Cruisers Net lists only one marina, Four Winds Marina, suitable for drafts less then 3.5ft, at the northern tip of Pine Island. However, there are several good depth anchorages at the southern tip of the island just north of the Caloosahatchee River and the Okeechobee Waterway.
Pine Island, Florida
Pine Island is the biggest island in the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida Peninsula, just outside Fort Myers. In this small and idyllic oceanfront community, visitors will be welcomed with tropical plants, beaches, marine preserves, and greens expanses filled with palm trees. With a favorable climate that feels what many would describe as paradise, one can fall in love with the vintage and rural Florida atmosphere. Pine Island is home to several outdoor recreational activities and is filled with aquatic wildlife. It has grown to notoriety for its abundance of tropical fruit such as mangoes and lychees, which visitors flock to the island for.
Geography Of Pine Island
Welcome sign at Pine Island, Florida. Editorial credit: SR Productions / Shutterstock.com
Of the entire US, Pine Island is the 118th largest island and resides in Florida’s Lee County, which is west of Cape Coral. Pine Island is a part of a chain of islands that constitute the Matlacha Pass and separates it from the Florida Mainland. On the west side of Pine Island reside the Intracoastal Waterway, a waterway that runs from Massachusetts to Texas, passing around the Florida Peninsula. Of the nearby islands, Sanibel Island lies to the south, North Captiva Island to the west, and Captiva Island to the southwest.
Geology Of Pine Island
Similar to nearby Fort Myers, Pine Island is made up of deposits of coral rock. This variation of limestone encrusted with fossilized shells, animals, and even pine trees found in the northern tip from the excavation is common throughout southern Florida. Following millions of years of North America settling into place from the continental drift, that state’s land mass was twice as large. This saw extensive forests, dunes, and tributaries with the coast of the Gulf of Mexico starting another 100 miles west of Pine Island. Thus, came the ice age, which brought forth flooding as the glacier defrosted. Around 4500 BC, the shape of Florida formed into something similar to today. The former ice age also increased water levels and created the long and narrow islands seen off the gulf coast, including Pine Island. With churning ocean water, channels, shoals, and the unnamed sand beaches that are a familiar attraction of Pine Island formed. However, the mingling of freshwater and saltwater from the tributaries’ output created sedimentation. The fallen trees from the shore, among shells, animals, and other items fossilized in this sedimentation, created the limestone, better known as coral rock.
Brief History Of Pine Island
Long before the town of Pine Island existed, the Calusa Indians were the first known inhabitants of this island, around 800 AD. The first contact with outsiders did not occur until the mid-16th century when Spanish conquistadors landed. By the 19th century, there were no further documented occurrences of the Calusa Indians, and it is believed the tribe could have died off or dissolved into other tribes. Ongoing research is being conducted on Pine Island to further understand the Calusa Indians, with artifacts being unearthed as of today.
Ecology Of Pine Island
Pelican and fishermen on Bokeelia Pier in Pine Island, Florida. Editorial credit: SR Productions / Shutterstock.com
The natural beauty of Pine Island is an attraction in itself and draws nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the US. On the island, there are many wildlife or aquatic preserves. Nestled between Pine Island and the Florida mainland, the Little Pine Island Reserve can be found. This smaller island of the same name is entirely a state-owned refuge with a series of hiking trails. Little Pine Island serves as a roosting spot for many migratory birds such as ospreys, egrets, and the roseate spoonbill. To the northeast and across the Matlacha Pass is another Preserve by the name of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Outstanding Florida Water. This marine protected area contains 538 acres of marine estuary and over 20 islands. With wide varieties of wetland trees, the red, black, and white mangroves are found in abundance. Of the many endangered species, the West Indian manatee, eastern indigo snake, and wood stork call this preserve home.
The Biden administration has recently announced its 10-year plan to phase out single-use plastic products on U.S. public lands, including all American national parks.
