Miami to Key West

Depart from Miami: Begin your journey from a marina or boat ramp in Miami, such as the Miami Beach Marina or the Crandon Park Marina. Ensure that your boat is properly fueled, equipped, and in good condition for the trip.

Head southwest into Biscayne Bay: Leave Miami and head southwest into Biscayne Bay. Follow the marked channels and navigational aids to safely navigate out of the bay.

Enter Hawk Channel: Once you reach the southern end of Biscayne Bay, you'll enter Hawk Channel. Hawk Channel is a deepwater channel that runs parallel to the Florida Keys and offers a navigable route towards Key West.

Follow Hawk Channel along the Keys: Stay within Hawk Channel and follow its course along the eastern side of the Florida Keys. You'll pass by various islands and keys, including Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Big Pine Key.

Pass through the Florida Keys bridges: As you continue along Hawk Channel, you'll encounter several bridges that connect the different keys. Notable bridges include the Seven Mile Bridge, the Long Key Bridge, and the Bahia Honda Bridge. Pay attention to clearance heights if your boat requires it, and follow any navigational guidelines.

Arrive in Key West: After passing through the bridges, you'll reach Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States. Follow the marked channels and buoys to navigate into Key West Harbor, which provides access to various marinas and anchorages.

Key West offers a vibrant boating community, numerous marinas, and a range of attractions to explore, including Duval Street, Mallory Square, and the famous Key West Historic Seaport.

Biscayne Bay: Departing from Miami, you'll navigate through Biscayne Bay, offering beautiful views of the Miami skyline and the city's vibrant waterfront. Take in the iconic sights before heading towards the Florida Keys.

Stiltsville: As you sail south from Miami, you may catch a glimpse of Stiltsville. These historic wooden houses perched on stilts in Biscayne Bay provide a unique sight and a glimpse into the area's past.

Key Largo: Key Largo is the first major island you'll encounter on your way to Key West. Known as the "Diving Capital of the World," Key Largo offers fantastic opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and exploring the underwater world of the Florida Keys.

Islamorada: Continuing your journey southwest, you'll reach Islamorada, a charming village made up of several small islands. Islamorada is renowned for its world-class fishing, picturesque beaches, and laid-back atmosphere.

Seven Mile Bridge: One of the most iconic landmarks along the route is the Seven Mile Bridge. This impressive bridge connects the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys and offers stunning views of the surrounding turquoise waters. Take a moment to appreciate the engineering feat and the expansive ocean vistas.

Marathon: The town of Marathon is a popular stopover point for many boaters on their way to Key West. Here, you can explore attractions like the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, or the picturesque Crane Point Museum and Nature Center.

Bahia Honda State Park: Located on Bahia Honda Key, this state park is renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. It's an ideal spot to anchor your boat, go swimming, snorkeling, or simply relax on the sandy shores.

Dry Tortugas National Park: A little further west, you'll find the stunning Dry Tortugas National Park, home to the historic Fort Jefferson and breathtaking coral reefs. This remote and protected area offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, as well as the chance to explore the fascinating history of the fort.