Great Loop: Florida & Okeechobee Waterway Guide

Florida is an important part of the Great Loop, and the Okeechobee Waterway provides an inland connection between the Gulf of Mexico and Florida's Atlantic coast. Instead of continuing around the Florida Keys, Loopers can cross southern Florida, traveling from the Fort Myers area through the Caloosahatchee River, Lake Okeechobee, and the St. Lucie Canal toward Stuart.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) describes the Okeechobee Waterway as a 155-mile-long channel extending from Fort Myers to Stuart, with a maintained depth ranging from approximately 8 to 10 feet. The waterway combines natural waterways and engineered navigation channels and supports both recreational and commercial navigation.

What Is the Okeechobee Waterway?

The Okeechobee Waterway, commonly called the "Big O," connects the Gulf of Mexico with Florida's Atlantic coast. For Great Loop cruisers, it provides an inland alternative to continuing south along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway toward the Florida Keys. The America's Great Loop Cruisers Association (AGLCA) recognizes the Okeechobee Waterway as one of the route options within the Great Loop.

The waterway includes five navigation locks: W.P. Franklin, Ortona, Julian Keen Jr., Port Mayaca, and St. Lucie. These locks help manage changes in elevation and water levels along the route.

The Western Approach: Caloosahatchee River

The west to east run usually starts in the Fort Myers area and runs along the Caloosahatchee River up to Lake Okeechobee. W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam is located about 33 miles upstream of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Moving further towards the east, captains will have to pass Ortona Lock and Dam and then Julian Keen Jr. Lock and Dam on the western side of Lake Okeechobee. The Julian Keen Jr. Lock has been previously referred to as Moore Haven Lock and Dam but got renamed in 2021 after Officer Julian Keen Jr. of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission who had tragically died while serving in his duties.

The levels and depths of water can vary so captains need to find out what the current navigation notices and depths are before starting the run. USACE has issued the 2026 navigation notice regarding lower channel depths in parts of Caloosahatchee River.

Crossing Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and is different from the other rivers and canals due to its boating environment. The wind, visibility, weather conditions, the water level in the lake, and the handling capabilities of your vessel are some of the factors that you need to consider prior to crossing.

There are two general alternatives for passage between the western and eastern sides of the lake, according to USACE: the open-lake route and the rim-canal route. Open lake route is shorter than the rim-canal route. However, the proper one depends on various factors such as weather, water conditions, your vessel, and navigation.

A captain should not assume that any of these routes is better than the other one. The situation on the lake may change very fast, especially where wind blows the waves.

Port Mayaca and the St. Lucie Canal

The eastern alternative ends in Port Mayaca Lock and Dam. The Okeechobee Waterway then proceeds in the St. Lucie Canal to Stuart on the Atlantic coast. Port Mayaca lies on the point where the St. Lucie Canal joins Lake Okeechobee.

St. Lucie Lock and Dam is the final lock on the eastern side of the waterway. Current USACE information lists St. Lucie Lock as operational following the 2026 closure-related notice update. However, lock operations can change because of maintenance, weather, equipment problems, or other navigation requirements, so boaters should verify the latest status before departure.

Locks and Safe Passage

Locking is an essential component of traveling through the Okeechobee Waterway. According to USACE, safety is a top priority in the process of locking ships, and the lock operator has all rights for control of vessel maneuvers within the locks and their approaches.

The lock operator may order passengers to wear life jackets approved by the Coast Guard and turn off engines while locking. The compliance with the orders of the lock operator is absolutely necessary for ensuring safety.

The current opening hours for the locks of the Okeechobee Waterway provided by USACE are 7 a.m.-5 p.m., with the last lockage starting at 4:30 p.m. It is still advisable to verify the schedule before the travel since it can change.

Bridge Clearance and Boat Dimensions

Bridge clearance is yet another factor that needs to be considered when sailing Great Loop boats. There are some bridges with differing clearances on the Okeechobee Waterway, and some bridges might need openings for vessels whose air draft exceeds the clearances.

Find out what the real air draft of your boat is, along with any antenna, radar equipment, masts, or equipment you have on board. Do not estimate the height and do not go by the obsolete cruising guide. Compare your boat's air draft to the current data on bridges before you start your journey.

Draft is another factor that you have to consider. While the USACE maintains the project depth from 8 to 10 feet, it does not mean that it is going to be the same everywhere.

Planning Your Okeechobee Crossing

Proper preparation will make this part of the Great Loop relatively simple to navigate. Prior to departure:

• Check USACE Notices to Navigation for current information.
• Check current lake and canal levels.
• Make sure that the locks are operational and their hours.
• Check current bridge information and clearance.
• Check the weather forecast, especially the wind for Lake Okeechobee.
• Use up-to-date navigation charts and water depths.
• Verify the draft, beam, and air draft of your boat.
• Be flexible in planning your schedule due to delays and changes in conditions.
• Check navigation notices during the journey.

The USACE is the official source of navigation notices and locks, while the AGLCA provides information on the Great Loop route.

Is the Okeechobee Route Right for Your Great Loop?

However, the Okeechobee Waterway may become an attractive Great Loop route, but it does not necessarily mean it can suit every boat and all conditions. It is necessary to pay attention to the draft, beam, air draft, handling characteristics, boat crew's experience, weather, lake level, and navigation restrictions.

The route can provide an opportunity to travel across Florida from its Gulf to Atlantic coast and not continue going round the Florida Keys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Okeechobee Waterway a part of the Great Loop?

Yes. Okeechobee Waterway is one of the possible Great Loop routes. According to the AGLCA, it is the alternative route to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway towards the Florida Keys.

What is the distance of Okeechobee Waterway?

According to USACE, the Okeechobee Waterway project extends about 155 miles between Fort Myers and Stuart.

How many locks are there in Okeechobee Waterway?

There are five locks in the Waterway: W.P. Franklin Lock, Ortona Lock, Julian Keen Jr. Lock, Port Mayaca Lock, and St. Lucie Lock.

Can every Great Loop boat use the Okeechobee Waterway?

No. It is impossible to give the certain boat specifications for using this Waterway route.

Is Lake Okeechobee difficult to cross?

The conditions may be different from the other rivers and canals in the area. Wind and weather conditions may make things tough on the open lake, so a boater should determine the current conditions and pick the open-lake or rim-canal option accordingly.

What is the key planning hint?

Look for the latest navigation information right before you and during the crossing. The locks, water level, depth of channels, bridges, and temporary restrictions may vary. The US Army Corps of Engineers keeps up-to-date Notices to Navigation and the daily navigation information about the waterway.

Final Thoughts

The Florida and Okeechobee region provides diversity for the Great Loop and serves as the critical inland connection between the coasts of Florida. The waterway includes Caloosahatchee River, Lake Okeechobee, and St. Lucie Canal, as well as five locks.

To the Great Loop skippers, the Okeechobee Waterway needs to be treated as the dynamic environment of navigation instead of the predictable route with constant conditions. Proper charting, boat preparation, current weather report, and Notices to Navigation provided by the USACE are crucial.

If you plan and respect the changing conditions of the waterway, the Okeechobee Waterway is a valuable addition to your Great American Loop trip.

Ready to plan your Great Loop adventure? Explore detailed route charts and navigation resources from GPS Nautical Charts to prepare for your Okeechobee Waterway passage.