The string below is copied from the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mail list. Once again, this list is a WONDERFUL adjunct to the Cruisers’ Net. If you have a trawler type vessel, we suggest joining this happy throng without delay.
Anyway, the subject of the messages below is the so-called, “Basin Anchorage” adjacent to Gasparilla Island, and the village of Boca Grand (where, incidentally, my first-rate, first-mate and I spent all of the last week). This is a very popular haven, with superb shelter and reasonably easy dinghy dockage. Swinging room is at a bit of a premium, and many tie their stern of to the mangroves. This is, strictly speaking, illegal, but many do it anyway.
There are also some “derelict” vessels in the anchorage, but you will also find any number of fellow cruisers as well.
If you do anchor here, don’t fail to go ashore and check out the village of Boca Grande. It’s one of the last, little pices of real, old Florida left! If you are feeling affluent, have dinner at the Gasparilla Inn. The cuisine is some of the best anywhere, anytime, but it’s NOT inexpensive. Another good choice is Temptations Restaurant.
However you get there, Boca Grande is well worth a visit. Tell them we sent you!

I noticed this anchorage on Active Captain where they talked about tieing stern to the mangroves…a number of sailboats in the satellite view were obvious so it seems the draft at anchorage is not an issue.
Well, today I was in the area by rubber tires and noted that there is obvious room there and apparently good draft to get in based on nearby marinas and the boats in the same area. Looks like half the boats have been there too long!
Does anybody have experience with this bayou and what depths are expected in the anchorage (near the mangroves)?
Thanks,
Jim

Jim:
I anchored there about a year ago. The only problem with draft is getting in. Once you make the turn to starboard from the entrance channel there is a place where it can be as low as 5′ at low tide. Once past this spot it opens up and the draft is about 8′. Drop your bow anchor in the middle and then back towards the mangroves and tie your stern.
Yes there are a few derilicts and long term live aboards. Boca Grande is a cute little high end town, but access is free to cruisers. There is a public dinghy dock at the north end and the walk to town is about a half mile.
David

Jim,
I wish I had a dollar for every night I’ve spent there. I don’t know what kind of boat you are driving but I used to take my 5′ draft sailboat in there
without incident. The bigger concern is the approach. As you enter Boca Grande’s entrance channel, you will have to either follow the marked channel to port and continue to the marinas or take the stbd. branch and go to the basin in question. As you go to the right, following the seawall that borders the golf course, the water shoals. Depending on your draft, you might need to do this at mid-tide or better. Once you get past this shallow area there is good water the rest of the way and you will almost always see a big boat or two in there. Keep your ears open for Mark’s floatplane. He keeps his Maule pulled up on shore in there and it is always a surprise to cross paths with him!
Just a few words about the dock. These are referred to as the “Guide Docks” since they are used by the fishing guides to pick up and drop off clients. Actually I think that half of them are owned by The Pink Elephant for the use of their lunch or dinner patrons. Don’t obstruct the slips. If you take your dinghy in there just slip around to the end and no one will complain. Watch the oysters on the roots of the mangroves.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR
lying in Clearwater, FL

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For The Gasparilla Island Basin Anchorage