Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Feb 17, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.4671,-81.9689999
Report from Matanzas Pass, Fort Myers Beach, FL

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Matanzas Pass is the waterway east of Estero Island that connects San Carlos Bay with Estero Bay to the south and is notorious for shoaling, see /97467. Fort Myers Beach, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is on the northeastern tip of Estero Island. Our thanks to Lisa Keith-Lucas for this report.
We cruised offshore from Tampa, arriving at 1am 2/15/16 in San Carlos Bay to anchor for the rest of the night. While sounding our way in,we encountered shallower water than the chart indicated on the side of the entrance opposite the channel to the marina at Ft. Myers Beach. Although the depths were not problematic (except having the depth sounder give an alarm when we thought we were in 10 feet of water) it might indicate that the bar that forms the opening to the bay may be longer than the charts allow. We stayed closer to the channel when departing and avoided the shallow water. We were well clear of the 6 ft “knoll” that appears on the chart at the tip of the bar.
Lisa Keith-Lucas
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Capt Mike Smith - February 18, 2016 - 4:32 pm

Charts are basically useless in this rapidly shifting channel, and should not be relied upon other than as a rough guide, unless you’ve been updating with the published LNM. I went through there yesterday, with no depth problems – and so does the local casino boat, and a host of shrimpers. Buoys mark the channel, with good water, although it does bring you close to the beach.
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Jan 21, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 26.4567,-81.94339999
Skipper Needs West Florida Navigation Advice, Sanibel to Fort Myers Beach

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Salty Sams Marina occupies the northern banks of the Fort Myers Beach channel, northeast of marker #28. Sanibel Isalnd marks the western shore of San Carlos Bay.
I am moving my boat from Sanibel Harbour Club to Salty Sams Ft Myers Beach. Does anyone have directions via waterways. I know it’s just around the corner 40 min away but don’t know which canal to take to get there. Can someone please help me. Thanks. paulinecody@hotmail.com
Pauline Cody
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Comments from Cruisers (3)

pauline -  January 23, 2016 - 2:57 pm

Thank you kindly most helpful
Reply to pauline

Bobby -  January 22, 2016 - 2:14 pm

Call Salty Sam’s for directions.
Bobby
Reply to Bobby

Kim -  January 22, 2016 - 11:03 am

Easy enough. Hang a left coming out of Sanibel Harbor and head under the sanibel bridge. Need to honor the reds until #6 then you can head for the tip of of Fort Myers Beach (aim to right a bit say the Beach pier) until you pick up the marks of Mantanza’s pass. Follow that in (favor the greens going around Bowditch point and exercise caution-the sand moves there. Follow the channel along the back side of Ft Myers Beach. Wave to the Coasties; go under the Mantanza Pass/Fort myers beach bridge; wave to the folks at Bonita BIlls; hang a hard left after you get under the bridge (it is very shoal in the middle ) following the marked channel around past the shrimp boats/docks and Salty Sams will be at the end of this commercial stretch.
Kim
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Jan 4, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 26.4509,-82.03149999
Unfortunate Experience at Sanibel Marina, Statute Mile 0, West Florida ICW

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Skipper Cyr’s experience is not typical of past reports we have received on Sanibel Marina, see /140710, so we have a to assume that these difficulties were an exception to the marina’s normally professional service.
We were traveling with another boat and called two weeks ahead for our reservations. On the morning of our scheduled arrival we called to reconfirm and we were told everything was set, except that they could not let us in until they moved a couple of boats and that we should wait outside the harbor until notified to come in. We waited 30 minutes and heard nothing, we called the marina on the telephone, as they would not answer the VHF. Again we were told to wait. Finally, after about 45 minutes time and another VHF call, our buddy boat was instructed to come into the harbor and tie up. We were told not to come in as they were still in the process of moving a boat out of our slip space. Again we waited another 35 minutes with no communication. We called again and they finally answered on VHF and we were told they were having trouble getting the boat in our spot started and would get back to us. Another 20 minutes and we called on VHF again and the person responding said he was on the other side of the marina and didn’t know the status; he would check and get right back to us. My buddy boat called and said that the marina was lying to us; no one has been to the boat in our spot, the boat was still plugged in and tied up. It was getting late, (total wait time outside the harbor in boat traffic and wakes was in excess of one and one half hours). We needed to make alternative arrangements somewhere before dark so we left.
Ron Cyr
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

