Direct answer: The distance by sea from Florida to Jamaica varies depending on your starting Florida point and your destination in Jamaica, but a common reference is roughly 500–670 miles (430–580 nautical miles) for typical trans- Florida routes, with Miami as a common starting point yielding about 580 nautical miles to Kingston or Montego Bay, depending on the exact harbor and course. Travel time depends on vessel speed and conditions; at a typical cruising speed of 20–25 knots, you might expect on the order of 23–30 hours of sailing time, plus any weather, currents, or layovers. What this means in practice:
- Starting point matters: From Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or the Florida Keys, distances to Jamaica range roughly in the 500–600+ mile band by sea.
- Destination matters: Kingston (Port Antonio/Portmore area), Montego Bay, or other Jamaican ports yield different mileages and course lengths.
- Speed and conditions: Recreational powerboats (roughly 20–25 knots) would cover this distance in roughly 22–30 hours under favorable conditions; sailboats can take longer depending on wind and currents.
- Legal and safety notes: International travel by private vessel requires proper documentation, vessel insurance, safety equipment, and compliance with maritime regulations for both U.S. and Jamaican authorities.
If you’d like, provide your exact Florida departure port and Jamaica destination, plus the vessel type (powerboat or sailboat) and preferred sailing vs. motor speed, and the estimate can be tailored precisely.
