Punta Gorda Waterfront - Click for Chartview
To add to the amenities of anchoring off the Punta Gorda waterfront, new floating dinghy docks are now available in the recently dredged `lagoon’ behind the Punta Gorda Boat Club, just north of Fisherman’s Village.
Noel Hyde
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Punta Gorda Waterfront - Click for Chartview
11/20/2013: The pumpout boat is now operational. To see the schedule and locations, go to:
http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/leis/boating.html
Would be a good idea to check with the marina since the schedule may be adjusted based on demand.
Mary Dixon
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Boca Grande Bridge - Click for Chartview
Boca Grande Swing Bridge, with a closed vertical clearance of 9ft, crosses the Western Florida Waterway at Statute Mile 34.5, northwest of unlighted daybacon #21, connecting the mainland with one of our favorite places on earth, Gasparilla Island.
A reminder for boaters traveling on the ICW in Port Charlotte, Florida during high winds.
Last Saturday we were sailing South on the ICW in Charlotte County, Florida during a cold front with high winds. We arrived at the Boca Grande Swing Bridge about 11:20 am and hailed the bridge tender on Channel 9 for an opening. The bridge tender advised us that because the wind gust were above 30 MPH he was not allowed to open the bridge. So we waited for the wind gusts to die down, which they did about a half hour later then he opened the bridge and we went through.
Capt. Mike Savino
This is the only bridge on the [Western Florida – editor] ICW that only opens on the hour and half hour. I just came back from a trip to Key West and had no problems on both passes through this opening.
Robert M. Wilson
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Punta Gorda “Boater’s Alert Cards” are available without cost at all Charlotte Harbor/Punta Gorda marinas and yacht clubs, and from local, on-the-water law enforcement officers (see listing below).
Furthermore, the Punta Gorda Boater’s Alliance (http://www.boat2puntagorda.com/AB/index.html) has generously offered to share what they have learned in creating their “Boater’s Alert Card” with any other boat owner’s/cruisers’ organization, or governmental entity, thereby greatly facilitating the wider availability of these very useful cruising tools.
Don’t delay, pick up a card TODAY at any Punta Gorda marina or yacht club! And, CONGRATULATIONS to the Punta Gorda Boater’s Alliance on a job very well done!!!
Punta Gorda Boaters Alliance, in cooperation with on-water law enforcement agencies and the University of Florida – Sea grant program, developed a waterproof Boaters Alert card listing phone numbers to call if encountering any of the situations listed. This ongoing program is maintained by the Punta Gorda Boaters Alliance.
Cards can be obtained a the following locations:
Punta Gorda Police Marine Officers
Local Florida Fish and Wildlife Patrol
Charlotte Count Sheriff’s Marine Patrol
Local Marinas
Yacht Club
West Marine (Punta Gorda)
Excellent idea!
HELMUT G KRAMER MD,MSc
Burnt Store Marina - Click for Chartview
Burnt Store Marina overlooks the eastern end of the charted channel, east of marker #6 on the eastern shore of Charlotte Harbor, south of Punta Gorda.
We have been hurricane free so far and hope it continues that way. We have had a particularly heavy rainy season so the water is “high” in many places. Water had to be let out of the Okeechobee Waterway which has made some of our beaches look more like lakes. But other than that we are having a great summer here at Burnt Store Marina.
Our new ship’s store has opened and is now named the “Trading Post”. Capt. Will and his wife Lisa also own the “Calusa Queen’ which is the tour boat that does sunset cruises as well as trips up and down and across the harbor. The “Trading Post” is open from morning to evening serving breakfast and lunch and stocks most of your basic needs while cruising.
Enterprise Car Rental is still available for your transportation needs. We hope that you will make your reservations before coming to the marina in order to expedite their delivery. I have been told that they will be able to bring the car here and have it ready for you when you arrive which will eliminate the wait time and transport time.
Peggy Wark
Burnt Store Marina
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Riviera Marina - Click for Chartview
Riviera Marina is found on the waters of Alligator Creek, entered by the charted, “L” shaped channel south of Mangrove Point.
This was once one of the most ill-kept marina facilities in all of Florida. We are very glad to hear that this property has been substantially improved. Captain Robinson does not say whether the army of stray cats which used to haunt the docks are still in place.