W & J Mann - January 7, 2016 - 10:34 am

Regarding Sanibel Marina, we spent Christmas week last year (2014) in our Nordic tug “Celebration.” I think you have to understand that this marina caters to locals and is sold out most of the time, so they may at times seem a bit more difficult to communicate with. BUT, that being said, we had an ideal stay there last year and really love the place! Each morning a newspaper and bag of fresh muffins arrived on our deck…. We then spent a month at Marina Jack’s up in Sarasota and can not say enough good things about our stay there! Moorings are very reasonably priced and if you spend a week or month at the docks the rate becomes very reasonable. We tried to return to Sanibel for another week but no slips were available.As I say, they seem to have very limited space for transients. I would suggest booking far in advance, staying in touch with them, and have a Plan B at hand. We totally enjoyed the Municipal Marina in Ft Myers as well.
W & J Mann
Reply to W

Leslie Hartsell - January 7, 2016 - 10:33 am

We had a similar experience last year. We had reservations confirmed and reconfirmed. When we arrived, we were informed nobody was leaving and they didn’t have the previously promised space for us. We called Boca Grande Marina and explained the situation, they were most gracious and went out of their way to help us. We were fortunate that it was early enough in the day to make alternate plans. We were heading north toward Sarasota.
Leslie Hartsell
M/V /Somewhere
Gold Loopers 2009-10
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Nov 25, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4387,-81.9199999
Good Words for Snook Bight Marina, Fort Myers Beach, FL

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Snook Bight Marina guards the northern shores of Estero Island, between markers #27 and #29, well east and southeast of the high-rise Fort Myers Beach Bridge, on the Mantanzas Pass channel
This is an excellent facility, with an outstanding ships store and a high quality boatyard with haul out. Added bonus is one of the best fine dining spots in the area, and the fact that a Publix super market is behind the marina. Great stop fir provisioning.
David Hughes
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Sep 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4632,-81.96549999
Cape Coral Cruises Club Visits Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Matanzas Pass, Gulf Coast

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This fine group of boaters, made up of overnight cruisers from the Cape Coral area, is a cruising club worth following as they visit marinas along the West Coast. Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13.
CAPE CORAL CRUISE CLUB CRUISES TO PINK SHELL MARINA
By John Queen, Vice-Commodore, Cape Coral Cruise Club
Each month, the Cape Coral Cruise Club takes a scheduled cruise to a different marina in SW Florida and stays for several days enjoying the area’s amenities and hospitality. We do that nine times a year along with an extended cruise each Spring. We take a break during the summer months of July and August as many members leave the area. However, sometimes a marina offers the Club a special off-season discounted rate to visit their marina.
That happened when the Pink Shell Marina and Resort in Fort Myers Beach offered the Club an attractive discounted rate for staying at its marina during the month of August. I won’t say how low the offer was, but it was certainly an offer we couldn’t refuse. So, it was decided to organize an unofficial cruise to the marina for any interested Club members.
Unofficially, nine boats made the trip, and this article is the unofficial account of that trip. Over the days of August 20th to 23rd we scheduled this cruise to arrive Thursday and depart on Sunday so that some members who may work during the week could join the fun.
Eight boats arrived Thursday, and one boat arrived Friday. The marina either coincidentally or intentionally assigned us slips that resulted in all boats being lined up from the smallest to the largest as you walked down the dock. Yellow Club burgees flew on the bow of each boat sporting our club mascot – a dolphin holding a drink of some sort (an adult beverage, I would surmise). After safely docking Thursday, sixteen club members convened in the late afternoon for cocktails, snacks and conversation.
For dinner, we had CIFO’s. (Circular Italian Food Objects). 5 large pizzas were picked up and we dined in the Pink Shell conference room provided by the resort. After dinner, I hosted a game of Jeopardy created on my laptop and projected onto the wall. Special categories such as `Local Waters’ and `Cape Coral History’ were developed. (For example, are you aware that the first traffic signal in Cape Coral was placed at the intersection of Cape Coral Pkwy and Coronado in 1969?)
On Friday, we again provided members breakfast, and then everyone went off to enjoy the pool, Ft. Myers beach, or other amenities around the resort. I decided to join several friends at the pool which was not heated, nor needed to be. After being in the pool for several minutes, I recalled my new iPhone was with me in its water proof case. It was checked for calls and, to my utter dismay, found that the `water proof’ case was not so water proof. Yikes! So much for making phone calls the rest of the week.
For Friday night, a group dinner was arranged at Matanzas Inn Restaurant in Fort Myers Beach and eighteen boaters along with fifteen other Club members who arrived by land yacht, converged on the restaurant at 6:00 PM. Since we had a small crowd of 33, the manager had reserved the back area of the restaurant so that we could all dine together. It was great to see so many club members show up. Everyone was anxious to catch up on life’s happenings since we had not been together for a month or so. We also celebrated one member’s birthday. Well, not on that day specifically, but the same date of many, many years prior. You know what I mean.
On Saturday, we again fed the boaters breakfast and then sent everyone off to enjoy the day. Saturday was pretty much an ‘˜on your own’ day, so we didn’t have much planned as far as club activities. Fortunately, Mother Nature was quite cooperative during the time we stayed at the marina and our need for umbrellas was minimal. However, her hot days reminded us that we were indeed in southwest Florida in the middle of August.
On Sunday morning we cast off lines and headed for home ports. Much appreciation goes to Dave O’Conner, the Dockmaster at Pink Shell Resort and Marina. His hospitality and special accommodation to the Cape Coral Cruise Club made this unofficial cruise officially happen!
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
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Aug 10, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.5045,-82.01099999
Report from Punta Rassa Cove Anchorage, Statute Mile 0, Western Florida Waterway

