Journey to Marathon

There’s something magical about setting off before sunrise, with nothing but the hum of the engine and the promise of open water ahead. On this leg of our journey from Clearwater to Marathon, Florida, we were treated to the kind of moments you dream about—glassy seas, playful dolphins dancing off the bow, and even an unexpected visitor: a small, exhausted bird that landed on the boat to rest. We gave it water, watched it recover, and then saw it take flight once more, back into the wild.

But the most unforgettable moment came as we approached the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. Timing was everything—we arrived right at low tide, the only window where we had just enough clearance to squeeze under. A few inches higher, and we’d be backing out. With the adrenaline still pumping, we dropped anchor in Marathon, took a breath, and slipped into the water for some well-earned snorkeling. This trip had it all—serenity, suspense, and that deep sense of freedom that only life on the water can bring.