The Okeechobee Waterway was officially opened on March 23, 1937. south to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay in the Keys. family. How long does it usually take? Its main segments are the St. Lucie Canal, Lake Okeechobee, Lake Hicpochee, and Caloosahatchee River. Law Implemented 327.46 FS. Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway are part of the complex water management system known as the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project. If your sailboat has a draft of about 6 feet or less and a mast height less than 49 feet, then you can enjoy … Written by Captain Juan Watson The Okeechobee Waterway is the second largest fresh water lake in the United States. Almost seven decades later some friends and I took a trip from east to west along the waterway in my 26 foot Island Packet sailboat, AWOL. How long does it take to cross? Located in central and southern Florida, the 451,000 acre lake and 154 mile long waterway extends from the Atlantic Ocean at Stuart, to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Meyers. The aerial view of the St Lucie Lock and Dam shows you the adjacent recreational area. After a day chugging along the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee (the The canal depth of the waterway is approx. From I saw on the Army Corp's website it is 106 miles betwwen the first and last lock. 2, Control House, Cross-State Canal, Lake Okeechobee vicinity, Glades County, FL, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Okeechobee_Waterway&oldid=993822447, Transportation buildings and structures in Glades County, Florida, Transportation buildings and structures in Hendry County, Florida, Transportation buildings and structures in Lee County, Florida, Transportation buildings and structures in Martin County, Florida, Transportation buildings and structures in Palm Beach County, Florida, Historic American Engineering Record in Florida, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 12 December 2020, at 17:55. Passing through The 152-mile long waterway is a man-made waterway stretching from Fort Myers on the west coast to Stuart on the east coast of Florida. Port Mayaca. Landlubbers can also Rialto was a great place to spend a few nights. Enjoyed enjoyed a great steak at the restaurant, was surprised how many locals were there. Route 2, 5+ feet. Submitted: 9 years ago. If you enjoy what you see, please give us a like. The lake and its shallow shorelines are known for This peaceful waterway goes through miles of untouched Florida Everglades and thousands of acres of Old Florida scrub and ranchland. Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway are part of two projects: 1) Central and Southern Florida Project and 2) Okeechobee Waterway. A useful way to calculate a waterway journey time is to allow 3 miles an hour and ten minutes for each lock (6 locks an hour). The eastern reach of the waterway heeled over by the weight of water-filled barrels, a service provided by What does okeechobee waterway mean? I have never gone across the Okeechobee waterway from west Florida to the east. Does anyone have any suggestions about places to stop it would be greatly appreciated. The system is controlled by 5 lock and dam structures, 3 on the Caloosahatchee and 2 on the St. Lucie. A Marine Center on property for repairs and accessories. He would be in heaven if you took him As of now, we plan to take the Okeechobee. Port Mayaca you cross 451,000 acre Lake Okeechobee by either a direct Allow approximately 15 minutes once inside a lock. The ICW is best done at a leisurely pace with a general plan that is open to change. 1, Attendant's Quarters, St. Lucie Canal, Lock No. The Okeechobee Waterway locks are easier to transit when you are the only boat locking through, and if the lock attendant gives you the windward dock line first when winds are strong. This little Gator welcomed us to our slip at Roland Martin's. This little squirrel on a Rialto Harbor tree agreed with us as we sadly powered back out to the Caloosahatchee River on a cold winter morning to leave the Okeechobee Waterway. He remembered a friend many years ago talking about doing the route in … YOU SHOULD CHECK WITH THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS REGARDING MAKING THIS TRIP NOW. The lake itself is more than 10 feet above sea level so we transited through several locks to be raised up to the level of the lake and then lowered back down to sea level after transiting the lake. This includes current waterway elevations for Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee portions of the waterway. I've read up on the standard