Pilotage Plan: Loggerhead Marina - Riviera Beach to Loggerhead Marina - Palm Harbour
Starting Point: Loggerhead Marina - Riviera Beach Marina
Destination: Loggerhead Marina - Palm Harbour Marina
Pre-Departure Checklist:
- Weather Check: Ensure weather conditions are favorable throughout your journey.
- Safety Equipment: Verify that all safety equipment is onboard and operational (life jackets, fire extinguishers, VHF radio, etc.).
- Navigation Tools: Charts, GPS, and backups for critical navigational aids should be prepared and easily accessible.
- Local Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the local regulations, speed limits through the zones, and any specific operational hours for bridges or locks.
The Route: Navigational Highlights & Considerations
Leaving Loggerhead Marina - Riviera Beach:
- Upon departure, pay careful attention to the established channel markers leading away from the marina. The intercoastal waterway here is well buoyed, but always stick to the right side of the channel when facing northward to avoid oncoming traffic and shallower waters.
Heading North:
- As you progress northwards, the Lake Worth Lagoon offers calm waters and is a perfect area to get comfortable with your route. It's also a beautiful setting with plenty of waterfront homes to admire.
- Peanut Island: To your port side not long after departing, a worthwhile stopping point for its snorkeling spots and the Peanut Island Park, a great place for a picnic or a swim in calmer waters. However, be mindful of the traffic in and out of the area, especially on weekends.
Navigating to Jupiter:
- As you approach the Jupiter Inlet area, be vigilant. The currents here can be strong, notably near the inlet itself. It's advisable to maintain a safe distance and follow the channel marked by reliable navigational aids.
- Jupiter Lighthouse stands as a significant landmark. While it's not advisable to stray close to the inlet if you're unfamiliar with the area, the lighthouse itself is a beautiful sight from the water and signifies you're entering the Jupiter area.
Continuing to Palm Harbour:
- Past Jupiter, the waters tend to be straightforward but do become busier, especially near marinas and popular anchoring spots. Keep an eye out for recreational vessels, kayaks, and jet-skis.
- Jupiter Island: Traveling along Jupiter Island presents gorgeous natural vistas. The east side of the island is relatively undeveloped, offering a pristine environment. It's a long, narrow island, so keep your distance from land to avoid shallow areas.
Arriving at Loggerhead Marina - Palm Harbour:
- As you make your final approach, Loggerhead Marina - Palm Harbour is well-marked, but be sure to slow down as you near the entrance and abide by any marina-specific regulations. Traffic can be high during peak times, so exercise patience and caution.
Points of Interest & Shelter Options:
- Peanut Island: As mentioned, a great spot for a break, especially for families or those interested in a bit of snorkeling and beach time.
- John D. MacArthur Beach State Park: Located slightly off-route but offers remarkable nature walks and kayaking through mangroves.
- Safe Harbors for Weather Shelter: In case of sudden weather changes, the marinas along the route (such as North Palm Beach Marina) offer safe harbors. Always have a secondary anchorage planned should the weather turn unfavorable.
Why This Route?
This journey from Loggerhead Marina - Riviera Beach to Loggerhead Marina - Palm Harbour is an exemplary trip that caters to a wide range of boaters, especially those with a predilection for scenic tranquility paired with the allure of navigating near coastal landmarks. It allows for close proximity to land without navigating too far offshore, which provides both scenic beauty and a sense of security.
Navigating this route requires attentiveness to navigational aids and local regulations, making it particularly suitable for those looking to gain more experience on the water while still enjoying the journey. The route's balance of serene coastal landscapes, notable points of interest, and structured navigational challenges ensure both safety and enjoyment are prioritized.
Safety Over Fun, But Why Not Both?
This meticulously planned pilotage emphasizes safety, not at the expense of enjoyment but as a foundation for it. Engaging with this route promises a boating experience that is as enriching and fulfilling as it is secure. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a confident enthusiast, this journey from Riviera Beach to Palm Harbour marina offers an enjoyable and picturesque expedition along Florida's beautiful coastline.
