Starting your voyage from the picturesque Alligator Point, a wonderful blend of natural beauty and tranquility awaits you on your journey to St. Augustine, an iconic slice of Floridian history. This journey stretches about 250 nautical miles along the Gulf Coast and offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, filled with noteworthy sites and safe harbors for every mariner.
As you leave Alligator Point, set your course eastward through Apalachee Bay. This bay offers a broad and open space, ideal for adjusting to your vessel and the feel of the elements on the start of your trip. Keep an eye out for the Dog Island Reef markers to the east, which you should navigate around with care to avoid shallower areas. Wind conditions can be changeable, so watch the weather forecasts closely as you advance.
Once you've passed Dog Island, aim towards St. George Sound. Here, you'll find a nautical treasure in the form of Apalachicola. This charming town offers a nice opportunity to rest and replenish supplies if needed. Otherwise, carry on eastwards across the sound towards Carrabelle. If the weather takes a turn, Carrabelle River provides a safe and sheltered harbor. This town is well-equipped for boaters and offers a dose of classic Florida hospitality.
As you reach St. Marks, prepare for a longer leg of uninterrupted travel along the "Big Bend" region of Florida, known for its less populated coastline. Navigation here can be straightforward if you stay on course using navigational aids like the buoy systems in place. The coastline can be covertly shallow at points, so adherence to marked channels is vital to avoid the sandbars that can sneak up on the inexperienced navigator.
Approaching Cedar Key, look for the absence of shoals west of Seahorse Key for a safer passage. Cedar Key's surrounding area provides several anchoring spots which could serve as a refuge during adverse weather. The town itself is charming and worth a visit for its quaint feel and delightful local seafood.
Continuing along, as you near the Crystal River area, the entrance is well-marked, with channels leading into the river proper. Crystal River is noted for its incredible water clarity and manatee populations, especially during the winter months.
Navigating the Withlacoochee Bay demands attention to detail, as tides and currents can significantly influence navigation here. As you continue to steer east, Homosassa’s river systems present another opportunity for shelter or leisure stopovers.
Further along the shoreline, the Intracoastal Waterway becomes your primary guide as you approach the Nature Coast and the segment of coastal central Florida leading to St. Augustine. You'll find ample marinas if needing a stop but aim to navigate carefully around any wildlife zones, particularly as you traverse rich ecological regions with sensitive habitats.
Finally, as you approach St. Augustine, prepare to revel in one of the most culturally rich destinations in Florida. The St. Augustine Inlet can be challenging, so a conservative approach backed by updated chart data is advised, especially with navigating the swift currents and shifting sands.
For navigation success on this diverse route, a combination of GPS navigation and paper charts is recommended, but modern boating apps like savvy navvy can greatly enhance your situational awareness and planning flexibility. Additionally, always keep a VHF radio tuned to the local maritime channels for weather updates and emergency communications.
This journey is perfect for the seasoned boater who relishes the balance between the adventure of open water cruising and the comfort of stopping at captivating coastal towns. By setting sail along this route, you're not only embarking on a rewarding nautical journey, but you're also engaging with the rich tapestry of natural beauty and human history that the Gulf Coast of Florida has to offer. Stay safe, remain vigilant, and enjoy every moment!