Marinas and Anchorages on the Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway From the Gulf to Fort Myers
Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 28-12-2009
There’s some GREAT cruising advice on anchorages and marinas in Captains Tom and Sue’s note below. This is a portion of a message from this cruising duo which appeared on the AGLCA (American Great Loop Cruisers’ Assocation) mail list. I’ve posted the remainder of their recommendations on other parts of the Net’s “Western Florida” Cruising News section.
1. From R 92 proceed at idle speed around cattle Dock Pt to a nice anchorage in Glover Bight to stbd. Good depths for sail and power. You will notice a new hotel on your north side (planned to open Nov 2009) that is part of the Tarpon Cove Marina facility. With an outboard (or rowing), you can dinghy to #2 & #3 below.
2. Next to the above anchorage is the Tarpon Point Marina (239-549-4900) that has floating docks & fixed docks, a nice facility, helpful staff, and very protected, with fuel…diesel & gas. The retail stores attached to the hotel are not planned to be open until late 2010.
3. You can pass Tarpon Point Marina, turn left(NW) and follow the marked channel and mangroves around to The Marina at Cape Harbour (239-945-4330). You will first pass the terrific eating facility of Rum Runners, and then proceed to the small lock (usually 2 boats max) to enter the fresh water basin taking you the short distance around the seawall to Cape Harbour…..mid rise condo’s, a few restaurants, light retail stores, coffee shops, some marine services.
4. Heading east on the Okeechobee Waterway toward Ft Myers you have the Gulf Harbour Marina to stbd near marker 74 (call for local knowledge before entering), upscale facility (floating docks) in a gated community with slips to 90′, then entering the Ft Myers area you have the Centennial Marina (floating docks & very nice) to stbd near marker 50 and then a little further (mm 135 on the waterway) the city owned Ft Myers Yacht Basin to stbd. The nice thing about the ‘Yacht Bain’……you can walk into the historic and recently redone downtown, with shopping and great restaurants, and theater.
Regards,
Tom & Sue
m/v Marbles
