NW Florida Gulf Coast

[1Newwafi]

We are planning a short trip from Pensacola to Apalachicola and back. We are a sail boat that draws 5 ft and are wondering if anyone can share some information about navigation in and out of Apalachicola Bay via Indian Pass and the Government Cut Pass?

[massnspace]

I did this with a 5’6” draft sailboat. No problems.

But it was about 10 years ago, so not sure anything has changed…

[neworleansrich]

Gov Cut, no problem but there is some shoaling once you get just inside the bay as shown on current charts.

Indian Pass is tricky since whatever marks are there may not be completely accurate. Coming out is easier than going in.

[Montanan]

Government Cut may be the best inlet on Florida’s east coast for pleasure boaters, albeit one needs to make room for transiting cargo and cruise ships.

The soundings across the bar per the NOAA chart for Indian Pass on the ocean side are as low as 2 to 4 feet MLLW.

[Leadfree]

Originally Posted by Montanan

Government Cut may be the best inlet on Florida’s east coast for pleasure boaters, albeit one needs to make room for transiting cargo and cruise ships.

The soundings across the bar per the NOAA chart for Indian Pass on the ocean side are as low as 2 to 4 feet MLLW.

Reread the original post; the reference is to Gov Cut in Apalachicola, not Miami.

[sailorbobdeb]

At the end of May we sailed across from the Florida peninsula and called Tow Boat US to check the status of Govt. Cut since it would shorten our overnight trip by several hours. He replied that it is technically doable for us with our 5'8/6' draft, but he was in the process of pulling a sailboat off as we spoke and would not recommend we do it. He stated that at that time the markers were off station and that the shoaling shifts constantly so if you can't read the water or have local knowledge, it's a risk. We used East Pass instead.

This was soon after dredging had occurred to deepen it. When we left the panhandle in January they were getting ready to dredge.

Pre Hurricane Michael we used Govt. Cut twice a year and it was nice to shorten a long passage by a few hours.

We've never tried Indian Pass. Our typical route is enter St. Joseph Bay at the entrance channel then Gulf County Canal to the ICW all the way to Apalachicola. Port St. Joe is a nice stop on St. Joseph Bay.

[EmeraldCoastSailor]

I did gov cut easily before Michael but not since. Towboat US tells me to call them before I try so they can be ready to pull me off as it is tricky reportedly. Recent trips there we went out east pass. No way I'd try Indian Pass. 5' draft sailboat There are nice anchorages in the bay off the state park or dog island.