North Miami Beach to Hollywood by boat

Pilotage Plan: North Miami Beach, Florida to Hollywood, Florida

Overview

Embarking on a trip from North Miami Beach to Hollywood is an excellent choice for boaters looking to experience the serene beauty of Florida’s coastline while keeping safety as a priority. This route is particularly suitable for recreational boaters who appreciate calm waters and vibrant scenery, making it perfect for families or those new to boating.

Departure: North Miami Beach, Florida

Coordinates: -80.1460167, 25.9341333 Your journey begins in the vibrant waters surrounding North Miami Beach. Before you set off, ensure that your vessel is seaworthy. Check your life jackets, navigation lights, and communication devices. Familiarize yourself with local regulations, particularly regarding speed limits and protected areas.

En Route Hazards & Navigation Considerations

1. Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Navigation: As you begin your journey, you will primarily navigate through the serene waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. The ICW offers a well-marked path with navigational aids like buoys and markers, which are crucial for ensuring safe passage, especially for less experienced boaters.

2. Regarding Overtaking and Passing Traffic: Maintain a safe distance from larger vessels and docks. As you navigate, be mindful of your wake to prevent damage to shoreline properties.

3. Weather Monitoring: Keep a close watch on the forecast. The waters can change rapidly; thus, it's wise to verify weather updates via dedicated boating apps, with "Savvy Navvy" being a must-have as it provides excellent weather routing.

Points of Interest & Shelter Options

Along the route, there are several notable spots where you can take a break or seek shelter if the weather takes a turn:

• Oleta River State Park: A short detour will take you to this lush park where you can enjoy lush mangroves, kayak, or simply relax. This spot is great for taking a break from boating, exploring trails, or having a picnic.

• Haulover Park: Watch the boating world go by here. It’s a good place to anchor for a brief rest or to enjoy the beach before continuing your journey. There are picnic facilities and restrooms available.

• Sunny Isles Beach: This area offers not only beautiful beaches but also potential for lunch stops at waterfront restaurants.

Approaching Hollywood, Florida

-80.1161167, 26.0336333 As you near Hollywood, keep an eye out for navigational markers including buoys designating channels and hazard areas such as shallow waters close to shore. The Hollywood Intracoastal Waterway area has several marinas where you can dock for a while or seek safe harbor should conditions worsen.

Navigational Aids and Regulations

• Markers and Buoys: Pay close attention to daymarkers throughout your journey. Green markers indicate the right side of the channel when entering from the sea, while red markers indicate the left. Regularly check your charts for any updates on buoy placements.

• Speed Restrictions: While you may be tempted to speed along this picturesque route, remember that many parts of the ICW have slow-speed zones to protect wildlife and reduce erosion.

• Local Wildlife Caution: Keep an eye out for manatees, especially in the warmer months when they are more active. Cooperate with any local wildlife conservation regulations; adhere strictly to marked idle speed zones.

Conclusion

This route from North Miami Beach to Hollywood provides a harmonious blend of safety, leisure, and exploration. The combination of navigability via the ICW, alongside a wealth of natural beauty, makes it an ideal trip for all types of boaters. Remember to plan ahead, keep your navigation aids close at hand, and be mindful of the ever-changing Florida conditions. Whether you're looking to family-friendly exploration or simply a day on the water, this trip has something for everyone. Now, set your compass, and enjoy a splendid day out on the water!