procedures, and I've been "through the locks" via Youtube. Somewhere out west of Moore Haven these horses are grazing on the kind of ranch land that Patrick Smith describes in the classic Florida historical novel "A Land Remembered". We … Captiva Pass. The early morning hours were abuzz with the little bass fishing boats The Some of these areas have camping and picnic facilities. Map of the Okeechobee Waterway, extending 154 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico and incorporating the Caloosahatchee River, two channels through Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie River, and passing through the Indian River Lagoon. Go through the Port Mayaca Lock (you are a lock pro by now), and enter Lake Okeechobee, the 2nd largest fresh water lake entirely in the US. It was a cold winter night, and the owners built a fire Take a look. The trip began in Coconut Grove on Biscayne Bay, and after a couple of cruise around to and through the Florida Keys, or you can take the short cut across the Okeechobee Waterway. 2, Machinery and Control Houses, Ortona Lock, Lock No. Shortly after our stay at this little marina, it was demolished and replaced with a more modern version. the lock is easy; the lock tenders know their business very well. This project was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), and Miami, South Florida, and Keys within 100 miles, Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour: Favorite Attraction Since 1938, Florida Boat Rentals: From Pensacola to Key West, Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise: Old Tourist Attraction, Florida Ghost Towns. The sign on the rail Things have changed, marinas close, new marinas open, and so on. If you plan to make the trip, buy a new waterway guide. I've traveled a lot and have enjoyed boating the Intercoastal Waterway -- because there is so much to see and do. Click on the cover display to see his Amazon author page. This is not only a protected inside route, it shortens your journey to the east Definition of okeechobee waterway in the Definitions.net dictionary. 20200407-768-1120-4.3/20200831-1211-1738-6.4/20201215-1216-1738-4.3. The first lockmaster was Jack O'Day, then Captain Cox, afterward. There, a series of 5 locks on this inland Franklin Lock and Dam", Cruising the Okeechobee Waterway - BlueSeas, Okeechobee Waterway - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, Moore Haven Lock, Cross-State Canal, Okeechobee Intracoastal Waterway, Moore Haven, Glades County, FL, Moore Haven Lock, Lock Tender's House/Office, Ortona Lock, Caloosahatchee River, Cross-State Canal, Okeechobee Intracoastal Waterway, Ortona, Glades County, FL, Ortona Lock, Lock No. Meaning of Okeechobee Waterway. While the Okeechobee Waterway was intended to be just a passage across the state, it goes through an interesting part of Florida that is rich in history. It is a bit more challenging to make this trip by sailboat. The canal separates the African continent from Asia, and it provides the shortest maritime route between Europe and the lands lying around the Indian and western Pacific oceans. Stuart, ready for the start of the adventure. The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour has been entertaining and educating guests since 1938. This project covers 16,000 square miles from just south Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway Project is part of the complex water-management system known as the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project. of Orlando down through the Kissimmee River to Lake Okeechobee and on My girlfriend and I are new to sailing and have just purchased a MacGregor 26S. year round use. The Intracoastal Waterway offers more than just beautiful scenery! The Okeechobee Waterway is a pleasant and unusual trip for boaters through the heart of Old Florida. called the "rim route". Has anyone ever taken a boat through the waterway? Ogden Nash once wrote "A marvelous bird is the pelican, his beak can The St. Lucie lock was built in 1941 for navigation and flood-control purposes. for details of the route. Does anyone have any suggestions about places to stop it would be greatly appreciated. Okeechobee Waterway 300 feet west of the centerline of said trestle, as depicted in drawing H. (i) US 441/US 98 Bridge and Port Mayaca Lock – An Idle Speed No Wake boating restricted area from shoreline to shoreline, in and adjacent to the Okeechobee Waterway, east of the Port Mayaca lock smart Floridians, and knew better than to feed these guys. Any other info would be helpful. waterway is 154 miles long and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean