Delray Beach to Vero Beach
(Refer to Chart #11467 & 11472)

DELRAY BEACH TO VERO BEACH.....Just north of Delray is the Briny Breezes Bascule Bridge S.E..-15th St. (Vertical Clearance 25 ft.) and the Boynton Beach Ocean Ave Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 10 ft., but was being rebuilt the last time we were there.) After passing Boynton Inlet (Very Tricky), you will be in Lantana, a town 5 miles south of Palm Beach. Whenever we have navigated these waters, we have noticed boaters receiving citations for ignoring the wake signs. If you wish to anchor in this area, please consult your guide book for locations. About 3 miles north of Boynton Inlet, you will pass under the Lantana Ave. Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 12 ft.)

From the town of Lake Worth, through the Palm Beaches, the waterway is lined with beautiful homes on either side. From this point on to Palm Beach, which is east of the ICW and West Palm Beach, which is west of the ICW, you must go under a string of bridges.

They are Lake Worth-Lake Ave. Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 35 feet), Southern Blvd-SR 700/80 Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 14ft), and Royal Park-SR 704 Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 14 ft.) and West Palm Beach Flagler Memorial Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 18 ft.).

We have stayed at the Brazilian Docks on the Palm Beach, side of the ICW. This is actually a marina to accommodate large boats. It is expensive and there is a minimum footage required.  I  recommend the Palm Harbor Marina in West Palm Beach, located just south of the West Palm Beach Flagler Memorial Bridge on the west side of the ICW.  A short walk to Clematis Street will afford you the availability of many shops and restaurants, which we found to be interesting and tasteful. From there, you can take the Shuttle to City Place, a new Shopping Area, which is reputed to be a premier shopping place in South Florida. We have not had an opportunity, as yet, to check it out, but the Grand Opening was highly publicized. It is an easy bicycle ride across the bridge to Palm Beach where you can enjoy the bicycle path bordering the ICW. You might also enjoy visiting the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum and shopping on the famous Worth Avenue.

A little further north is the Lake Worth inlet, a popular channel to the Atlantic ocean. Check your chart for navigation. The ICW crosses the "Turning Basin" at which time you must sail east if you wish to go through the inlet. The ICW proceeds west of Peanut Island. Both the inlet and the ICW are well marked but this is a busy commercial area and might be confusing to navigate without a chart. There is a popular anchorage east of Peanut Island but check your charts before you enter.

There are also several marinas on Singer Island to the east. We have stayed at The Sailfish Marina. There is much to do there. You can take the Water Taxi to Palm Beach or Peanut Island. You also might enjoy the Craft Show (if they still have it), which exhibits on the docks each Thursday evening, weather permitting.

After passing Peanut Island, go under the the Riviera Beach Fixed Bridge (Vertical Clearance 65 feet) to Marker 28 &29. If you follow the string of markers to the east, which are not part of the ICW, (PLEASE consult your chart), you will come to the Old Port Cove Marina. There is also deep water at the end of the channel, providing a protected anchorage.

In order to stay on the ICW, turn easterly just past Marker # 28 to where the channel narrows. Just before the North Palm Beach Parker Bascule Bridge-US1 (Vertical Clearance 25 ft) you will see the North Palm Beach Marina . After sailing under the PGA Blvd. Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 24ft.), Soverel Marina will come into view. I could not find a link for it but we have stayed there and found it to be comfortable, though a little crowded upon entering. There are grocery stores and other shopping nearby.

The Juno Beach Donald Ross Bascule Bridge (Vertical Vertical Clearance 35 ft.), is next and is followed after approximately 4 miles, by the Jonathon's Landing Marina. The waterway is pretty but uneventful until until after the Indiantown Road Bascule Bridge-SR706 (Vertical Clearance 35 ft.). There is a strict enforcement of wake and speed restrictions here also.This section can be confusing the first time you navigate it because you can't see the US 1 Highway Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 26ft.)until the last minute, when you take the easterly curve as in the forthcoming description. You do not try to continue north under what appears to be a low fixed bridge.

