Pilot House Marina & Restaurant à Boca Grande Marina

Starting your journey from the Pilot House Marina & Restaurant in Key Largo, Florida, offers a scenic route that promises both safety and enjoyment. This trip, largely sheltered by the Florida Keys, is particularly suitable for recreational boaters who have some experience navigating coastal waters and are looking for a blend of adventure and serenity.

Pilotage Plan

Departure: Pilot House Marina & Restaurant

• Preparation: Before departure, ensure that your vessel is in good condition, check the weather forecast, and file a float plan with a responsible party. Given the tropical climate, be prepared for sudden weather changes.

First Leg: Key Largo to Islamorada

• Navigation: After leaving the Pilot House Marina, head southwest towards Islamorada. You'll navigate through waters that are generally sheltered by the keys, but always be mindful of shallow areas.
• Points of Interest: Consider a stop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which offers snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs. The route to Islamorada is buoyed by numerous aids to navigation, making this a relatively straightforward segment.
• Hazards: Be cautious of boat traffic, particularly around popular spots, and stay updated on the weather.

Second Leg: Islamorada to Marathon

• Route: This segment has deeper waters and offers smoother sailing. Keep an eye on the weather and use chartplotter and navigation aids for a safe journey.
• Shelter: Duck Key offers a good harbor if you need to take shelter from bad weather. It’s also a charming spot for a brief stop.
• Attractions: Marathon is a great place to stretch your legs, with options for dining and sightseeing, including the Turtle Hospital, which offers guided tours.

Third Leg: Marathon to Key West

• Navigational Aids: The route is well-marked, but attention to navigation is required, especially around the Seven Mile Bridge, where currents can be strong.
• Points of Interest: Bahia Honda State Park offers beautiful beaches and a good anchorage if you wish to take a break.

Fourth Leg: Key West to Boca Grande

• After Key West, you're entering the Gulf of Mexico, and from here, navigation to Boca Grande requires open-water cruising. This part of the trip is for more experienced boaters comfortable with longer distances in potentially challenging conditions.
• Route: Aim to follow the coast at a safe distance, keeping aware of shipping lanes. Use GPS navigation and keep an eye on the weather radar.
• Shelter: The Dry Tortugas, though somewhat off your direct path, provide an anchorage and a spectacular point of interest with Fort Jefferson.
• Arrival: Boca Grande Marina

Congratulations on reaching Boca Grande Marina, a welcoming and well-equipped facility that marks the end of a journey filled with nature's beauty, adventure, and the tranquil essence of the sea.

Route Summary

This journey, from the Pilot House Marina & Restaurant to Boca Grande Marina, threads through some of the most picturesque and sheltered waters of the Florida Keys, as well as more challenging open-water legs in the Gulf of Mexico. It is particularly suitable for boaters who seek a balance of safe cruising within sight of land, with the adventure of open sea passages. Along the way, the careful planning of stops, respect for weather conditions, and adherence to navigation safety practices ensure an enjoyable and secure passage.

Always consult the most current nautical charts and weather reports, stay mindful of your vessel’s capabilities, and enjoy the journey with the respect and awe the sea commands.