "brass era" cars out on business 41, any cabbie would know it. Also the ladies enjoy a day walking and shopping on St Armonds circle- small nice higher end shops. Everybody loves going to the Mote marine aquarium. Marina Jacks is accessible from the gulf with no bridge. Harbor master phone(941)955-9488
Is a large clean well known marina. It has onsite resturants from tiki bar on the beach to fancy formal dining. A nice little park overlooks the bay with play ground and a play in water fountain for kids. Of course fuel and laundry. The great thing is you can easily walk into down town Sarasota and there are alot of great resturants--you won't be able to sample them all in a week. The main drag through town is Highway 41. This is where all the service type stores are. Several WM and atleast one Boat US and all types of shopping are on 41 (also called Tamiami Trail)If you have any car buffs there is a great car museum that has alot of early "brass era" cars out on business 41, any cabbie would know it. Also the ladies enjoy a day walking and shopping on St Armonds circle- small nice higher end shops. Everybody loves going to the Mote marine aquarium. Marina Jacks is accessible from the gulf with no bridge. Harbor master phone(941)955-9488
FL Sea Grant
Go to Florida Sea Grant, under waterfront communities look for current programs then anchorages. Lots of info there. I have a link, but not signed in and cannot post it.
Go to Florida Sea Grant, under waterfront communities look for current programs then anchorages. Lots of info there. I have a link, but not signed in and cannot post it.
Pensacola to Sarasota
In that part of the gulf you will get a little boost from a west to east current, but it can vary. You might not be far enough out in mid gulf to get much out of it. Google up Gulf Loop Current. With some pretty good boat speed you should be able to make this run in three days. Four if the winds let you down. Be sure and have some good charts, as there is lots of shallow water down that way. There are some good guide books that you will also need, but lots of nice anchorages. You draft will limit you a little, but still lots of choices. Not sure about web sites for anchorages, but a marina search should produce lots of results.
In that part of the gulf you will get a little boost from a west to east current, but it can vary. You might not be far enough out in mid gulf to get much out of it. Google up Gulf Loop Current. With some pretty good boat speed you should be able to make this run in three days. Four if the winds let you down. Be sure and have some good charts, as there is lots of shallow water down that way. There are some good guide books that you will also need, but lots of nice anchorages. You draft will limit you a little, but still lots of choices. Not sure about web sites for anchorages, but a marina search should produce lots of results.
Florida Boating and Angling Guides
I'd stay close enough to duck into Pensacola, or Destin, and then go inside at Panama City to Appalachicola and go out through Carrabelle not through the Government Cut in Apallachicola. I just made that trip in November. If your not a member of a yacht club it may be worth joining we spent nothing on slips untill we spent a week in Marathon. http://research.myfwc.com/products/products.asp
I'd stay close enough to duck into Pensacola, or Destin, and then go inside at Panama City to Appalachicola and go out through Carrabelle not through the Government Cut in Apallachicola. I just made that trip in November. If your not a member of a yacht club it may be worth joining we spent nothing on slips untill we spent a week in Marathon. http://research.myfwc.com/products/products.asp
This might help
The Florida Sea Grant website has excellent information on anchorages on Florida's Gulf coast (on-line charts, aerial photos, directions, etc.). Claibourne Young's Cruising Guide to Western Florida is a good resource. NOAA On-line chart viewer (examine charts for free) Dry Tortugas National Park website. The Florida Keys are trickier to access from the Gulf of Mexico side and as Nice N Easy said, shoals are everywhere. Charts and a working depthsounder are an absolute must near the coast. I hope this helps. Peter H23 "Raven"
The Florida Sea Grant website has excellent information on anchorages on Florida's Gulf coast (on-line charts, aerial photos, directions, etc.). Claibourne Young's Cruising Guide to Western Florida is a good resource. NOAA On-line chart viewer (examine charts for free) Dry Tortugas National Park website. The Florida Keys are trickier to access from the Gulf of Mexico side and as Nice N Easy said, shoals are everywhere. Charts and a working depthsounder are an absolute must near the coast. I hope this helps. Peter H23 "Raven"
replies to replies....
