See full version: Sail the Southwest Florida Coast to the Keys 8 Hours at a Time
Hi again. So glad you share your ventures. Curious…going from Everglades to Marathon is there a channel? We have 6.3′ and am looking for a shorter way than going cleat around keys from east coast to west coast though. Thanks for a response in advance. [links]
Very timely. We are in Matecumbe Bight and plan to leave for Cape Sable on Wed. more
That is exactly what Sue and I plan to do this year – leaving from our current location in Long Beach, Ms. all the way down. I hit a lot of those places on the way up last year and really enjoyed it. Take care. more
I hope someone finds this information useful and we’ll add to it as we explore north of the Charlotte Harbor Florida Coast (i.e. north of Punta Gorda which is just north of Ft Myers).
Hello Jan, just wondering if you are still monitoring this blog? My wife Susan and I are planning a nearly identical trip this winter. We are from Michigan and brought our Seaward 32RK down to Largo at the Island Packet facility for some upgrades and repairs last September. Planning on a month long trip to the Keys with many visitation stops along the way in Feb and Mar. Have a few questions regarding the Intercoastal as far as depths and mast height restrictions along the way. Hoping you are still around and thank you. [links]
Click an area on the map to search for your chart
Search by chart title, key word or chart number:
If this text continues to show, your browser is not capable of displaying the maps. [links]
A list of the top nude beaches and naturist hangouts in Florida.
Haulover Beach Park: (legal)
One of the few legal places to bare it all on a Florida beach. This half-mile stretch of white sand attracts thousands of visitors every day, making it not only one of the top nude beaches in Florida, but also in the world. Unlike the remote beaches often favored by renegade naturists, Haulover has shaded picnic areas, a concession stand, lifeguards, and landscaped dunes. Also one of the only places in Florida that condones naked surfing. 10800 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154. (305) 947-3525. hauloverbeach.org
Hobe Sound: (tolerated)
Not as trafficked, nor as accessible, particularly in the Wildlife Refuge section, which is why it appeals to nudists. Due to the number of mansions in the area, the beach is a favorite among wealthy naturists. 13640 Southeast Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, FL 33455. (772) 546-6141. fws.gov/hobesound
Apollo Beach: (tolerated)
Not to be confused with the city on Tampa Bay, this nude-friendly beach is located near Daytona on the northern side of Canaveral National Seashore. While nude sunbathing is not technically legal, Volusia County is more tolerant of naturists than adjacent Brevard County. On Fla A1A at the southern-most end in New Smyrna Beach. nps.gov/cana [links]
5781 Cape Harbour Drive
(239)728-8687
You can also take a cruise over to Key West from Ft Myers Beach on the Key West Express. Stay in Key West for the day, overnight, or longer. The Express leaves Ft Myers Beach year round on most days at 8:30AM and leaves Key West for the return trip at 6PM. The trip lasts about 3 1/2 hours.
Ft Myers Beach also has a casino cruise aboard The Big M Casino Boat. It leaves year round from Moss Marine and features Vegas-style casino games, plus Bingo on morning cruises, an all-you-can-eat-buffet, and live entertainment on Friday and Saturday night cruises. Day cruises run from Wednesday - Saturday from 10:30AM-4:30PM, and Sunday from Noon-6PM. Evening Cruises run Friday and Saturday nights from 6-11:45PM. more
Many fishing charters and boat rentals also offer tours and cruises. To cruise beyond local waters, Ft Myers Beach has their Casino Boat and the Key West Express.