Setting sail from Moore Haven, your journey to Key West promises an adventure through the enchanting waters of Florida. This route offers a blend of rich history, stunning nature, and safety considerations to ensure you relish the voyage.
Departing Moore Haven
Your adventure begins at the western edge of Lake Okeechobee, starting in Moore Haven. As you set out on the Caloosahatchee Waterway towards the Gulf of Mexico, you're navigating through a historic canal system dating back to the early 20th century. As you cruise, make sure your vessel's draft suits the varying depths since water levels in the canal can be significantly impacted by weather and lake management operations. Monitoring the Okeechobee Waterway Navigation Charts is crucial.
Crossing Lake Okeechobee
Entering Lake Okeechobee brings excitement and a test of your navigation skills. Keep a close eye on the Route 1 Rim Canal, which skirts the lake's edge, or the Route 2 direct crossing, weather permitting. Always check local conditions as the lake can be choppy in poor weather. Lake Okeechobee is a boater's paradise, offering sights like the Herbert Hoover Dike and a chance to spot wading birds and alligators. These next few hours will require vigilance, so use reliable navigation apps like savvy navvy for real-time weather updates and route planning.
Canal to the Gulf
After crossing the lake, continue through the St. Lucie Canal towards the Gulf of Mexico. At Fort Myers, the expansive waters of the Gulf beckon. Before heading further offshore, consider a respite at the beautiful Sanibel Island – an ecological jewel with pristine beaches and the historic Sanibel Lighthouse.
Cruising Down the Gulf Coast
Moving south along the Gulf Coast offers shelter and enjoyment. The Ten Thousands Islands National Wildlife Refuge near Marco Island is a masterpiece of labyrinthine mangroves and wildlife, a perfect spot for fishing and kayaking. Launching from East Cape Sable, an ideal halfway shelter point emerges in the Everglades’ Shark River area, offering protection and solitude if the weather turns sour.
Navigating the Florida Keys
Rounding the southern tip of Florida, you embark on the final leg towards Key West. Home to famous coral reefs, be cautious navigating near these protected areas. Pay heed to the navigational aids and markers guiding your passage through the Keys, ensuring you steer clear of shallow waters and sea grass beds which are both environmentally sensitive and legally protected.
Arrival in Key West
Entering Key West, you'll find yourself greeted by the historical charm and vibrant energy of this island. Once known as the "Gibraltar of the West," Key West boasts attractions like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the buzzing nightlife on Duval Street.
Throughout your trip, keep abreast of the weather as the Gulf's tempestuous nature can present unexpected challenges. Check the tide schedules, especially around the shallower parts of the Keys and Lake Okeechobee. Adhering to legal speed restrictions and protecting the delicate marine environments along your route are non-negotiable.
This voyage from Moore Haven to Key West is a stunning journey truly suited for prepared adventurers who value safety as much as discovery. Enjoy a mix of resilience, beauty, and cultural sites that make this route perfect for boaters keen on experiencing the best of Florida’s coastal waters. Stay safe and let your boating apps, like savvy navvy, be your diligent companion along the way.