Inlets between Hawk Chnnl and FL Bay in Uppr Keys?

Chesagansett

Chesagansett

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Hi all -

I'm studying the chart for the upper Keys, and was wondering about good ways to get from Hawk Channel (outside - Atlantic side) to the Florida Bay side (inside ICW route). This is in case the weather kicks up, and we need to run for more sheltered water.

I see some cut-thoughs that look pretty good, but was wondering if any of you had local knowledge or cautions about these cut-throughs.

At Key Largo, from Hawk Channel, I see a route that goes up South Sound Creek to Largo Sound, then through the Marvin D. Adams waterway, and then into Blackwater Sound. Good route?

Another possible route I see is using Tavernier Creek to get from Hawk Channel to FL Bay.

A little farther down the keys near Islamorada, I see Snake creek as a possible cut-through.
And a just a little farther down in Islamorada is Whale Harbor Channel.

Are all of these good routes, or are some tricky to navigate without local knowledge?

It looks like the lowest bridge clearance of these 4 routes is a fixed bridge at 12 feet high on the Whale Harbor Channel route. With the lowest at 12 feet, clearance will not be an issue for us.

Any insight on these cut-through routes is appreciated.

Thanks!
 
with a small boat, you have many choices...

yes, you can go into largo sound and outside. Tavernier Creek and Snake creek are good. It's all well marked. I havent' been thru Tavernier Creek in the past 4 or 5 years (can't make it under the bridge...) I've been thru snake Creek last month with a 54 footer. no problem. it's very narrow on the ocean side, but well marked, just have mercy on any big boat coming thru :-)

Whale Harbor is easy too.

All these cuts are well marked and easy to navigate.
 
I've been through them all in the last two weeks. Tavenier creek is probably your best route as there is a sheltered marina with fuel and food just inside the ocean entrance, at Tavenier Creek Marina, just North of the bridge. It is well marked from the ocean side, the bridge is a bit low and it is no wake past the houses, but high speed after them. The approach from the bayside is a bit harder to find but still very well marked. The current really rips though the Adams waterway, but it is alot of fun as you can see fossils in the coral on the sheer sidewalls. There is always traffic on it, and the route takes a bit longer as you have to them go through North or South Sound creeks. South Sound creek has a trickey bend in it that requires idle speed. The best charts are the Waterproof fishing charts (Green E labels) which show the backcountry routes marked in orange. I have the chart numbers if you need them. I also know a bunch of great eating spots that you can boat to if you want them.

Mark
 
You may find that Indian Key is actually better marked all the way through to the ICW than Whale Harbor.At least that was my observation a couple of weeks ago. I should qualify that I was more focused on channels that had a bridge clearance of 24ft +, but looked at them all on my many road trips this winter. The chart doesn't show everything that is place because these channels move all the time. Also, throw Angelfish Creek into your bag, likewise well marked all the way through.

Surprised Pascal didn't mention the major sand bar action on the ocean end of Snake Creek..

You WILL have fun!

George
 
Thanks Mark. I hadn't noticed North Sound creek at first glance, but now I see it. Is it better than South Sound Creek? The charts I am curently working with are in the BIG (22" x 17") MapTech ChartKit of FL East Coast and the Keys. For this particiular area, the chart is 1:56,000 and it seems workable. I'll also have an elctronic chartplotter, but I always carry paper charts and study the area before any trip, making weather contingency plans, planning emergency "escape" routes, etc.

If you'd like to post the chart numbers you use, I'd much appreciate that, too. I could probably easily pick those up at a local boat store / chandlery when I'm down in the area. Any boating stores recommended near Key Largo or Islamorada area? Love to hear about the eating spots, too.

Thanks.
 
caltexfla -

I looked at Indian Key Channel, and Angelfish Creek, and they both look pretty good. Thanks. I was also looking for something between. I guess the options are fairly numerous

What is "...the major sand bar action on the ocean end of Snake Creek.">> ??

Thanks.
 
all the discussion without specifics of both drafts arent very informative. Many seem to have both significant height and depth limits.
 
Bruce,

On this trip in April, we're renting a 230 Angler with a 200 Yamaha. I'd guess draft is under 3', even with O/B in down position. In the fall, we plan to tow our own boat down there. It's a 25' cuddy with a 3' 1" draft with O/D fully down.

The lowest fixed bridge of all those mentioned is 12'. That's plenty of room for us.
 
I almost always take Snake Creek or Whale Harbor. I agree they are both very well marked and easily navigable. Cafe Las Brisas at the fuel docks on Tavernier Creek has a "mean" snapper sandwich.

quote:
Originally posted by Chesagansett

caltexfla -

What is "...the major sand bar action on the ocean end of Snake Creek.">> ??

Thanks.

Click to expand...


The sand bar on the ocean side of Whale Harbor is a great local hang out spot to raft up. Here is some areal video of typical weekend action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G_c_7FtN0A&feature=related

Have fun!
 
yes, there is shoaling at the end of Snake creek on the ocean side and that's why the channel between the final set of markers is about 40' wide... it's about 7' deep though, so really not a problem with a small boat.

I haven't gone thru Angefish creek in years, i read there is some skinny water at either end, 5' or so.. and it's between Hawk channel and Biscyne bay, not florida bay.
 
Pascal - Thanks for the heads up on the shoaling.

narcosis - Interesting video. Looks like quite a popular place to drop the hook. Thanks.
 
yeah the shoal off Holliday isle is the party place... watch for the tide going in an out, current can get a little strong.
 
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