Florida’s surprising variety of sailing grounds

florida sailing itinerary

Sailboats, motor yachts, bareboats, fishing, scuba diving, and luxury yachts, Florida has it all; that is why it is known as the world’s yachting capital. Discover some of the US’s best sailing destinations, including Miami, Biscayne Bay, Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West. Florida is a fantastic destination for your next yacht charter with year-round sunny weather. Experience first-class marinas, five-star hotels, fine dining as well as coral reefs for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Here is the essential Boatjump guide for visitors to Florida.

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The Atlantic Coast

The East Coast of Florida is a great destination all year, with many yachts of all shapes and sizes. Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” due to the more than 300 miles of inland waterways. It is also home to The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show which is one of the largest events of its kind in the world.

With its emerald green waters, Biscayne Bay is where you can find dolphins playing and is a great stop. Want to party, anchor at Nixon sandbar to swim, relax, and have fun with the many other boats there.

The Florida Keys

Stretching from Biscayne National Park to Key West to the southwest, the Florida Keys. Fish, dive, or cruise the islands, all of which have their own personality.

Scuba divers love Key Largo for its reefs and shipwrecks, while deep-sea fishermen head to Islamorada, the Sportfishing Capital of the World.

Want to experience the best sunset in the US? Head for Key West, the southernmost city in the continental Unites States. Here you can sail to Dry Tortugas National Park, home to Fort Jefferson and its world-class snorkeling.

LOCAL WEATHER AND SAILING CONDITIONS

The best times to visit Florida for sailing is November through May, before the rain and the summer heat, where the weather is hot and humid. During the year, temperatures typically range from 60°F to about 89°F by the middle of the summer.

The wind is predominantly from the east, 15 to 20 knots from November to May, and 10 to 15 knots from June to October.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Florida 7-Day Sailing Yacht Charter Itinerary

Day 1: Depart and set sail to Bahia Honda, one of the Florida Keys’ best anchorages. Drop the anchor hook near the Old Keys Trestle Railroad Bridge and enjoy the chilled harbor at Bahia Honda State Park.

Day 2: Head to Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary and discover fantastic snorkeling and diving. Then head for Newfound Harbor, where you can anchor at the exclusive Little Palm Island Marina, which has a 5-star hotel and restaurant. Alteritvley Newfound Harbor is an excellent place to anchor for the night.

Day 3: Head for Key West and stay at Bight Marina, or anchor out in Man of War Harbor. Explore the quaint village of Key West and check out the shopping.

Day 4: Depart Key West and sail to the uninhabited islands of the Marquesas. Relax in sheltered waters and enjoy or swim or take time to relax.

Day 5& 6: Head back to Key West and spend a couple of nights exploring and enjoying the nightlife or spend your last night at Bahia Honda.

Day 7: Leave Depart Bahia Honda and sail back to base.

sailing in florida

Wherever your itinerary takes you, you are sure to have a fantastic vacation in Florida, and the best part, with so much to do and see, you will always have a reason to come back and visit.

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