Thanks to everyone for the valuable information... * I looked into Marina Jacks, we'll definitely stay there if they have slips...looks like ideal location for family to spend the week * Florida Sea Grant site is great!....need one like that for the keys * I have about 60' mast height, so I don't think inside is an option...I haven't looked closely, but know there are 50' bridges at Navarre and East as well as some on the Florida West Coast. If anyone knows offhand where the ones on Florida West Coast are, it would be appreciated. problem with our current plan is that we are due to arrive Key West about June 6, the beginning of Key West's Gay Pride Week, something we don't necessarily want the youngin's to get involved with....anyone know if the festivities extend to other keys or how long before and after the actual fest things are going on? thanks again for all of the tips!
Thanks to everyone for the valuable information... * I looked into Marina Jacks, we'll definitely stay there if they have slips...looks like ideal location for family to spend the week * Florida Sea Grant site is great!....need one like that for the keys * I have about 60' mast height, so I don't think inside is an option...I haven't looked closely, but know there are 50' bridges at Navarre and East as well as some on the Florida West Coast. If anyone knows offhand where the ones on Florida West Coast are, it would be appreciated. problem with our current plan is that we are due to arrive Key West about June 6, the beginning of Key West's Gay Pride Week, something we don't necessarily want the youngin's to get involved with....anyone know if the festivities extend to other keys or how long before and after the actual fest things are going on? thanks again for all of the tips!
Where are you
Guy H, Where about on Ponchatrain are you located. I live in Eden Isles, in Slidell. Maybe we could hook up some day and hoist a cool beverage.
Guy H, Where about on Ponchatrain are you located. I live in Eden Isles, in Slidell. Maybe we could hook up some day and hoist a cool beverage.
The definitive web site for Keys Cruising
is right here- http://www.bootkeyharbor.com/ There is a TON of information on here but I am sure you will find it useful. I have sailed a little in the Keys and I think there are two places that you can cross from the Gulf to Hawks Passage. The first is Snake Creek in Islamorada (draw bridge) and then the 7 Mile Bridge below Marathon (which I think has a clearance of 63 feet). For a cruising guide you can't go wrong with Frank Papy and his latest book- http://www.cruisingguidetothefloridakeys.com/ Good luck. I love the keys, whether sailing or not. The hubby and I are heading down there in about 10 days for a week in Key Largo.
is right here- http://www.bootkeyharbor.com/ There is a TON of information on here but I am sure you will find it useful. I have sailed a little in the Keys and I think there are two places that you can cross from the Gulf to Hawks Passage. The first is Snake Creek in Islamorada (draw bridge) and then the 7 Mile Bridge below Marathon (which I think has a clearance of 63 feet). For a cruising guide you can't go wrong with Frank Papy and his latest book- http://www.cruisingguidetothefloridakeys.com/ Good luck. I love the keys, whether sailing or not. The hubby and I are heading down there in about 10 days for a week in Key Largo.
May I Politely Disagree?
As someone who has sailed in the Keys for many years, I would like to express my personal opinion that Papy's cruising guide is of little value, and sometimes can send you astray. In many cases, he describes areas as passable "~if your draft is not too deep", but he never explains what he means by "not too deep". In an area like the Keys, where depths are critical for sailboaters, his book is too lacking in details. About bridges, the channel that goes through the Snake Creek bridge is too shallow on the bay side for your 5.5' draft sailboat. You can transit the Channel 5 bridge and the Seven Mile Bridge with no problem if you want to sail in Hawk Channel or outside the reef on the ocean side.
As someone who has sailed in the Keys for many years, I would like to express my personal opinion that Papy's cruising guide is of little value, and sometimes can send you astray. In many cases, he describes areas as passable "~if your draft is not too deep", but he never explains what he means by "not too deep". In an area like the Keys, where depths are critical for sailboaters, his book is too lacking in details. About bridges, the channel that goes through the Snake Creek bridge is too shallow on the bay side for your 5.5' draft sailboat. You can transit the Channel 5 bridge and the Seven Mile Bridge with no problem if you want to sail in Hawk Channel or outside the reef on the ocean side.
