Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood by boat

Pilotage Plan: Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Hollywood, Florida

Starting Point: Fort Lauderdale, FloridaDestination: Hollywood, Florida

A charming journey awaits as you set sail from the bustling city of Fort Lauderdale to the culturally rich Hollywood. This trip is ideal for recreational boaters who enjoy scenic waterways, vibrant local scenes, and the thrill of navigating through parts of Broward County’s coastal waterways.

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Route Overview

1. Departure from Fort Lauderdale - Begin your voyage at the Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), known for its easy navigation and stunning waterfront homes. - Open your charts and ensure you're familiar with the local navigational aids, most notably markers 55 and 56, which guide your path southward.

2. Navigational Considerations - Maintain awareness of boat traffic in this busy area. The ICW is frequented, so watch for larger vessels and other recreational boats. - Be cautious navigating through 17th Street Causeway; this is a busy bridge area. Be prepared to wait for bridge openings, which occur on the hour and half-hour.

3. Important Navigation Aids - Pay attention to the red and green markers along the ICW. Red markers (even numbers) keep on your starboard (right) side when heading south, while green markers (odd numbers) will be on your port (left). - Monitoring VHF radio channels is crucial, especially channel 16 for emergencies or when approaching marinas and channels.

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Points of Interest Along the Route

• Lauderdale Marine Center: This facility can serve as a great stopoff for boat maintenance needs if required, providing a chance to experience local boat culture.

• Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort: If you choose to take a break from navigating, a quick stop here can allow you to enjoy fine dining with ocean views.

• Hollywood Beach Broadwalk: This is a highlight upon nearing your destination, where you can indulge in a mix of dining, shopping, and leisurely beach walks.

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Shelter Options

• Lake Santa Barbara: Just a short detour before you proceed toward Hollywood, this calm bay offers excellent shelter from inclement weather, making it a perfect spot to anchor if conditions worsen.

• Dania Cut-Off Canal: Located slightly farther in, this waterway provides a safe haven and is known for its quiet surroundings and natural beauty.

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Hazards to Negotiate

• Shallow Water Areas: Remain alert in sections of the ICW where the water depth may be limited, particularly near the beach accesses. It is wise to follow recognized deep-water channels closely.

• Fishing Zones and Speed Limits: Areas with heavy fishing activity necessitate reduced speed to avoid damaging gear and ensure safety for all watercraft. Local regulations often mandate speed limits around public beaches.

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Final Approach to Hollywood

As you approach Hollywood, the waterfront lifestyle shifts more towards a relaxed coastal feel. Despite busy coastal traffic, you’ll find the canals and surrounding parks serene and beautiful, with lots of opportunities to enjoy wildlife observation.

Useful Boating Apps

To enhance your trip and ensure safety on the water, consider utilizing reliable navigation applications like Savvy Navvy, which offers comprehensive charts and route planning features. Other recommended apps include Navionics for real-time charts and ActiveCaptain for community-sourced navigational information and alerts.

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This voyage presents an incredible opportunity for recreational boaters looking to enjoy local highlights while being mindful of navigational safety. Be sure to double-check your weather forecast prior to departure, follow the relevant regulations, and have a fantastic time exploring the beautiful waterways from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood!