Why is Haulover Inlet so dangerous? 8 helpful navigation advice for boaters at Haulover Inlet

Why is the Haulover Inlet so dangerous? If you’re looking for a place to hike or kayak, you might want to avoid Haulover Inlet. The inlet is notorious for its dangerous currents and waves, which can easily sweep you away.

Today, Scott Ewart will let you know why this location is so dangerous. Besides, we also provide you with 8 helpful navigation advice for boaters at Haulover Inlet while exploring this area. Don’t hesitate to explore this helpful knowledge any longer! We will start right now!

Why is the Haulover Inlet so dangerous?

The only inlet in northern Miami-Dade, Haulover Inlet, is a crucial location for Biscayne Bay’s tidal movement. The rocks and jetties of Haulover are under a great deal of stress from the tidal movements of the enormous Biscayne Bay into the Atlantic Ocean. The enormous water mass of Biscayne Bay sends enormous volumes of water into the Atlantic Ocean during ebbing tides.

At the inlet, easterly onshore winds and ebbing tides produce enormous waves. Haulover Inlet is dangerous for boaters due to this combination, especially inexperienced ones. That is the reason why Haulover inlet why is it so dangerous.

Bakers Haulover Inlet is a man-made inlet created in 1925 connecting Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Source: https://floridadep.gov/

About Haulover Inlet

According to Miami’s history, the region was known as Miami by Gardiner Baker, who in the early 1800s leased 500 acres along the Miami River from the Spanish King.

To build a man-made canal in northern Miami, the Haulover Inlet was cut in 1925 with the construction of the first fixed Haulover bridge between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles. Haulover Inlet has been utilized by boats coming into and going out of Miami-Dade County for 100 years.

The Haulover Marina has been a well-liked location for recreational boating and commercial fishing for more than 50 years. It is the only fishing dock in Florida with a historical landmark monument.

Haulover Inlet’s Location

Haulover Inlet lies nestled in the Atlantic Ocean at Mile 1080 along the 3000-mile Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) of northeastern Miami-Dade County.

Boaters in Broward County can only traverse Haulover between Government Cut to the south and Port Everglades to the north, as that is all the area of coastline that is open for use. Haulover Inlet is officially located at 25° 53′ 59′′ N, 80° 7′ 26′′ W.

The inlet is 30 minutes north of Downtown Miami/South Beach and 30 minutes south of downtown Ft. Lauderdale and the Ft. Lauderdale Airport.

Directions to Haulover Inlet from the North:

Take I-95 south to exit 826, then turn east onto SR-826 to reach SR-A1A. After that, get on A1A South and follow it all the way into Haulover Park and over the Haulover Bridge.

Directions to Haulover Inlet from the South:

You may get to the Broad Causeway by taking I-95 north to NW 125th Street or Biscayne Boulevard to NE 123rd Street and then turning east. After that, get on SR-AIA North and follow it all the way through Bal Harbour until you reach the Haulover Inlet Bridge.

8 helpful navigation advice for boaters at Haulover Inlet

Equip and wear life jackets

This is important for a few reasons. First of all, if you get pulled over in the inlet, you will need to be able to float or be pulled from the water. Secondly, if you are caught in high winds or large waves out in the inlet, a life jacket can help keep you afloat and safe. Finally, if you are unfortunate enough to get stuck in the inlet, wearing a life jacket will protect you from hypothermia.

A life jacket includes a hood and a hydration pack. The hood may be neoprene protecting the head from the water. The hydration pack may be insulated.

Source: https://patents.google.com/

Research the inlet carefully before

Before you attempt to take your first voyage, it is advantageous to glance at the inlet from afar. During these initial excursions, it might also be wise to enlist the aid of an experienced boater. Allow them to lead and guide you as they set sail!

You should also be aware of the locations of the sandbars and when they are most likely to move. Because the waves are often rough and the tides are strong, the sandbar that was in one place yesterday may be in a different place tomorrow.

Maintain your boat speed

Many people make the mistake of slowing down when they are in the inlet. This can cause them to get turned around or lost. When traveling through the inlet, maintain a consistent speed and don’t change it unless you have to.

When you’re too fast or too slow, Haulover always wins. If you want to know how fast you should be going, you’ll need to study up on both the inlet and the boat.

Moving too slowly or with the bow too high or low might cause the boat to catch waves, pack the bow, or even take off in the air. Taking on too much water can be disastrous for a boat, so be careful not to move too quickly or drop the bow. The secret is to surf on a flat surface.

Know your marine safety equipment

If you are sailing your boat into the inlet, be sure to have all of your marine safety equipment on board, including flares, a VHF radio, and a first-aid kit. You never know when something may go wrong, and you will need these items in order to survive.

Ask an experienced boater or local people

The best place to start is with people who may have firsthand knowledge of the area. If no one can provide an explanation, then it may be time to look into other options, such as seeking out an experienced captain.

If you want to know how to safely navigate Haulover, you should talk to someone who has done it many times. The locals know that the entrance is the quietest part of the Haulover inlet.

The best person to approach for advice on navigating Haulover Inlet is someone who has a boat similar to yours. Or people who have lived here for a long time.

Choose the right boat

If your boat is too small for the conditions, you should never try the Haulover Inlet or any other dangerous place on the ocean. Your boat is flipped in this situation. You only use a small boat when you are familiar with Haulover Inlet.

After all, if you’re going to be the captain of a boat through this stretch of water, you need to know what you’re doing both on the boat and where it might go.

Choose the calm part of Haulover Inlet

Make efficient use of the equipment you have. If it takes a few trips to get to and from your facility, that time could be better spent than lugging things in and out of the office.

Some people enjoy being tossed around by big waves, but not everyone has the right boat or motors to do it safely. Choose the part of the inlet where the water is calmest to keep yourself and your passengers from getting beat up.

Don’t take night trips

You can’t attribute the events surrounding this tragedy solely to an oversight.

Never, ever venture through Haulover Inlet at night unless you have sound knowledge of the area and are certain that there is no other way. You won’t be able to see possible dangers, like when the waves are at their highest point.

In short, why is the Haulover inlet so rough? It’s safe to say that the Haulover Inlet is not for inexperienced, underpowered, or fair-weather watermen. Several vessels have run aground, slammed into rocks, or even sunk.

To sail through this renowned channel, you should keep an eye out for other craft with more expertise. A favorable time of day with placid winds and calm seas is ideal, as it lessens the chance that Haulover Inlet’s behemoth might take hold of your vessel.

Some potential dangers at Haulover Inlet

Change of weather

The seashore is susceptible to inclement weather with its speedy motion! At times, the wind can ascend swiftly and forcefully, resulting in large waves rushing into the inlet. If you occupy a smaller vessel, then it should be avoided under such circumstances, as it might prove perilous for your safety.

If you plan to depart, be mindful of the forecast. While it might appear favorable when you set out on an excursion in a small craft or personal watercraft, make sure to monitor the changing conditions—particularly if venturing beyond your harbor’s inlet.

Risk of boat traffic

The high frequency of boat traffic in and out of the Haulover Inlet can lead to dangerous interactions when vessels are not aware of their surroundings. Avoiding these situations by using caution while underway is essential.

Keep an eye out for oncoming boat traffic; incoming traffic is frequently dense and crowded. Don’t rush if too many boats are coming in; wait until some of the traffic eases.

Shifting sandbars

Even the most skilled boater might struggle in Haulover Inlet. Haulover’s tremendous currents at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean create mountains in the ocean in short intervals. It is perfect for swamping an unsuspecting captain on even the calmest days. In addition, shifting sandbars in and near the Haulover Cut can pose dangers to boaters without local expertise.

FAQs Why is Haulover Inlet so dangerous?

Do boats sink near Haulover Inlet?

Many boats have run aground, hit rocks, and even sunk while going through the Haulover Inlet. Because of this, it is safe to say that inexperienced, underpowered, or fair-weather boaters should not use this canal.

Why do boaters utilize Haulover Inlet?

The Baker’s Haulover Inlet is great for boaters who want to get to the Atlantic Ocean from South Miami. The reason is that it gives them a quick way to get there through Government Cut. This northernmost of two local inlets offers quick and efficient passage into the ocean.

What is the depth of the Haulover Inlet?

The 400-foot-wide, 14-foot-deep inlet entrance channel. The inlet adjustments stopped longshore sand transport along the beach.

Is fishing allowed in Haulover Inlet?

Haulover Inlet is a hotspot for anglers, who can find some amazing species of fish in its waters. Whether you’re out on the Jetty or in your boat, you’ll be sure to reel in impressive specimens such as sailfish; sharks; blackfin tuna,…

Conclusion

Why is haulover inlet so dangerous? Inlet is a highly dangerous body of water due to its strong currents, rough seas, and large waves. The strong currents can quickly carry away unsuspecting swimmers, while the large waves can easily capsize small boats or kayaks. In addition, the changing tides can easily trap swimmers and boaters in shallow areas, leading to dangerous situations. For these reasons, it is important to always use caution when swimming, boating, or kayaking in Haulover Inlet.