Palm Beach to Key Largo and Beyond

South Florida & Florida Keys Local Waters Guide

A boater's reference to 16 waterway categories, from the Intracoastal Waterway and Biscayne Bay sandbars to the backcountry flats of Florida Bay and the remote Dry Tortugas. Each section explains what the waterway is, what to watch for, and lists the named locations our crews know.

Coverage: Palm Beach County south through Broward and Miami-Dade, the Upper, Middle and Lower Florida Keys, Key West, the Marquesas Keys and Dry Tortugas.

Planning reference only

This guide is a planning aid, not a navigation source. Depths, shoals, markers, access rules and facilities change, so always consult current NOAA charts, local notices and the facility before you go. For bridge clearances, see our South Florida Bridge Clearance Guide.

Category 1 of 16

Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)

The Intracoastal Waterway is a connected route of protected coastal waterways, lagoons, channels and rivers running along much of Florida's Atlantic coast. It provides a major north–south boating corridor from Palm Beach through Broward and Miami-Dade, with connected routes into the Florida Keys.

The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is the primary north–south protected boating route through the urban coast. Its southern connections include Biscayne Bay and the interconnected waterways of the Upper Keys.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Check bridge clearances, especially for sailboats, flybridge vessels and boats with antennas or towers.
  • Watch for commercial vessels, restricted channels, narrow bends and heavy weekend traffic.
  • Observe posted speed and manatee protection zones.
  • Check charted depths, shoaling reports and navigation markers rather than assuming the entire route is deep.
  • Plan around drawbridge schedules and local no-wake zones.
  • The ICW is not one uniform channel; some sections are natural waterways, dredged channels or connections between separate water bodies.

Planning a route under bridges? Check the South Florida Bridge Clearance Guide →

  • Jupiter Waterway / ICW

    Jupiter and Tequesta, Palm Beach County

  • Lake Worth Lagoon ICW

    Jupiter Inlet area south through Palm Beach Gardens, Riviera Beach, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach and Lantana

  • Palm Beach–Boynton ICW

    Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach, Boynton Beach

  • Delray–Boca ICW

    Delray Beach and Boca Raton

  • Hillsboro Canal / ICW connection

    Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach

  • Pompano–Fort Lauderdale ICW

    Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Fort Lauderdale

  • New River–ICW connection

    Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the Las Olas waterfront

  • Port Everglades ICW section

    Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale

  • Hollywood–Hallandale ICW

    Hollywood and Hallandale Beach

  • North Biscayne / Miami ICW

    Sunny Isles Beach, Haulover, North Miami Beach and Miami Beach

  • Miami Beach ICW

    Indian Creek, the Venetian Islands area and the Miami Beach waterfront

  • Biscayne Bay ICW route

    Miami, Virginia Key and southern Biscayne Bay

  • Card Sound–Jewfish Creek route

    South Miami-Dade, Card Sound, Barnes Sound and Key Largo

  • Florida Keys ICW segments

    Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada and connected inside passages; marked routes vary by section

The ICW is a connected route rather than one uniform canal. Its route crosses natural lagoons, dredged channels, rivers, cuts and bays. Bridge clearances, commercial traffic, shoaling and marked channels matter along the entire corridor.

Category 2 of 16

Marinas

Marinas provide facilities such as transient slips, fuel, pump-out, water, electricity, repairs, haul-out services and access to local boating destinations.

This is a representative directory of major boating facilities, not every private dock, yacht club or dry-storage operation. Names and services can change, so confirm fuel, transient slips, draft limits and operating status before relying on a stop.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Call ahead to confirm transient slip availability, operating hours, fuel availability and current rates.
  • Confirm maximum vessel length, beam, draft and bridge clearance on the approach.
  • Ask about current, wind exposure, dock assistance and overnight security.
  • Verify pump-out availability and any reservation or minimum-stay requirements.
  • Check whether a marina is open to visiting vessels or primarily serves permanent tenants.
  • In the Keys, marina locations may be far apart relative to your preferred cruising range. Plan fuel and overnight stops accordingly.

Palm Beach County

Broward County

Miami-Dade County

Upper and Middle Keys

Lower Keys and Key West

For a wider directory, the Florida Keys boating guide and Miami-Dade's marina information are useful starting points.

Category 3 of 16

Island Hangouts

Islands and waterfront destinations where boaters gather for swimming, picnicking, sightseeing, snorkeling, kayaking or socializing. Examples include Peanut Island, islands in Biscayne Bay and selected Florida Keys destinations.

These are islands and waterfront destinations associated with boating, swimming, picnicking, sightseeing or social gatherings. An island being a known hangout does not mean landing, anchoring or swimming is permitted everywhere around it.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Confirm whether the island is public, privately owned, park-managed or subject to restricted access.
  • Do not assume that a beach, dock or shoreline is open to the public.
  • Check anchoring rules, mooring availability, park hours and overnight restrictions.
  • Watch for shallow shorelines, submerged rocks, coral, oyster beds and propeller hazards.
  • Avoid landing on nesting bird islands or disturbing protected wildlife.
  • Social boating areas can become crowded, noisy and hazardous during holidays and weekends.

Palm Beach and Broward

  • Peanut Island

    Riviera Beach / Lake Worth Lagoon; popular anchoring and day-use destination.

  • Munyon Island

    Northern Lake Worth Lagoon, near John D. MacArthur Beach State Park; natural island and paddling destination.

  • Sailfish Island

    Lake Worth Lagoon near Palm Beach Shores; small island area, with access conditions dependent on location and management.

  • Deerfield Island Park

    Deerfield Beach, in the Intracoastal Waterway; park island accessible by boat or park transportation.

  • Hillsboro Island area

    Near Pompano Beach and Hillsboro Inlet; coastal island and inlet surroundings.

  • Whiskey Creek

    Dania Beach, near Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park; mangrove creek and paddling destination.

Miami and Biscayne Bay

  • Flagler Monument Island

    Between Miami and Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay; recognized boating gathering spot.

  • Hibiscus Island

    Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach; primarily residential, with limited public access.

  • Palm Island

    Biscayne Bay, near MacArthur Causeway; residential island.

  • Star Island

    Biscayne Bay, between Miami and Miami Beach; primarily residential, viewed from the water.

  • Venetian Islands

    Biscayne Bay, connected by the Venetian Causeway; residential island chain.

  • Watson Island

    Biscayne Bay, near downtown Miami and MacArthur Causeway.

  • Virginia Key

    East of Miami, south of the Port of Miami; beaches, parks, and boating access.

  • Key Biscayne

    South of Virginia Key; Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

  • Oleta River State Park islands

    North Miami Beach; mangrove islands and paddle destinations.

  • Stiltsville

    Offshore of Cape Florida in southern Biscayne Bay; historic houses on pilings, visible by boat.

  • Elliott Key

    Biscayne National Park; largest island in the park, with designated camping and visitor areas.

  • Boca Chita Key

    Biscayne National Park; well-known island with a historic lighthouse and boat-access facilities.

  • Sands Key

    Southern Biscayne Bay, near Black Point and Elliott Key; small island and surrounding shallow-water area.

  • Adams Key

    Biscayne National Park, south of Elliott Key; day-use island.

  • Totten Key

    Southern Biscayne Bay, within the park area; natural island and mangrove habitat.

Upper, Middle and Lower Keys

  • Rodriguez Key

    Offshore of Key Largo; island and reef surroundings.

  • Shell Key / Shell Key Bank area

    Key Largo vicinity; local naming and landing conditions should be checked against charts.

  • Indian Key

    Offshore of Islamorada; historic island accessible by water.

