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The Florida Keys Virtual Traveler

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If you are planning a Carribean cruise the Florida Keys are a great place to start. Fuel and provisions are easily obtained here more economically than the Bahamas and islands south. It is possible to find several full service marinas with entrance drafts of five feet. If your vessel draws more than three feet of water you need to take care when navigating the shoal waters of the Keys. These waters have up to date charts and well marked channels to help you, as well as friendly natives that travel the water frequently and know it well.

Many boaters from the Keys visit the Bahamas and the Dry tortugas just to get away from it all. We've included an account from an experienced cruiser and writer on this page to give you an idea of what to plan for when cruising the islands.