depart the main Anclote River – Tarpon Springs channel west of marker #50, and turn sharply south. Hug the port shore as it curves around to the southeast, and enter the inadequately charted “Canal.” This is far easier than it looks on chart 11411. Eventually, you will spot an island ahead, surrounded by wet slip dockage. This is where most larger craft are berthed at this facility
Depths:
5 ft.
Address:
827 Roosevelt Blvd Tarpon Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
many within easy walking distance in downtown Tarpon Springs
Restaurant Recommendations:
Rusty Bellies (727-934-4047) or Dimitri’s On The Water (727-945-9400), both in downtown Tarpon Springs, or take taxi to Miss Vicki’s On The River (several miles away at Anchote Village Marina, and known as “the most fun spot on the river,” 727-945-1743)
Provisioning Possibilities:
Holiday Seafood Fresh Fish Market (727-934-4376) immediately adjacent to marina, or short walk to Pelican Point Seafood Market (727-934-3134), or take taxi to Sweet Bay Market 2 miles away, or Publix supermarket 1 mile away
LPG (Propane) Availability:
Available. Take taxi to Sweet Bay Market for LPG tank exchange or Ace Hardware (727-934-5716) for LPG tank refill
Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs was our northern most stop for three nights. On our first night the town was celebrating “Night in the Islands”; a very romantic Greek food themed evening where several restaurants filled the street with long tables and strung up small overhead lights. Odyssey, one of the best Greek bands in Florida, supplied soothing, sensual, traditional Greek music. While some people danced in the streets, others formed a large circle where local ladies instructed them on traditional Greek dances. All this, while the wait staff continually delivered tasty Greek food and wine to the large crowd made this a truly memorable evening. Over the next two days members were on their own to explore the town. One night, we gathered at Hellas Restaurant and Bakery. Everyone was able to select a Greek dish to suit their desire. Several dishes of Saganaki (flaming cheese) were delivered to our tables as shouts of Opa made the meal festive. Turtle Cove Marina was very accommodating to our club, dock hands were prompt, helpful, and attentive. One night, with a threat of rain, the marina opened the lounge for us as Phil and Gary prepared their famous fish bites. We also used the lounge the next morning where the cruise leaders prepared a pancake breakfast. One note here: a guest on a member boat slipped on the ramp of the dock, and fell, injuring his leg. An ambulance was called, and he was transported to a local hospital for x-rays. Fortunately there was just severe bruising with nothing broken. Cape Coral Cruising Club
We’re at Turtle Cove Marina right now. We came to Tarpon Springs to have some work done on our 1976 Pearson 365 Ketch (sailboat). We’ve been here a few weeks and really like Turtle Cove Marina. Like others have said, the staff is friendly and very knowledgable, the location is very convenient to Olde Tarpon Springs (the sponge dock, the restaurants, etc) and is only a few blocks from both the Jolly Trolley (runs on weekends) and the Pinellas County Transit (runs every day) bus stops. The marina entrance was dredged recently and when we came in with the tide about 1 foot above Mean Low Water we never saw less than 6 feet (we draw 4’6″). The marina is a ‘work in progress’ with all phases to be completed this year. This includes a restaurant on the water (about a 5 minute walk from the transient docks) and a new Heads, Showers and Laundry Building ‘on the Island’ (it’s not really an island anymore but thats where the Transient Docks are). Oh, and rumour has it there’ll be an additional Tiki Bar there too. Dockage Fees: Right now it’s $1.50 a foot and that includes electric! Also, when you stay 5 days you get 2 more days free. When you stay that second week (and again, when you pay for 5 you get 2 free) you also get the next 2 weeks free!!! Yep, you pay for 10 days and end up staying for 30. (such a deal!) As I understand it from Ed, the owner, when the constuction is done and all the phases are completed he will probably increase the rate per foot but he said he will still have great discounts for transient cruisers. steve