Currently there are no half sunken boats clogging the canal system’¦or leaking oil. Each vessel in the basin is in no way blocking the creek or canals. We have been renting a slip there for almost 2 years and have seen the manager of the place improve the site substantially. I am pleased with the location and the commercial fishermen docked there that I have met. They have been helpful and courteous. I have enjoyed the quiet and beauty at this location. I have docked in large marinas with a grid of concrete docks and am glad I have shade of a tree with birds nesting and ospreys raising their young. An occasional otter pops his head up as do dolphins and rays or a manatee. Sunsets are gorgeous. I have had the opportunity to do a number of watercolor paintings at this location. View at my website http://www.facebook.com/CRobinsonART
Catherine Robinson
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Laishley Park Muncipal Marina is an excellent facility, located between the twin Highway 41 Bridges, immediately upstream of the Punta Gorda waterfront. The entire downtown business/historic district lies within easy walking distance of the docks.
Sailors should note that their vessel must be able to clear a 45-fixed bridged in order to access this facility.
I would also check out Lashley marina in Punta Gorda. We were there in 2011 for 3 months and had a great stay. Located in the center of town with easy walk to lots of amenities. They are now a legal live a board marina. They also have great floating docks, and in the winter the fixed docks in Fisherman’s Village can be a challenge.
Ray&Linda
on SUMMERTIME
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Burnt Store Marina - Click for Chartview
Burnt Store Marina overlooks the eastern end of the charted channel, east of flashing daybeacon #6 on the eastern shore of Charlotte Harbor.
We spent two nights at BSM recently. Very friendly staff and great fuel and dock prices. Unfortunately, the ship’s store was closed. I understand they are awaiting a new concessionaire or manager. Given the location of BSM, having no store is a great inconvenience. We paid $50 in round-trip cap fare to get to the `local’ publix. BSM has a great water location, but they are in the middle of no where on land. A ship’s store or convenience store is critical at BSM in my opinion.
Albert Howes
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Just wanted to post a note to let you know that we are still here and waiting for you to come by for a visit. Our marina still has the lowest fuel prices in the area and can accommodate boats up to 100ft. We have WiFi available for transient boaters as well as laundry facilities, pump outs, fuel and ice.
For those who love basking in the sun we have a heated pool and hot tub available at no extra charge and also a fitness center with tennis courts. We also have beautiful grounds to walk and welcome pets.
Golf is also available and we will transport you to and from the golf course.
We have two restaurants on site at the marina and one at the golf course, all of which are open to the public.
Feel free to visit our website at http://www.burntstoremarina.com and call us at 941-637-0083 for any questions or additional information.
We wish you a safe and healthy [cruising] season and hope to see you at Burnt Store Marina.
Peggy Wark
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Laishley Park Municipal Marina - Click for Chartview
Laishley Park Municipal Marina flanks the southeasterly shores of the Peace River, immediately north of the 45 foot Highway 41 bridge, and south of the charted 85 foot powerline.
You should go a little further to Laishley Park Municipal Marina in Punta Gorda…. It is close to many town facilities and among the best value in marinas….. $8.00/ft/month!! Just past the Hwy 41 twin bridge in Charlotte harbour.
Michael & Mundy aboard Done Dreamin’
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Platinum Point Yacht Club is located in the impressive Burnt Store Marina complex, which guards the eastern shores of Charlotte Harbor, well south of Punta Gorda. I have had the good fortune to speak at Platinum Point Yacht Club in the past, but I must say I did not know they featured their own dockage facilities.
Platinum Point is not a member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, but from my own experience and that reported by below by Captains Jim and Vaughn, this club is well worth a visit.
Platinum Point Yacht Club is located at Burnt Store Marina on the east side of Charlotte Harbor. This is east of the ICW anchorage at Pelican Bay/Cayo Costa SP, south of Punta Gorda and north of Ft Myers/the Okeechobee waterway.
They have a three docks at the marina. first night free, second and third night $1/ft. Call ahead for availability but they are mostly empty .
The Burnt Store Marina also offers AGLCA Looper Discounts.
If you are a member of a YC, you can get the PPYC deal!
