hello everyone - Never been on the west coast of florida, and wondering what stops to make from tortugas north.
Here is my short list: Ft. Jefferson on Dry Tortugas Key West We usually stay at Conch Harbor. Marco Island Ft. Myers Beach Rumrunners south end of Cape Coral for Lunch Sanibel Island Beaches (Bomans is my favorite) South Seas on Captiva North Captiva Red Fish Pass Cabbage Key for Second Lunch Charlotte Harbor Harpoon Harry's up in Fisherman's Village for third lunch How far north are you going? Ken
Thanks for that. I don't know how far,maybe to Naples. I am looking at 2 weeks, We anchor a lot, and like small towns rather than cities.
Check out Active Captain, Southern Waterway Guide and Cruiser's Net. activecaptain(dot)com Waterway Cruising Guide | Home Cruiser's Net Marina West FL – All There are lots of great places to see on the West coast. I would go North of or stay South of Naples if you like small towns and anchorages. Check out Goodland, Everglades City, Pine Island, Useppa Island, Pelican Bay anchorage off Cayo Costa Island, Boca Grande, Palm Island, Englewood, Manasota Key, Venice, etc. Siesta Key is OK. But there is not much in the way of marinas on it and only so, so anchorages around it.
I live in Naples, FL and a few things come to mind. You really need to keep in mind that the west coast of Florida is not designed for larger boats. I know that the MY ANTITHESIS(130') based out of Marco Island has some problems dealing with tides. Up in Naples, FL I have a 68 foot boat and even I have problems at times. I have a draft of 5'5". So keep in mind if you are going to be going through the West Coast watch your depths and keep an eye on your charts. Cheers, Keith
I love Goodland, FL!!! Some great places to eat. I run down from Naples for lunch ever other week. Great Place. But keep in mind. You have to be in a smaller boat. Unless you like to keep your boat in the channel and tender in. Keith
hello everybody. we are 92' with a 6' draft. Ill be heading to captiva island for a few weeks. id like to try crossing over via lake okeechobee to palm beach. It looks like theres enough water now, can this be done with our size boat? Are there places to stop for the night. thanks in advance chris
I would NOT cross it right now with a 6' draft and a 6.5' navigational depth. I would wait until the lake comes up more and has at least a 7' minimum navigational depth and really would shoot for 7.5 navigational depth or more. Yes it can be done in your size vessel. Dockage can be had at ACY in stuart, most likely the marina in Indiantown, Roland Martins for sure if you call ahead, a few on the west side between Moore haven and Ft. Myers if you don't mind staying on generator and at Fort myers city marina. The channel from the West side of Lake Okeechobee to the rim canal is the shallowest area by far. Also avoid the wreck on the chart on the East side of the lake about 2 miles West of Port Mayaca lock. It does exist and sticks out of the water when the lake is low.
We've done it with 85' and a 5' draft, but a 6' draft would scare me at most times. There just seems to always be some area that's an issue. He cannot go to Roland Martin's with a 92' boat if the lock is in use so need to call ahead. The lock is only 78' in the middle and 70' on the sides. If it's open all the way then it's possible and it often is. When we went to that area for the night, we anchored outside and tendered in.
In June 2015 we went from east to west. In the lake, north of Clewiston, there is a double dog-leg to get over a shoal. Were 5.5' to operate, bumped twice. Snail botes on their keel leaning over all around us (D S's). You need 6'? Fancy props? Go round.. Hawks channel was a breeze to stilts'ville.