St. Pete to Key west

Sheri

Hello All, We are kicking around the idea of taking a 2 week boat trip to Key West and back from St. Pete. I would love to have some suggestions about Marinas both for fueling and for transient slips, Fishing spots, Snorkel spots, eating spots, and Dive spots along the way. Plus any other must do's and don'ts  from anyone that has made a similar trip. We will be in a 342 and are thinking some time in April

Handymans342

I have made that trip Sherri from Ft Myers. Did you read my post?

Handymans342

Stay at Galleon Marina. Expensive but we'll worth it and you can walk to about 6 awesome restaurants. 

Sheri

  Handymans342 said:

I have made that trip Sherri from Ft Myers. Did you read my post?

I read it but you have Diesels so you don't have to get fuel, like ever.

I would like to know if you did any diving while you were there? Any great dining spots to recommend?

Handymans342

Good snorkeling at the State Park beach. If you have time take the ferry to the Dry Tortugas. I don't dive so I don't know any spots but there are plenty of guides there. We thought that all the resteraunt were good by the marinas. Rent bikes and bike around. 

rasbury

I hope you will document your trip well! Put it up on You Tube or something or at least some good pictures and the route.

Sheri

I will put up a planned itinerary once we get it nailed down and when we return I will post a trip log. So if you have any suggestions for us Please throw them my way.

Liberty44140

I'll echo Handy's comment on staying at Galleon Marina. I've sailed in and out of there on a 46' sailboat and it is indeed the best dock location in Key West to walk to and from Duval street. The bars, restaurants, etc on the water there are awesome. 

rasbury

get a good drone and go pro!

Sheri

did you stop in Marco island for fuel? or can you recommend a few spots? we are leaving in @ 2 weeks(weather permitting) and I am just now getting back to researching. We are thinking that we are going to head out to Marco Island/ Ft Meyers and top off, might throw an anchor somewhere around there and then head on down to Key west. Then over to the Dry Tortugas. Do some diving and sight seeing and then back to Key west and Islamorada for some fishing and back home. we are leaving ourselves a 2 week travel period for weather. any must dos? don't dos?

Handymans342

Let me know when you get to Fort Myers maybe we can meet for dinner and brainstorm this together as I've already been there

Liberty44140

good call stopping for fuel. St pete to Key West is around 200 miles. So you should be able to make it if you had to but that would be cutting it way too close for me! 

Handymans342

Liberty44140 said:

good call stopping for fuel. St pete to Key West is around 200 miles. So you should be able to make it if you had to but that would be cutting it way too close for me! 

I think its way more than 200 miles Lib. It was at least 150 from Sanibel Island Cause way for me

Liberty44140

That was off the top of my head but I just checked Navionics and it is 215 statute miles in the ocean going direct. 

Handymans342

Well I can go north to Tampa easily then.

Handymans342

@Liberty44140, I owe you a dinner if we ever get together. I went to the navionics site and found out that my new Raymarine unit can build my route for me. I have to install new software but man am I excited. I may give Raybo3 a kiss if I ever see him. LOL

Liberty44140

Ha, happy to have the dinner over the kiss. I'll print this for when we meet. 

Handymans342

Please print. Unlike MT I am true to my word

Sheri

getting her ready fro the trip. Fuel filters, Holding tank filter, Cleaning the AC and Gen filter and then starting to get her loaded. Leaving next Friday weather permitting. I have found 5 dive sites but would love some recommendations for snorkeling and places in key west to visit for entertainment/food and such.

pault1216

If you make it to Islamorada area, I recommend Alligator Reef and Hens and Chickens. Mooring balls are available. The area around Alligator Light is pretty shallow and better for snorkeling. Currents can ran strong so beware. I have never had a bad diving experience in the keys.  -Paul

rasbury

I hope you take some pictures and maybe some video of your trip!

Handymans342

Ras, I did that last year. Where have you been lol

Sheri

rasbury said:

I hope you take some pictures and maybe some video of your trip!

We are taking the Go Pro and the Still Shot camera. I hope to be able to share them after we return. I will also take notes as to where we stop for others that may want to take the trip.

Handymans342

We hope to go again this memorial weekend

Handymans342

What ever happened to you guys? You dropped off the face of the Earth?

rasbury

hope the did not sink along the way...or pirates!

Handymans342

When I went all I saw were naked mermaids

reneechris14

Oh boy you must of been drinking,mermaids have scales 

Handymans342

reneechris14 said:

Oh boy you must of been drinking,mermaids have scales 

Like a snake?

Sheri

Hey there, sorry for the delay. well we made the trip and since we couldn't go diving and such due to the hand injury we had to make different plans. I will  make a report soon and add photos. but I must say that it was the perfect trip. If any of you are thinking about taking it I would. But watch out for Crab pots. holy cow they are EVERYWHERE

Sheri

No sinking or Pirates but we did see the Mermaids...... At least I think that is what I saw. Could have been the Rum.