Jim and Vaughn
Click Here To View the Western Florida Marina Directory listing for Burnt Store Marina
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We simply can’t praise our good friends, Barbara and Vic Hansen at Southwest Florida Yachts enough. Not only are these good people a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, but they also offer one of the best power and sail charter fleets in Florida, and all within easy cruising distance of the cruising rich waters of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. What’s not to like?
We chartered numerous times with SW Florida Yacht Charters in Ft. Myers and they were superb. Boats were well maintained and the place is run very well. They are also having some great deals as they celebrate 25 years in
the business.
Marty and Jerry Richardson
For more information about Southwest Florida Yachts and Florida Sailing & Cruising School visit http://www.swfyachts.com, http://www.flsailandcruiseschool.com, http://www.swfyachtsales.com Mailing Address: 3444 Marinatown Lane, N.W., N. Fort Myers, FL 33903. Telephone: 800-262-7939 or 239-656-1339, or email info@swfyachts.com
Captain Sara contacted me and asked if the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net would be interested in publishing a list of on-the-water, cruising craft accessible restaurants in SW Florida. I may have gotten a bad case of whip-lash from saying “YES!!!!” soooo quickly.
Anyway, check out Sara’s message below, and PLEASE send her info directly if you can.
Once their June cruise is complete, we will publish Sara’s dining directory here so it can be a lasting tool for the cruising community!!!
In advance of my bareboat charter out of St. Pete down to the Keys in June, I’m compiling a list of restaurants that offer tie-ups to boaters. I will be collecting lat/long, depth, dockage description, dining experience and any other relevant data for each restaurant. This information will then be made freely available to the boating community. If you have info to share that would make the resource more useful to all, please contact me via email at:
saraburns2000 AT yahoo DOT com
If all goes well, I believe I might have found another interesting and productive hobby! Thanks! 🙂
Sara Burns
Facilitator, The Work of Byron Katie
Transforming Education in America
Honestly, I have always considered this facility to be a “train wreck” on each and every occasion I have visited here since the first edition of my “Cruising Guide to Western Florida” in 1993. Clearly, there are others with a very different opinion, and Captain Broom (see below) is not the first to defend this facility and its owner.
The above comments [earlier reviews of this marina – editor] are a little out of date. Barry has continued to work on cleaning up after Charlie. Most all of the old boats are gone. Environmental problems have been taken care of. The biggest complaints come from cultural differences. Those of us that want a old Florida style DIY marina and those that have moved in recently and want a modern yachty marine. It is still a good usable marina that takes care of the locals here. Part of the problem has been people bringing in old boats to work on and then abandoning their. It would also help if people would stop dropping off their unwanted cats there, knowing that Barry will take care of them.
I have been a twenty year year resident in the neighborhood and not afraid to post my name.
Ted Broom
Well, as you will see below, I was challenged to amplify my “train wreck” comment above.
I have to say that describing a place as a `train wreck’ is not very useful. What exactly does that tell me? Some details about what is wrong (or right) with the place would help others to know what to expect and to make a decision whether to stop there or not.
Don Million
Well, here goes. I’ve never been at this facility where I did not spy a host of ugly, abandoned craft, spread around the grounds, and sometimes at the docks. The entire marina is overrun with the largest population of stray cats I’ve ever seen, and the odor of cat urine wafts its way through the air everywhere. There has always been other trash lying around, and the one time I met the marina owner, I was, to be blunt, not impressed. In short, this is one of those marinas/yards, where I’ve sometimes paused to ask myself how it could possibly have survived this many years. Clear enough?
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We simply can’t praise our good friends, Barbara and Vic Hansen at Southwest Florida Yachts enough. Not only are these good people a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, but they also offer one of the best power and sail charter fleets in Florida, and all within easy cruising distance of the cruising rich waters of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. What’s not to like?
PDQ 34-Foot Catamaran Joins Charter Fleet at Southwest Florida Yachts
Named ChriSea, the roomy power cat has two queen bed cabins and offers economical cruising in the Pine Island-Sanibel-Captiva corridor
NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla., April 5, 2012 ‘“Southwest Florida Yachts has added a new PDQ 34 Power Cat ‘“ ChriSea — to its charter fleet for cruising the scenic Pine Island-Sanibel-Captiva corridor.