We stayed at Turtle Cove 2 years ago and are looking at returning for a week in just a couple of days. Top notch marina, top notch people. Jim and Lisa Favors
Tom and Melesia Goodman- December 5, 2013 - 5:35 pm
We have been tied up here for 2 days since our crossing from Carabelle. This is probably the friendliest Marina we have ever docked at. Check in included a tour of the town in a 8 passenger golf cart. The channel can be a challenge at low tide but easy to navigate. We may stay an extra day so we have another chance at the great Greek food. Tom and Melesia Goodman “Journey” Monk 36
Let me chime in on Turtle Cove. I found it in a cruising magazine while we were sitting in Steinhatchee. We had been to Tarpon Springs twice before by car and knew that we did not want to stay at the city dock area. There was always too much traffic on the water there so we jumped at the chance to get in a more secluded spot. You have to be careful getting back to it and should holler at a local as you move down the canal off the Anclote River to ask about which side the locals hug. Turtle Cove was a treasure. They have this unique circular island with slips all around. I don’t know if it is manmade or not. We could walk or ride our bikes about two blocks and we were at our all time favorite restaurant “Mama’s Greek Restaurant” where they let us bring our bikes inside because they were worried someone might bother them. Mama’s is on the street behind the main drag. We spent several days at Turtle Cove, ate three times at Mama’s and if I could revisit any marina on the Loop it would be Turtle Cove. Rusty Carlisle
We stayed at Turtle Cove in Tarpon Springs, just after our crossing last January. We agree with every nice thing that’s been said about that marina. I would add that there’s a nice bike path, the Pinellas trail, that you can access not particularly far from the marina, and it goes all the way to Clearwater if I remember correctly (but be REALLY careful about riding in front of a stopped car–it might suddenly decide to take off!!!!!) Also, try Hellas Greek restaurant, and order flaming “oopa” cheese! Tarpon Springs was a fun stop, and the marina handy to all it has to offer. Anita & Don “Limelight”
Sea Biscuit here for several nights. We draw 4.6 feet, and in our case, we can only come and go at, or near, high tide. We almost sit on the bottom in our slip, but not quite. A very nice marina, we like it, just that the water depth at low tide is probably about 3 to 3.5 feet total depth at lower tides during the approach, 5 to 6 at higher tides. Easily doable, but requires a slow and careful approach, which is necessary anyway due to busy traffic, close quarters, and some narrow channels. Enjoy, as the hospitality is tops! Perfect location and excellent security. Sea Biscuit, Defever 44
Visited the first week of Feb. Nice marina w/ floating docks. Looong walk to laundry and showers. New showers planned near docks. Problem being water depth. I draw 57″. At MLLW I had 32″ under boat (by lead line). Probably the shallowest dock in the marina. Poor choice by dockmaster. Great location to visit sponge dock area with restaurants and shops (two blocks) and also the downtown with cathedral, upscale antique shops and historical buildings. Approach channel had 6′ spots near high tide. Timing is important for deeper draft craft. Has Royer
I can only endorse Cambren’s remarks about Turtle Cove Marina. Our sailing club, Hudson Beach Yacht Club, has sponsored several weekend cruises to this marina. I took a “women-only” crew there in June. We have always received the best service and enjoyed the Tiki Hut, pool, and bar. The shower facilities are exceptionally clean! One tip: Try Rusty Bellies restaurant, just a 5 minute walk from the marina, for their good food and fun entertainment. Karin Glessner s/v Callystos
We stayed at Turtle Cove after a rough night at Anclote Key (the winds were from the East). Having previously stayed at the City Docks with it’s strong current, I was pleased to find this sheltered marina with floating docks. The staff was very accommodating and the facilities were clean, the pool was great. Too many good restaurants to name within walking distance, but try Mama’s – you won’t be disappointed. I will definitely return to Turtle Cove.
