Checking out the charts and trying to decide which place to cruise. I might try to do both, either via trailering or cruising, but was wondering pro's and cons/cool sails/eats and drinks/anchorages of the two. Fort Myers looks like it has more barrier islands and protected cruising waters. I have been to Tampa twice, but had little time to explore...just sailed the bay and anchored where the new years fireworks are (sweeeet event!!!). I'll have more time this year, about 9 days... I'm leaning towards starting at Fort Myers (haven't looked at what's south...), but would appreciate any thoughts you all have out there!
Fort Myers or Tampa ?
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Ft Myers/ Tampa
Ft Myers area has a lot ot offer. Inside sanibel, captiva islands etc are lots of places to anchor and stay. (not much sailing inside though) but try Tween Marine if it is not too skinny water, also South Sea Plantation is really a world class place to stay with lots to do and see. There is cabbage key for lunch, dinner and overnight if you want electricity and a dock. Inside there are plenty of good anchorages too.Ft Myers Marina is a very nice spot and not expensive but you have to go way up river. (unless you charter from there). If you want to sail go South from the Sanibel bridge to Naples. It is about 25 miles. Naples you can use city dock or several clubs if you have reciprical memberships. Lots to see in Naples and several places where you can anchor.
Ft Myers area has a lot ot offer. Inside sanibel, captiva islands etc are lots of places to anchor and stay. (not much sailing inside though) but try Tween Marine if it is not too skinny water, also South Sea Plantation is really a world class place to stay with lots to do and see. There is cabbage key for lunch, dinner and overnight if you want electricity and a dock. Inside there are plenty of good anchorages too.Ft Myers Marina is a very nice spot and not expensive but you have to go way up river. (unless you charter from there). If you want to sail go South from the Sanibel bridge to Naples. It is about 25 miles. Naples you can use city dock or several clubs if you have reciprical memberships. Lots to see in Naples and several places where you can anchor.
try this...
Love sailing in Tampa, but, it's not 9 days worth. I sail Tampa Bay almost every weekend. It is true, there is not a lot of destinations to see. Same goes for Fort Myers. But, I too would like to sail that area a little bit more. Why don't you put in at Venice and hop down to the keys.. You will not regret it. It is awesome this time of year.
Love sailing in Tampa, but, it's not 9 days worth. I sail Tampa Bay almost every weekend. It is true, there is not a lot of destinations to see. Same goes for Fort Myers. But, I too would like to sail that area a little bit more. Why don't you put in at Venice and hop down to the keys.. You will not regret it. It is awesome this time of year.
Re: Ft. Myers or Tampa
Tampa has more deep water. If you're sailing a fixed keel vessel, you'll have to be very much aware of tides and sand bars around Ft. Myers. Especially if your going to enter the mouth of the Caloosahatchie River through the Southern Channel around Pine Island. They call it Hell's Gate for good reason. Turbulence where the river runs into the pass, cross currents and skinny water. Lots of fun things to do in the city, though. And plenty right down close to the water.
Tampa has more deep water. If you're sailing a fixed keel vessel, you'll have to be very much aware of tides and sand bars around Ft. Myers. Especially if your going to enter the mouth of the Caloosahatchie River through the Southern Channel around Pine Island. They call it Hell's Gate for good reason. Turbulence where the river runs into the pass, cross currents and skinny water. Lots of fun things to do in the city, though. And plenty right down close to the water.
Go south
Not clear to me the size boat, but regardless I would head for Charlotte Harbor and work your way south as the other folks suggested. Cayo Costa, Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach are all easy to reach, inside or outside depending on weather and size of boat. If you are chartering there are a couple of good outfits at Burnt Store Marina and at Fort Myers. With the right boat, you could have a great trip from there down to Fort Jefferson park (off Key West), a popular boat destination and not too far away from the Fort Myers area. That would give you a look at a real tropical island, without the condos, the edge of the Everglades on the way home, and all the urban sprawl you need at Naples/Fort Myers area. Be aware it is the Gulf Coast, so inside passages require the channel or you will join the large club of folks who have grounded in the back bays. Also, the fishing is better in that area. have a great vacation... Sander s/v Good News
Not clear to me the size boat, but regardless I would head for Charlotte Harbor and work your way south as the other folks suggested. Cayo Costa, Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach are all easy to reach, inside or outside depending on weather and size of boat. If you are chartering there are a couple of good outfits at Burnt Store Marina and at Fort Myers. With the right boat, you could have a great trip from there down to Fort Jefferson park (off Key West), a popular boat destination and not too far away from the Fort Myers area. That would give you a look at a real tropical island, without the condos, the edge of the Everglades on the way home, and all the urban sprawl you need at Naples/Fort Myers area. Be aware it is the Gulf Coast, so inside passages require the channel or you will join the large club of folks who have grounded in the back bays. Also, the fishing is better in that area. have a great vacation... Sander s/v Good News
Sail North
There are a number of great islands north of Tampa Bay and if you are trailering, boat ramps on the inter-coastal that get you close to where you would like to sail. Below is a link to Flashearth. Play around with it, zoom into Caladesi State Park. There is a great state marina there only accessible by boat. It is a good place to tie up and enjoy the beach. The other islands north to Anclote Key are also interesting sailing. And when it's a good smooth day with winds from the East you have the Gulf. If the winds are from the West you have the protection of the inter-coastal islands.
There are a number of great islands north of Tampa Bay and if you are trailering, boat ramps on the inter-coastal that get you close to where you would like to sail. Below is a link to Flashearth. Play around with it, zoom into Caladesi State Park. There is a great state marina there only accessible by boat. It is a good place to tie up and enjoy the beach. The other islands north to Anclote Key are also interesting sailing. And when it's a good smooth day with winds from the East you have the Gulf. If the winds are from the West you have the protection of the inter-coastal islands.
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