Florida West Coast Suggestions

[sailaway78]

Planning a buddy boating trip with some friends for late May. More than likely will make the jump across the panhandle to the Clearwater area. Then it's kind of up in the open. We will have about three weeks total, so can't get too far. Probably Tampa or Charlotte Harbor will be our max. distance south. Anyone have any suggestions for good marinas, good anchorages. Things to do and see. As usual, any and all information is appreciated.

 

[Paul F]

I'll start it off...

Found and posted this site last week Marina.com It seems to have all the marinas in FL. My favorite around here is Caladesi Island State Park - a very good secluded marina http://marinas.com/view/marina/2153 Close to it is Dunedin a great small city with lots of walk to restaurants, bars, etc. You can anchor in the inter-coastal and then stop in at the marina or a restaurant at the same location http://marinas.com/view/marina/2217 Then if you visit where I am the Clearwater marina you have to let me know and we can get together. You can stay at the marina or anchor just outside http://marinas.com/view/marina/2245 St. Petersburg is just around the bay entrance. Again you can stay at the marina or anchor just outside. http://marinas.com/view/marina/4071 All of these Marinas have courtesy docks that may cost a buck or two but not much more.

 

[coloradokota]

Here is an Idea

Try the Dozier's Waterway guide, Southern Edition, includes Florida, Gulf of Mexico and Bahamas. When I got the boat in Clearwater and sailed to Boca Raton, i found this very helpful, has things to do with marina information along with phone numbers! sweet book to have, have fun on your trip.

 

[Benny17441]

Caladesi Island

One of the best 10 beaches in Florida. State Park facilities. 100 wet slips with water and power for around $20 a night on a first come first serve basis. There are toilets and showers. There is limited food service with a concession stand that operates day hours and you have to provide your own entertainment. Pristine beaches, nature walks and Florida fauna.Tarpon Springs near Anclote Key, a greek town with a rich history of sponge divers. Now is more of a tourist center with bars, restaurants and shops. There are a couple of Marinas within proximity of the town.Vinoy Basin, Downtown St. Petersburg. Free anchorage, the electric boat rental company provides dingui dock for $5.00/day or will do water taxi. Within proximity of the Pier, parks, hotels, restaurants, museums, the Yacht Club and a municipal marina if you want power, water and showers.Manatee River, Excellent Marinas in Bradenton and Palmetto. Twin Dolphins in Bradenton have a swimming pool and a very good restaurant. Strech it down just a little and go on the ICW to Ana Maria island. Nice beaches, funky marinas, bars and laid back atmosphere. With not to much imagination you could think you are in the Keys. North of Anclote Key you have Hudson, Port Richie and a few other very nice towns but the waters get shallow.

 

[RussT1950]

Gulf coast trip

Nice and Easy, I would also like to make a trip in late May somewhere through Ms. I have sailing in Lake Pont. for a couple of years and would like a change. Do you have any info on anchorages and marinas along Ms. coast? Are you going with friends on your boat, some other boats going? I have never made any overnight trips between my job and Hurricane K. Now is my chance. Any info that you have would be helpful. Thanks, Russ

 

[sailaway78]

Gulf Coast Marinas

Russ, There are tons of places to anchor out over that way, and a few marinas. You can anchor at any of the islands. Smugglers cove on Cat Island used to be one of my favorites, before Katrina, but it's no longer there. The north side of Cat island is decent, but not ideal. Ship Island, Horn, Petit Bois are all very nice anchorages. Usually not crowded at all. Depending on how far you want to go, there are a few marinas. Point Cadet, in Biloxi, right behind the Isle of Capri casino, used to be a favorite, and still go in there. But they had no dock power last time I was there. There are a couple of marinas in Gulfport. The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Ala. has a small marina which is pretty nice. If you go across Mobile Bay, a stop at LULU's is almost mandatory. We do not have a definate plan or schedule yet. My friends wife teaches school, and I think she gets out May 22. Plans are to buddy boat, make a jump across the panhandle, and who knows after that. Have about three weeks. If you haven't been across there in a while, be careful when you take that little jog through Pass Marianne, over by Cat Island. Used to be enough water all through there before Katrina. Is a shallow spot some friends found a while back, so stay in the ICW through there. Any more questions you have, drop me an email. Or just post up here.