I am always surprised that only a few boaters in Florida can paddle their pleasure boats to different places in the state.
The trip is always fascinating and allows the boater to see different landscapes as he moves between large lakes, rivers, and canals.
Can you boat across Florida?
You can boat across Florida when you take the Okeechobee Waterway.
Meanwhile, the most interesting thing is that the Caloosahatchee Waterway can be crossed in a day.
It is common knowledge that Florida is among the best boating states in America.
There are about 1,350 miles of navigable shoreline in the state, which is generally known as a boaters’ paradise.
I am aware that it is possible to boat around Florida, but how possible is it to boat across Florida?
Boating through Okeechobee Waterway is a pleasurable trip, but unusual for any boater who is crossing through the heart of Old Florida.
This waterway is very peaceful and stretches through miles of untouched Florida Everglades.
It covers thousands of acres of shrubs and ranchland in Old Florida.
It is the only route you can navigate across the Florida canal.
Can You Boat Across Florida?
Yes, you can sail across the Sunshine State on the Okeechobee Waterway.
I have said before that Florida is a boating paradise.
You will find the best boating recreational facilities in the world in places like Key Largo and Tampa Bay, all in Florida.
There are other popular inland destinations for boats and floatplanes, like Lake Okeechobee and the Chain of Lakes.
However, many people do not know that one can boat across Florida.
The Okeechobee Waterway runs across Florida and connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
It is a canal.
Its total length is 154 miles.
Many recreational boaters sail through this canal, stopping over at different seaports and marinas.
There are many locks in the waterway which raise and lowers boats.
They serve as recreation spots for boaters and campers as well.
Why does the Okeechobee Waterway need locks?
With locks, ships can sail up to and down from Lake Okeechobee, not draining the lake water into the sea.
The lake is between 12 to18 feet above sea level.
Lake Okeechobee will empty into the ocean if a channel were to be dug between it and the sea.
This will be another big problem for many parts of South Florida.
Lock on the Okeechobee Waterway
There are five locks in the Okeechobee Waterway.
They serve as public recreation areas also.
Some of them feature picnic facilities and camping places.
People who do not have boats still have a way to enjoy the Waterway.
The Okeechobee Waterway does not have the same condition at all spots.
There are various sensitive habitats and ecosystems along the route.
There are some areas along the route where are posted “no-wake zones” or signs for specific speed limits.
The law of Florida demands that all travelers by sea must follow the laws regulating boating in the state unless otherwise stated.
There are five locks you will pass before crossing the Caloosahatchee Waterway.
Pleasure boaters are not charged any fee.
The locks are bigger than normal unless you always sail through Panama Canal.
Big barges and commercial boats can pass through the locks.
That means you have to navigate the ships especially.
You must call the lockmasters on the phone while still some miles away before you sail close to the lock.
Each of the locks has its Phone numbers, lock details, and any special bulletin uploaded to the internet.
Calling them in advance is not enough; you have to call them on VHF channel 13, get to the lock, and continue monitoring the channel until you have sailed past the lock.
Tips to Follow
Do not be the first boat to sail into the lock; always wear your gloves as you handle the lines.
It may sound strange to you, but there are reasons behind this.
While you still hang on the side of the lock, before the completion of the water exchange, the lockmaster for reasons may decide to open the gates.
This action will result in a great wave, and you can imagine the wave you and your boat will be exposed to.
This situation requires some strong crew members to hold strong to the drop lines.
This is assumed so that the locking process will be hastened.
I have observed that the lock crew sometimes snickers when a small boat comes close between the concrete walls.
Channel 13 is also monitored by bridge operators, but to get public attention, they do not ask them to raise the bridge.
You will be fined if you request for lift unnecessarily.
You should prepare for the locks to make it easier to move along because the concrete lock walls may hurt your boat.
However, the lock tenders can help you with the tying process.
When you rise in a lock, the lock tenders will lower the fore and aft lines to you.
If you have a fast boat, you can cross the waterway in a day, but trawlers and sailboats can complete the journey in two days.
FAQs
How long does it take to get across Florida in a boat?
It takes less than 8 hours to sail across Florida by boat at a speed of 20 knots.
Is there a waterway that crosses Florida?
Yes, there is a waterway that crosses Florida, which is known as the Okeechobee Waterway or Okeechobee Canal.
It is an artificial waterway but relatively shallow.
It starts from Fort Myers on the west coast, runs across the Floridian west coast, and terminates at the east coast of Florida.
Is there a waterway through Florida?
The Okeechobee Waterway is located between central and southern Florida.
The lake which begins from Stuart, in the Atlantic Ocean terminates at Fort Meyers, the Gulf of Mexico, covering about 451,000 acres of land.
The 154-mile-long waterway which consists of the Caloosahatchee River at the western side of the lake and the St.
Lucie Canal east of the lake runs through Lake Okeechobee.