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Punta Rassa Cove Anchorage will be found on the deep water east of the gap between flashing daybeacons #13 and #14, bordering on the western reaches of shallow Punta Rassa Cove, north of the Sanibel Island Causeway Bridge.
Same as Donn Brown (above [see /?p=4920]), if you’re tired or want an early start to sail south, great spot to drop the hook. The alternative is on the back side of Kitchel Key little more protective. Safe journey fair winds 2 U.
RJ Schwandner
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Jul 17, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4632,-81.96549999
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina Recognized As One Of The Best in Florida

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Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina has been named to the 17 Best Resorts in Florida list by Traveluto, a rapidly growing travel blog. The resort was praised for its idyllic location, lagoon-style pool and waterfall, on-site marina, spa and tropical surroundings.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina Recognized As One Of The 17 Best Resorts in Florida
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla., July 9, 2015
Travelers heading to the Sunshine State this summer will find one more exciting reason to stay at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina.
One of the premier resorts on Fort Myers Beach recently made the list of 17 Best Resorts in Florida by Traveluto. A rapidly growing travel blog covering exciting destinations all over the world in addition to other travel-related topics, Traveluto searched the Sunshine State’s most popular resorts ‘“ from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys to the infamous home of Walt Disney World ‘“ to honor 17 must-visit hotel destinations in the state.
Situated on the beautiful tip of Estero Island, the full-service Fort Myers Beach hotel was praised for its lagoon-style pool and large waterfall, convenient on-site marina, spa and tropical restaurants, making it the ideal setting for spurring romance or making memories with the whole family.
In addition to the resort’s on-site amenities, the travel blog referenced its outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website. Pink Shell received numerous guest reviews raving about “amazing rooms with lanais,” “incredible views,” the “luxurious spa” and “friendly and accommodating staff.”
On top of making the list of 17 Best Resorts in Florida, the renowned Fort Myers Beach resort has been recognized with numerous awards including the 2014 Best of Weddings by The Knot, 2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and Hall of Fame Award. Pink Shell also was voted the “Best Resort and Hotel of Fort Myers Beach” by Fort Myers Beach Observer and “Top 25 Best Places to Tie Up in North America” by the editors and readers of Power and Motoryacht magazine.
Starting off with a single cottage in 1953, Pink Shell has expanded across 12 lush acres and features 213 one- and two-bedroom condos, each offering sweeping ocean views from sunrise to sunset. Though it has grown, been renovated and rebranded since the original beachfront property that first sat on the sun-kissed sand, the resort celebrates the memories that were once made on Fort Myers Beach while providing all the amenities necessary for friends and families to make new ones.
About Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina at 275 Estero Blvd. in Fort Myers Beach, FL is on 12 lush acres of sugary white sand facing the Gulf of Mexico. The full-service destination resort features 213 one- and two-bedroom condos, all offering sweeping ocean views. Additional amenities include a 41-slip marina, full-service spa, 3 heated outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, 2 ballrooms, on-site sailing school and water sports. For information, visit www.PinkShell.com or call 1-888-222-7465. Like Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Facebook, follow the resort on Twitter and add it to a circle on Google Plus.
About Boykin Management Company
Boykin Management Company, a leading hospitality management company with offices in Charlotte, NC and Fort Myers Beach, FL, is consistently recognized for excellence in delivering value-added lodging operations. Since 1958, BMC has been developing, managing and operating hotels, resorts, condominium hotels and conference centers. In addition to BMC’s long-standing relationships with the industry’s leading hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Radisson, Crowne Plaza, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn, BMC has operated numerous independent and resort hotels. BMC has managed more than 20,000 rooms in 23 states since its inception. For information, visit www.Boykin.com.
PRESS CONTACT
Ellis Etter
1-239-463-6181
eetter@pinkshell.com
SOURCE Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
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Apr 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4574,-81.9569999
Good Words for Moss Marine, Fort Myers Beach

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Moss Marine lies on the west side of Matanzas Pass across the channel from Marker #17. Skipper Farinas makes the Captains’ Lounge sound great!
Very helpful staff. There is an air-conditioned boater’s lounge available to transients as well as permanent slip holders. The lounge has an extensive exchange library, and a television set. The air-conditioned showers are great. There are two washing machines and two dryers that were the hottest we encountered on our trip from Clearwater to Ft. Myers Beach. Both the showers and washer and dryers are all within the boaters lounge, so you can enjoy the lounge while waiting for your clothes to wash and dry.
Manuel Farinas
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Oct 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4632,-81.96549999
Pink Shell Luminaries, Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Western Terminus of the Okeechobee Waterway

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What a grand way to get into the Holiday spirit! Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13.
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Oct 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.456,-81.95049999
Question about Bob Wallace in Fort Myers Beach, Western Terminus of the Okeechobee Waterway

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We seldom get inquiries about specific individuals, but Skipper Schofield’s query seems genuinely sincere, especially with his kind words for Bob Wallace. If you have knowledge of Bob’s status or wish to relate your own experiences with Bob, please us hear from you.
The Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field is found east of the high-rise bridge, just north of Estero Island. The mooring field is hosted by City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
We’ve anchored in what is now the mooring field a few times but not for several years, the last time back in 2000. I wonder if anyone knows the latest on Bob Wallace who welcomed boaters to his dock to land, take on water and all he asked in return was that they sign his visitors book. I guess Bob will have passed away but I thought he had a son who might have carried on the tradition. I guess it’s a less necessary facility these days but it was wonderful back then and a hugely generous gesture by Bob. Anyone know anything?
John Schofield
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May 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4632,-81.96549999
Good Words for Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Fort Myers Beach, near Okeechobee Waterway

