Things to do in the Keys?

acarter92 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-27-2012

Just fishing for information. Planning on a trip this comming winter, starting december ending in february sometime. See http://www.sailnet.com/forums/cruisi...ng-newbie.html . The first though was to sail the ICW to florida, spend a few weeks down their and sail home. The more I look into it, the more I think... well why don't I just hook the boat up to the F350 and drive to florida. It was suggested on my original post, but haven't really begun thinking about it until lately. Seems the fuel to drive wouldn't be near as much as the fuel for the boat (would be a small outboard on the sailboat) and with all the other fees assosiated, all the proper charts, gear, experience, etc... that I would need to do the ICW seems like trailerin down to the keys wouldn't be a bad plan. Then at least when I am ready to leave I can load up and only be couple days from home, rather than a few weeks of sailing and somewhat rough weather in february.

So the information I'm looking for is.... what areas should I look into in florida? What would I do for roughly 2 months. Doing this trip will be hard enough, there won't be the funding for the expensive activities. Where can you sail, what can you do etc.... for a limited budget. In my head I'm picture sailing around the keys seeing new places and just going day by day.

Comments, opinions, and advice is well appreciated, am I looking at this the wrong way? I'm sure the information is out there, I just haven't found it. So links are welcome and sorry if this is a regular topic.

Thanks,
Austin

sailoredon · #2 (**permalink**) 01-27-2012

What kind of sailboat are you taking to the Keys? It can make a difference in what you can do and where you can go and how much it will cost to moor and/or anchor.

ur_other_port · #3 (**permalink**) 01-27-2012

Well admitlly I know very little about sailing in the keys. I have lived and worked in key largo as a dive charter captain . Firstly there are many great restaurants accessible by boat all up and down the keys. Besides the continental united states only living coral reef there's not much to do besides fishing

a lot of people end the days by watching the amazing sunsets we have down here. Supplies and water are pretty easily accessible in key largo, marathon and kw. After kw there are the dry tortugas You should easily be able to fill up 2 months in the keys.

acarter92 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-27-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailoredon

What kind of sailboat are you taking to the Keys? It can make a difference in what you can do and where you can go and how much it will cost to moor and/or anchor.

I don't have a boat yet. But my price range and perference is going to be something between 20 and 25 feet or maybe a little bigger, depends what I find, chances are I won't get exactly what I'm looking for. If I can at all help it I'll get a swing keel or centerboard, for ease of trailering and the ability to go in shallower water.

The more I research the more I understand that what I'm asking has an unlimited answer, so I guess my more defined question is: What are the "must see's" and "must do's" when I'm there. What should I avoid etc... Right now as I read and read... I think the coolest thing to me is the freedom of the unihabited areas and the ability to explore and see things that you can't see from a car.

I'm also realizing that one of my biggest problems is going to be finding somewhere to safely park my truck and trailer for 2-3 months without paying a S@$& load. That is definately going to require a lot of phone calls and research, but my options are huge and the areas where I could launch is extremely huge, just might have to sail a little more..... Alright now I'm just rambling

Thanks again,
Austin

ftldiver · #5 (**permalink**) 03-06-2012

for parking you could try southern comfort RV park at the end of the turnpike in homestead and launch at the county park, and get a ride back to the boat (4miles) - homestead bayfront park.

or on the south end of the 18 mile stretch south dade marina. or the one just south that has the travel lift. (forget the name).

grassy key also has parking in middle keys, or seabird in middle keys.

assume you launch w/ truck and trailer, not lift.

another choice might be flamingo national park. (shallow ramp)

ppiccolo1 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-24-2012

I have an opportunity to work in the Keys and wonder where there is some reasonable moorings. I plan to trailer down and need to travel lift my fin keel. Any suggestions guys? Since my truck will be there, I don't mind a commute to work.

ppiccolo1 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-24-2012

BTW, I'll be working in Islamarada or Key Largo, that info would help

Bene505 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-25-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by acarter92

I don't have a boat yet. But my price range and perference is going to be something between 20 and 25 feet or maybe a little bigger, depends what I find, chances are I won't get exactly what I'm looking for. If I can at all help it I'll get a swing keel or centerboard, for ease of trailering and the ability to go in shallower water.

The more I research the more I understand that what I'm asking has an unlimited answer, so I guess my more defined question is: What are the "must see's" and "must do's" when I'm there. What should I avoid etc... Right now as I read and read... I think the coolest thing to me is the freedom of the unihabited areas and the ability to explore and see things that you can't see from a car.

I'm also realizing that one of my biggest problems is going to be finding somewhere to safely park my truck and trailer for 2-3 months without paying a S@$& load. That is definately going to require a lot of phone calls and research, but my options are huge and the areas where I could launch is extremely huge, just might have to sail a little more..... Alright now I'm just rambling

Thanks again,
Austin

Why not rent a boat for the 2 months?

regards,
Brad