In our previous post, we outlined that the Okeechobee Waterway is a no-go for our journey. Instead, we are setting our sights on rounding the southern tip of Florida. With that come some interesting options for our journey.
Option 1: The Dry Tortugas
Picture this: a group of small islands 70 miles west of Key West, in the middle of nowhere, filled with history and surrounded only by crystal-clear waters. The Dry Tortugas are home to historic Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal fortress that is steeped in tales of the past. Imagine snorkeling around vibrant coral reefs bustling with marine life. Sailing there is like stepping back in time. But here is the catch—getting there from Florida’s Gulf coast typically involves an overnight sail, and since we are still getting to know our new boat, we want to steer clear of night-time voyages for now. This detour would also stretch our tentative three-month plan. So, as tempting as it is, we will most likely save this gem for another season. [Pink track in map above.]
Option 2: Key West Adventure
Key West calls with its quirky charm, vibrant culture, and lively nightlife. Rounding what is often misnamed the southernmost tip of the U.S. and spending a few days there sounds amazing. Imagine strolling through the colorful streets, visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home, and enjoying the stunning sunsets at Mallory Square. However, this route also requires an overnight sail, and we have heard tales of thousands of crab traps that could get tangled in the boat’s propeller. Navigating them in the dark would be like trying to dance through a minefield blindfolded. Let’s save the midnight tango for another time! So, we will probably skip this one for now too. [Greenish track in map above.]
Option 3: The Everglades National Park Shortcut
A direct path close to shore sounds perfect, right? Well, not quite. The Everglades National Park is stunning, but with our boat’s 4-foot draft, we would run aground quickly. So, this option is off the table for sure. [Blue track in map above.]
Option 4: The Seven Mile Bridge Route
This looks like our best bet, given the circumstances. By cutting under the iconic Seven Mile Bridge into Marathon, we can avoid the longer route around Key West. The bridge itself is a marvel, stretching across the ocean and offering spectacular views. Marathon, known for its boating culture and marine life, offers interesting places like the Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center. From Marathon, we will navigate along the Keys and up the east coast of Florida. Choosing this alternative, we would expect to make a stop and anchor for a night in the Everglades, which sounds pretty cool, except for those mosquitoes. But then, maybe with a cold winter, these will not be too bad. After all, nothing says adventure quite like a peaceful evening surrounded by mosquitos, alligators, and maybe also one of these American Crocodiles! Overall, this route strikes a balance, giving us a manageable journey while still letting us enjoy the beauty and the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys. [Red track in map above.]
After weighing all these options, the route via the Seven Mile Bridge into Marathon looks like our best bet at this point. While we would have loved to check out the Dry Tortugas and Key West, we recognize our current limitations. We are still getting to know our new boat, and the idea of navigating overnight sails right now feels a bit daunting. (Even though Dennis disagrees 🙂 )Plus, we do not want to put ourselves under time pressure by going the long way home.
The silver lining here? We get to save something special for future adventures. There is no need to check off everything in one go. The Dry Tortugas and Key West will still be there, waiting for us to explore in the years to come.
What do you think? Any pearls of wisdom, prime anchorages, navigational tips, or must-see gems along the way?