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Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13.
This marina is great and everybody is friendly, there is a new marina shower block to use which is across the street from the marina, very nice, climate controlled, but oddly arranged ‘“ I thought communal dressing areas were a thing of the past.
AliOoops
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May 15, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
High Praise for Sanibel Island Marina, Statute Mile 0, West Florida ICW
Sanibel Island Marina – Click for Chartview
Sanibel Island Marina is located near the island’s southern tip (Point Ybel), and within walking distance of the lighthouse.
Sanibel Marina is like no other. It is family-owned and there is a lot of attention to detail, including great signage and beautiful flowers. This marina should be a definite stop in your SW Florida cruising adventures. Tom, the Harbor Master, doesn’t know a stranger, and he has a great team.
Gramma Dot’s is simply one of the best restaurants in the area. And, the food is consistently terrific. Take note, Gramma Dot’s is VERY BUSY (open for lunch and dinner) and reservations are not accepted. You must be seated by 8:00 for dinner or you will be heading elsewhere.
If you have a stand up paddle board or kayak, allow time to paddle around the canals and/or out into the bay. Billy’s Bike Rentals will deliver rental bikes upon request. The Ship’s Store has basics. A 1/2 mile walk to the east on Periwinkle will take you to Gepetto’s Beach Foodies for gourmet provisions and amzing pastries as well as to The Lighthouse Cafe for a great breakfast.
Sanibel Marina is special!
Melanie Humphrey
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Apr 17, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Still More Discussion on Fort Myers Beach Fixed Bridge Height, Matanzas Pass, West Florida
Fort Myers Beach Bridge – Click for Chartview
The bridge in question crosses the Mantanzas Pass/Fort Myers Beach Channel, and vessels must cruise under this span to reach the POPULAR Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field (A SALT SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). If anyone has information about this span’s clearance, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
Has anyone had trouble getting under this bridge. I have a 64 foot mast. and I question the markers which show 64 feet at medium tide.
Craig
After receiving the above note, we called the City of Fort Myers Beach, and talked with both the city dockmaster and the local USCG office. Both said their information indicated the actual bridge clearance to be 65 feet.
More from Captain Craig:
Claiborne:
Thank you for looking into this matter about the Matanza Bridge. This is what makes me think that the water markers are off. According to my tide chart , On 12-12-2010 high tide was at 6:15 PM. with a height of 1.9 Feet. That Sunday I was at Bonita Bills asking this same question about the bridge. I looked at the marker at 3:00 PM, three hrs before high tide, and the marker read 63′ 11″. Looking at the tide chart the high tide can get up as much as 3.2 Feet for that area. I would think that’s when the marker should show around the 65′ mark. I E-mailed Doug at the Colgate sailing school. They had a Hunter with a 64′ mast. He said they made it under a few times only at low tide.And a couple of times scrapped the VHS antenna.
Again thanks for all your help. I only want to find a home for my boat, and being able to get under that bridge scares me. When the charts say 65′ at MHW, and I personally saw 63′ 11″. I’m not going to make it.
Thanks
Craig
I have my boat at Salty Sam’s Marina east of the bridge and my mast clearance is 64′. The marker is accurate but the tide chart never seems to be quite as accurate at this bridge’¦.I have scraped my VHF antenna a few times but don’t pass under the bridge at unusually High Tide over 2.8 to be safe. There’s a lot of current but no waves or chop. Just avoid the highest of high tides and you’ll be fine.
Steve
April 4, 2014
Had the occasion to deliver a Leopard 44 (mast modified to 64ft) to Fort Myers Beach yesterday. Arrived Matanzas Pass Bridge at about 5:30 (High tide 3:10 pm 2.8ft) with the water marker showing 64ft clearance. Waited till 7PM, removed the Windex, wind speed/direction sensor, rode the boat under the bridge (with me near mast head) and cleared by perhaps a foot.
Either the clearance marker is wrong or Robertson Caine made a boo boo on the mast height mod requested by the owner.
Bobby Ward
May 26, 2014
My mast height is 64′ 10’³, with my SS whip antenna at 67.5′. When the paddle boards read 66′ or over, I don’t touch. I’ve been under that bridge at least 20 times. My criteria is +0.5′ tide or less. It seems on outgoing tide predictions of 0.5′ I don’t touch, but do on incoming tide predictions of +0.5′ the SS whip antenna will hit. I believe I could make it up to a +1.0′ tide, but have never proven it.
Marc
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Jan 29, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Pink Shell Resort Marina, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Pink Shell Resort and Marina - Click for Chartview
The Pink Shell Resort guards the southern shores of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of Moss Marine, making this new marina the first facility encountered as one enters from the waters of the open Gulf. This fresh facility is clearly a GREAT addition to the cruising scene for the waters hard by the southerly genesis of the Western Florida ICW, and the westerly extreme of the Okeechobee Waterway/Caloosahatchee River.
We stayed at Pink Shell January 22nd through the 27th. The weather was cool but it is a fantastic place to stay. Very friendly and helpful staff. As Marina guest you have access to all resort amenities. Heated pools, fitness center, steam room, spa bathrooms and showers etc. The beach is beautiful. There are restaurants on site and the public bus will take you to the local supermarket or Publix. The town of Ft. Myers Beach is within walking distance. A great place if you have family visiting. Great for children as well.
Claudia Young
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Dec 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Review of Salty Sams Marina, Fort Myers Beach
Salty Sams Marina occupies the northern banks of the Fort Myers Beach channel, northeast of marker #28. It is the upstream-most of the principal Fort Myers Beach marinas, and is located on the mainland side of the harbor.