This is indeed a nice spot with wonderful amenities as described in the post below. Ed Spaeth the GM / owner is a very welcoming individual. It was a real treat to be met & welcomed by Ed & his team after our long crossing from Carrabelle. Note that the approaches to this marina are not as difficult as it would appear from the posts below. Proceed up the Anclote River to red 50 and turn to Stbd and then closely hug the port shoreline passing closely to the vessels tied to shore. Avoid the shallows on the Stbd side of the channel as you enter. There are a number of larger boats in the marina area that likely draw more than 5 feet. From the marina it is a short walk into the center of town with grocery stores and bars. The floating dock area where we had tied up was very nice and new. It was however quite a long walk maybe 200 yards to the showers, laundry & clubhouse facilities The rate of $ .75 per foot (per day?) for weekly stays for Loopers as posted below is incorrect. The correct rate is $7.50 per foot per week. That meant that instead of $199 per week for our 38 footer we were looking at $285 per week. We required a stay of between 2 & 3 weeks. On the very positive side If you pay for two weeks you can stay the next two free. Sort of like pay for 5 days stay for the next 2 free and equally pay for 2 weeks and stay free for the next two weeks I believe? The Looper daily rate is 1.50 per day per foot which is a discounted rate from the normal $2.00 per foot per day rate Kismet
Lisa and I are docked (for a week) at Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs Florida. Based on prior posts on this forum, I thought I’d add our two cents worth as it relates to our positive opinion. Turtle Cove is the place to be in Tarpon Springs if you like these amenities: 1. New floating docks 2. Free washer and dryer 3. Easy walk to sponge docks, restaurants and downtown 4. $1.50 per foot or discounted weekly stay (we’re paying .75 per foot for a week) 5. Hot tub & swimming pool 6. Free pumps outs 7. Marina will also make arrangements for a fuel truck to come to your boat 8. Free truck and trailer storage (we have a trailerable Ranger Tug) Jim & Lisa Favors Ranger Tug R27 – Kismet
I’ve always been a great fan of the [Tarpon Springs] municipal marina because it’s so close to the main drag on the island. However Turtle Cove sounds almost too good to be true. I know “the Judge” wouldn’t lie to us. After three times at the municipal dock, with its problems just to be close to “Hellas Greek Resturant” its Turtle Cove next time!!! Thanks Judge! Dave
We are presently at the best marina we have encountered so far and that is saying something. Many friends had warned us about the perils of getting into the city dock and the poor facilities and then I saw a chance posting about a looper who had stumbled onto Turtle Cove Marina. I looked at it on Google Earth and said why not. You ease up the Anclote River to Red 50 and turn right just past the marker. Next take the first left and be sure to hug the boats on the port side through the turn as there is a shallow spot. You will dead end at Turtle Cove which has an artificial island in a cove with slips all around . Floating docks, great electrical. I have never seen better pedestals in a marina. It all looks brand new. Secure facility with locked gates. You get a key. They have a clubhouse and pool too. Gas at pumps and diesel with one day notice delivered direct to your boat by a truck that drives on the island and backs up to your slip. Ed is the owner and Peter is the dockmaster. The marina is one short block behind the town. No current, no wind, no problem. $1.50 per foot for loopers and BoatUS. Pumpouts at every slip. Can you believe this? And it is all a hidden treasure. You can call them at 727-934-2202. If you want to see it on Google Earth it is at 827 Roosevelt Blvd. I give it an A+. Rusty and Jan Carlisle
Reviews from Cruisers (15)
Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs was our northern most stop for three nights. On our first night the town was celebrating “Night in the Islands”; a very romantic Greek food themed evening where several restaurants filled the street with long tables and strung up small overhead lights. Odyssey, one of the best Greek bands in Florida, supplied soothing, sensual, traditional Greek music. While some people danced in the streets, others formed a large circle where local ladies instructed them on traditional Greek dances. All this, while the wait staff continually delivered tasty Greek food and wine to the large crowd made this a truly memorable evening. Over the next two days members were on their own to explore the town. One night, we gathered at Hellas Restaurant and Bakery. Everyone was able to select a Greek dish to suit their desire. Several dishes of Saganaki (flaming cheese) were delivered to our tables as shouts of Opa made the meal festive.
Turtle Cove Marina was very accommodating to our club, dock hands were prompt, helpful, and attentive. One night, with a threat of rain, the marina opened the lounge for us as Phil and Gary prepared their famous fish bites. We also used the lounge the next morning where the cruise leaders prepared a pancake breakfast. One note here: a guest on a member boat slipped on the ramp of the dock, and fell, injuring his leg. An ambulance was called, and he was transported to a local hospital for x-rays. Fortunately there was just severe bruising with nothing broken.
Cape Coral Cruising Club
Turtle Cove was great last winter. We draw 5.5’ and went in and out at mid+ with no issues.
