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Navigation    Anchoring

Our favorite places to visit by boat

Restuarants

1. •Keys Fisheries
   

2. •The Island
   

3. •Burdines
   

4. •Dockside
   

DIVING

1. •Coffins Patch
   

2. •Sombrero Light
   

3. •Thunderbolt (Advanced Dive)
   

4. •Samantha’s Reef
   

Fishing

1. •Bamboo Banks (Backcountry)
   

2. •Patch Reefs south of Vaca Cut
   

3. •Thunderbolt
   

Navigating by boat throughout the Keys requires special attention if you are unfamiliar with the surrounding waters.  We usually try to tell our renters about these easy to remember rules when navigating around the Keys:

BROWN, BROWN RUN AGROUND

Reef formations that grow close to the water’s surface and shallow seagrass beds will make the water appear brown. These areas should be avoided to keep from damaging your boat and sensitive habitats, and from running aground.  Anytime you run aground because of the damage to the reef or habitat you may be accessed a fine for that damage.  See Code of Federal Regulations at 15 CFR 922 Subpart P.

USE EXTRA CAUTION when there is extensive cloud cover, a glassy calm sea state, extreme sun

glare or murky water. These are conditions where colors may not be apparent.  Polarized sunglasses are very helpful in distinguishing water colors.

IF YOU RUN AGROUND IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE TO IDLE SPEED AND TURN IT OFF.  TILT THE ENGINE SO THAT IT IS OUT OF THE WATER OR AS FAR UP AS POSSIBLE.  CALL CAPT. HOOK’S (305-743-2444) BY CELL PHONE AND EXPLAIN THE SITUATION.  TRY TO DESCRIBE YOUR WEARABOUTS BY THE GPS SETTINGS OR LANDMARKS.  IF YOU ARE FLOATING OFF THE OBSTRUCTION, LET US KNOW.  THE BOAT MAY STILL BE TOO DAMAGED TO PROCEED.  IF YOUR CELL PHONE CAN NOT MAKE THE CONNECTION, TRY TO CALL ON THE VHF RADIO, CHANNEL 11 TO CAPT. HOOK’S.

WHITE, WHITE YOU MIGHT

Sand bars and shallow rubble areas appear white. These areas can be deceptively shallow. Navigate with caution around these areas.

GREEN, GREEN NICE & CLEAN

Green water usually indicates an area free of shallow reefs or seagrass beds. Navigation of small, shallow draft boats in these areas is generally safe. However, larger, deeper draft boats should exercise caution. All boaters should carry and consult the appropriate NOAA chart.

BLUE, BLUE CRUISE ON THROUGH

Deep water areas, such as the ocean side of a reef may appear blue. Navigation in these areas is free from hazardous contact with reefs or seagrass beds. Remember, however, that coral reefs rise abruptly from deep water so give yourself plenty of room to maneuver.

REMEMBER A GPS CAN GET YOU IN TROUBLE IF YOU DON’T READ THE WATER!!!

A GPS is a wonderful tool for finding that fishing hole or special location, but if you don’t read your water first and UNDERSTAND what you are seeing then the GPS will get you in trouble.  A single waypoint is merely a location and not a safe path to your destination.  That is why it is important to listen to the briefing prior to renting to get an overview of the shallow water perils in the area and then follow the directions provided to a safe location in which you will then be able to track to the GPS setting.  Also remember, reversing your direction will get you back to the general area you left from, it is not always a safe path for return.  The currents and the boat drifting can change your path considerably from the target and “skinny” or shallow water could now be in between.  Tidal changes can also make skinny water even skinnyer.