  • Lignumvitae Key

    Near Islamorada, within state botanical preserve waters; protected natural island.

  • Lower Matecumbe Key

    Islamorada; access to fishing and offshore routes.

  • Upper Matecumbe Key

    Islamorada village area; waterfront destinations and channels.

  • Grassy Key

    North of Marathon; island and surrounding shallow waters.

  • Crawl Key

    Near Marathon; natural island and shallow-water surroundings.

  • Boot Key

    Marathon, within Boot Key Harbor; marina and harbor destination.

  • Sombrero Key area

    Offshore of Marathon; reef and lighthouse surroundings.

  • Bahia Honda Key

    Lower Keys; Bahia Honda State Park, beaches and clear-water anchorages nearby.

  • Little Palm Island

    Little Torch Key area; private resort island, not a general public anchorage or landing destination.

  • Sugarloaf Key

    Lower Keys; bays, creeks and backcountry access.

  • Big Pine Key

    Lower Keys; access to the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge and backcountry waters.

  • Saddlebunch Keys

    Southwest of Big Pine Key toward Key West; island chain surrounded by shallow banks and mangroves.

  • Stock Island

    East of Key West; working waterfront, marinas and channels.

  • Key West

    Western end of the inhabited Florida Keys chain; marinas, harbor and offshore boating routes.

  • Boca Grande Key

    West of Key West, within the Key West National Wildlife Refuge area; remote island and beach habitat.

  • Marquesas Keys

    Remote, uninhabited island group west of Key West; shallow banks, wildlife refuge and fishing waters.

  • Dry Tortugas / Garden Key

    Far west of Key West; Fort Jefferson, reefs and park waters.

For Miami's established boating destinations, the local visitor bureau identifies Monument Island, Stiltsville, Oleta River's islands and the islands of Biscayne National Park as notable destinations.

Category 4 of 16

Sandbars

Shallow areas of sand or sediment that may emerge or become accessible at lower tides. Some are popular swimming and social gathering spots, while others are navigation hazards.

Sandbars are especially tide-dependent. Many shift, appear only at lower water levels, or are locally named rather than formally charted. The following are well-known boating areas or recognized shallow banks.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Sandbars change shape and depth because of tides, currents, storms and sediment movement.
  • A location that appears safe at high tide may leave a boat stranded at low tide.
  • Check tide predictions and charted depths before anchoring or beaching.
  • Keep propellers away from swimmers and use a designated tender or safe landing method where appropriate.
  • Never assume that a social-media pin represents a safe depth or an authorized anchoring location.
  • Maintain distance from marked channels, navigation aids and commercial traffic.
  • Watch for strong currents around inlets and narrow cuts.

Palm Beach and Broward

  • Peanut Island sand and shallows

    Riviera Beach, Lake Worth Lagoon.

    📍 Tap to Map

  • Lake Worth Lagoon shallow banks

    Around Peanut Island, Munyon Island and the northern lagoon.

  • Boynton sandbar / Boynton Inlet shallows

    Near Boynton Beach Inlet; conditions and usable sand vary with tide and season.

  • Boca Raton Inlet shoals

    Boca Raton; navigation hazard rather than a dependable recreational sandbar.

  • Hillsboro Inlet shoals

    Pompano Beach; navigational hazard.

  • New River and ICW shoals

    Local shallow patches; not designated recreational sandbars.

Miami-Dade

  • Haulover Sandbar

    Biscayne Bay near Haulover Inlet, North Miami Beach; one of the region's best-known social boating areas.

    📍 Tap to Map

  • Biscayne Bay shallows off Miami Beach

    Near the Venetian Islands and other bay islands; exact depth varies by location.

  • Nixon Sandbar

    Near Key Biscayne / southern Biscayne Bay, a locally recognized shallow-water gathering area; confirm current charted position and access conditions.

    📍 Tap to Map

  • Elliott Key / Sands Key banks

    Biscayne National Park, south of Homestead.

  • Boca Chita Key shallows

    Biscayne National Park.

  • Cape Florida shallows

    South and west of Key Biscayne, where marked channels meet broad shallow banks.

  • Black Point / southern Biscayne Bay flats

    Near Homestead.

Florida Keys

  • Whale Harbor sand and shallow-water area

    Islamorada, near Upper Matecumbe Key.

  • Islamorada bay-side banks

    Florida Bay side of the islands; broad, shifting shallows rather than one single sandbar.

  • Channel Five shallows

    Lower Matecumbe Key / Long Key vicinity; depth varies with tides and shoaling.

  • Grassy Key flats and banks

    North of Marathon.

  • Boot Key Harbor approaches and shallows

    Marathon; navigation channel edges should not be treated as swimming areas.

  • Bahia Honda shallows

    Near Bahia Honda State Park, between the Atlantic and Gulf-side waters.

  • Content Keys banks

    Remote Lower Keys backcountry.

  • Marquesas Keys shallows

    West of Key West, including the Eastern Quicksands region.

  • Dry Tortugas banks

    Offshore of Key West, near Garden Key and surrounding islands.

Important: A sandbar shown in photographs or described by locals may be submerged at high tide, may be within a protected habitat, or may lie outside a safe anchoring area. Never rely on a social-media pin as a depth reference.

Category 5 of 16

Bays

Bays are broad bodies of coastal water that may include deep channels, sheltered anchorages, shallow flats, islands and mangrove shorelines. Important examples include Biscayne Bay, Lake Worth Lagoon, Card Sound, Florida Bay and the waters around Key West.

These are the major named bays and important smaller bay systems from Palm Beach to the remote Keys.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Depth can vary sharply between a marked channel and adjacent shallow banks.
  • Wind can create short, steep chop, particularly in exposed sections of Biscayne Bay.
  • Florida Bay contains extensive shallow seagrass flats and narrow marked channels.
  • Watch for thunderstorms, sudden wind shifts and limited shelter in open areas.
  • Avoid cutting across unmarked shallows simply because the water looks clear.
  • Respect seagrass protection areas and avoid propeller scarring.
  • Identify safe refuge options before crossing large or exposed bays.

Palm Beach County

  • Lake Worth Lagoon

    Jupiter to Lake Worth Beach and Lantana; major estuarine lagoon and ICW corridor.

  • Jupiter Sound

    Between Jupiter Inlet, Jupiter Island and the mainland.

  • Loxahatchee River estuary

    Jupiter and Tequesta; tidal river and estuary connected to Jupiter Inlet.

  • Manalapan / Hypoluxo lagoon waters

    Southern Lake Worth Lagoon, near Hypoluxo Island.

  • Boynton waters / Intracoastal basin

    Boynton Beach and Boynton Inlet.

Broward County

  • Hillsboro Bay

    Pompano Beach / Lighthouse Point, near Hillsboro Inlet.

  • Lake Santa Barbara

    Pompano Beach; waterfront canal and basin system.

  • Middle River basin

    Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park; urban tidal river and connected waterways.

  • New River estuary

    Fort Lauderdale, from inland waterways to the ICW.

  • Port Everglades harbor basin

    Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach and Hollywood; commercial harbor and turning basins.

  • Whiskey Creek waters

    Dania Beach, in the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park area.

Miami-Dade County

  • Biscayne Bay

    From North Miami and Miami Beach south through Key Biscayne and Biscayne National Park.

  • North Biscayne Bay

    Haulover, Bal Harbour, North Miami Beach and the northern Miami waterfront.

  • Central Biscayne Bay

    Miami, Miami Beach, Venetian Islands, Virginia Key and the Port of Miami.

  • South Biscayne Bay

    Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Homestead and Biscayne National Park.

  • Card Sound

    Between southern Miami-Dade and northern Key Largo.