Win Benbow
We’re at Turtle Cove Marina right now. We came to Tarpon Springs to have some work done on our 1976 Pearson 365 Ketch (sailboat). We’ve been here a few weeks and really like Turtle Cove Marina. Like others have said, the staff is friendly and very knowledgable, the location is very convenient to Olde Tarpon Springs (the sponge dock, the restaurants, etc) and is only a few blocks from both the Jolly Trolley (runs on weekends) and the Pinellas County Transit (runs every day) bus stops. The marina entrance was dredged recently and when we came in with the tide about 1 foot above Mean Low Water we never saw less than 6 feet (we draw 4’6″). The marina is a ‘work in progress’ with all phases to be completed this year. This includes a restaurant on the water (about a 5 minute walk from the transient docks) and a new Heads, Showers and Laundry Building ‘on the Island’ (it’s not really an island anymore but thats where the Transient Docks are). Oh, and rumour has it there’ll be an additional Tiki Bar there too.
Dockage Fees:
Right now it’s $1.50 a foot and that includes electric! Also, when you stay 5 days you get 2 more days free. When you stay that second week (and again, when you pay for 5 you get 2 free) you also get the next 2 weeks free!!!
Yep, you pay for 10 days and end up staying for 30. (such a deal!)
As I understand it from Ed, the owner, when the constuction is done and all the phases are completed he will probably increase the rate per foot but he said he will still have great discounts for transient cruisers.
steve
We stayed at Turtle Cove 2 years ago and are looking at returning for a week in just a couple of days. Top notch marina, top notch people.
Jim and Lisa Favors
We have been tied up here for 2 days since our crossing from Carabelle. This is probably the friendliest Marina we have ever docked at. Check in included a tour of the town in a 8 passenger golf cart. The channel can be a challenge at low tide but easy to navigate. We may stay an extra day so we have another chance at the great Greek food.
Tom and Melesia Goodman
“Journey” Monk 36
Let me chime in on Turtle Cove. I found it in a cruising magazine while we were sitting in Steinhatchee. We had been to Tarpon Springs twice before by car and knew that we did not want to stay at the city dock area. There was always too much traffic on the water there so we jumped at the chance to get in a more secluded spot. You have to be careful getting back to it and should holler at a local as you move down the canal off the Anclote River to ask about which side the locals hug. Turtle Cove was a treasure. They have this unique circular island with slips all around. I don’t know if it is manmade or not. We could walk or ride our bikes about two blocks and we were at our all time favorite restaurant “Mama’s Greek Restaurant” where they let us bring our bikes inside because they were worried someone might
bother them. Mama’s is on the street behind the main drag. We spent several days at Turtle Cove, ate three times at Mama’s and if I could revisit any marina on the Loop it would be Turtle Cove.
Rusty Carlisle
We stayed at Turtle Cove in Tarpon Springs, just after our crossing last January. We agree with every nice thing that’s been said about that marina. I would add that there’s a nice bike path, the Pinellas trail, that you can access not particularly far from the marina, and it goes all the way to Clearwater if I remember correctly (but be REALLY careful about riding in front of a stopped car–it might suddenly decide to take off!!!!!) Also, try Hellas Greek restaurant, and order flaming “oopa” cheese! Tarpon Springs was a fun stop, and the marina handy to all it has to offer.
Anita & Don
“Limelight”
Sea Biscuit here for several nights. We draw 4.6 feet, and in our case, we can only come and go at, or near, high tide. We almost sit on the bottom in our slip, but not quite. A very nice marina, we like it, just that the water depth at low tide is probably about 3 to 3.5 feet total depth at lower tides during the approach, 5 to 6 at higher tides. Easily doable, but requires a slow and careful approach, which is necessary anyway due to busy traffic, close quarters, and some narrow channels. Enjoy, as the hospitality is tops! Perfect location and excellent security.
Sea Biscuit, Defever 44
Visited the first week of Feb. Nice marina w/ floating docks. Looong walk to laundry and showers. New showers planned near docks. Problem being water depth. I draw 57″. At MLLW I had 32″ under boat (by lead line). Probably the shallowest dock in the marina. Poor choice by dockmaster. Great location to visit sponge dock area with restaurants and shops (two blocks) and also the downtown with cathedral, upscale antique shops and historical buildings. Approach channel had 6′ spots near high tide. Timing is important for deeper draft craft.
Has Royer
I can only endorse Cambren’s remarks about Turtle Cove Marina.
