Living in Miami is an investment. It is an energetic, expensive, and fast-paced city. I often tell people that if you live here and don’t actively embrace the water, you are leaving the very best parts of this life on the table.
For over 20 years, my family and I have made the ocean our backyard. But we didn’t start as long-range adventurers. It was a progression—a journey of gaining confidence, learning our local waters, and eventually realizing that the true magic lies just a little further past the horizon.
The Search for Solace
As a young family with an infant, we initially got into boating for a simple reason: escape. We wanted a break from the noise and the concrete. We dreamed of finding peace in a quiet cove around Key Biscayne or tucked away in the mangrove islands.
However, we quickly learned that we weren’t the only ones with that idea. Our early morning bliss often faded by midday as the popular spots filled up with charters, party boats, and the chaotic energy of weekend boat traffic. While I love seeing people enjoy the water, we were looking for disconnection, not congestion.
So, we made the easy decision to push further. We decided to extend our escape radius, setting our sights south toward Elliott Key and the Upper Keys.
First Steps: The Magic of Elliott Key
Our initial voyages took us south through Biscayne Bay to Elliott Key. In decent conditions, it’s a manageable 45-minute to one-hour cruise from the Rickenbacker Causeway. The journey itself is part of the allure; passing historical Stiltsville and Boca Chita Key reminds you of the rich history of these waters.
By the time we hit the markers leading us through the featherbeds, the city skyline disappears behind the wake. That is the moment you truly exhale.
Elliott Key became our sanctuary. It is a magical place for a full-day adventure, offering sandy bottoms perfect for dropping anchor away from the crowds. There is a protected speed-restricted zone extending from the shoreline, which keeps things calm. We learned to forget about going onshore—the real joy was simply anchoring, swimming in the crystal-clear water, and letting the sun wash over us.
The Next Horizon: The Upper Keys
With boating becoming the anchor of our family lifestyle, we knew it was time to experience more: Biscayne National Park, Florida Bay, and the spectacular reefs of Key Largo and Islamorada.
I will never forget our first experience arriving in the Keys by boat rather than by car. There is no traffic in the Intracoastal Waterway, no brake lights—just the open bay and the islands. Entering the creek and mangroves that lead past Gilbert’s Resort was the official start of our getaway.
Being the captain of your own vessel for these trips is a unique blend of exhilaration and responsibility. Running offshore or planning a fishing trip for the family requires preparation, safety checks, and vigilance. But the reward is unmatched. There is nothing quite like snorkeling a reef in the morning, enjoying a family picnic on the bow, taking an afternoon siesta, and then docking at a local waterfront restaurant for dinner.
It is “hard work," and it is always worth it.
Giant Leaps: Into the Everglades
In recent years, we have pushed our adventures even further by inshore fishing in Everglades National Park. This is not for the faint of heart—it is remote, raw, and pristine. Outside of the Ten Thousand Islands on the west coast, experiencing Cape Sable by boat is as real as nature gets in South Florida.
Crossing Florida Bay can be a navigational challenge, but the payoff is incredible. Once you reach Cape Sable, you are in a world class fishery. With the right conditions, we’ve had days where we chased the Florida Inshore Grand Slam (snook, redfish, sea trout, and tarpon) all before sunset.
Your Adventure Awaits
We have been exploring the Upper Keys and Florida Bay for over 15 years now. From finding hidden marinas and private townhomes with dedicated dockage to exploring reefs like Molasses and Alligator, the ocean has given us our fondest family memories.
I share this because I believe many people feel this lifestyle is out of reach or too complex to manage. But with the right planning and a bit of local knowledge, it is entirely possible.
Whether you are looking to buy a waterfront home to dock your future vessel, or you are a current boat owner looking to expand your horizons beyond the sandbar, I’d love to help you plan that next step. Don't let the logistics keep you from the best part of living in Miami.