  • Barnes Sound

    Between Card Sound and northern Key Largo.

  • Little Card Sound

    Near Card Sound Bridge, connecting the Card Sound water system.

  • Blackwater Sound

    Key Largo, west of the Overseas Highway.

  • Manatee Bay

    North of Key Largo, west of Card Sound.

  • Boca Chita Basin

    Biscayne National Park, at Boca Chita Key.

Upper and Middle Keys

  • Florida Bay

    Between the Florida Keys and the Everglades; extensive shallow banks, channels and flats.

  • Blackwater Sound

    Key Largo.

  • Buttonwood Sound

    Key Largo, near the inside waterway corridor.

  • Tarpon Basin

    Key Largo, connected to the inside waterways.

  • Largo Sound

    Key Largo, near the Atlantic-side island chain.

  • Florida Bay waters off Islamorada

    West of the islands, with shallow banks and backcountry channels.

  • Whale Harbor

    Islamorada, near Upper Matecumbe Key.

  • Florida Bay off Long Key

    West and northwest of Long Key, with shallow grass flats.

  • Hawk Channel waters

    Atlantic side of the Keys, a major inside-reef boating route.

  • Boot Key Harbor

    Marathon, a protected harbor with marina facilities.

  • Florida Bay off Marathon

    North and northwest of the Middle Keys, with flats and island passages.

  • Sombrero Sound area

    Marathon's surrounding inside waters; use charted local names when plotting routes.

Lower Keys and beyond

  • Great White Heron Refuge backcountry waters

    Around Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys; a collection of shallow bays, creeks and flats.

  • Pine Channel waters

    Between Lower Keys islands; tidal channel and bay system.

  • Saddlebunch Harbor / Saddlebunch waters

    Near Saddlebunch Keys west of Big Pine Key.

  • Key West Harbor

    Key West, Old Town waterfront and seaport.

  • Garrison Bight

    Key West, a protected marina and harbor basin.

  • Boca Grande Channel waters

    West of Key West, around Boca Grande Key.

  • Marquesas Keys lagoon and banks

    Remote shallow waters west of Key West.

  • Tortugas Harbor / Garden Key waters

    Dry Tortugas, far west of Key West.

Category 6 of 16

Canals and Interconnected Waterways

Artificial canals, tidal channels, river branches and connecting passages link inland communities, the ICW, bays, harbors and other waterways. Examples include urban Fort Lauderdale canals, the Miami River, Jewfish Creek and channels throughout the Keys.

This category includes named navigation cuts, tidal canals, urban waterways and major connecting passages. It is particularly important for planning routes between the ICW, bays and Keys.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Many canals are private, residential, industrial or intended primarily for drainage and flood control.
  • Verify that recreational navigation is permitted before entering an unfamiliar canal.
  • Check bridge clearances, overhead wires, locks, gates, depth restrictions and local speed limits.
  • Narrow canals may have limited room to turn around or pass other vessels.
  • Be courteous near waterfront homes and avoid excessive wake.
  • Watch for submerged debris, dock pilings, fishing lines and poorly marked obstructions.
  • Never assume that a visible canal provides a continuous navigable connection to another waterway.

Palm Beach County

  • C-18 Canal

    Western Jupiter / Palm Beach Gardens drainage and canal system.

  • C-17 Canal

    Palm Beach Gardens and northern Palm Beach County.

  • C-16 Canal

    Northern Palm Beach County, near Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens.

  • C-15 Canal

    Palm Beach County, around the Boca Raton–Delray region.

  • C-14 Canal

    Boca Raton / western coastal Palm Beach County drainage corridor.

  • Earman River

    North Palm Beach and Lake Park; tidal waterway connected to the ICW.

  • C-51 Canal

    Western West Palm Beach area, connecting inland drainage toward Lake Worth Lagoon.

  • Boynton Canal

    Boynton Beach area, inland canal and drainage system.

  • Hypoluxo Island canals

    Hypoluxo and Manalapan; residential tidal waterways.

  • Jupiter Waterway connections

    Jupiter, Tequesta and the Loxahatchee estuary.

Broward County

  • New River canal network

    Fort Lauderdale, including its downtown forks and connected residential canals.

  • Middle River canal network

    Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park.

  • North Fork New River

    Inland Fort Lauderdale, connected to the New River system.

  • South Fork New River

    Fort Lauderdale, extending toward the western canal system.

  • Intracoastal-connected Las Olas canals

    Fort Lauderdale.

  • Lake Santa Barbara canal system

    Pompano Beach.

  • Pompano Canal / C-14 network

    Western Pompano Beach and inland Broward County.

  • C-13 Canal

    Central Broward County drainage system, including the Sunrise area.

  • C-12 Canal

    Davie / Dania-area drainage and water management system.

  • C-11 Canal

    Western Broward County, feeding toward the coastal drainage network.

  • C-9 Canal

    Northern Miami-Dade and southern Broward drainage corridor.

  • C-10 Canal

    Western Broward County.

  • Port Everglades inlet channel and turning basin

    Fort Lauderdale, commercial navigation corridor.

Miami-Dade County

  • Miami River

    Downtown Miami to the Miami River's inland reaches.

  • Miami River forks and industrial channels

    Miami, upstream of the downtown waterfront.

  • Government Cut

    Between Miami Beach and Fisher Island, connecting PortMiami to the Atlantic.

  • Biscayne Channel

    Between Miami Beach / Virginia Key and Biscayne Bay, depending on the charted channel segment.

  • Haulover Cut

    North Miami Beach, connecting the Atlantic and Biscayne Bay.

  • Baker's Haulover / Haulover Inlet channel

    North Miami Beach.

  • Venetian Causeway channels

    Between Miami and Miami Beach.

  • MacArthur Causeway channel

    Miami / Miami Beach, adjacent to PortMiami and Watson Island.

  • Julia Tuttle Causeway waterway crossings

    Biscayne Bay between Miami and Miami Beach.

  • Rickenbacker Causeway channels

    Miami, Virginia Key and Key Biscayne.

  • Black Creek

    Homestead / southern Miami-Dade, connecting inland waterways toward Biscayne Bay.

  • C-100 Canal

    Southern Miami-Dade drainage system.

  • C-103 Canal

    Homestead / southern Miami-Dade canal corridor.

  • C-111 Canal

    Southern Miami-Dade, near the Everglades and Florida Bay drainage system.

  • Card Sound Road / Card Sound waterways

    Connections between Biscayne Bay's southern region, Card Sound and the Keys.

  • Barnes Sound channels

    Northern Key Largo and the Card Sound route.

Florida Keys

  • Jewfish Creek

    Northern Key Largo, connecting Florida Bay / Blackwater Sound waterways toward the Atlantic-side passage.

  • Dusenbury Creek

    Key Largo area, on the inside-waterway route.

  • Grouper Creek

    Key Largo / Upper Keys, part of the inside passage system.

  • Baker Cut

    Northern Florida Keys, connecting the inside waterway system.

  • Tarpon Basin channel connections

    Key Largo.

  • Blackwater Sound channels

    Key Largo.

  • Buttonwood Sound channels

    Key Largo.

  • Whale Harbor Channel

    Islamorada, connecting harbor waters with surrounding passages.

  • Channel Five

    Between Lower Matecumbe Key and Long Key, connecting Atlantic-side and bay-side waters.

  • Channel Two

    Middle Keys, near Long Key / Layton area.

  • Long Key Channel

    Long Key area, connecting the Atlantic and Florida Bay sides.

  • Seven Mile Bridge channel corridor

    Marathon to Little Duck Key; important deep-water and inside-waterway crossing.

