Beginning your journey from Sarasota to Jupiter is an adventure teeming with both natural beauty and maritime challenges. As you set sail from Sarasota Bay, consider checking your navigational systems and ensuring you've got the most up-to-date marine weather reports. Sarasota Bay is typically calm, but it's always best to be prepared.
Once on open water, head southeast towards Boca Grande Pass, a wide, deep channel perfect for cruising boats, and your gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. This stretch of water offers stunning views and is generally straightforward to navigate, but be mindful of quick weather changes and the possibility of strong currents at the pass.
Past Boca Grande, consider a stop at Cayo Costa State Park. This pristine barrier island offers excellent anchorage in Pelican Bay, protected from prevailing winds, and a great spot to rest if the weather turns. Here, you can explore white sandy beaches, swim in clear waters, or enjoy a picnic onshore.
Continuing along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) keeps you sheltered and provides clear guidance through navigational aids. The ICW markers are crucial, and I recommend keeping the green on your port side and red on your starboard as you head south. Keep a lookout for shoaling, especially after storms.
As you approach Fort Myers, make a quick stop at Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel Island for a charming mix of history and leisure. Bowditch Point Regional Park at the north end of Fort Myers Beach is a perfect spot for anchorage with facilities available ashore. Enjoy the local seafood or explore the quaint shopping districts on Sanibel.
Make sure to observe all speed and wake restrictions through the ICW to protect local wildlife and ensure safety for smaller crafts and kayakers often navigating these waters. Manatee zones are strictly enforced throughout this area, and protecting these creatures is essential.
Venturing further southeast, the route takes you onward towards the Gulf side of the Everglades, where wildlife spotting is at its finest. Pelican Bay near Marco Island is another ideal refuge with good holding for anchorage and scenic beauty. Keep your eye on the weather, as conditions in this region can change swiftly.
Begin your approach to the east coast through Lake Worth Inlet, offering access into Palm Beach – an ideal jumping-off point towards Jupiter. Be cautious of strong tidal currents here. Lake Worth Inlet is well-marked but be aware of local boating traffic.
Jupiter Inlet requires careful navigation. It can be tricky, especially at low tide or with east winds pushing against outgoing tides, creating crosscurrents. Once clear, you'll find a range of marinas, making for an easy conclusion to your voyage. Jupiter is known for its iconic lighthouse and beautiful beaches, offering plenty of activities once ashore.
Throughout your journey, savvy navvy is an invaluable tool, providing route planning, weather updates, and navigational aids right at your fingertips. It's indispensable for ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.
In summary, this trip from Sarasota to Jupiter offers the perfect blend of safe anchorages, points of interest, and beautiful seascapes. It's ideal for a boater who enjoys a mix of leisurely cruising and a dash of adventure, with safety and comfort never compromised.