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
friz- July 27, 2022 - 8:04 am
"national security issue"- what a pant load. Climate has been changing since it existed. This is a red herring pushed by the socialist left and China. China is the "national security issue". Pay attention.
In boating, etiquette isn’t just about being polite but also about safety.
Boating Etiquette 101: Docking, Fueling, and More!
In boating, etiquette isn’t just about being polite but also about safety. So you shouldn’t take it lightly, specifically if you’re new to boating. But, unfortunately, no one has written down these so-called rules–well, until now.
If you’re a first-timer simply asking another friend that boats is unreliable as every boater is different, and some might play by their own rules. In this case, it’s best to trust us, the experts.
Below you’ll find some boating etiquette basics, from the “rules of the road” to docking and dock manners, fueling, and more, plus other helpful blogs so you can avoid being THAT boater everyone loves to hate.
If you’re using a trailer, there are a few things you need to know before hitting the road, like checking your trailer lights and brakes before heading to the ramp. You don’t want to be the boater who has to call a tow!
If you’re running low on fuel, it’s time to head to the gas dock. When refueling your boat, there are several things to keep in mind. For example, NEVER leave your boat unattended while fueling!
If you’re new to boating, docking can be one of the most daunting tasks, especially if you’re trying to dock in a crowded marina. But, don’t worry; with a bit of practice (and patience), you’ll be docking like a pro in no time! Our best advice is to remain calm.
For more helpful tips and advice for your VHF radio conduct, anchoring, respecting your neighbors, your guests, and pets, and keeping the waters green, check out our full article below!
These rules help keep the waterways clean and friendly, making boating a more pleasant experience for everyone. The guidelines also help ensure safety while boating. In addition, boaters familiar with and adhering to boating etiquette will have a fun, trouble-free time out on the water!
Construction of wind turbines off the North Carolina coast could affect birds and marine life, and while scientists and others seek more information on the extent of those effects, those who spoke during a forum last week in Wilmington said climate change is likely a greater threat.
The article states that "The Kitty Hawk WEA and Wilmington East WEA are under lease. These areas have the combined potential to generate upwards of 4 gigawatts of power, the equivalent output of four nuclear power plants." That is not really factually accurate when comparing apples to apples.
It is true that the nameplate capacity of the wind farm and four nuclear plants are both 4 gigawatts. But the capacity factor of a nuclear power plant ( the amount of power it actually produces compared to the nameplate capacity) is 90%. So 4 nuclear plants are capable of producing 3.6 gigawatts of power 24/7, 365 days a year. The average capacity factor of an off shore wind turbine is 45%. So the off shore wind farm is capable of producing 1.8 gigawatts of power 24/7, 365 days a year. A good amount of power for sure, but only the equivalent of 2 typical nuclear plants.
Ancient mariners used to gauge how fast their ship was moving by throwing a piece of wood or other floatable object over the vessel’s bow then counting the amount of time that elapsed before its stern passed the object.
There are five cuts in the Satilla River basin, including the often used Umbrella Cut, an alternate route for ICW cruisers. This estuary restoration does not include Umbrella Cut or the Floyd Creek Cut. See Umbrella Cut.
Outer Banks Forever is proud to support our Outer Banks national parks in a variety of ways — large and small.
Your Official Sneak Peek: Pathways to Your National Parks!
Outer Banks Forever is proud to support our Outer Banks national parks in a variety of ways — large and small. Today, we’re excited to share more with you about our largest undertaking to date, our Pathways to Your National Parks project!
The first stage of this project will allow our parks to build a new paved, multi-use path on the grounds of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse that will better connect our community and our parks.
Check out this video courtesy of our friends at REAL Watersports to learn more about this exciting project and be on the lookout for more details in the coming weeks!
See you in our parks, Director, Outer Banks Forever
We’d like you introduce you to Isabel Gonzalez,Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) Intern atFort Raleigh National Historic Site. She spends her workdays sharing the stories of the Freedmen’s Colony, the Carolina Algonquian peoples, and European settlers on Roanoke Island, swearing in new Junior Rangers, designing new educational wayside signs, and helping park visitors have the best experience possible.