Our sailing club, Hudson Beach Yacht Club, has sponsored several weekend cruises to this marina. I took a “women-only” crew there in June. We have always received the best service and enjoyed the Tiki Hut, pool, and bar. The shower facilities are exceptionally clean!
One tip: Try Rusty Bellies restaurant, just a 5 minute walk from the marina, for their good food and fun entertainment.
Karin Glessner
s/v Callystos
We stayed at Turtle Cove after a rough night at Anclote Key (the winds were from the East). Having previously stayed at the City Docks with it’s strong current, I was pleased to find this sheltered marina with floating docks. The staff was very accommodating and the facilities were clean, the pool was great. Too many good restaurants to name within walking distance, but try Mama’s – you won’t be disappointed. I will definitely return to Turtle Cove.
This is indeed a nice spot with wonderful amenities as described in the post below. Ed Spaeth the GM / owner is a very welcoming individual. It was a real treat to be met & welcomed by Ed & his team after our long crossing from Carrabelle.
Note that the approaches to this marina are not as difficult as it would appear from the posts below. Proceed up the Anclote River to red 50 and turn to Stbd and then closely hug the port shoreline passing closely to the vessels tied to shore. Avoid the shallows on the Stbd side of the channel as you enter.
There are a number of larger boats in the marina area that likely draw more than 5 feet.
From the marina it is a short walk into the center of town with grocery stores and bars. The floating dock area where we had tied up was very nice and new. It was however quite a long walk maybe 200 yards to the showers, laundry & clubhouse facilities
The rate of $ .75 per foot (per day?) for weekly stays for Loopers as posted below is incorrect. The correct rate is $7.50 per foot per week. That meant that instead of $199 per week for our 38 footer we were looking at $285 per week. We required a stay of between 2 & 3 weeks. On the very positive side If you pay for two weeks you can stay the next two free. Sort of like pay for 5 days stay for the next 2 free and equally pay for 2 weeks and stay free for the next two weeks I believe?
The Looper daily rate is 1.50 per day per foot which is a discounted rate from the normal $2.00 per foot per day rate
Kismet
Lisa and I are docked (for a week) at Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs Florida. Based on prior posts on this forum, I thought I’d add our two cents worth as it relates to our positive opinion. Turtle Cove is the place to be in Tarpon Springs if you like these amenities:
1. New floating docks
2. Free washer and dryer
3. Easy walk to sponge docks, restaurants and downtown
4. $1.50 per foot or discounted weekly stay (we’re paying .75 per foot for
a week)
5. Hot tub & swimming pool
6. Free pumps outs
7. Marina will also make arrangements for a fuel truck to come to your boat
8. Free truck and trailer storage (we have a trailerable Ranger Tug)
Jim & Lisa Favors
Ranger Tug R27 – Kismet
I’ve always been a great fan of the [Tarpon Springs] municipal marina because it’s so close to the main drag on the island. However Turtle Cove sounds almost too good to be true. I know “the Judge” wouldn’t lie to us. After three times at the municipal dock, with its problems just to be close to “Hellas Greek Resturant” its Turtle Cove next time!!!
Thanks Judge!
Dave
We are presently at the best marina we have encountered so far and that is saying something. Many friends had warned us about the perils of getting into the city dock and the poor facilities and then I saw a chance posting about a looper who had stumbled onto Turtle Cove Marina. I looked at it on Google Earth and said why not. You ease up the Anclote River to Red 50 and turn right just past the marker. Next take the first left and be sure to hug the boats on the port side through the turn as there is a shallow spot. You will dead end at Turtle Cove which has an artificial island in a cove with slips all around . Floating docks, great electrical. I have never seen better pedestals in a marina. It all looks brand new. Secure facility with locked gates. You get a key. They have a clubhouse and pool too. Gas at pumps and diesel with one day notice delivered direct to your boat by a truck that drives on the island and backs up to your slip. Ed is the owner and Peter is the dockmaster. The marina is one short block behind the town. No current, no wind, no problem. $1.50 per foot for loopers and BoatUS. Pumpouts at every slip. Can you believe this? And it is all a hidden treasure. You can call them at 727-934-2202. If you want to see it on Google Earth it is at 827 Roosevelt Blvd. I give it an A+.
Rusty and Jan Carlisle