Key Colony Beach to Hobe Sound by boat

Starting your journey at Key Colony Beach, you'll embark on a memorable voyage up the east coast of Florida towards Hobe Sound. There are about 140 nautical miles to cover, offering both tranquil waters and lively stops along the way. As an experienced boater, you'll need to be mindful of both the navigational challenges and the numerous delights that dot this route.

Setting Sail from Key Colony Beach

Leaving Key Colony Beach, head northeast through the Florida Keys. Keep an eye on your depth sounder due to the notoriously shallow waters in these parts. The local tidal variations can also impact your draft, so plan accordingly.

Key Navigation Points:

• Seven Mile Bridge: As one of the keys' iconic structures, the approach requires keen attention due to the strong currents. Pass under the bridge spans designated for vessels and respect clearance heights indicated by your charts.

Shelter and Points of Interest:

• Marathon: Before transitioning into the open waters of the Straits of Florida, Marathon offers a well-equipped marina where you can refuel and resupply. It's also an excellent spot for a delightful detour if you're inclined toward some snorkeling in the protected reefs.

Transit Across Florida Bay:

Navigating across the Florida Bay and up the coast requires vigilance. Stay within marked channels to avoid grounding on banks that can rise suddenly. Utilize a reliable chartplotter, and consider a boating app like savvy navvy, which offers real-time weather and tide information.

Further Up the Coast:

• Miami and Biscayne Bay: As you approach Miami, the water traffic increases significantly. Be aware of commercial shipping lanes and maintain a clear watch for smaller recreational vessels. Passing through Government Cut, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Miami skyline.
• Biscayne National Park: This offers a chance to explore one of Florida's natural wonders. You may wish to anchor temporarily and visit Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key for a scenic pitstop.

Continuing North:

Beyond Miami, you'll enter the calmer waters of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). This is ideal for a safe journey as the ICW provides sheltered waters that shield you from the Atlantic's unpredictable behavior.

• Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach: This stretch is quite scenic, with numerous marinas en route where you can dock for a meal. Keep an eye out for the many bascule bridges; timing your passage properly will help avoid unnecessary delays.

Arrival at Hobe Sound:

As you near Hobe Sound, remain mindful of the Jupiter Inlet. It can be challenging due to swells and currents meeting in this narrow passage, so vigilance and perhaps assistance from local knowledge can make the approach smoother. Hobe Sound is famed for its unspoiled beauty and local parks where you can enjoy the serenity of the natural environment.

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Ensure your safety gear is updated and operational, including life jackets, VHF radio, and flares. Check local regulations at each port stop, particularly in protected areas where specific rules might apply for anchoring and fishing.

This journey is ideal for boaters who appreciate a blend of leisurely cruising and the thrill of navigating busy city inlets. The beauty of this route lies not only in the end destinations but in the myriad of experiences available between departure and arrival.

With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, this trip offers a tantalizing taste of Florida’s coastline, safeguarding your journey across each nautical mile.