Fishermens Village Yacht Basin is one of two commercial marinas in Punta Gorda, the other being the city owned Laishley Park Municipal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). I’ve always been impressed with Fishermens Village, both with the marina and the adjacent shopping complex. I’ve had the good fortune to speak here on three different occasions, and the crowd has always been great.
Of course, if you are a member of an FCYC Yacht Club, you might also want to consider the Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda, or the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, just across the Peace River. Both are absolutely FIRST RATE clubs, with every amenity.

Fishermen’s Village Yacht Basin in Punta Gorda has won the prestigious Marina of the Year Award for 2008. This award is given out by the trade magazine Marina Dock Age.
There are two awards given out each year in a competition of over 17,000 marinas in the nation. The two Marina of the Year awards are for marinas with over 250 slips and for those under 250 slips. Fishermen’s Village Yacht Basin qualified for the latter award.
Jim Branch, Harbormaster, stated that the award is based on a number of criteria including facility improvements, marketing, environmental responsibility and customer satisfaction. The marina was severely damaged by Hurricane Charley and rebuilt and improved. He felt that their emphasis on customer satisfaction and service was a significant factor in winning the award.
The marina caters to visiting boat clubs. They even offer a discount based on the number of boats in the group. I can tell you first hand that they go out of their way to make your visit special. They will try to solve even the smallest of problems.
Adjacent to the marina is the resort which includes many specialty shops and numerous restaurants. The City of Punta Gorda is improving the entire waterfront with parks. The downtown area has many new shops and restaurants also.
Be sure to put this on your cruising schedule. The Harbormaster can be reached at 941-575-3056 for reservations.
Gary Riss
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermens Village Yacht Basin