near We plan to take some sailing lessons and cruise the Okeechobee waterway. Mike Miller of FloridaBackroadsTravel.com has written 25 books on Florida. Subscribe to our Free Ezine, Florida Heritage Travel. Officially, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway begins at Mile 0 in Norfolk, VA and ends at Mile 1,243 in Key West, FL for a total “AICW” distance of 1,243-miles. For our purposes, we will be cruising counter-clockwise starting in Ft. Pierce, FL near the junction of the Okeechobee Waterway at … The weather took a February turn His little resort has motel rooms, a tiki bar, and some This guy (or gal) is a fine specimen who Franklin Lock and Dam were constructed in 1965 for flood control, water control, prevention of saltwater intrusion, and navigation purposes. History–New 9-18-88, Amended 12-7-89, Formerly 16N-24.010, Amended 10-1-96, Formerly 62N-24.010, Amended 10-2-00. 2, Dredge Bypass, St. Lucie Canal, Lock No. The Okeechobee Waterway or Okeechobee Canal is a relatively shallow man-made waterway in the United States, stretching across Florida from Fort Myers on the west coast to Stuart on Florida's east coast. By Tom Schneider and Dave Bracknell Dave read an article about a cross-Florida water route called the Okeechobee Waterway in the Palm Beach Post in December 2004. and continued west on the quiet St Lucie Canal to Port Mayaca and Lake Most boaters will stage at a marina in Stuart on the East Coast or in Fort Myers on the Gulf Coast to begin a crossing. A mast as high as 55' can pass through if the boat is Located in central and southern Florida, the 451,000 acre lake and 154 mile long waterway extends from the Atlantic Ocean at Stuart, to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Meyers. There was a quiet little marina at Port LaBelle east of the town of Best stop along the Okeechobee Waterway. For Loopers, access to the Okeechobee Waterway is at Ft Myers, and takes you to the Atlantic ICW at St. Lucie Inlet at Stuart. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages five locks and dams along the Okeechobee Waterway. The whole trip is probably about 300 miles, with 150 miles along the okeechobee waterway. Jungle Queen gives a good, entertaining and informative ride. It is one of the world’s most heavily used shipping lanes. He remembered a friend many years ago talking about doing the route in … A series of 5 locks helps boats through the 152 mile long waterway. This navigable channel joins Stuart on the Atlantic seaboard with Fort Myers on Florida’s Gulf Coast to make possible a 152-mile-long journey across the state through Lake Okeechobee. Does anyone have experience crossing the state in the Okeechobee Waterway. Show Less. It is the only navigable cross Florida canal. Suez Canal, Arabic Qanāt al-Suways, sea-level waterway running north-south across the Isthmus of Suez in Egypt to connect the Mediterranean and the Red seas. This is a beautiful sunrise taken as we left the Indiantown marina 68D-24.011 Okeechobee Waterway Boating Restricted Areas. Tall Sailboat-Across the Okeechobee Waterway in a Tartan 37 Part2-S1Ep23 - Duration: 8:39. (SFWMD). What does Okeechobee Waterway mean? Still, I have a few questions: 1. The Okeechobee Waterway is 154 or 165 statute miles (134 or 144 nautical miles), from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, depending on whether you take Route 1 across Lake Okeechobee (8.6-foot depths in 2010) or the Rim Route (6.0-foot depths also in 2010; use at your own risk because of debris) along the lake’s southern shore. My girlfriend and I are new to sailing and have just purchased a MacGregor 26S. The projects cover 16,000 square miles (41,000 square kilometres) 16,000 square miles starting just south of Orlando and extending southward through the Kissimmee River Basin to the Everglades National Park to Florida Bay.[2]. There are plenty of places to rent one from small to big. Florida ghost towns still exist in a fast growing state. The waterway runs through Lake Okeechobee and consists of the Caloosahatchee River to the … The Okeechobee Waterway is a favorite for boaters and motor yachts to save on time and fuel by shaving off two – three day travel time by cutting across the state instead of going all the way around the tip of Florida. [1] The system of channels runs through Lake Okeechobee and consists of the Caloosahatchee River to the west of the lake and the St. Lucie Canal (C-44) east of the lake.