  • Boot Key Harbor channels

    Marathon.

  • Moser Channel

    Between the Middle and Lower Keys near the Seven Mile Bridge.

  • Bahia Honda Channel

    Near Bahia Honda Key, between the Atlantic and Gulf-side waters.

  • Pine Channel

    Lower Keys, near Big Pine Key and the Saddlebunch Keys.

  • Boca Chica Channel

    Key West / Boca Chica Key area.

  • Cow Key Channel

    Stock Island / Key West, linking harbor and inside waters.

  • Key West Harbor channels

    Key West seaport and marina access.

  • Boca Grande Channel

    West of Key West, within the remote Lower Keys waters.

  • Marquesas Keys channels and cuts

    Remote waters west of Key West.

  • Tortugas Harbor approach channels

    Dry Tortugas, west of Key West.

Many of the inland canals in Broward are primarily drainage or flood-control infrastructure, not recreational boating routes. Confirm vessel access, bridge clearances, depth and local restrictions before entering.

Category 7 of 16

Inlets

Inlets connect the Atlantic Ocean with coastal waterways, lagoons, bays and harbors. Examples include Jupiter Inlet, Lake Worth Inlet, Boynton Inlet, Hillsboro Inlet, Port Everglades Inlet, Haulover Inlet and Government Cut.

Inlets connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Intracoastal, lagoons, bays and Keys. Some have strong currents, breaking waves or shifting shoals. The major coastal inlets from north to south are:

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Inlets can be among the most hazardous locations in the region, particularly during outgoing tides, strong winds and large ocean swells.
  • Breaking waves may form where opposing currents meet shoals or offshore swell.
  • Shoaling and channel markers can change; check current notices and charts.
  • Commercial shipping channels require particular attention around Port Everglades and Government Cut.
  • Never follow another vessel blindly through an inlet.
  • If conditions are beyond your boat's capabilities or your experience, delay the crossing.
  • Check marine forecasts, tide/current information and daylight conditions before departure.

Palm Beach County

  • Jupiter Inlet

    Jupiter, at the mouth of the Loxahatchee River.

  • Lake Worth Inlet / Palm Beach Inlet

    Palm Beach Shores and Riviera Beach; entrance to Lake Worth Lagoon and Port of Palm Beach.

  • Boynton Inlet

    Boynton Beach / Ocean Ridge; connects the Atlantic with the ICW.

  • Boca Raton Inlet

    Boca Raton, at the southern end of Palm Beach County.

Broward County

  • Hillsboro Inlet

    Pompano Beach / Hillsboro Beach.

  • Port Everglades Inlet

    Fort Lauderdale / Dania Beach; major commercial port entrance.

Miami-Dade County

  • Haulover Inlet

    North Miami Beach, connecting the Atlantic with northern Biscayne Bay.

  • Government Cut

    Miami Beach, PortMiami entrance and deep-draft shipping channel.

  • Bear Cut

    Between Virginia Key and Key Biscayne; connection between Biscayne Bay and Atlantic waters.

  • Cape Florida Channel / Cape Florida waters

    Southern Key Biscayne, near the Atlantic-side entrance and surrounding channels.

  • Biscayne Channel

    Miami / Virginia Key area; charted channel system connecting bay waters and offshore routes.

Florida Keys

  • Jewfish Creek passage

    Northern Key Largo; inside-waterway connection rather than an open-ocean inlet.

  • Channel Five

    Lower Matecumbe Key / Long Key; cross-Keys passage.

  • Channel Two

    Middle Keys; cross-Keys passage.

  • Long Key Channel

    Long Key, connecting the Atlantic and Florida Bay sides.

  • Moser Channel

    Near the Seven Mile Bridge; key navigation passage.

  • Bahia Honda Channel

    Bahia Honda Key, between Atlantic and Gulf-side waters.

  • Boca Chica Channel

    Near Boca Chica Key and Naval Air Station Key West.

  • Boca Grande Channel

    Remote western Lower Keys, connecting backcountry and offshore waters.

Note: The Keys' cross-island channels are not all ocean inlets in the conventional sense. They are included here because they function as important waterway passages.

Category 8 of 16

Reefs and Wrecks

Natural coral reefs, hard-bottom habitats, historic shipwrecks and artificial reefs provide fishing, snorkeling and diving opportunities. Notable areas include the reefs off Palm Beach, Broward, Biscayne National Park and the Florida Keys.

South Florida and the Keys contain natural coral reefs, hard-bottom habitats, artificial reefs and historic shipwrecks. This list emphasizes notable named sites rather than every wreck or reef structure.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Use accurate charted coordinates and current local information to locate wrecks and reefs.
  • Reef tops may lie in very shallow water and can be difficult to see in glare, chop or poor visibility.
  • Coral is fragile. Avoid grounding, anchoring on coral or damaging the bottom with propellers.
  • Use designated mooring buoys where available and permitted.
  • Do not assume all wrecks are safe for diving; currents, entanglement, depth and overhead structures can be dangerous.
  • Check sanctuary regulations, fishing restrictions and protected archaeological-site rules.
  • Divers may be difficult to see from a moving boat. Maintain a careful lookout and observe dive flags and applicable separation requirements.

Palm Beach County

  • Breakers Reef

    Offshore of Palm Beach; natural reef tract.

  • Blue Heron Bridge / Phil Foster Park underwater area

    Riviera Beach, Lake Worth Lagoon; famous shallow-water diving and snorkeling site.

  • Princess Anne wreck

    Offshore of Palm Beach County; verify the current charted location and dive conditions before visiting.

  • Lofthus wreck

    Offshore of Boynton Beach; historic shipwreck site.

  • Boynton Beach artificial reef sites

    Offshore of Boynton Beach.

  • Jupiter Inlet reef system

    Offshore of Jupiter, including natural reef and hard-bottom habitat.

Broward County

  • Pompano Beach reef tract

    Offshore of Pompano Beach.

  • Hillsboro Ledge / Hillsboro reef area

    Offshore of Hillsboro Inlet.

  • SS Copenhagen wreck

    Offshore of Pompano Beach; historic wreck and protected underwater archaeological site.

  • Ancient Mariner wreck

    Offshore of Broward County; artificial reef / wreck diving site.

  • Captain Dan wreck

    Offshore of Broward County.

  • Tenneco Towers

    Offshore Broward County; decommissioned oil platforms used as artificial reef habitat.

  • Fort Lauderdale reef tract

    Offshore of Fort Lauderdale.

  • Port Everglades reef sites

    Offshore of Port Everglades.

  • Dania Beach artificial reef sites

    Offshore of Dania Beach.

Miami-Dade County

  • Biscayne National Park reef tract

    Offshore of Elliott Key and other park islands.

  • Half Moon wreck

    Offshore of Miami-Dade, near the Biscayne Bay / Miami area; historic wreck.

  • HMS Fowey wreck

    Biscayne National Park, offshore of Miami-Dade; historic British warship wreck.

  • Andro wreck

    Offshore Miami-Dade; artificial reef / wreck.

  • Met Wreck Reef

    Offshore Miami-Dade; artificial reef.

  • Tortuga wreck

    Offshore Miami-Dade; artificial reef / wreck.

  • Deep Freeze wreck

    Offshore Miami-Dade; artificial reef / wreck.

  • Army Tank Reef

    Offshore Miami-Dade; artificial reef.

  • Proteus wreck

    Offshore Miami-Dade; artificial reef / wreck.

  • DFMA Trader wreck

    Offshore Miami-Dade; artificial reef / wreck.

  • Neptune Memorial Reef

    Offshore of Key Biscayne / Miami; underwater memorial reef.

