Starting your boat trip from Panama City, you’re embarking on an incredible journey along the Gulf Coast that offers both safety and excitement for adventurous sailors. This route is particularly inviting for those looking to blend navigation challenges with the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico, catering to experienced sailors who enjoy coastal cruising and exploration.
Your departure from Panama City's marinas provides you with fascinating skyline views and the bustling traffic of international vessels entering and exiting the Panama City Pass. As you set sail, ensure your maritime radio and safety equipment are in optimal working order, and consider downloading reliable navigation apps like savvy navvy to aid in planning and real-time navigation.
Day 1: Panama City to St. Andrews Bay
As you leave the sheltered confines of Panama City, you'll cruise toward St. Andrews Bay, an excellent spot for an initial overnight stay. It’s a well-protected bay that offers ample anchorage options, safeguarded from harsh weather conditions. During your stay, St. Andrews State Park presents an enticing opportunity for a quick adventurous stop with its beautiful beaches and potential wildlife sightings.
Day 2: St. Andrews Bay to Apalachicola Bay
Proceeding east, your next destination is the captivating Apalachicola Bay, approximately 75 nautical miles from Panama City. This stretch may surprise you with delicate oyster reefs, so ensure meticulous chart plotting and cautious passage planning. The ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) provides a sheltered passage, avoiding the more exposed waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Keep an eye out for prominent markers like the Government Cut Channel Entrance Light as you enter.
Once at Apalachicola Bay, take time to enjoy the town of Apalachicola, renowned for its delightful seafood and rich maritime history. The bay itself is an expansive haven that offers protection from inclement weather with several anchorage possibilities.
Day 3: Apalachicola Bay to Carrabelle River
On the next leg to Carrabelle, you'll have a scenic cruise of around 30 nautical miles. Navigating here requires you to be especially vigilant of tides and currents, particularly at the Carrabelle entrance. The Carrabelle River offers a serene and safe anchorage for rest or exploration. While at Carrabelle, consider visiting the Carrabelle History Museum to delve into its colorful past.
Day 4: Carrabelle to Ochlockonee Bay
Continuing to Ochlockonee Bay, about 22 nautical miles away, this leg is relatively straightforward. However, care must be taken navigating around Dog Island; keep Dog Island Reef Light to your port, avoiding the shoals. Ochlockonee Bay offers another sheltered stop, and if you’re inclined, the adjacent St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is worth a detour for its hiking trails and lighthouse.
Day 5: Ochlockonee Bay to Shell Point
Your final stretch leads you to Shell Point, located about 15 nautical miles further. Be sure to consult tide tables before your arrival, as access to docks can be tidally influenced. As you approach, there’s little traffic but stay attuned to channel markers, particularly the Shell Point Channel Entrance.
Upon reaching Shell Point, welcomed by its quiet coastal beauty, you'll find a charming haven ideal for both relaxation and a culmination of your Gulf Coast adventure.
Throughout your voyage, maintain awareness of local weather forecasts and heed safety advice on marine bulletins. This route combines practical safety measures with rewarding experiences, making it perfectly suited for sailors who cherish the journey as much as the picturesque destinations along the way.