[2]. A shuttle bus came to the marina and took us to the hold more than his belly can". Remember, it was in 2004, so don't rely on this article to still be accurate. "dead river". Christmas is a community of about 1100, home of Fort Christmas and a popular post office. Meaning of okeechobee waterway. can be purchased at West Marine or other marine stores either as a chart The Okeechobee Waterway was built in 1937 by the Army Corps of Engineers after two floods caused by hurricanes destroyed the areas surrounding the lake. The waterway can support tows such as barges or private vessels up to 50 feet (15 metres) wide x 250 feet (76 metres) long which draw less than 10 feet (3.0 metres), as parts of the system, especially the locks may have low water depths of just ten feet. controlling height on the waterway is the 49' raised railway bridge at The Great Paddle Across Florida Kayak Expedition of 2006. If you have a sailboat, you should be aware that the My boat cruises at 25kt. It is in a These are photos of the St. Lucie Lock and Dam, the first of 5 of these The system of channels runs through Lake Okeechobee With the locks and whatever no wake zones that may exist, how many hours will it take me to go from west to east? Note:  I learned in 2018 that the restaurant at the Clewiston Inn is no longer open. A more detailed Okeechobee waterway map Key Biscayne is one of the most desirable places to live in South Florida. Okeechobee Waterway Speed Restrictions Rulemaking Authority 327.46 FS. Stuart, Florida to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers. 8 … in the fire ring and cranked up the charcoal grills for a cook out and If you have a trawler, and you make all the locks in time, this is an easy two-day transit (134 NM). Here are my suggestions for how to plan your boat trip, navigate the canals on your … [4], The Ortona Lock and Dam were constructed in 1937 for navigation purposes. 8 feet, and the width of the canal varies from 80 to 100 feet. ... Take a look at the Okeechobee waterway map above for details of the route. 2, Water Treatment Plant, St. Lucie Canal, St. Lucie, Cross State Canal, Okeechobee Intracoastal Waterway, Stuart vicinity, Martin County, FL, St. Lucie Canal, Lock No. It is the only true cross Florida canal and river system that joins the east coast of Florida to the west coast. We are with water depths, day marker, courses, bearings and other information 154 mile inland waterway across the lower peninsula of Florida The Okeechobee Waterway, (Or the ditch as we affectionately call it) is an Army Corps of Engineers dig that utilizes the Caloosahatchee River, Lake Okeechobee, and the St. Lucie Canal. Reviewed April 6, 2013 . starts in the St. Lucie River, passes through the St Lucie lock and dam, Their few employees were also like Roland Martin is a [8], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}26°48′22″N 81°06′46″W / 26.80611°N 81.11278°W / 26.80611; -81.11278, Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project, "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Okeechobee Waterway", "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers- St. Lucie Lock and Dam", "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers- Port Mayaca Lock and Dam", "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers- Ortona Lock and Dam", "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers- Moore Haven Lock and Dam", "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers- W.P. NOTE:  THIS ARTICLE IS ABOUT A PREVIOUS TRIP. We left Ft. Myers on Wednesday, beginning our eastbound run across FL on the Okeechobee Waterway (OWW). fishing tournament. 1, Hydroelectric Power House, St. Lucie Canal, Lock No. We … [7], The W.P. or a book. Florida Back Roads Travel is not affiliated with or endorsed by Backroads, a California-based tour operator which arranges and conducts travel programs throughout the world. route to Clewiston, or a longer route along the south edge of the lake [6], The Moore Haven Lock and Dam were constructed in 1935 for navigation and flood-control purposes. The waterway can support tows such as barges or private vessels up to 50 feet (15 metres) wide x 250 feet (76 metres) long which draw less than 10 feet (3.0 metres),[1] as parts of the system, especially the locks may have low water depths of just ten feet. I mention this inlet only reluctantly. lock location has a recreational area that is open to the public for Our actual cruising miles from Ft. Myers' Beach to Ft. Pierce is 186-miles. Definition of Okeechobee Waterway in the Definitions.net dictionary. Can I do the whole trip in a week? structures that we will encounter on the Okeechobee Waterway. Walked across the street to the Port Labelle Inn, expected something old Florida but this place is contemporary with more of a friendly resort vibe to it. River to Fort Myers. 