Planning a boat trip from Fort Myers to Marathon takes you through a beautiful stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast and into the Keys, offering memorable sights and adventures while ensuring you remain safe and informed. Here’s your pilotage plan:
Departure from Fort Myers:
Begin your journey at the Fort Myers Yacht Basin or one of the local marinas. This area provides easy access to the Caloosahatchee River, which will be your starting waterway moving toward the open Gulf. Ensure you’ve checked all your safety equipment and completed the necessary checks on your boat before departure.
Caloosahatchee River to San Carlos Bay:
As you navigate the Caloosahatchee, keep an eye on the channel markers for safe passage, given the fair amount of traffic and varying depths. Note the green and red buoys; sticking close to them will help you avoid shallow areas.
Notable Stop: Sanibel Island and Captiva Island:
Before heading to the open Gulf, consider stopping at Sanibel Island or Captiva Island. They are renowned for shelling beaches, and local restaurants provide a wonderful break. Boaters can anchor off the shore, but pay attention to local rules and designated anchorages.
Navigation in the Gulf of Mexico:
Navigating the Gulf waters requires vigilance regarding weather and currents. Always have a weather app handy (such as Windy or NOAA Weather), besides navigation apps like savvy navvy, to anticipate any changes in conditions. The Gulf offers more direct routes but can be exposed, so plan accordingly.
Safety Stop: Naples Bay or Ten Thousand Islands:
If weather conditions worsen, Naples Bay offers ample shelter with full marina facilities. Alternatively, the Ten Thousand Islands also provide numerous protected anchorage spots, though the waterways are intricate and require careful navigation. Stopping here also offers the opportunity to explore unique wildlife and mangroves.
Marco Island:
As you proceed further south, Marco Island offers a great spot to restock or explore. The island boasts beautiful beaches and local attractions, making it a worthy overnight stop if time permits.
Rookery Bay and Everglades National Park:
Passing close by, consider a detour into Rookery Bay or even the Everglades National Park waters. Take caution to respect local environmental regulations and stay within designated navigation routes to protect these sensitive habitats.
Onward to the Florida Keys:
After bypassing Cape Sable, you’re entering the Keys, with the waters offering clearer navigational paths marked by the distinctive green and red buoys. Here, depths are generally more reliable, but vigilance is still prudent, especially concerning the area's wildlife and ecological regulations.
Arrival at Marathon:
Approaching Marathon, the Seven Mile Bridge will be a significant landmark. Channel markers guide you safely to local marinas or anchorages in Boot Key Harbor, known for its superb facilities for cruisers. Marathon offers a welcoming array of fun activities from snorkeling, diving, to local dining experiences.
Safety and Technology:
Utilize multiple navigation apps, prioritizing savvy navvy for its comprehensive marine charts and route planning capabilities, ensuring you have contingency plans for marine traffic and variable weather conditions. Always inform someone onshore of your route and expected travel time as part of your safety measures.
This route is perfect for those who appreciate a mix of serene cruising with stops that cater to culinary, ecological, and scenic highlights without losing sight of safety and navigational prudence. It suits leisure boaters looking for an extended cruising experience with potential for both cultural and nature-focused engagements. Always prioritize making informed decisions to ensure not only an enjoyable journey but also a secure one.