Starting your boat trip from the delightful village of Matlacha, you'll find yourself embarking on a journey brimming with both adventure and picturesque scenery. Matlacha, known for its colorful art galleries and seafood restaurants, serves as the perfect launching point into the warm waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast. As you prepare to set sail, ensure your vessel is well-prepared with safety gear, adequate provisions, and an updated chart plotter to enhance your cruising experience.
Leaving Matlacha, you’ll initially navigate through Matlacha Pass, a tranquil waterway flanked by mangrove islands and thriving wildlife. This region is renowned for its fishing, and early risers might see kayakers casting lines into the serene waters. Keep an eye out for the channel markers as this area can be shallow; adhere to the marked navigational aids to avoid grounding.
Continuing your route southeast, you'll enter San Carlos Bay. This is a critical section where you'll begin to transition from inshore waters to more open sea conditions. San Carlos Bay can get choppy with increasing wind, so reevaluate conditions and the day's weather forecast. With that said, in severe conditions, you can find shelter in Tarpon Bay, tucked away from the main bay area. It’s a spot often used by mariners to wait out storms or simply rest.
As you progress, head towards the bustling waterway of the Caloosahatchee River, flowing from Fort Myers. This river provides access to the Okeechobee Waterway, which you'll traverse if planning a direct transit to the Atlantic by means of the Everglades. On this leg, the journey is punctuated by the charming town of Fort Myers, an enticing opportunity to dock for a break and explore historical sites like the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Navigating the Okeechobee Waterway is a significant portion of your trip, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico through Lake Okeechobee to the Atlantic. This route is relatively straightforward but demands close attention to locks and bridges—there are five locks between beginning and end of the waterway. Before entering the waterway, confirm any local condition reports and lock schedules. Usage of VHF radio for communication within the waterway is essential for navigating through these sections efficiently.
Lake Okeechobee itself is the largest freshwater lake in Florida, and while tempting to cross directly, caution is advised. Check the weather thoroughly before you set out, as conditions can change rapidly, and waves can be substantial in poor weather. The route circumferential along the lake’s rim has proven to be the safest for most vessels.
Once you've traversed the waterway, you’ll find yourself approaching the intriguing maze of canals leading towards Fort Lauderdale. As a boater, expect a complex web of marinas and the vibrant boating culture for which Fort Lauderdale—dubbed the "Venice of America"—is famous. Upon arrival, the New River provides a scenic entry into the city, but it’s essential to keep vigilant for heavy traffic around these waters.
Fort Lauderdale offers endless possibilities for exploration. Whether you're docking for a layover or ending your journey here, you can indulge in its beautiful beaches, upscale dining, and lively arts scene. It serves as a perfect setting to conclude or pause your nautical adventure.
Safety first, always, and with that in mind, it’s a wise investment to use digital navigation aids. Applications such as savvy navvy, together with others like Navionics or Garmin ActiveCaptain, will prove invaluable. They provide up-to-date charts, weather updates, and social navigation information, enhancing situational awareness tenfold.
In summary, this trip from Matlacha to Fort Lauderdale offers a harmonious blend of serene natural vistas and dynamic nautical pathways—a voyage best suited for those prepared and attentive to their planning, yet eager to discover the hidden gems of Florida's waterways. Happy cruising!