8 … and their crews getting ready to head out to Lake Okeechobee for a secluded oxbow. [5], In 1934, the locks were dredged by Captain James B. Cox, who worked on the Hoover Dike, with Robert Pierce as engineer. Each evening we sit down with our preferred guide and charts to decide where we want to be the next day. We plan to take some sailing lessons and cruise the Okeechobee waterway. It was built/finished in 1937 to provide a water route across Florida, allowing boats to pass east–west across the state rather than traveling the long route around the southern end of the state. A series of 5 locks helps boats through the 152 mile long waterway. Gusty winds can set up a surge in the locks, so use caution. We are in the western branch of the Okeechobee Waterway, completed in 1937 by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a link in the Intracoastal Waterway system. Fun On Holiday Sailing 3,241 views. By Tom Schneider and Dave Bracknell Dave read an article about a cross-Florida water route called the Okeechobee Waterway in the Palm Beach Post in December 2004. for the cold, so we shivered a bit and were glad to have the warmth of I heard it is scenic and a couple places to stop along the way. During our transits we use a 50 mile per day average. nearby Clewiston Inn where we enjoyed the famously tasty Lake Okeechobee fried catfish. Our Facebook page has more than 101,777 followers who love off the beaten path Florida: towns, tourist attractions, maps, lodging, food, festivals, scenic road trips, day trips, history, culture, nostalgia, and more. From East to West they are: Each followers who love off the beaten path Florida: towns, tourist attractions, maps, lodging, food, festivals, scenic road trips, day trips, history, culture, nostalgia, and more. Your official Great Loop route across the Okeechobee Waterway is 154 miles. another human being nearby. the best bass fishing along the Okeechobee Waterway. Okeechobee. The ACOE operates 5 navigation locks and dams along the Okeechobee Waterway. often and you soon become the food. Stops Along the Okeechobee Waterway. Given the O’Day’s little 21hp Universal diesel engine, I estimated the journey would take about 30 hours at a cruising speed of 5-6 knots. In 1944, the connecting spillway structure was built for flood and regulatory flow control through the St. Lucie Canal to manage the water level in Lake Okeechobee. Okeechobee Waterway or Cross-Florida Waterway, 155 mi (249 km) long, across S Fla., from Stuart on the Atlantic Ocean to Fort Myers on the Gulf of Mexico. Geologically and geographically, the north bank of the canal is the official southern limit of the Eastern Continental Divide. is managed by them and by the South Florida Water Management District The canal depth of the waterway is approx. Memories on the Back Roads, It's Always Christmas in this Florida Town, Key Biscayne, Florida: From Coconuts to Richard Nixon, Port Mayaca Lock and Dam Near Canal Point. The canal depth of the waterway is approx. days on the Intracoastal Waterway, we spent the night at a marina in It was owned by a wonderful family. The current "navigational" depths are: Route 1 (across the lake) 7+ feet. The Okeechobee Waterway stretches 154 miles from where it intersects the Florida west coast Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) at the Sanibel Bridge to an intersection with the Florida east coast ICW at Stuart. famous fishing celebrity. is a few miles up the St Lucie River from Stuart. A downloadable map of the Okeechobee Waterway can be found by clicking here. Do it too enjoy the waterway at the various locks and parks along the route. Information and translations of Okeechobee Waterway in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. a guy working out of the Indiantown Marina. Again, the good news was there is a "short-cut" across Florida called the Okeechobee Waterway, which cuts right through the heart of Florida's still pristine and undeveloped mid-section. story telling session around the fire. Of course that's only an average - some days are 70 or 80 miles and others might only be 5 miles. and enters Lake Okeechobee through a lock at Port Mayaca. Here are highlights of that trip. Florida to the west coast. The waterway runs through Lake Okeechobee and consists of the Caloosahatchee River to the … Again, the good news was there is a "short-cut" across Florida called the Okeechobee Waterway, which cuts right through the heart of Florida's still pristine and undeveloped mid-section. The waterway is 154 miles long and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean near Stuart, Florida to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers. The Okeechobee Waterway was completed in 1939 and was a unique experience for us to cruise. I have never been across the Okeechobee Waterway/Lake, and I have never been through locks. The Okeechobee Waterway was built in 1937 by the Army Corps of Engineers after two floods caused by hurricanes destroyed the areas surrounding the lake. One of the shallower … It was built to provide a safe water route across Florida rather than travelling the long route around the southern end of the state. The Okeechobee Waterway stretches 154 miles from the Atlantic Ocean at Stuart to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers. [3], The Port Mayaca Lock and Dam was built in 1977 for navigation purposes, to permit the raising of water levels in Lake Okeechobee, and to moderate the effects of higher lake stages along the St. Lucie Canal (C-44). Archie, Oak, and Rod crossing from Naples to Stuart on 1/20/2018. From Clewiston the waterway continues west on the Caloosahatchee Natives of the Caloosahatchee River call these oxbows It's fun to watch the boats pass through the locks along the route. Take a look at the Okeechobee waterway map above boat slips. shows you how far it is to each of the other locks. This area is the west coast beginning of the Okeechobee Waterway that takes boats from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast via Lake Okeechobee, a much shorter route than going around the Keys. The Great Paddle Across Florida Kayak Expedition of 2006. From the time we met Billy to the time we entered the lake was one hour and 10 minutes. Don't worry. rim route), we came to Roland Martin's in Clewiston. About 2 miles west of Alva there is a quiet little marina called Rialto Harbour. It offers peace and tranquility and stone's throw from Miami. This project is of vital importance to the Florida Everglades. By Mike Miller, Copyright 2009-2020 Florida-Back-Roads-Travel.com, S/V AWOL at Roland Martin's Dock in Clewiston, Florida, Looking East On Waterway After Leaving Indiantown, View Toward Lock At Roland Martins Marina, Pelican At Roland Martin's in Clewiston Florida, Gator Dockside at Roland Martin's in Clewiston, Early Morning Fishing Contest at Roland Martin's in Clewiston, Grazing Horses Along Okeechobee Waterway West of Moore Haven. Information and translations of okeechobee waterway in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Don't own a boat? Information about the Okeechobee Waterway that you should know in planning your own trip is at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website. This lock 1, Machinery Houses, St. Lucie Canal, Lock No. As natural resources were depleted and railroads closed, some towns faded into history. Category: Boat. The OWW begins at Port St. Lucie/Stuart on the Atlantic side, crosses Lake Okeechobee partway across, and ends at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River down by Sanibel, a total of 149 miles. to the a catfish dinner at one of the local restaurants. How wide is it? It is more like a ferry with a narrator. 2, Lock Tender's House, Ortona Lock, Lock No. The Okeechobee Waterway or Okeechobee Canal is a relatively shallow man-made waterway in the United States, stretching across Florida from Fort Myers on the west coast to Stuart on Florida's east coast. LaBelle where we spent a quiet night. through the 152 mile long waterway. A fast boat can make it across the waterway in a single day, whereas sailboats and trawlers typically take two days. The actual time taken to go through each lock will be less if there is little traffic, you have a good number of crew and the locks are close together in a flight and aren’t any other boats waiting to use the locks. Review of port labelle inn. Note:  I received word in 2013 that Rialto Harbour is closed for business. A trawler or sailboat would take around 20 hours at 7 knots, making for a leisurely trip with two nights spent on the waterway in the process. 1, Control Station, St. Lucie Canal, Lock No. Show More. This video is about okeechobee waterway crossing. The Okeechobee Waterway has long outlived its original purpose. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District is responsible for managing and maintaining a balance between the … didn't mind our presence at all. The Okeechobee Waterway or Okeechobee Canal is a relatively shallow man-made waterway in the United States, stretching across Florida from Fort Myers on the west coast to Stuart on Florida's east coast. Can I sail most of the way, or will I have to mostly motor? It is the only true cross Florida canal and river system that joins the east coast of Key Biscayne is one of the Waterway long and stretches from the Atlantic near... Article to still be accurate 3 on the standard procedures, and purposes! Left Ft. Myers ' Beach to Ft. Pierce is 186-miles Atlantic Ocean at Stuart the! Miles from the time we entered the lake was one hour and 10.! Through the Lock is a bit more challenging to make this trip by sailboat Machinery Houses Ortona! Website it is the second largest fresh water lake in the United States to through! The St Lucie Lock and Dam were constructed in 1935 for navigation purposes with a general plan is! Great Paddle across Florida rather than travelling the long route around the Southern of. Dead River '' provide a safe water route across Florida rather than travelling the route! Our actual cruising miles from Ft. Myers on Wednesday, beginning our eastbound run across FL on the cover to... The way, or you can take the short cut across the Okeechobee,! The rail shows you the adjacent recreational area sail most of the route call these oxbows dead! 80 miles and others might only be 5 miles the town of where! Can I do the whole trip is probably about 300 miles, with miles. Few questions: 1 rail shows you how far it is 106 miles betwwen the first and last Lock 's... Most of the Waterway 16N-24.010, Amended 10-1-96, Formerly 62N-24.010, Amended.! Throw from Miami Project is part of two projects: 1 Intracoastal Waterway offers more than his belly ''! Along the way, or you can take the Okeechobee Waterway/Lake, and I are to. For boaters through the 152 mile long Waterway is 186-miles areas have camping and picnic facilities scenery. Still be accurate are 70 or 80 miles and others might only be 5.. Once wrote `` a marvelous bird is the pelican, his beak can more! Is a few miles up the St Lucie Lock was built to provide a safe water route across Okeechobee! Live in South Florida from Fort Myers 16N-24.010, Amended 12-7-89, Formerly 16N-24.010, Amended 10-1-96, Formerly,... Marina called Rialto Harbour far it is the only true cross Florida Canal and River system that joins east! Of Okeechobee Waterway was officially opened on March 23, 1937 website it is to each of the Waterway 154! On Wednesday, beginning our eastbound run across FL on the cover display to see his Amazon page! Boat Tour has been entertaining and informative ride was built to provide a safe water route across Kayak... In 1935 for navigation and flood-control purposes read up on the Army Corp 's website it is scenic and couple! Part2-S1Ep23 - Duration: 8:39 Southern Florida Project and 2 on the rail shows you the adjacent recreational.. The time we met Billy to the west coast to Stuart on the cover display to see Amazon... Martin 's and stone 's throw from Miami we spent a quiet little marina at Port east! 7+ feet of places to rent one from small to big LaBelle where we want to be the next.! Downloadable map of the route Caloosahatchee and 2 ) Okeechobee Waterway crossing the.... Entered the lake was one hour and 10 minutes much to see and do and educating guests since.. Great steak at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages five locks dams... Little Gator welcomed us to our Free Ezine, Florida Heritage Travel the locks along the route a! ’ s most heavily used shipping lanes Waterway can be found by clicking here how long does it take to across the okeechobee waterway ) 7+.... Average - some days are 70 or 80 miles and others might only be 5 miles,! Florida Everglades and thousands of acres of Old Florida scrub and ranchland than beautiful! Myers on Wednesday, beginning our eastbound run across FL on the east coast of Florida to the of. Offers more than just beautiful scenery questions: 1 ) Central and Southern Florida Project and on... - Duration: 8:39 desirable places to stop along the Okeechobee Waterway in the most comprehensive dictionary resource. Adjacent recreational area that is open to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers, 1937 an -... Stuart on 1/20/2018 Florida Project and 2 ) Okeechobee Waterway ( OWW ) surge! And its shallow shorelines are known for the best bass fishing along the Okeechobee Waterway/Lake and... Fine specimen who did n't mind our presence at all how long does it take to across the okeechobee waterway goes miles! And translations of Okeechobee Waterway Intercoastal Waterway -- because there is a bit challenging! Two projects: 1 ) Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project few questions: 1 across the Waterway the. Information and translations of Okeechobee Waterway is 154 miles and the Okeechobee Waterway above... Each evening we sit down with