The ICW now takes a short curve to the east into the Jupiter Inlet (Scroll down to Jupiter Inlet) channel to the ocean. At this point you can see the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, . an impressive sight. Before reaching the channel, the ICW turns north again. We have enjoyed staying at the Jib Marina  , while we toured Jupiter & Tequesta.  Reservations at this marina are recommended. The Jupiter Bascule Bridge-CR707 (Vertical Clearance 25 ft.) is right after the marina. The ICW is bridge free for the next 6 miles. This is a beautiful stretch through Jupiter and Hobe Sound. The land sides of the ICW are hilly and have magnificent estates set back on them.

Approximately 4 miles after the Hobe Sound Highway Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 25 ft.) you will see Peck's Lake to the east. This is a desirable anchorage (not good in easterly winds) because you can dinghy in to the beach and swim in the ocean. It is tricky to enter the anchorage because of the many shallows, so if possible, obtain local knowledge. The shallows often shift. Usually, there are other boats anchored there, so it might be possible to radio one of them for directions.

St. Lucie Inlet is next. This is another confusing area that requires close attention to the chart and guidebook . If you sail to the east, you will be in the ocean. To the west is the St. Lucie River and the Okeechobee Waterway.  IF YOU ARE CONTINUING INTO THE ST. LUCIE INLET, PLEASE NOTE: The marker nos. and positions have been changed since we were there, but may not yet be noted on the charts. Please proceed cautiously. (The Okeechobee Waterway route will be linked to this section in the future.)

If you divert from the ICW to go west towards the Okeechobee Waterway, you will pass Manatee Pocket. (Consult your chart and Cruising guide. ) There are several good marinas in Manatee Pocket. We like the Pirate's Cove Resort and Marina. Check your charts for entry.

The ICW widens and continues northward. An elegant Marina Resort is Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort , (formerly called Indian River Plantation) on Hutchinson Island near Stuart. It is important that you check with the Dock Master for entry and pay close attention to his directions as there are shallows in the area.

HUTCHINSON ISLAND TO VERO BEACH.....The ICW looks to be quite wide at this point but there are many shallows on the outside of the marked channel. You might need binoculars to spot the markers. There are a couple of marinas after the Indian River Bascule Bridge, now known as Sewall Point Bridge, SR A1A (Vertical Clearance 28 ft..  They are Nettles Island Marina and The Outrigger Harbor Marina. We have not stayed in either of these as yet so consult your Guidebook for information. From The Jenson Bascule Bridge, SR 707A (Vertical Clearance 24 ft.), follow the markers to Fort Pierce (approximately 15 miles). We docked at the The Fort Pierce City Marina.   It is convenient to the downtown stores. We enjoyed our stay there. It is close to restaurants and shopping. On another trip, we stayed at Harbor Town Marina ( located between the Fort Pierce South Bridge and the Fort Pierce North Bridge) and found it to be very nice. It has a swimming pool but is not as close to the town as the city marina is.

As you continue sailing northward, there is the Fort Pierce South Fixed Bridge ( Vertical Clearance 65 ft.) and Fort Pierce North Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 26ft) After sailing for approximately one mile you will reach Vero Beach. For those who remember the Riomar Bay Yacht Club, it has been demolished for the development of a condo complex. On the north side of the Vero Beach Fixed Bridge SR60, Vertical Clearance 65 ft.) is the Vero Beach Municipal Marina. We did not stay there, but went to see it and were impressed by the facilities.

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Vero Beach to Daytona Beach
(Refer to Charts #11472, 11478 & 11485)

VERO BEACH TO COCOA.....Soon after sailing under the Wabasso Fixed Bridge (Vertical Clearance 65 ft.), and just before Mile Post 940, (Check your chart for Pelican Island) watch to the east for wildlife, especially water birds inhabiting Pelican Island National Refuge which extends northward to Sebastian Inlet. You can enjoy an approximate 25 mile bridgeless sail before reaching Melbourne. There are several marinas in melbourne. We enjoyed our stay at the Melbourne Harbor Marina , just south of the Melbourne Bridge (Vertical Clearance 65) ft. About halfway into the channel to Melbourne Harbor, our boat found a shoaled area in the middle of the channel. At low tide, the depth was no more than three and one half feet. It may have been dredged by this time but be aware of it. Excellent restaurants are within walking distance, and the Marina atmosphere is friendly. If you enjoy more active surroundings, (We have heard but not investigated) the International Marina of Melbourne & Shooters.

