### Pilotage Plan: Islamorada, Florida to Homestead, Florida**Starting Point: Islamorada, Florida** Islamorada, located in the Florida Keys, is renowned for its beautiful waters, excellent fishing, and vibrant marine life. Before setting off, make sure your vessel is well-equipped with safety gear, including life jackets, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and distress signals. You can stock up on supplies or check the local weather at nearby marinas like the Ocean Reef Club Marina or the Islander Watersports.**Route Overview**: The journey from Islamorada to Homestead spans approximately 32 nautical miles and can be managed within a day, depending on your cruising speed. This route is primarily along the coastline, providing access to both the calm waters of Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.---### Section 1: Leaving Islamorada- **Initial Leg - Departure from Islamorada** Depart from your marina and head towards the northern end of the island. Maintain a south-southwest direction as you exit the harbor, paying close attention to local navigation aids like the markers leading out to Florida Bay. - **Navigational Aids**: Look for **Daymark 17** and **Daymark 16**, which will help guide you through the channels. A point of caution here — the waters can be shallow, so keep to the marked channels as you head to the deeper waters of Florida Bay.- **Shelter Option**: If weather conditions turn unfavorable while departing, consider taking refuge in **Florida Bay**, particularly around **Blackwater Sound**, where there are several inlets and private mooring spots available.---### Section 2: En Route Highlights- **Navigating through Florida Bay**: Once in Florida Bay, the waters become broader and offer numerous points of interest. The wide expanse of the bay is a haven for nautical wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. Enjoy the stunning views of the mangroves lining the shore, and watch for the markers indicating various channels.- **Points of Interest**: During your passage, don't miss the opportunity to explore the **Everglades National Park**. This section of the trip can be incredibly scenic. If time permits, a quick stop at **Coon Key** can provide an excellent chance to stretch your legs and enjoy nature.---### Section 3: Entering Biscayne Bay- **Transition to Biscayne Bay**: As you approach Biscayne Bay from Florida Bay, be mindful of the local marine traffic and the presence of more recreational boats. This is where the waters can get busier, especially on weekends. Make sure to follow navigation markers, particularly as you enter the **Key Largo** area.- **Local Regulations**: Be aware of the Zones in Biscayne Bay, as certain areas are designated as no-wake zones to protect marine wildlife. Failure to comply can not only disturb the ecosystem but may also result in fines.---### Section 4: Final Leg to Homestead- **Navigating North towards Homestead**: As you leave Biscayne Bay heading towards Homestead, follow the **Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)** markers, which provide a well-marked route. The route becomes less congested but requires the same attentiveness to navigation aids.- **Shelter Options**: If the weather suddenly shifts, consider taking shelter at **Naranja Lakes**, as it offers a safe harbor and a scenic view. You’ll find plenty of quiet spots to anchor if you need a break.---### Section 5: Arriving at Homestead- **Final Approach**: As you near Homestead, keep your eyes on markers guiding you into the local marinas. - **Post-Trip Recommendations**: Once arrived, consider visiting local attractions such as the **Homestead-Miami Speedway** or the **Coral Castle**, both of which can make your land excursions enjoyable after a day on the water. ### Closing NotesThis route is particularly suitable for intermediate to experienced boaters due to the varying conditions you may encounter. The beautiful scenery, wildlife, and opportunities for stops make this an enjoyable, yet safe trip. Make sure you keep a navigation app handy — I recommend using **savvy navvy** alongside others like **Navionics** or **AyeTides** to ensure you have the best route plotted.With these guidelines, you should be well prepared for an exciting and safe journey from Islamorada to Homestead! Happy boating!