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West Palm Beach to Coconut Grove by boat

West Palm Beach to Coconut Grove

Distance - 77.8 Nm

Avg Speed
5 kts
10 kts
20 kts
30 kts
Time Estimate
15 hr 32 min
7 hr 46 min
3 hr 53 min
2 hr 35 min
West Palm Beach to Coconut Grove

West Palm Beach to Coconut Grove

### Pilotage Plan: West Palm Beach, Florida to Coconut Grove, Florida#### OverviewThis journey from West Palm Beach to Coconut Grove offers a scenic cruise along the vibrant Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and Biscayne Bay, perfect for boaters with moderate experience. You will glide through iconic Floridian waters while staying safe with a focus on key navigational aids and potential hazards.### Route Sections#### 1. Departure from West Palm Beach**Coordinates:** -80.04839301, 26.71131962 Start at the Palm Beach Inlet, where the currents can be strong and the waters busy, especially during peak boating hours. Ensure to check the tide tables and current conditions before departure to avoid unpleasant surprises.**Points of Interest:** - **Palm Beach:** A brief detour can take you to the beautiful beaches or the upscale shops on Worth Avenue. #### 2. Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)As you navigate south from West Palm Beach, you will enter the ICW. This portion of the trip will be scenic with views of luxurious estates, lush gardens, and vibrant marine life.**Navigational Aids:** - **Buoys and Markers:** Pay close attention to the red and green buoys marking your way on the ICW, especially near inlets and intersections.- **Marine Charts:** Have updated nautical charts on hand—both paper and digital—such as those available in savvy navvy and Navionics apps for real-time information.**Sheltering Options:** - **Boca Raton Inlet:** A good spot to take cover in case of unexpected weather.- **Lake Boca Raton:** A popular anchorage area with good holding ground, ideal for overnight stays.#### 3. Transition to Biscayne BayHeading south, as you approach the Haulover Inlet, the transition from ICW to Biscayne Bay provides a unique combination of calm waters while staying vigilant for fishing vessels and personal watercraft.**Navigational Considerations:**- **Avoid Overloading the Inlet:** The Haulover can have strong currents. It's generally best to enter this area on an outgoing tide when the water is calmer. **Points of Interest:** - **Bal Harbour:** A great place to stop for dining or shopping along the waterfront.#### 4. Entering Biscayne BayAs you navigate through Biscayne Bay, the waters become wider and more open. This area is known for its serene beauty and excellent fishing opportunities.**Hazards and Awareness:** - **Shallow areas:** Many parts of the bay can be shallow, making it imperative to keep an eye on the depth gauge, especially when nearing shorelines.- **Manatees and Dolphin:** You may encounter wildlife; proceed at a no-wake speed to avoid accidents.**Shelter Areas:** - **Key Biscayne:** A perfect place to anchor for an overnight stay, featuring parks and beaches.#### 5. Arrival at Coconut GroveAs you approach Coconut Grove, enjoy the lush greenery that envelops this vibrant neighborhood. Be respectful of local mooring regulations in this area.**Final Navigational Aids:** Keep a close eye on local markers and be aware of sailboat traffic. Timing your arrival during daylight will make navigation easier as the area can get busy with boating traffic.**Points of Interest in Coconut Grove:** - **CocoWalk:** Perfect for shopping and dining.- **Vizcaya Museum & Gardens:** A short ride from the marina offering a glimpse into Florida’s history and stunning scenery.### Weather and Safety ConsiderationsAlways check the marine weather report before you depart and plan your trip accordingly. Strong thunderstorms can pop up in this region, and knowing when and where to find shelter is key to a safe journey. #### Recommended Boating Apps- **Savvy Navvy:** For planning and navigating with ease.- **Navionics:** For up-to-date nautical charts.### ConclusionThis route from West Palm Beach to Coconut Grove is perfect for boaters looking for a combination of safety, scenic beauty, and local attractions. With careful planning and attentiveness to navigation aids and potential hazards, you can enjoy this beautiful stretch of Florida’s coastline. Whether you're out for a day trip or a longer stay, you'll find ample opportunities for fun and relaxation along the way. Safe travels!