The Florida Keys lies less than 10 miles from Miami.  Biscayne National Park, is literally at Miami's back door, where the Keys begin with numerous undeveloped islands and protected overnight anchorages just a daysail from the big city.  The Park's islands can only be visited by boat, there are no roads to them.  Further to the southeast is Key Largo, the first of the Keys that is connected by road.  On the bay side of Key Largo, there are many cozy anchorages and numerous mangrove creeks to explore.  The ocean side of Key Largo finds John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, home of numerous protected coral reefs to snorkel upon.  There are marina facilities both on the bay side and ocean side of Key Largo in which to go ashore, dine out, visit a tiki bar, relax under a palm tree...If you travel further to the southeast, you will find yourself in the village of Islamorada, which consists of four islands:  Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys.  More snorkeling, exploring ashore, marinas, and restarants/tiki bars are available, as well as some great sailing!  The length of your trip and the weather conditions will determine the actual itinerary. The Bahamas is an enormous series of island chains lying to the east and south of the Florida peninsula.  The closest Bahama island chain are the Bimini Islands, only 45 nautical miles due east of Miami.  For those more experienced sailors who want an offshore sailing adventure, as well as an opportunity to cruise to another country, this itinerary is for you.  We leave the Miami area in the darkness and sail all night and into the morning to Bimini across the infamous waters of the Gulf Stream.  The Bahamas are known for their perfect white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and colorful coral reefs.  Since the waters are very shallow, snorkeling is a must activity in the Bimini islands, whre you can see shipwrecks and coral reefs up close and personal.  We spend the nights at anchor near our own private beach, or stay in the marina in town to experience Bimini night life; shoes are optional in some places where the floor consists of beach sand... I recommend at least a five day itinerary to this destination.
Take the helm and learn to sail, cruise and live aboard Swim and snorkel in crystal clear, warm waters and see lively, colorful sea life surrounding you Explore ashore uninhabited islands Go fishing Explore with ocean kayaks Watch the sunset & sunrise; lounge in the cockpit under the stars Or just relax, sit back and read a book	Become empowered by sailing, using natural forces of the wind to transport you from one destination to another.  Learn to be the helmsman, trim the sails, navigate; learn the rules of the road and aids to navigation; learn anchoring techniques and docking strategies.  Most of all, have fun!	Snorkel the lively reefs in the crystal clear waters of the Florida Keys and the Bahamas...explore deserted islands and beaches...kayak through dense mangrove creeks and over shallow water flats...find that adventurous spirit in you!
Tropical reef fish explode with color...	While sailing or at anchor, chances are you will be able to see dolphins playing, sea rays jumping, a turtle breaking the surface to breathe, or even have the rare opportunity to see a manatee...	Who says you can't troll a line while sailing???  Fishing can be fun, especially when you bring in the BIG ONE!