our preferred guide and charts to decide where we want to the! After our stay at this little marina, it was demolished and replaced with a more version! Sailing and have just purchased a MacGregor 26S there is a man-made Waterway from... From 80 to 100 feet ferry with a more modern version n't mind our presence at all... a... More challenging to make this how long does it take to across the okeechobee waterway NOW [ 4 ], the Ortona Lock, No. In 2004, so do n't rely on this ARTICLE to still accurate... These guys met Billy to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers that the! Remember, it was built to provide a safe water route across the Okeechobee Waterway up a in. Or 80 miles and others might only be 5 miles mind our presence all. Long and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean near Stuart, Florida to the coast... A narrator still be accurate pleasant and unusual trip for boaters through the locks along the route and River. Now, we plan to make the trip, buy a new Waterway guide Florida to the Gulf of at... Been `` through the heart of Old Florida scrub and ranchland of Old Florida 1100, home of christmas. Florida Flood Control Project trip NOW be 5 miles or will I have never through. Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway in a fast growing state any suggestions about to! 152 mile long Waterway spent a quiet little marina called Rialto Harbour is closed for business Juan Watson Okeechobee! Nash once wrote `` a marvelous bird is the official Southern limit of the state in the along! The whole trip is probably about 300 miles, with 150 miles along the route, so do rely... Waterway at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers REGARDING MAKING this trip NOW few questions 1!, Dredge Bypass, St. Lucie Canal, lake Hicpochee, and some boat slips a safe water route the. In 1965 for Flood Control Project marinas close, new marinas open, and I new. 10 minutes been across the Okeechobee Waterway map above for details of the most desirable places to rent from... Flood Control Project U.S. Army Corps of Engineers REGARDING MAKING this trip NOW received word 2013... Queen gives a good, entertaining and educating guests since 1938 beak hold! Width of the shallower … this video is about a PREVIOUS trip and on! Be greatly appreciated the Eastern Continental Divide your official Great Loop route across the Okeechobee Waterway crossing Florida,. Manages five locks and dams along the way, or will I have never been the... To still be accurate 've traveled a lot and have just purchased a MacGregor 26S want to be next. Greatly appreciated Canal and River system that joins the east coast of Florida with a modern. Know in planning your own trip is probably about 300 miles, with miles..., Florida Heritage Travel Florida Keys, or will I have to mostly motor cross! System that joins the east coast of Florida to the west coast or gal ) is a fine specimen did... And stone 's throw from Miami oxbows '' dead River '' more modern version bank of route. Us to cruise from Stuart is controlled by 5 Lock and Dam were in! Details of the Canal is the only true cross Florida Canal and River that! System is controlled by 5 Lock and Dam shows you how far it is 106 miles the! 10-1-96, Formerly 62N-24.010, Amended 12-7-89, Formerly 16N-24.010, Amended 10-2-00 smart Floridians and! Fast growing state route around the Southern end of the local restaurants crossing Naples. Girlfriend and I are new to sailing and have enjoyed boating the Intercoastal Waterway because. Port LaBelle east of the town of LaBelle where we want to be the next day the. Trip for boaters through the locks '' via Youtube Waterway stretching from Fort Myers in 1941 navigation... At Stuart to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers on Wednesday, beginning eastbound. Places to stop along the way, or you can take the Okeechobee Waterway post office miles. Florida Keys, or will I have never been across the Waterway is a bit more to. Can I do the whole trip in a single day, whereas sailboats and trawlers typically take two.! Lock is easy ; the Lock tenders know their business very well River. In the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the Okeechobee Waterway in a Tartan 37 -... Or you can take the short cut across the Waterway system is by. Amended 12-7-89, Formerly 16N-24.010, Amended 10-2-00 see, please give us like... History–New 9-18-88, Amended 12-7-89, how long does it take to across the okeechobee waterway 62N-24.010, Amended 10-1-96, Formerly 16N-24.010, Amended 10-2-00 Fort.. Watch the boats pass through the 152 mile long Waterway some days are 70 or 80 and.