Thanks for your feedback. I've done a fair amount of reading and understand
most of those issues. We have a 13' RIB with a 40HP engine so we're used to
anchoring away and zipping around on the dinghy. I'm also looking for
places to explore beyond the well known places like Key West, Marathon, etc.
Certainly there are other areas to explore?


"Armond Perretta" wrote in message
...
WillT wrote:
I'm planning on cruising the Florida Keys for the first time this
Winter.
Any suggestions for not-to-miss places to go? We draw 6 feet and
will mainly stay on the Hawk Channel side...

I don't want to sound negative about the Keys, but I think you will find
far
fewer interesting places than you may at first expect. The 6 feet will
also
become an issue in many entrances. Having said that, you will certainly
enjoy the different flavors at Key West, Marathon, Big Pine, Tortugas,
etc,
and the diving at the several marine parks. Unfortunately you are
unlikely
to make much distance on the Florida Bay side where there are a few hidden
and quite interesting stops. There are a few cruising guides, but none
are
in my view outstanding. Best bet is to hitch up with a local boat for
info
and suggestions.

In recent years the trend toward controlled anchorages and increased
restrictions has hit the Keys hard. Years ago when this started there
were
a few incidents at Marathon that caused outrage in the cruising community,
but since then the landowners have apparently gotten the upper hand and
the
boat people are pretty much treated as second class citizens by local
authorities.


--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.home.comcast.net/