No negatives from me
You should get lots of information to your question. My first advice is to get a copy of Claiborne Young's Cruising Guide to Western Florida. The Harbor is quite shallow in places so you must pay some attention but there is plenty of room. My favorite anchorages are Pelican Bay and Gasparilla Bayou. Pelican Bay requires you to enter Pelican Pass, an activity that always seems to clean the bottom of my keel. (Sand is so forgiving.) I draw four-and–a-half feet. It is worth the excitement of the entry once you get inside. The Island of Cayo Costa is mostly a state park and the beach on the outside is very nice. The Gasparilla anchorage is totally different in what it offers, but is also a bit tight going in, especially the first time or two. From the intercostal you go in the channel toward Miller’s and turn north along the seawall, keeping your port side close to the seawall and then the shore as you go into the Bayou. Once in the Bayou there is plenty of depth and you drop the hook and back into the mangroves. That leaves a short dingy ride to the dock. Tie up on the south end of the dock and do not block the slips that the fishing guides use. The little town is of Gasparilla is fun with some nice little restaurants. My favorite is the Loose Caboose in the old train station. There is much much more of course. Cabbage Key has a fun restaurant. There are a few very nice marinas. My home base, Burnt Store, is nice with excellent facilities. There is also South Seas Plantation on Captiva, and Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda. Both excellent facilities. I am sure others will tell you of their favorite spots also. Good luck and enjoy your stay in the area, I think it is the best around
