Home
 /
Florida
 / 

Ft. Pierce to St. Augustine by boat

Ft. Pierce to St. Augustine

Distance - 166.6 Nm

Avg Speed
5 kts
10 kts
20 kts
30 kts
Time Estimate
1 day, 9 hours, 19 minutes
16 hours, 40 minutes
8 hours, 20 minutes
5 hours, 33 minutes
Ft. Pierce to St. Augustine

Ft. Pierce to St. Augustine

Setting sail from Ft. Pierce on a journey towards the historic city of St. Augustine offers a balanced blend of adventure, picturesque scenes, and a nod to maritime safety. Here's a comprehensive pilotage plan that will guide you smoothly along this delightful stretch of Florida's coastline.

Departure: Ft. Pierce

Starting in the bustling Ft. Pierce Marina, remember to check your vessel’s systems and supplies before casting off. As you depart, you’ll navigate the Ft. Pierce Inlet. It’s a well-marked and dredged channel, making it a relatively straightforward path to get out to the ocean. However, be vigilant for occasional swift currents, especially during tide changes.

Route Northward along the Coast

Once you’re out past the jetties, you’ll head north along Florida’s splendid Atlantic coast. This journey is a mix of open waters and protected coastal cruising, making it ideal for both those newer to longer passages as well as seasoned skippers.

As you motor or sail north, your first major reference point is the iconic Cape Canaveral. Depending on weather and timing, taking a slight detour towards Cape Canaveral can offer views of the Kennedy Space Center and, if timed luckily, even a rocket launch. It's a reminder of the region's blend of natural beauty and technological marvel.

Safe harbors and Points of Interest

As you cruise, keep an eye on the weather. If conditions turn unfavorable, Cocoa Beach and the associated Banana River present options for taking cover. The sheltered waters of the Indian River Lagoon are accessible through several inlets and offer excellent protection.

Navigating near Cocoa Beach? Consider a stop. It’s a vibrant town known for its surfing culture and the nearby Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop, a must-see for any visitor to the area.

Navigational Features and Safety Protocols

Moving further, the expansive stretch past the Ponce de Leon Inlet is essential to navigate with caution. Known for shifting sands and tricky conditions, stay within the marked channel and be attentive to the local Notices to Mariners for the latest updates.

The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is an alternative route if offshore conditions are not favorable. While slower, the ICW offers protected waters and an intimate look at Florida’s east coast. It’s vital to adhere to speed regulations to protect the diverse ecosystems and respect marine life zones, which are frequently signposted.

Further along the journey

As you make your way ever closer to St. Augustine, consider a brief stop at Flagler Beach, known for its old Florida charm without the crowds. If timing and conditions allow, anchoring here can be a delightful pause.

Heading towards the final stretch, the Matanzas Inlet is unique and requires cautious navigation, known for its natural beauty but also for its shifting sands and sometimes challenging navigation. Again, following marked channels and having current strategy charts is key, as is consulting reliable boating apps, including savvy navvy, to plan around the latest conditions.

Destination: St. Augustine

Finally, as you reach the storied shores of St. Augustine, the oldest continually inhabited European-established settlement in the continental U.S., you'll find a harbor rich with history. The St. Augustine Inlet is somewhat narrow and requires attentive navigation, but once inside, you’re greeted by the majestic Castillo de San Marcos and the charming cobblestone streets dotting the historic downtown waterfront. This picturesque destination signifies not just the end of your voyage but the beginning of exploration on foot, with numerous attractions, dining, and tours.

This route is perfect for a boater seeking an enriching travel experience while prioritizing safety. Georgia and South Carolina’s open Atlantic compared to this stretch from Ft. Pierce to St. Augustine offer condition stability, numerous shelter points, appealing navigational interest, and rich coastal culture, making it a truly memorable maritime journey. Safe travels and fair winds!