  • Belzona II wreck

    Offshore Miami-Dade; artificial reef.

  • Golden Reef

    Offshore Miami-Dade; artificial reef.

  • Greynolds Park Reef

    North Miami Beach / offshore vicinity; artificial reef area.

  • Oleta River artificial reef area

    Offshore North Miami Beach.

  • Miami Beach artificial reef tract

    Offshore Miami Beach.

  • Key Biscayne reef tract

    Offshore of Key Biscayne.

Upper Keys

  • Carysfort Reef

    Offshore of Key Largo; major natural reef.

  • Carysfort Lighthouse

    Offshore of Key Largo, associated with the Carysfort reef system.

  • Key Largo Dry Rocks

    Offshore of Key Largo; natural reef and snorkeling area.

  • Christ of the Abyss

    Underwater statue at Key Largo Dry Rocks, within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

  • French Reef

    Offshore of Key Largo.

  • Molasses Reef

    Offshore of Key Largo; popular diving and snorkeling destination.

  • The Elbow

    Offshore of Key Largo; natural reef tract.

  • Horseshoe Reef

    Offshore of Key Largo.

  • Benwood wreck

    Offshore of Key Largo; historic shipwreck and dive site.

  • Duane wreck

    Offshore of Key Largo / Islamorada area; former Coast Guard cutter and artificial reef.

  • Bibb wreck

    Offshore of the Upper Keys; former Coast Guard cutter and artificial reef.

  • Eagle wreck

    Offshore of Islamorada; shipwreck diving site.

  • Conch Reef

    Offshore of Key Largo.

  • Davis Reef

    Offshore of Islamorada.

  • Hen and Chickens Reef

    Offshore of Islamorada.

  • Alligator Reef

    Offshore of Islamorada, near Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

  • Cheeca Rocks

    Offshore of Islamorada.

  • Coffins Patch

    Offshore of Marathon / Middle Keys.

  • Tavernier Key reef areas

    Offshore of Tavernier and Key Largo.

Middle and Lower Keys

  • Sombrero Reef

    Offshore of Marathon; natural reef and lighthouse.

  • Thunderbolt wreck

    Offshore of Marathon; artificial reef and dive site.

  • Adelaide Baker wreck

    Middle Keys, offshore of the Marathon region.

  • Looe Key Reef

    Offshore of Big Pine Key / Ramrod Key, near the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.

  • Adolphus Busch wreck

    Offshore of the Lower Keys.

  • Amesbury wreck

    Lower Keys offshore wreck site.

  • Joe's Tug wreck

    Lower Keys offshore wreck site.

  • Cottrell Key reef / wreck vicinity

    West of Key West, Lower Keys.

  • Eastern Dry Rocks

    Offshore of Key West; natural reef.

  • Sand Key Reef

    Offshore of Key West.

  • Rock Key Reef

    Offshore of Key West.

  • Western Sambo reef area

    Offshore of Key West, within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

  • Eastern Sambo reef area

    Offshore of Key West.

  • Key West Shipwreck Trail

    Multiple designated wreck and artificial reef sites offshore of Key West.

  • Dry Tortugas reef system

    Surrounding Garden Key and the Dry Tortugas islands.

For additional named wrecks and reef locations, the Florida Keys boating guides and regional shipwreck directories provide a much larger site-by-site inventory.

Category 9 of 16

Rivers

Rivers and estuaries carry freshwater toward coastal waters and often contain tidal reaches, marinas, canals and mangrove habitats. Examples include the Loxahatchee River, New River, Middle River, Miami River and selected Everglades waterways.

These include tidal rivers, river estuaries and important navigable river corridors.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Tidal currents may be stronger near narrow bends, bridges and river mouths.
  • Expect commercial, recreational and small human-powered vessels to share some reaches.
  • Urban rivers may have restricted areas, industrial traffic, low bridges or submerged obstructions.
  • Heavy rain can increase freshwater flow and affect water quality.
  • Observe no-wake zones and protect waterfront properties from excessive wake.
  • Remote Everglades rivers may have limited communications, few facilities and difficult access for assistance.
  • Check whether the intended route is actually navigable by your vessel.

Palm Beach County

  • Loxahatchee River

    Jupiter and Tequesta; flows to Jupiter Inlet.

  • North Fork Loxahatchee River

    Inland Jupiter / Jonathan Dickinson State Park area.

  • South Fork Loxahatchee River

    Jupiter / Tequesta.

  • Earman River

    North Palm Beach / Lake Park; tidal waterway connected to the ICW.

  • Lake Worth Lagoon tributary waterways

    Palm Beach County; numerous smaller tidal connections.

Broward County

  • New River

    Fort Lauderdale; central navigable river with branches and marina access.

  • Middle River

    Fort Lauderdale / Oakland Park; tidal urban river.

  • North Fork New River

    Western Fort Lauderdale.

  • South Fork New River

    Fort Lauderdale and inland Broward.

  • Tarpon River

    Fort Lauderdale; branch of the New River.

  • South Fork Middle River

    Fort Lauderdale area.

  • Hillsboro River / Hillsboro Canal corridor

    Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach area; verify the specific navigable segment on charts.

  • Whiskey Creek

    Dania Beach; tidal mangrove creek.

Miami-Dade County

  • Miami River

    Miami, connecting the downtown waterfront to inland reaches.

  • Little River

    North Miami and Miami; urban river and canal corridor.

  • Oleta River

    North Miami Beach, near Oleta River State Park; mangrove-lined river.

  • Black Creek

    Homestead / southern Miami-Dade; creek and drainage connection toward Biscayne Bay.

  • Shark River

    Everglades National Park, southwest of Miami-Dade; remote tidal river system, with access dependent on route and conditions.

  • Taylor River

    Everglades National Park, west of Florida Bay; remote backcountry waterway.

  • Harney River

    Everglades backcountry, southwest Florida Bay region.

Florida Keys

  • Dusenbury Creek

    Key Largo.

  • Grouper Creek

    Upper Keys.

  • Pine Channel waterways

    Lower Keys, near Big Pine Key and the Saddlebunch Keys.

  • Boca Grande Channel

    West of Key West.

No major natural freshwater rivers traverse the Keys themselves. Instead, the Keys have tidal creeks, channels and shallow estuarine passages.

Category 10 of 16

Coastal Harbors

Protected basins and port areas used for mooring, commercial shipping, marina access, anchoring and vessel services. Examples include Port of Palm Beach, Port Everglades, PortMiami, Boot Key Harbor and Key West Bight.

This category focuses on protected harbors, port basins, marina basins and recognizable harbor destinations.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Commercial ports have large vessels, tug operations, security zones and restricted areas.
  • Stay clear of ship channels, turning basins and vessels maneuvering under tug assistance.
  • Monitor applicable marine radio channels and follow port instructions.
  • Confirm anchoring restrictions, transient-slip procedures and local harbor regulations.
  • Wind direction can affect the safety of an anchorage or dock.
  • Check surge and severe-weather arrangements during tropical storm season.
  • Harbor entrances may be shallow, narrow or affected by current despite the apparent shelter inside.

Palm Beach County

  • Port of Palm Beach

    Riviera Beach, Lake Worth Lagoon.

  • Palm Beach Harbor / Palm Beach Inlet approaches

    Palm Beach Shores and Riviera Beach.

  • Old Port Cove

    North Palm Beach, protected marina basin.

  • Lake Park Harbor

    Lake Park, on the ICW.

  • Jupiter Yacht Club / Jupiter marina basin

    Jupiter, near the Intracoastal and Jupiter Inlet.

Broward County

  • Port Everglades

    Fort Lauderdale / Dania Beach; major deep-draft commercial harbor.