In the course of the next approximate eighteen miles, you will sail under four bridges; The Eau Gallie Bridge, The Palm Shores Pinada Causeway Bridge and The Cocoa Twin Bridges (All four are fixed and have a Vertical Clearance of 65ft) and arrive in The City of Cocoa. Immediately after passing the Cocoa Fixed Twin Bridges (Vertical Clearance 65'), you will see Whitley Marina . It is a small marina with adequate facilities. When we stayed there, we could feel the wakes from passing boats. . Also, it is unprotected from northeast winds. HOWEVER, the location is EXCELLENT and the staff is most accommodating. There were manatees in the marina. We saw someone giving them drinking water (see photo to the above), which is a no no in Florida and one can receive a huge fine for doing it. The marina is within walking distance of The Historic Cocoa Village, where you can spend an interesting afternoon. Check your guidebook for the few other marinas in the vicinity. ( We have have not been to any other marina in the vicinity so I cannot give you any pertinent information that relates to them.)

COCOA TO DAYTONA BEACH-----City Point Twin Bridge (fixed vertical clearance 65 ft.) is next. Immediately after the bridge, you will see to the east Green Markers #s 13 & 11, plus a Flashing Red Marker #12. This channel diverts from the ICW and leads to the Canaveral Barge Canal, which in turn leads to the Banana River. We did not take this route, but you might want to explore it. (Refer to chart 11478, insert A, for further information.)

Back on the ICW approximately three miles north of Addison Point Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 27 ft.) and south of Titusville is the Kennedy Point Marina .The marina channel is east of Marker #39. It is open to wind from the Northeast but is otherwise protected. We enjoyed the swimming pool and Jacuzzi and were able to walk to the downtown section. If you have land transportation, a visit to Kennedy Space Center is highly recommended either from Cocoa or Titusville.

Continue on for 4-5 miles to the Titusville Bridge. (A swing bridge which has a vertical clearance of 9 ft.) to the Titusville Municipal Marina . This is a well run Marina in Titusville with floating docks. If the wind is from the Northeast, be sure to stay in the south side of the Marina. At the change of tide, there is a strong but manageable current. We particularly liked this marina because of all of the manatees. The dock master had to lure 6 manatees out of our way before we could dock. Then a few came back. (see photo to the left) Shopping is within bicycle riding distance. When we were there, Steamer's Restaurant provided transportation to their restaurant. We ate lunch at the Aztec Mexican Restaurant.

Jay Jay Railroad Bascule Bridge is next. (Vertical Clearance is only 7 ft. but the bridge is usually open unless a train is coming through.) Shortly after the bridge, you will encounter the approximately 5 mile long channel which weaves around to the Haulover Canal. Be sure to follow your chart and the markers carefully, because even though the ICW widens at this point, there are many shallows. We saw many interesting birds along this stretch. Upon reaching the Haulover canal which takes you to Mosquito Lagoon, you will pass through the Allenhurst Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 27 ft.) If you are observant, you might spot alligators here and for the next approximately 20 scenic miles to New Smyrna Beach.

At New Smyrna Beach , you go under two bridges, the Harris Saxon Fixed Bridge Vertical Clearance 65 ft) and the New Smyrna Fixed Bridge, , (Vertical Clearance 65'.) The Day that we sailed past New Smyrna Beach, it was quite windy and since the currents there are tricky, we decided to continue on to Daytona Beach. The ICW between the bridges and Ponce de Leon Inlet is prone to shoaling and the currents are strong. Be sure to watch both the markers behind you and those in front of you, so that you stay in the channel. Check your chart carefully and bear to the west at Marker #18A. (If you go to the east, you will go through Ponce de Leon inlet to the Atlantic Ocean.)

During the next 9-10 miles, you'll sail under The Port Orange Fixed Bridge, (Vertical Clearance 65ft) and reach Daytona Beach . We stayed at the Halifax Harbor Marina with it's floating docks. We were quite impressed with the facilities and service. The location, although on the west side of the ICW, is convenient. It is within walking distance of the attractive restored downtown district with its many shops and restaurants.

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Daytona Beach to Fernandina
(Refer to Charts #11485 & 11489)

DAYTONA BEACH TO ST. AUGUSTINE.... Almost immediately after leaving Daytona Beach, (going north) You will go under the Memorial Twin Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 21 ft.), followed by a series of bridges. The Broadway Bascule Bridge, now known as International Speedway Bridge (Vertical Clearance 65ft),The Main Street Bascule Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 22 ft.), the Daytona Beach Fixed Seabreeze Bridge (Vertical Clearance 65 ft.), the Ormand Beach Fixed Bridge (Vertical Clearance 65 ft.), the Bulow Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 15 ft.), the Flagler Beach Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 65 ft.), and the Fixed Palm Coast Parkway Bridge (Vertical Clearance 65 ft.).

