Getting around the Florida Keys is a matter of navigating Florida Bay, Hawk Channel and the pass-through creeks/channels between the two. Fast-speed boating is allowed in much of the Intracoastal Waterway and Hawk Channel. There are some slow zones in pass-throughs.
The Intracoastal Waterway is found mostly in Florida Bay. The channel runs through deep sounds and narrow channels between various keys. It is reasonably well marked. Watch for shallow water on either side of the channel. There is some confusion as to whether the Intracoastal Waterway actually runs all the way to Key West on the Florida Bay side. Regardless, it appears wisest to leave the Intracoastal in lower Marathon and use Hawk Channel for the remaining trip to Key West. The Bay side of the lower keys is very shallow and undeveloped. It�s a lousy place to get stuck.
Hawk Channel is the �ocean� side of the keys. In reality, it is a channel that runs east/south of the keys and west/north of the reefs.
Generally seas in Hawk Channel are less than in the open water beyond the reefs, but higher than in Florida Bay.
If weather conditions are nice I like the idea of running in Hawk Channel better than the Intracoastal Waterway. Hawk Channel is not as clearly marked, but it is much deeper and more forgiving if you fall off course. It�s a lot harder to run aground.
Note: Shallow water is many times found 1-2 miles off shore. It may look okay, but do not get too close to shore!
In Key Largo there are few pass-throughs between the Intracoastal Waterway and Hawk Channel. Tavernier Creek is beautiful and has some services.
It�s best to choose a ramp/marina on the side where you plan to boat.
It�s imperative that you have charts, a GPS and a depth sounder. The name of the game is not running aground. Mark your route ahead of time. Have a navigator aboard to help you spot marks, visually spot water depth and keep you on course. Plan to spend a lot of time and energy navigating.
Mind the current. It can be strong in Florida Bay and in pass-throughs between the ocean and the Bay. It can easily cause you to track out of channel and into shallow water.
Travel by road: The only significant roadway in the Keys is U.S. 1. It starts at Mile 0 in Key West. As you head south, the mile markers tell you the distance to Key West.
Many hotels and restaurants will indicate their location by U.S. 1 mile marker.
Read the water: Click here to learn how to visually read water depth in the Keys.