  • Fort Lauderdale harbor and yacht basin area

    Fort Lauderdale, along the ICW and New River.

  • Bahia Mar harbor

    Fort Lauderdale Beach.

  • Las Olas Marina basin

    Fort Lauderdale Beach.

  • Hillsboro Inlet harbor area

    Pompano Beach / Hillsboro Beach.

  • Lake Santa Barbara basin

    Pompano Beach.

Miami-Dade County

  • PortMiami

    Dodge Island, Miami; deep-draft cruise and cargo harbor.

  • Miami River harbor

    Downtown Miami and the river's industrial waterfront.

  • Dinner Key harbor

    Coconut Grove, Biscayne Bay.

  • Miami Beach Marina basin

    South Pointe.

  • Haulover Marina basin

    North Miami Beach, near Haulover Inlet.

  • Black Point Marina basin

    Homestead, southern Biscayne Bay.

  • Homestead Bayfront harbor area

    Homestead, near Biscayne National Park.

  • Boca Chita Harbor

    Boca Chita Key, Biscayne National Park.

Florida Keys

  • Key Largo marina harbor areas

    Key Largo, including the Blackwater Sound and ocean-side marina corridors.

  • Whale Harbor

    Islamorada.

  • Boot Key Harbor

    Marathon; protected harbor and major marina basin.

  • Marathon Yacht Harbor area

    Marathon, Boot Key Harbor and surrounding channels.

  • Key West Bight

    Old Town Key West, a major marina and waterfront harbor.

  • Garrison Bight

    Key West, protected harbor basin.

  • Stock Island harbor and marina district

    East of Key West.

  • Boca Chica harbor / naval waterfront

    East of Key West; military-controlled access in some areas.

  • Garden Key / Dry Tortugas anchorage area

    Far west of Key West; access and anchoring subject to park rules.

Category 11 of 16

Flats

Shallow areas that may consist of seagrass, sand, mud or mixed bottom. Flats are important for wildlife, fishing, wading and shallow-draft boating throughout Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys.

Flats are shallow-water areas used for fishing, wildlife viewing, poling skiffs and exploring by kayak or shallow-draft boat. Many are seagrass habitats rather than sandy areas.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Confirm depth using reliable charts, tide information and appropriate onboard depth equipment.
  • Seagrass beds are important habitats and can be damaged by propeller scarring.
  • A boat that floats comfortably at high tide may become grounded as the tide falls.
  • Use a suitable shallow-draft vessel and avoid forcing a route through unknown water.
  • Polarized sunglasses can help reveal bottom contours, but glare, wind and cloud cover can reduce visibility.
  • Watch for protected species, wildlife closures and no-motor or pole-and-troll zones.
  • If grounded, avoid aggressive throttle use that can worsen the damage or injury risk.

Palm Beach and Broward

  • Lake Worth Lagoon flats

    West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Lake Worth Beach.

  • Peanut Island flats

    Around Peanut Island, Riviera Beach.

  • Munyon Island flats

    Northern Lake Worth Lagoon, near Juno Beach and North Palm Beach.

  • Jupiter Sound flats

    Near Jupiter Inlet and the Loxahatchee River mouth.

  • Boca Raton inlet-adjacent flats

    Shallow areas around the inlet and nearby coastal waters; not all are safe for anchoring.

  • Whiskey Creek flats

    Dania Beach, near the mangrove shoreline.

Biscayne Bay and Miami-Dade

  • North Biscayne Bay flats

    Haulover, North Miami Beach and the bay's western shallows.

  • Central Biscayne Bay flats

    West of Miami Beach and around the Venetian Islands.

  • Virginia Key flats

    Around Virginia Key and the Rickenbacker Causeway.

  • Cape Florida flats

    South and west of Key Biscayne.

  • Elliott Key flats

    Biscayne National Park.

  • Sands Key flats

    Southern Biscayne Bay.

  • Boca Chita Key flats

    Biscayne National Park.

  • Black Point flats

    Southern Biscayne Bay, Homestead.

  • Turkey Point / Black Creek shallows

    Southern Miami-Dade, near Biscayne Bay's western shore.

  • Card Sound flats

    Card Sound and Barnes Sound, north of Key Largo.

Florida Keys

  • Blackwater Sound flats

    Key Largo, west of the Overseas Highway.

  • Manatee Bay flats

    North of Key Largo, near Card Sound.

  • Florida Bay flats

    The extensive shallow banks between the Keys and the Everglades.

  • Crocodile Lake flats

    Northern Key Largo / Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge vicinity.

  • Lignumvitae Basin flats

    Near Lignumvitae Key and Islamorada.

  • Lower Matecumbe flats

    Islamorada, Florida Bay side.

  • Long Key flats

    North and west of Long Key, on the Florida Bay side.

  • Grassy Key flats

    Marathon's northern and bay-side waters.

  • Crawl Key flats

    Marathon backcountry.

  • Boot Key flats

    Shallow water around Marathon's harbor and adjacent island channels.

  • Great White Heron Refuge flats

    Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys.

  • Saddlebunch flats

    Around Saddlebunch Keys, west of Big Pine Key.

  • Content Keys flats

    Remote Lower Keys.

  • Marquesas Keys flats

    West of Key West, including the Eastern Quicksands.

  • Dry Tortugas flats and shoals

    Around Garden Key and the Dry Tortugas.

Category 12 of 16

Backcountry Flats

Remote shallow-water areas among the mangrove islands, banks and channels of Florida Bay, the Everglades and the remote Florida Keys. These areas are popular for flats fishing, wildlife viewing and quiet exploration.

Backcountry flats are generally quieter, more remote shallow-water areas, often within mangrove islands, wildlife refuges and the Everglades–Florida Bay system. Some are best reached by shallow-draft boats or kayaks.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Backcountry navigation requires careful planning because many routes are shallow, narrow, winding or poorly marked.
  • Carry current charts, reliable navigation equipment and a backup means of determining your position.
  • Plan around tides and wind; some routes may become impassable at low water.
  • Carry drinking water, sun protection, appropriate safety equipment and enough fuel for the full trip plus a reserve.
  • Cell coverage and access to assistance may be limited.
  • Check weather forecasts and establish a float plan with someone ashore.
  • Respect wildlife refuges, protected habitats, fishing rules and seasonal access restrictions.
  • Avoid attempting unfamiliar remote routes in poor visibility or worsening weather.

  • Everglades National Park coastal backcountry

    Southwest of Miami-Dade, extending toward Florida Bay.

  • Cape Sable flats

    Southwestern Florida Bay, within Everglades National Park.

  • Whitewater Bay

    Everglades National Park, a large shallow bay with mangrove islands.

  • Coot Bay

    Everglades National Park, west of Flamingo.

  • Highway Creek / Flamingo backcountry waters

    Southern Everglades, near Flamingo.

  • Joe Bay

    Florida Bay, south of the mainland near the Everglades' coastal margin.

  • Terrapin Bay

    Florida Bay, in the Everglades backcountry.

  • Madeira Bay

    Florida Bay backcountry, west of the Keys.

  • Rankin Bight

    Florida Bay, near the Upper Keys' remote backcountry waters.

  • Blackwater Sound backcountry

    Key Largo, particularly the mangrove-lined western shore.

  • Manatee Bay backcountry

    Northern Key Largo and the Card Sound region.

  • Elliott Key western flats

    Biscayne National Park, on the bay side of Elliott Key.

  • Lignumvitae Key backcountry

    Islamorada, including surrounding mangrove islands and shallow banks.

  • Long Key backcountry

    Florida Bay side of Long Key.