Mick, I prefer
Florida Keys and Everglades Cruising Guide by Captain Freya Rauscher or Cruising the Florida Keys by Morgan Stinemetz & Claiborne Young
Florida Keys and Everglades Cruising Guide by Captain Freya Rauscher or Cruising the Florida Keys by Morgan Stinemetz & Claiborne Young
paps's guide...
I also have to agree with BP. Papy's guide is excellent as a point of reference, but he is correct on the some of the content. I have Franks guide, use it and love it. It is/was and continues to a valuable reference in my library. We all need to keep in mind that the books have to be written in vague terms as the ever changing shoal conditions. I cruising guide is never a substitute for an updated chart and depth sounder. All in all, the Papy Guide is excellent, offers a lot of insight and local knowledge. I highly recommend it, it is a great read. Btw... I have Stinemetz' guide too in my library. (Also VERY good)
I also have to agree with BP. Papy's guide is excellent as a point of reference, but he is correct on the some of the content. I have Franks guide, use it and love it. It is/was and continues to a valuable reference in my library. We all need to keep in mind that the books have to be written in vague terms as the ever changing shoal conditions. I cruising guide is never a substitute for an updated chart and depth sounder. All in all, the Papy Guide is excellent, offers a lot of insight and local knowledge. I highly recommend it, it is a great read. Btw... I have Stinemetz' guide too in my library. (Also VERY good)
Good comment, Ross
There is no substitute for a current chart and a properly working and calibrated depthsounder in skinny water. Even then, shifting shoals can be a problem. With a handheld VHF, you should be able to get local information. Just be aware that even locals can make mistakes, so check any advice you get against your chart and depth information. A trip to the Dry Tortugas is a great way to pass the time if you don't want to arrive in Key West the first week in June. The weather is still good, it's a straight shot from Ft. Myers and the route is well marked. However, if you arrive at Garden Key before daylight, anchor off and wait until the sun is well up. The approach to the anchorage is from the west and it is littered with reefs. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
There is no substitute for a current chart and a properly working and calibrated depthsounder in skinny water. Even then, shifting shoals can be a problem. With a handheld VHF, you should be able to get local information. Just be aware that even locals can make mistakes, so check any advice you get against your chart and depth information. A trip to the Dry Tortugas is a great way to pass the time if you don't want to arrive in Key West the first week in June. The weather is still good, it's a straight shot from Ft. Myers and the route is well marked. However, if you arrive at Garden Key before daylight, anchor off and wait until the sun is well up. The approach to the anchorage is from the west and it is littered with reefs. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
Marinas Ahoy!
Here is a link I found last night on the marinas in FL and other places. It may help in planning your cruise. I'll also put a word in for one of my favorites around here in Clearwater. It is Caladesi Island a state park with a secluded marina. http://marinas.com/view/marina/2153
Here is a link I found last night on the marinas in FL and other places. It may help in planning your cruise. I'll also put a word in for one of my favorites around here in Clearwater. It is Caladesi Island a state park with a secluded marina. http://marinas.com/view/marina/2153
Hawks Cay in the keys
Don't miss Hawks Cay at Duck Key oceanside. Just south of the ch 5 bridge. We always treat ourselves to a few days of pampering after sailing south. 5 star resort. A little tricky to get into is pelican bay at Boca Grande pass. Very nice semi protected state park. Easy walk or dingy ride around to the gulf side for 7 miles of beach.
Don't miss Hawks Cay at Duck Key oceanside. Just south of the ch 5 bridge. We always treat ourselves to a few days of pampering after sailing south. 5 star resort. A little tricky to get into is pelican bay at Boca Grande pass. Very nice semi protected state park. Easy walk or dingy ride around to the gulf side for 7 miles of beach.
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