fort myers to key west

[mike maune]

I'm looking to take a 36' power boat from fort myers to key west. Is there any certain pathway I should follow, rather than any others?

[DotDun]

Be sure to stay in the NW channel, it's really shallow on both sides at the north end. It's wide and easy, but just pay attention.

[kenni]

I have a 45 Bayliner and I have done it a few times but I don't like a lot of open water so I go to Marco Island then direct to Marathon under the 7 mile bridge and the Hawk channel to Key West

[BlackOak]

I'd probably hop to Marco Island and visit with Rocketman, then head out and make sure you clear Romano Shoals, and make the open water passage to the NW Channel. I have been through Florida (crab pot) Bay, and popped out at Marathon, spending 2 days at Boot Key, then down Hawks Channel to Key west. I liked Marathon and the eclectic boating community nicely tucked in Boot Key.

If I ever make the ride back up towards Ft Meyers, I'd probably make the open water passage.

[micksbuddy]

I've done that 3 times on a Mainship 34. Each time I hopped down the coast to Everglades City and then crossed from there to Key West on a decent weather window. Even going straight across like that, you'll have to be keeping a watch for crab pot buoys!