  • Marathon backcountry

    Shallow waters north and west of Marathon, toward Florida Bay.

  • Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge backcountry

    North and west of Big Pine Key; extensive shallow banks and mangrove islands.

  • Saddlebunch Keys backcountry

    Southwest of Big Pine Key, with sheltered channels and shallow banks.

  • Content Keys backcountry

    Remote Lower Keys.

  • Marquesas Keys / Eastern Quicksands

    West of Key West; remote, shallow, tide-sensitive fishing grounds.

  • Dry Tortugas banks

    West of Key West; exposed offshore shoals and reef-associated shallows.

The National Park Service emphasizes that Biscayne National Park's seagrass flats and shallow channels are particularly vulnerable to propeller scarring and grounding. Tides and charted depths are essential when exploring these areas.

Category 13 of 16

Mangrove Creeks

Narrow tidal waterways lined with mangroves. They support fish, birds and other wildlife and offer sheltered paddling and shallow-draft exploration. Examples include Whiskey Creek, Oleta River's mangrove waterways and many creeks in the Upper and Lower Keys.

These are mangrove-lined tidal creeks and narrow waterways useful for paddling, wildlife observation and, where permitted, shallow-draft exploration.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Many creeks are too shallow or narrow for larger powerboats.
  • Roots, fallen branches, submerged logs and tight bends can damage propellers or hulls.
  • Tidal flow can make an apparently easy route difficult on the return trip.
  • Watch for low branches and limited turning space.
  • Avoid cutting through mangrove roots or disturbing nesting wildlife.
  • Check access rules before entering protected lands or wildlife refuge waterways.
  • In remote creeks, carry insect protection, drinking water and communication equipment.
  • Avoid leaving a vessel where a falling tide could strand it in a narrow channel.

Palm Beach County

  • Loxahatchee River mangrove edges

    Jupiter and Tequesta.

  • Munyon Island mangrove creeks

    Northern Lake Worth Lagoon.

  • Lake Worth Lagoon mangrove shorelines

    Selected areas near natural islands and conservation lands.

  • Jupiter Inlet mangrove edges

    Jupiter, near the inlet and river mouth.

Broward County

  • Whiskey Creek

    Dania Beach, inside the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park area.

  • West Lake Park mangrove waterways

    Hollywood; protected mangrove channels and paddling routes.

  • Anne Kolb Nature Center waterways

    Hollywood, within West Lake Park.

  • Middle River mangrove edges

    Fort Lauderdale / Oakland Park.

  • New River estuary mangrove pockets

    Fort Lauderdale and western river branches.

Miami-Dade County

  • Oleta River mangrove creeks

    North Miami Beach, Oleta River State Park.

  • Biscayne Bay western shoreline creeks

    Southern Miami-Dade and the Homestead coast.

  • Black Creek mangrove waterways

    Homestead / Biscayne Bay.

  • Elliott Key mangrove creeks

    Biscayne National Park.

  • Totten Key mangrove shorelines

    Biscayne National Park.

  • Boca Chita Key mangrove edges

    Biscayne National Park.

  • Turkey Point mangrove shoreline

    Southern Miami-Dade, with restricted industrial and conservation areas.

  • Card Sound mangrove creeks

    Northern Key Largo and the southern Miami-Dade coast.

Florida Keys and Everglades

  • Blackwater Sound mangrove creeks

    Key Largo.

  • Crocodile Lake mangrove waterways

    Northern Key Largo.

  • Dusenbury Creek

    Key Largo.

  • Grouper Creek

    Upper Keys.

  • Lignumvitae Key mangrove shorelines

    Islamorada.

  • Florida Bay mangrove islands

    Throughout the shallow bay west of the Keys.

  • Whitewater Bay mangrove creeks

    Everglades National Park.

  • Shark River mangrove tributaries

    Everglades backcountry.

  • Taylor River mangrove creeks

    Everglades / Florida Bay.

  • Harney River mangrove waterways

    Everglades backcountry.

  • Great White Heron Refuge creeks

    Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys.

  • Saddlebunch Keys mangrove creeks

    West of Big Pine Key.

  • Content Keys mangrove waterways

    Remote Lower Keys.

  • Marquesas Keys mangrove shorelines

    West of Key West.

  • Mud Keys mangrove channels

    Lower Keys, in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge area.

Many small creeks have no reliable public name. Where access is allowed, shallow-draft craft and paddling are generally more appropriate than deep-draft powerboats.

Category 14 of 16

Lakes

Lakes in South Florida include freshwater lakes, coastal lagoons, managed basins and enclosed water bodies. Examples include Lake Osborne, Lake Ida, Lake Clarke, Lake Santa Barbara and Lake Surprise.

South Florida's coastal boating corridor has relatively few natural freshwater lakes that are directly connected to saltwater boating routes. This category includes notable lakes, urban basins and larger named lake systems, with a distinction between navigable water and freshwater recreation.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Determine whether a lake is freshwater, brackish or saltwater-connected before planning a route.
  • Many inland lakes have no navigable connection to the ICW or the coast.
  • Check public launch access, permitted vessel types, horsepower restrictions and local boating rules.
  • Shallow shorelines, submerged vegetation and debris may present hazards.
  • Some lakes are private, protected or used for flood control and may not permit boating.
  • Check water-quality advisories and local restrictions where swimming or fishing is planned.
  • Do not assume a lake's name or appearance means it is suitable for a powerboat.

Palm Beach County

  • Lake Osborne

    Lake Worth / Greenacres; freshwater lake with public boating access in designated areas.

  • Lake Clarke

    West Palm Beach / Lake Clarke Shores; freshwater lake.

  • Lake Mangonia

    West Palm Beach; freshwater lake.

  • Lake Ida

    Delray Beach; freshwater lake and recreation area.

  • Lake Eden

    Boynton Beach; inland lake.

  • Lake Wellington

    Wellington, inland Palm Beach County.

  • Lake Okeechobee

    Northwestern Palm Beach County region and beyond; major freshwater lake, not part of the coastal saltwater boating route.

Broward County

  • Lake Santa Barbara

    Pompano Beach; connected waterfront basin and canal system.

  • Lake Sylvia

    Fort Lauderdale, near the ICW; small waterfront basin.

  • Lake Mabel

    Broward County, inland freshwater lake.

  • North Lake

    Hollywood / eastern Broward, near the coastal urban waterway system; verify which named lake is intended on charts.

  • West Lake

    Hollywood, within West Lake Park; mangrove-bordered coastal lake and paddling area.

Miami-Dade County

  • Blue Lagoon

    Miami, near Miami International Airport; urban lake basin.

  • Lake Mahar

    Miami-Dade County; freshwater lake in the urban inland region.

  • Lake Belmar

    Miami-Dade County, inland.

  • Lake Surprise

    Key Largo, near the northern Keys and Card Sound / Blackwater Sound area.

  • Crocodile Lake

    Northern Key Largo, within the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge region.

Florida Keys

  • Lake Surprise

    Key Largo; connected to the inside-waterway region.

  • Crocodile Lake

    Key Largo; natural lake and wetland system, largely a conservation area.

  • Saddlebunch lakes and ponds

    Lower Keys; small natural or managed wetland features, generally not navigable boating destinations.

Navigation note: Some of these lakes are freshwater, privately controlled, environmentally protected or separated from the saltwater network. Their inclusion does not imply access for powerboats.

Category 15 of 16

Keys

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands extending from Key Largo through Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys and Key West, with remote island groups extending west toward the Marquesas Keys and Dry Tortugas.