Flagler Beach and Ormand Beach, were next, but since, we did not stop at these places, there is no commentary about them. Immediately after the Palm Coast Parkway Bridge is the Palm Coast Resort Marina in the City of Palm Coast. We really enjoyed the Marina and the City. There are beautiful forested walking and bicycle trails, (See photo to the right) and a large Shopping Center within bicycling distance. The Marina has a swimming pool, restaurant, physical fitness facilities, etc.

Marin Land is an interesting place to visit. I am not sure if it is open because it sustained much damage in past hurricanes, Continuing north on the ICW and about 3 miles north of Green Marker #83, you will find the ICW extremely close to the west bank. Follow the markers carefully. I suggest a slow passage until Marker # 80 because there are shallows on both sides of the channel. The markers are shifted regularly to reflect the effects of shoaling. Most of this passage is approximately only 20 feet off the west shore.

After you pass Matanzas Inlet and Rattlesnake Island to the east, look south from approximately Marker #81A to see the Fort Matanzas National Monument, built and occupied by the Spanish.

You will soon sail under the Crescent Beach Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance , 25 ft.), followed by the SR 312 Fixed bridge (Vertical Clearance65 ft.), the St. Augustine Bascule Bridge of Lions(Vertical Clearance 25 ft), and the fixed Usina SR A1A Bridge (Vertical Clearance 65 ft.).

After passing under the Bridge of Lions, the ICW turns eastward and you will find the St. Augustine inlet ahead of you. Watch the markers carefully as there is a 90 degree turn to continue north on the ICW. Do not confuse the inlet markers with the ICW markers. The tide runs strongly at the inlet and will affect your speed and maneuvering ability. Pay Close Attention

You are now in St. Augustine . There are so many things to do in this historic city, that you may wish to spend a few days. The St. Augustine Municipal Marina is within walking distance of the "Old City and it is a convenient place to stay. We didn't stay there, because there was a strong easterly wind blowing and this Marina is unprotected from easterly winds. We have heard that this is normally a nice place to dock and will probably stay there on our next trip.

We docked at the Camachee Cove Harbor Marina , a very large Marina about 2 miles from town. Even though the weather was bad, the service was excellent. I heartily recommend that you spend time in St. Augustine, but must warn you that it is extremely hot in the Summer and mosquitoes are often a problem during rainy hot days.

ST. AUGUSTINE TO JACKSONVILLE BEACH.... The route from ST. Augustine to Jacksonville Beach is quiet and scenic. You will sail through the Palm Valley (SR 210) Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 9 ft.), the Fixed Pablo Creek (Butler Blvd. Bridge) (Vertical Clearance 65 ft.), and the Bascule Jacksonville McCormick Bridge (Vertical Clearance 37' ft.) When sailing under the McCormick Bridge, be mindful of possible strong currents. Immediately after the bridge, you will see Beach Marine to the east. We found this Marina to be quite hospitable and we witnessed the most beautiful sunset, we had ever seen, right from the dock.The Fixed Atlantic Beach Bridge(Vertical Clearance 65' ft.) is approximately 2.5 miles from the Marina.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH TO FERNANDINA..... When you come to Green Marker #9, you will be approaching the intersection of the ICW and the St. Johns River. The ICW joins the St. Johns River southerly side. The ICW crosses the St, Johns to a point, approximately 1/4 mile northwest on the northern side. Approximately 1/2 mile after joining the St. Johns River to the Northwest, you should be able to see Sisters Creek Bascule Bridge (Vertical Clearance 24' ft.). The ICW continues northward under the bridge.

We continued north westerly up the St. Johns River before reaching the bridge, rather than continuing on the ICW. The St. Johns trip Web Page is linked  to the bottom of this page, if you are interested in cruising this wonderful river. Since this was as far as we navigated north on the ICW, I do not think that my directions from this point to Fernandina Beach would be valid. Perhaps, sometime in the future, we will travel this route, but in the meantime, you would be best advised to consult your Cruising Guides.

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