Boca Grande to Key West favorite anchorages

[Hammer]

Taking my first trip this December to Key West. We are leaving from Port Charlotte/Boca Grande. At eight knots it looks to be at least 21 hours and 171 miles. We are planning on going straight through off shore, weather permitting. But in case we have to do a layover, I was just wondering if anyone has a favorite anchorage. There does not appear to be much choice south bound after Naples.

 

[DavidM]

South of Naples there is a good anchorage in Factory Bay at Marco Island. Further south you have to get way off the rumb line to KW to find an anchorage, like the Shark River Inlet. So you might as well keep going unless it is a real emergency.

David

 

[Spike]

Weather can be tricky this time of year. Cold fronts will begin to travel farther south giving you less options for a good offshore window. I've always broken it up to a several day trip taking a longer route but giving us protection along the coast when winds are out of the east.

Usual route is Ft. Myers to Naples or Marco (or even Everglades City which is a fun stop). From there you can anchor in Little Shark River followed by a stop in Marathon before heading to Key West. Marathon also gives you the option of choosing the inside or outside route to KW based on wind direction. I've also gone Marco direct to Marathon but not in December with less daylight.

 

[Choices]

Have done Marco Island and Shark River many times. Nice relaxing trip. Worth it.

Where will you stay in KW?

 

[Group9]

We usually go to Smokehouse Bay at Marco Island, then Little Shark River. Lots of restaurants around Smokehouse (and a Winn Dixie with its own dinghy dock) and LSR is like going back in time 100,000 years.