anchorage in florida

[zeehag]

looking for a good anchorage between punta gorda and sanibel island--anyone have any suggestions??

 

[RON20406]

We sailed the West coast for 10 years en route to the Bahamas. We always looked for good holding, reasonable protection from shifting winds and quiet anchorages. Two good ones are the East side of Estero Island as you enter Boca Grande Pass from the West about 1 mile north of the pass in 8-12 feet over good holding sand and gravel(west of the channel) and the west side of Ueseppa Island, east of the channel markers in 8-12 feet. We anchored there once in gusting 50 mph winds for 24 hours and held fast. It's across from Cabbage Key(the other side of the channel)where you can get a "Cheeseburger from Paradise." Others with shallow draft have tried Pelican Bay, but there were always too many boats there for us. Best, Rognvald

 

[Benny]

If you are heading South of Sanibel Island it would be best to round her on the Gulf side and avoid the "miserable mile" on the ICW. Your last good pass to get out of the Pine Sound would be Redfish Pass in Captiva. There is a good anchorage off of Useppa Island (Private resort, no services) but you can dingui to Cabbage Key (good restaurant). We use anchorages when in transit to catch up on some sleep but for recreation in the area you cannot beat the marina at the South Seas Plantation in Captiva right of the Redfish Pass. Around $2.00 a foot buys you a resort with swimming pools, showers, store, restaurants, BBQ grills, trolleys and water sport amenities in the lap of luxury. A rental car agency on premises can open opportunities for land exploration and provisioning. Watch your draft in the area as the water is skinnnnnny.

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

Hard to beat Pelican Bay at Cayo Costa- one day can be crowded and not the next. Ice and restroom available and just a short walk across to the beautiful gulf side beach. But otherwise very quiet and remote. They even have a few very reasonable dock spaces. It is on south side of Boca Grande Pass. Entry at around day marker 72. After entering, most cruising guides will have you run what seems to close to shore- but this is correct for max depth.

 

[Bill1565]

You can anchor in the Myaka river and be sheltered from all but strong easterlies, or you can anchor on the east side near Alligator creek and be sheltered from all but strong south west winds. You can anchor off Punta Gorda and be sheltered from all but strong westerlies. You can go south inside Pine Island past the draw bridge and anchor at Matlache. Best anchorage in the area is Pelican Bay south side of Boca grande pass. You can anchor north of Sanibel, south of the ICW or north of the ICW by St James City. All these and more can be found at :

http://flseagrant.ifas.ufl.edu/anchorage/anchorage_inventory.php.

 

[Terry in Naples]

SW Florida anchorages

a google search of southwest Florida anchorages will get you an on-line book with nice spots all down the coast from Tampa toCape Sable.

 

[seadaddler]

Cruisers net

Try cruisers for any of Florida anchorage,look at west coast Florida very informed detailed info about all anchorage in west coast Florida.
Nick

 

[Paddywaggin]

Check out http://flseagrant.ifas.edu/anchorage/anchoragesites_map.htm

 

[zeehag]

fla seagrant is great if ye know the city and county--as folks who arent residents of fla, is difficult to use, at best..LOL..... cruisersnet.net is a better option, thankyou --thankyou for all your input!
smoooth sailing~~~~~~~~_/)~~~~~~~~