When she’s not working, you can find Isabel listening to music, exploring the outdoors, baking, and sewing!
We’re excited to introduce you to our friends at Swells’a Brewing!
Sam Harriss and her co-owners opened their beautiful brewery in Kill Devil Hills with a passion for brewing beer and a commitment to protecting the environment. We’re grateful they’ve chosen to partner with us through their 1% For the Planet membership. Each year, they will donate 1% of their profits directly to us to help us protect and enhance our Outer Banks national parks.
Check out our Partner Spotlight to hear from Sam about how Swells’a Brewing got started and what its unique name means!
Our Ask A BioTech series continues this month with your most asked questions about sea turtle hatchlings!
Supervisory Biological Technician Paul Doshkov gives us a look at the early lives of these favorite island visitors, including how they find their way to the ocean, what they eat, and the threats they face. (Hint: you can help prevent some of these!)
Thank you to everyone who has adopted a sea turtle nest this summer!
Biological technicians at Cape Hatteras National Seashore are tracking 260 nests (and counting) so far this season, a significant increase in nests from last year.
Through our Adopt A Sea Turtle Nest program, you can symbolically adopt an active sea turtle nest at the Seashore and receive an official adoption certificate and information about your specific nest when it hatches.
We expect the first nests to start hatching in the next few weeks and we currently have 151 nests that have been adopted. Our goal is to have 200 nests adopted by the end of August when we’ll close adoptions for the season — we’re almost there!
Please note: Nature belongs to all of us. No individual or group that participates in this program may claim ownership of a sea turtle nest, eggs, or hatchlings. For the safety of the sea turtles, your exact nest location will not be shared until after it has hatched.
The choppy water problem while running the AICW’s passage across Georgia’s St. Andrew Sound results from the Waterway’s passage practically out into the briny blue, in order to clear Horseshoe Shoal, which occupies the Sound’s mid-width. Recognizing the potential for very dusty crossing here, the US Army Corps of Engineers has provided an alternate route, known as Umbrella Cut, BUT low water depths on this alternate passage can run as thin as 4 1/2 feet.
The Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park are taking this famous sentiment one step further – by installing a state-of-the-art coral camera to showcase what lives in our waters.
The Coral Cam presents a beautiful undersea vista. CONTRIBUTED
There is always plenty to do around Charlotte Harbor, especially at the Sunset Beach Club! While berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, you are certain to enjoy visiting Western Florida’s beautiful Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.
A new exhibit at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum reminds us that a vicious German U-boat campaign in the early months of World War II had once raged offshore the barrier islands, setting the sea ablaze and filling the air with explosions.
A simulated view through a submarine’s periscope is included in the new exhibit at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. Photo: Catherine Kozak
The Dare County Boat Builders Foundation is a non-profit, 501c3 organization dedicated to preserving Dare County’s boat building heritage by actively supporting the students and families within its community.
The increasing number of bridge closings due to increased rail traffic has been a concern for some time. See All Aboard Florida Protest by Jim Healy. The St Lucie FEC RR bridge with 6 ft vertical clearance crosses the Okeechobee Waterway and connects Britt Point with Stuart. See Concerned. The Loxahatchee RR bascule bridge crosses the AICW at MM 1005. See Replacement.
The nautilus’s lineage made it through all five of Earth’s previous mass extinctions. But can it survive the Anthropocene?
A tentacled fuzzy nautilus swims in the deep waters off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Though the nautilus is well known in some ways, it’s also mysterious; researchers studying it hope to get a handle on how it’s responding to impacts of the Anthropocene. Photo by Peter Ward
Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe.. $5 a month or $42 for the year and you may cancel at anytime.
We’re excited to introduce you to our friends at 
Thank you to everyone who has adopted a sea turtle nest this summer! 
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