FLORIDA TO PANAMA

FLORIDA TO PANAMA VIA THE WINDWARD PASSAGE

1. Distance: Approximately 1,300–1,500 nautical miles, depending on stops.
2. Sailing Time: 12–18 days non-stop, but most cruisers spend several weeks exploring.
3. Best Season: November to May (Caribbean dry season, avoiding hurricane risks).

Key Waypoints and Recommended Stops

1. Bahamas

• Route Options: Cross the Gulf Stream from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini or sail to Grand Bahama (West End) as your first stop.
• Highlights:
  • Bimini: Gateway to the Bahamas, with crystal-clear waters.
  • Exumas: Stunning chain of islands with protected anchorages and excellent snorkeling.
  • Georgetown (Great Exuma): A cruiser hub for provisioning and socializing.
• Navigation Note: Shallow waters and coral reefs require careful planning and daylight navigation.

2. Turks and Caicos

• Why Stop: Providenciales offers great provisioning and marina facilities, while the surrounding waters boast incredible diving and fishing.
• Anchorages: Sapodilla Bay (calm and protected).
• Tip: Check customs and immigration requirements for stopping here.

3. The Windward Passage (Between Cuba and Haiti)

• Why Sail This Route:
  • Offers a direct and open-water route to the western Caribbean.
  • Favorable NE trade winds often provide a beam reach or downwind sailing.
• Navigation Note:
  • The Windward Passage is wide and deep, but currents and winds can funnel through, causing rough seas in adverse weather.
  • Timing your passage with settled conditions is key.

4. Jamaica (Optional Stop)

• Key Ports: Port Antonio (Errol Flynn Marina) or Montego Bay.
• Why Stop: Jamaica offers a mix of vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and secure marinas.
• Tip: Port Antonio is particularly cruiser-friendly and a good place to rest and refuel.

5. Cayman Islands (Optional Stop)

• Why Stop: Grand Cayman is a great place for provisioning, diving, and resting in protected anchorages like Seven Mile Beach.
• Navigation Note: Anchorages can be exposed to northerlies, so plan accordingly.

6. Providencia or San Andrés (Colombia)

• Why Stop: These islands are gems of the Caribbean with friendly locals, calm anchorages, and excellent snorkeling.
• Tips:
  • Providencia is quieter and more laid-back.
  • San Andrés is better for provisioning and fuel.

7. Bocas del Toro, Panama

• Why Stop: A cruiser favorite for its protected waters, vibrant culture, and nearby provisioning. Bocas also serves as a great staging area for preparing to approach the Panama Canal.

Key Considerations

• Weather:
  • NE trade winds dominate; you’ll likely enjoy consistent downwind or beam-reach sailing.
  • Watch for cold fronts coming off the U.S. that can affect the Windward Passage and surrounding areas.
• Currents:
  • The Gulf Stream runs northward and must be crossed carefully from Fort Lauderdale.
  • The Windward Passage has strong currents; timing your passage is crucial.
• Customs and Immigration:
  • Check entry requirements for the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Each country has different procedures for arriving yachts.
• Fuel and Provisioning:
  • Stock up in major ports like Nassau, Georgetown (Exumas), or Providenciales.
  • Fuel may be limited or expensive in smaller islands.

FLORIDA TO PANAMA VIA THE YUCATAN CHANNEL / AKA  AGAINST THE GULFSTREAM

Route Overview

1. Distance: Approximately 1,200-1,400 nautical miles, depending on the route and stops.
2. Sailing Time: 10–14 days of continuous sailing, though most cruisers take 4–6 weeks or more to enjoy stops along the way.
3. Best Season: November to May (dry season in the Caribbean) to avoid hurricane risks and enjoy favorable trade winds.

Key Waypoints and Recommended Stops

1. Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL

• Why Stop: Explore vibrant Miami and provision in a well-stocked city. Biscayne Bay offers a protected anchorage.
• Activities: Visit South Beach, the art deco district, and local marine supply stores.
• Tip: Avoid the busy shipping channels around Miami.

2. Florida Keys

• Marinas and Anchorages: Key Largo, Marathon (Boot Key Harbor), and Key West.
• Why Stop: Experience the laid-back atmosphere, excellent snorkeling, and fishing.
• Navigation Note: Shallow waters require careful charting.

3. Dry Tortugas, FL

• Why Stop: Remote and stunning national park with pristine beaches, snorkeling, and historical Fort Jefferson.
• Provisioning: Limited; ensure you’re well-stocked.
• Navigation Note: Anchorages can be rolly; watch for weather.

4. Isla Mujeres, Mexico

• Why Stop: A great international port of entry with vibrant local culture, clear waters, and a popular yacht destination.
• Tip: Ensure all paperwork for clearing into Mexico is ready in advance.

5. Belize Barrier Reef

• Why Stop: Explore the world’s second-largest barrier reef, with stunning coral islands like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
• Navigation Note: Reef navigation requires caution and good daylight.

6. Rio Dulce, Guatemala (Optional Detour)

• Why Stop: A unique inland river experience with protected anchorages and lush jungle surroundings.
• Tip: The entry through Livingston requires careful timing due to shallow depths.

7. Bay Islands, Honduras

• Key Stops: Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja.
• Why Stop: Excellent diving and vibrant local culture.
• Navigation Note: Monitor local weather and safety conditions.

8. Providencia or San Andrés (Colombia)

• Why Stop: Quaint islands with a mix of Colombian and Caribbean charm. Friendly locals and stunning waters.
• Tip: Ideal for provisioning and enjoying shore leave.

9. Bocas del Toro, Panama

• Why Stop: A cruiser-friendly haven with vibrant expat communities, calm waters, and nearby provisioning.
• Tip: Use this as a base for staging before heading toward the Panama Canal.

Approaching the Panama Canal

• Balboa or Colón: Two key entry points for the Panama Canal.
• Shelter Bay Marina (near Colón): A popular choice for preparing to transit the canal. Offers good facilities, provisioning, and access to canal agents.
• Panama City: If entering from the Pacific side, La Playita Marina or Flamenco Marina are excellent staging points.

Key Considerations

• Weather: Monitor the Caribbean trade winds (typically NE) and avoid adverse conditions such as strong northerlies in the Yucatán Channel.
• Paperwork: Ensure up-to-date documentation, including passports, vessel registration, insurance, and any required cruising permits.
• Fuel and Provisioning: Stock up in larger ports like Fort Lauderdale, Key West, or Isla Mujeres, as supplies can be limited and costly in smaller stops.