This section lists named islands and island groups that are part of, or associated with, the Florida Keys chain. Several overlap with the island-hangout list; they appear here because they are geographically significant.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • The Atlantic side and Florida Bay side can have very different depths, wave conditions and navigation hazards.
  • Offshore reefs, shallow banks and narrow cross-Keys channels require careful route selection.
  • Check bridge clearances along the Overseas Highway corridor where relevant to your intended route.
  • Some islands are private, military-controlled or part of national parks and wildlife refuges.
  • Verify landing, camping, anchoring and fishing regulations before visiting an island.
  • Fuel, repair facilities and emergency services may be widely spaced in remote areas.
  • Tropical weather can rapidly change the safety of an offshore crossing.
  • The Marquesas Keys and Dry Tortugas are remote destinations requiring substantially more planning than the populated Keys.

Northern Keys and Biscayne National Park

  • Virginia Key

    Miami, east of downtown.

  • Key Biscayne

    Miami-Dade, south of Virginia Key.

  • Elliott Key

    Biscayne National Park.

  • Adams Key

    Biscayne National Park.

  • Boca Chita Key

    Biscayne National Park.

  • Sands Key

    Southern Biscayne Bay.

  • Totten Key

    Biscayne National Park.

  • Soldier Key

    Biscayne National Park / southern Biscayne Bay region.

  • Ragged Keys

    Biscayne National Park region, offshore of Miami-Dade.

  • Pacific Reef / reef-associated keys

    Biscayne National Park offshore island and reef vicinity; verify exact charted feature names.

Upper Keys

  • Key Largo

    Northern inhabited Florida Key, extending from the mainland-connected route to the ocean-side reef tract.

  • Tavernier

    Upper Keys, immediately south of Key Largo.

  • Plantation Key

    Islamorada area.

  • Windley Key

    Islamorada, near the Overseas Highway.

  • Upper Matecumbe Key

    Islamorada village area.

  • Lower Matecumbe Key

    South of Upper Matecumbe Key.

  • Indian Key

    Offshore of Islamorada; historic island.

  • Lignumvitae Key

    Near Islamorada; protected natural island.

  • Tea Table Key

    Islamorada area.

  • Rodriguez Key

    Offshore of Key Largo.

  • Crocodile Lake / northern Key Largo island-wetland region

    Northern Key Largo conservation landscape.

Middle Keys

  • Long Key

    Between Islamorada and Marathon.

  • Conch Key

    Middle Keys, between Long Key and Marathon.

  • Duck Key

    Middle Keys, near Hawks Cay.

  • Grassy Key

    North of Marathon.

  • Crawl Key

    Marathon region.

  • Vaca Key

    Marathon, the main inhabited island in the city area.

  • Boot Key

    Marathon, within Boot Key Harbor.

  • Fat Deer Key

    Marathon area.

  • Key Colony Beach

    Incorporated island community near Marathon.

  • Little Duck Key

    West of Bahia Honda, toward the Lower Keys.

  • Bahia Honda Key

    Lower Middle Keys, home to Bahia Honda State Park.

Lower Keys

  • Ohio Key

    West of Bahia Honda Key.

  • Little Torch Key

    Lower Keys, west of Big Pine Key.

  • Big Torch Key

    Lower Keys.

  • Ramrod Key

    Lower Keys, near the Looe Key reef region.

  • Summerland Key

    Lower Keys.

  • Cudjoe Key

    Lower Keys.

  • Sugarloaf Key

    West of Cudjoe Key.

  • Park Key

    Sugarloaf / Lower Keys region.

  • Saddlebunch Keys

    West of Big Pine Key toward Key West.

  • Big Pine Key

    Major Lower Keys island and access point for backcountry waters.

  • No Name Key

    East of Big Pine Key, connected by road.

  • Stock Island

    East of Key West, marina and working waterfront area.

  • Boca Chica Key

    East of Key West; includes military-controlled areas.

  • Key West

    Western inhabited endpoint of the main Florida Keys chain.

  • Wisteria Island

    Near Key West Harbor; access and landing conditions can be restricted.

  • Sunset Key

    Off Key West; private resort island.

Remote Keys and offshore island groups

  • Boca Grande Key

    West of Key West, in the wildlife refuge region.

  • Raccoon Key

    Lower Keys / Key West National Wildlife Refuge vicinity.

  • Mud Keys

    West of Key West; remote mangrove islands.

  • Content Keys

    Remote Lower Keys, surrounded by shallow flats.

  • Marquesas Keys

    Uninhabited island group west of Key West.

  • Dry Tortugas

    Remote island group approximately 70 miles west of Key West.

  • Garden Key

    Dry Tortugas; site of Fort Jefferson.

  • Loggerhead Key

    Dry Tortugas, west of Garden Key.

  • Bush Key

    Dry Tortugas, adjacent to Garden Key.

  • Long Key

    A separate island within the Dry Tortugas group; distinguish from the inhabited Middle Keys island.

  • Hospital Key

    Dry Tortugas island group.

  • East Key and Middle Key

    Dry Tortugas island group.

  • Rebecca Shoal / reef-associated offshore features

    West of the Lower Keys, in the offshore navigation region; these are primarily navigational and ecological features, not conventional island destinations.

Category 16 of 16

Additional Connected Waterways and Special Navigation Areas

This category covers important passages, cuts, bridge channels, shipping approaches and remote offshore routes that connect the other categories. Examples include Government Cut, Card Sound, Jewfish Creek, Channel Five, Moser Channel, Hawk Channel and the approaches to the Dry Tortugas.

These are useful to include separately because they do not fit neatly into a single category but are important to route planning.

Notes, warnings & advice

  • Confirm the exact charted name and location of each passage; similar names can refer to different features.
  • Check channel markers, depths, bridge clearances, tidal currents and any current navigation notices.
  • Cross-Keys passages may have strong currents or shoaling, while offshore approaches may be exposed to swell and wind.
  • Keep clear of commercial shipping lanes and restricted military or port areas.
  • Do not assume an inside passage remains navigable for your vessel throughout all tide conditions.
  • For long passages, plan fuel reserves, alternate routes, weather windows and safe stopping points.
  • For remote passages, carry appropriate safety equipment, navigation backups and reliable communication methods.

  • Lake Worth Lagoon north–south corridor

    Palm Beach County; primary ICW passage.

  • Jupiter Inlet to Loxahatchee River corridor

    Jupiter / Tequesta.

  • Port Everglades turning basin and shipping channel

    Fort Lauderdale.

  • PortMiami shipping channel

    Miami / Fisher Island / Government Cut.

  • Biscayne Channel and Bear Cut corridor

    Miami, Virginia Key and Key Biscayne.

  • Card Sound Bridge passage

    Southern Miami-Dade / northern Keys.

  • Jewfish Creek bridge passage

    Northern Key Largo.

  • Channel Five crossing

    Lower Matecumbe Key / Long Key.

  • Seven Mile Bridge / Moser Channel

    Marathon to the Lower Keys.

  • Bahia Honda crossing

    Bahia Honda Key.

  • Boca Chica Channel

    Key West / Boca Chica Key.

  • Key West Harbor entrance

    Key West, including the seaport and marina channels.

  • Hawk Channel

    Atlantic side of the Keys, running parallel to the reef tract; major inside-reef navigation route.

  • Florida Bay channels

    Broad network of marked and unmarked routes north and west of the Keys.

  • Marquesas Keys approaches

    Remote western Lower Keys.

  • Dry Tortugas approaches

    Offshore navigation corridor west of Key West.

Crowd-Sourced Captain's Logs

Liability notice: User comments are crowd-sourced opinions and do not constitute official navigational data. Cap: 1,000 characters. Always consult active NOAA charts.