[kidkoolers]

I plan to sail mostly from tampa to the keys. I would like to know the best book to get for information. Looking for info on marinas, coves to anchor and places to get supplys easy. I see there is a few out there but would like to know what others are using that work well.

 

[CarbonSink62]

I've just started using the ActiveCaptain website.

I think it's great.

Ken

 

[Sailormon6]

There are a number of cruising guides published. They show all the marinas and resorts, restaurants, anchorages, and offer some "local knowledge." They're printed, so you can study them at your leisure. You can find several if you google "Florida cruising guide." I have always liked the one titled "Waterway Guide," at this hyperlink:
Waterway Guide | cruising guide, fuel pricing, navigation alerts and news for boaters and yacht enthusiasts

 

[DavyJ]

I keep a copy of the Florida Cruising Directory on the boat. Contains great info on all of Florida,

Index

I buy an updated version every few years. Also has some info for the Bahamas and crossing lake Okeechobee.

 

[rikhall]

I've just started using the ActiveCaptain website.

I think it's great.

Ken

Not fair, Ken.

I think Active Captain is the best book for anywhere sailing. To me it is like AmEx - we don't leave home without it.

Rik

 

[vega1860]

US Coast Pilot is the one reference that contains all of the essential information you need, in addition to charts, of course. I think you will need volumes 4 and 5 to cover that area.

 

[travlin-easy]

Here's the only book you'll need.

Waterway Guide Southern 2015 (Waterway Guide Southern Edition): Waterway Guide Media, LLC: 9780985028695: Amazon.com: [email protected]@[email protected]@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/[email protected]@[email protected]@61yLpnz1DeL

Gary

 

[RainDog]

Active Captain is for sure the #1 source. Far better than any book. I have Waterway Guide and Skipper Bob's too. Far prefer Skipper Bob's.

 

[Donna_F]

Active Captain is a good source, however, a book is good to have for those times when internet is not available. And on a small boat you probably won't have the power resources to keep electronics running and/or charged off of your battery. So even though AC reviews (I believe) download to your phone or laptop, there may be times when you don't want to turn them on in order to save them for emergencies.