Marathon to Florida west coast

[Bay Breeze]

We cruise this route each year in spring down to Marathon and usually back from Dry Tortugas. I concur with the advice on stops and routes other have shared. Note if you do stop at Little Shark River (bug capital of the world) and take your dog to muddy shore at low tide, beware of alligators.

More importantly, cruisers should be aware of new requirements for boating and anchoring in the Park. (https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvis...grulesregs.htm) Completion of a simple on-line education program is required. Not sure about the fees - calling the park last year I got varying answers. Not really a problem if you have a Golden Eagle Pass. We've rarely seen the Park Rangers and have never been greeted by them or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The coast of Everglades Park and Ten Thousand Islands is a remote, wild place with lots to explore - but shallow and not a lot of fully protected anchorages. The back waterway from Gulllivan Bay to Goodland/Marco is and interesting trip as is the inland route from Marco through the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve to Naples.



Good Luck!

[SailtheWind]

Originally Posted by Davy J

I'll just add that we eventually trained our dogs to go on a wee wee pad on the foredeck.

Life changing, we no longer have to worry about going to shore at all.

It took quite some time, but they finally got it. We now leave a pad up there held down by dive weights, the dogs go when ever they want.

Years ago on a different boat I kept a 2x5 ft piece of sod on the foredeck during the summer. My yellow lab loved it and used it long after the green grass was dead from the salt water wash down. He was able to go anytime . Worked well especially on passages.
The only time I had an issue was with custom into Canada. They did not like the fact I was bringing vegetation into the country. The officer eventually let us keep it. Made the dog happy.