We currently have our trawler there for four months. We are home now and headed back down in a couple of weeks, but did stay on the boat there for several days before heading back home. It is a very busy marina with two restaurants with music until 9 or 10pm, boat rentals, a pirate boat, the Key West Express boat docked at the northern end of the marina, a rack storage facility, etc. We were at the Riviera Dunes Marina in Palmetto for 4 months with virtually no activity going on. I happen to like activity and don’t find it a problem. But, there is no easy access to a super market, etc. We have our car there as well so we can access such other needs. Salty Sam’s is on the mainland while Snook Bight is further south in Estero Bay and on the island. Pricing appears to be about the same at $15 per foot per month plus a small utility surcharge and metered electric.
Tom Wemett
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Dec 19, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field, Western Florida Coastline, south of the Western Florida ICW’s “Miserable Mile”
Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field - Click for Chartview
Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field lies east of the 65-foot Fort Myers Beach high-rise bridge on the northern shore of Estero Island. These good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!!!
The Ft. Myers Beach mooring field was a pleasant stay with decent facilities provided. The dinghy dock is just a couple blocks from downtown attractions. A bargain for $13/night compared to $2.50/ft transient slips. It’s the way to go to pack many boats into a small area.
Archie Faulkner
We left the Ft. Myers beach mooring field a week ago, and have nothing but great things to say about the moorings and the people at Matanzas Inn who administer the mooring fields. Always professional, pleasant and helpful, these people mad our stay there very pleasant. The pumpout boat is run by a good guy, working for the ft. Myers public works department, and is very helpful with information about the area. Now one of our top five places to stay a while.
Rick Cass
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May 6, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Fuel Delivery Ban in Manatee County, Bradenton, FL
This posting was prompted by a recent recommendation for a fuel delivery service in the Fort Myers area: /?p=113209. Manatee County is the Bradenton area south of Tampa. Cruisers’ Net would like to hear the opinions of our readers on the issue of truck-to-boat fuel delivery.
Please use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link found on the upper right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages.
Cruising News:
Our Homeowners Association in Manatee County has banned the delivery of fuel to vessels in our community. I am trying to find out if this ban is legal. I am aware of three locations where such bans were overturned or rescinded. Dania, North Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. The delivery service we were using is fully insured and has been in business for many years.
Les Martin
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Apr 29, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Good Words for Pink Shell Resort Marina Recently Opened in Fort Myers Beach, Gulf ICW
Pink Shell Resort and Marina - Click for Chartview
The Pink Shell Resort guards the southern shores of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of Moss Marine, making this new marina the first facility encountered as one enters from the waters of the open Gulf. This fresh facility is clearly a GREAT addition to the cruising scene for the waters hard by the southerly genesis of the Western Florida ICW, and the westerly extreme of the Okeechobee Waterway/Caloosahatchee River.
We just stayed at the Pink Shell resort 1st week April and what a fantastic Marina with a great Pool and beach access
also and great if you have kids too.
They let us use the spa bathrooms and shower and the woman could not stop talking how great they were and the price very reasonable $2.00 per ft’
Nick
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pink Shell Resort Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pink Shell Resort and Marina
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Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Recommendation For Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
The Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field, found east of the high-rise bridge, and just north of Estero Island is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. This community is also one of the most welcoming to the cruising community in the Sunshine State. Every year they have a “Cruisers’ Appreciation Day.” How many municipalities show this much welcome to the cruising community?
Best mooring field is at Ft. Myers Beach, and there is a fun, funky beachy tourist strip along the whole island. Not specifically seafood, though they do have a lot of it on the menu, but I always eat at the Plaka Greek restaurant right on Times Square.
John Kettlewell
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
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Mar 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Dinghy Access on Sanibel Island South of Tween Waters Marina (Western Florida Coastline)
The message below authored by Captain Farst, was part of a discussion about dinghy access on southern Sanibel Island, begun on the AGLCA group. As you will see, Captain Farst and his crew found little in way of dinghy landings in this region.
We just were there and dinghy access is a problem in that area. We were at Tween Waters and were trying to get access south near the hardware/grocery store. The Ding Darling administration said that they didn’t have anywhere, the Chamber thought the Rental Outfit would allow you to pay to tie up but they said “no”– twice.
You can go down to Sanibel Marina or up to Tween Waters but we could not find anywhere close to tie up in the middle of Sanibel. Please let us know if you have had better luck.
C. K. Farst
SeventhSunIII
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Tween Waters Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tween Waters Marina
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sanibel Island Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sanibel Island Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Syd - September 22, 2016 - 1:07 pm

Talk to the folks over a Jensens marina. It’s only a half a block from the grocery/ liquor store and several good restaurants.
Don’t forget to get some Queenie’s ice cream while you visit Jensens!
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