The spacious catamaran features two cabins with queen-sized beds, a fully-equipped galley and a roomy head with a separate shower. It has a large dinette with a settee that converts to an extra large bed for additional sleeping room. Amenities include a generator, color TV, washer and dryer, and a CD player with stereo speakers. The skipper’s array of navigation and operation electronics includes GPS and autopilot.
Barb Hansen of Southwest Florida yachts said the power vessel is economical to charter and to operate. It charters for only $3273 per week in the summer and $4090 in the winter. The vessel is known for being stingy with gasoline. It is powered by twin Yanmar diesel engines, each generating 100 hp.
Hansen said summer charters of three days or longer will earn two free days of cruising as part of a three-year celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary in 2014. Winter cruises of three days or more from Dec. 15 to April 30 earn one free day of cruising.
Hansen said ChriSea is docked at Marinatown Marina in N. Fort Myers. Marinatown Marina provides quick cruising access, via the Caloosahatchee River, to the sheltered Gulf ICW. ChriSea is now part of a fleet of nine power cruisers from 32 to 50 feet The company’s five-boat sailing charter fleet is based at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda.
Southwest Florida is ranked as one of the best cruising and sailing areas in the world. Visitors have scored the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva as the best islands to visit for their ambiance, beaches, friendliness, restaurants and scenery.
For more information about Southwest Florida Yachts and Florida Sailing & Cruising School visit http://www.swfyachts.com, http://www.flsailandcruiseschool.com, http://www.swfyachtsales.com Mailing Address: 3444 Marinatown Lane, N.W., N. Fort Myers, FL 33903. Telephone: 800-262-7939 or 239-656-1339, or email info@swfyachts.com
The vast complex known as Burnt Store Marina and Country Club guards the eastern banks of Charlotte Harbor, not far from this body of waters’s southerly mouth. There is just about everything to be found here that a cruiser could ask for, except a nearby town or business district.
My wife and I live here so my comments may be a bit skewed as we think this is a wonderful marina. It is certainly one of the largest marinas on the west coast of FL. We are a bit isolated but we have three 9-hole golf courses with a club house where you can get pub type foods and beverages. Portabello’s restaurant is the large restaurant located in the south (main) basin that is next to the ship store and fuel dock. Included with your slip fees are a swimming pool and shower house/laundry facilities. Pump outs are also available at the fuel dock. Tennis is available across the street for a fee at the community health club. The closest grocery stores (Publix) are about 9 miles in either direction off of Burnt Store Rd. There is a lot of room for bike riding and walks throughout the community. The whole property is a gated community with 24 hour guard service. If you need a place to stay for a night or a few months this is a great place to hang out. We discovered Burnt Store in 1995 and have been residents since around 2000. If you boat and golf this is a real bonus marina for you! If not it is still one of the best marinas in SW Florida!
Mike
Fishermen’s Village is the largest marina in Punta Gorda, and, unlike the Laisley Park Marina, cruising craft do not have to contend with any bridges to reach this former facility. Just next door to the Fishermens Village Marina is an enclosed shopping and dining complex, and the downtown business is a four to five block walk away. Very convenient!
Very nice marina. Good restaurants and shopping next door. The marina offers courtesy bikes for no cost with their own bikes and also through the city of Punta Gorda for no cost as well. A very nice bike path takes you east towards Laishley Park and marina with some beautiful views of the river. The path ends in the historic downtown area of Punta Gorda. We highly recommend Fisherman’s Village marina. PS’¦the locals call it `Fishville’. Now you sound `local’.
Mike
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Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage Beach Dinghy Dockage
I recently had the good fortune to visit with several yacht clubs in the charming, boat-rich community of Punta Gorda, Florida, and, during this same visit, I met with “Team Punta Gorda.” Among any number of worthwhile projects, this commendable private – public partnership group is working hard to promote Punta Gorda as a cruising destination. We join with them in suggesting that the cruising community make the acquaintance of this friendly community, which features two commercial marinas, two Florida Yacht Council Yacht Clubs and several good anchorages. What’s not to love!The note and photos below from Captain Jake Dye were sent to us as a result of my presentation to Team Punta Gorda. The anchorage in question lies just off the Punta Gorda waterfront, southwest of (downstream of) the Highway 41 fixed bridges.
Hi Claiborne,Great having you in Punta Gorda and your presentation to TEAM was spot on. I attached a couple of photos from our anchorage and our `beach’ dinghy landing. I think we’re all energized to get something moving on a dinghy dock. Thanks again, and look forward to your next visit.The “beach” dinghy landing is 26.56.102N, 82.3 (56°6.12N / 082°18W).318W, at Gilchrist Park.Jake DyeThere are some of us who stopped here while cruising and ended up buying a house.Mary DixonLooking for a place to live in 1970 and found this place with a job and it had all I wanted, water to sail on, access to the Gulf, access to the coast where one can find a safe place each night with the option to over night to the keys, land to ride motorcycle in the woods, race car track,. What else could one be looking for, oh yes it has golfing also. But top off the list local racing and cruising of sailboats with hoes on the water where my boat could be behind my home. A little shallow for some deep draft boats but then so are the Keys but deep enough for good cruising boats.Dennis PeckWhere did you buy the house. I am wondering about Punta Gorda and the North and South Forks of Alligator Creek. How deep is that water at low tide in winter? Worried about sailboat access.WayneWayne,Tthere is a section of Punta Gorda Isles that is called the sailboat section. There are no bridges to Charlotte Harbor. Any realtor can show you where that is. We are 5 minutes from the Harbor.Mary DixonNot real dinghies’¦ No deflated tubes, no homemade covers and no patches!Bill BettsWe lived aboard in Punta Gorda for several winters and loved the town so much we bought a condominium here on the Peace River ( Emerald Pointe) where we keep our boat.Marsha Case
Dinghies Pulled Up on Beach Adjacent to Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage
Burnt Store Marina is a large, well sheltered marina flanking the southeastern shores of Charlotte Harbor, well south of Punta Gorda. To be succinct, this is a superb facility, with two restaurants, an on-site variety/convenience store and some repair capabilities. And, if that’s not enough for you, Burnt Store is the headquarters of two major southwestern Florida charter operations, including SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southwestern Florida Yachts.
The message below comes from Burnt Store’s harbormaster, Captain Peggy Wark, and was originally directed at AGLCA members. However, I’ve condensed it to info that applies to all cruisers.
Give Burnt Store a try! You won’t be sorry!!!!
We are in the middle of our visiting club season so make sure you call ahead to make your reservations. Our ratesare $14.50 per month and $1.50 per day and don’t forget if you stay three days you get the fourth day free. One lucky boater has already taken advantage of this great deal. Make your reservations by calling 941-637-0083.
We have two restaurants, fitness center and heated pool and if you care todo so you can also play golf. We will provide you with transportation to and from the golf course. We are a secure, gated community with friendlypeople.
So plan to put us on your list when traveling through southwest Florida.
Fair winds and calm seas,
Capt. Peggy Wark
Harbour Master
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During the morning of 9/1/11, we heard from Captain Jay Buckley, Chairman of the Punta Gorda Waterfront Development Advisory Commission. Captain Jay gave us excellent details about a mooring field recently established by the city of Punta Gorda, on the western mouth of the Peace River, a short hop east of the Highway 41 Bridge, and the charted overhead power cable.
This field consists of 32 balls, and is administered by nearby Laishely Park Municipal Marina. Call 941-575-0142 for information and to reserve a mooring.
One caveat to this field is that your vessel must be able to clear the fixed 45-foot Highway 41 bridges to access the moorings. Taller sailcraft are out of luck!
Mariners moored in the field can make use of dinghy dockage at Laishley Park Municipal Marina. A host of shoreside businesses, including quite a collection of restaurants, are in easy walking distance of this facility. Ask the friendly staff at Laishleys for recommendations.
So, now there is another wet storage opportunity available to facilitate a visit to charming Punta Gorda. See you there!
All enjoyed Punta Gorda and their Marina, hope it is a success for all and other towns and |cities pay attention to how to bring in business.
Dennis McMurtry
It is too bad that the mooring field is east of a 45′ bridge. I think there is a dock to dinghy up to and there are few places within walking distance.
Since my mast is 60′ I usually anchor west of the bridge off Fisherman’s Villiage where there are many restaurants and shops. If you are not going to spend the night you can tie up along side the shops and restaurants. The marina usually has slips also.
I hope the field does well but there is more to see and do at Fisherman’s Village.
Jerry & Linda Villines
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