PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not only is Pelican Bay one of the best series of anchorages on the western coastline of the Sunshine State, but it is also one of the most discussed. Back on 11/12/12 (we published a whole series of messages about this overnight haven, and its adjacent Florida State Park – see /?p=102473).
But, as I’ve often said, there’s no such thing as too much information when you are on the water, so there are two more observations concerning this anchorage copied from the AGLCA forum. For more reports, enter Pelican Bay in the search window of our Homepage.
1/26/2021
Highly recommend the Punta Blanca anchorage. We spent a few nights there December 20-23 2020. I have attached our route getting in on our 5.5’ draft sailboat. We entered and left at high tide, there’s one little bar we bumped over on the southwest side, otherwise stay close to the mangroves. We only saw kayakers and fishermen and a park ranger checking for campers on the island. About a mile and a half dink ride to Cayo Costa State Park dock and Cabbage Key.
cheers,
Greg Scannell, AGLCA Member
S/V Dragonfly
— Attachment(s) —
89F8EB0D-489B-4306-AEEF-
Alan is absolutely correct about Pelican Bay; it’s one of the premier anchorages you will find anywhere. However, “local knowledge” is important getting in there. Neither the approach to the bay, nor its entrance channel, are marked. So, ass/u/ming you are southbound on the G-ICW, turn west at a point south of G “75,” and about 200′ north of R “74.” Note that just off the shoreline, there is a Florida Speed Sign visible. Head toward that sign. Just before you reach the sign, turn SW and follow the line of the beach on Cayo Costa Island there, holding your course parallel to the beach and holding the shore close by to stbd at 50′ – 75′. Yes, a boat length or slightly more off the beach line. That “channel” carries 9′ of water, but it shoals very rapidly to the south, to 3′ or less. Many, many unwary boats go aground there. When you have passed by the beach, you will
see the Cayo Costa State Park docks at your 11 o’clock, at a distance of about 1/2 to 3/4 miles. Aim at those docks, and set a rhumb line to them until you are past the shallowest water. There are slips there, with no services, but cruising boats generally can’t use them. Only the very outermost slips carry sufficient water depth. The dock tee heads are reserved for tour boats, of which there are several that ply those waters. Plan to anchor. The bottom is sand, and the holding is excellent.
The gulf coast of Florida has diurnal tides; that is, one high and one low per day. Water depths are lowest in the morning and moderate to high in the mid-to-late afternoon. The tidal range at Pelican Bay is only about 2′. The rhumb line from the beach to the State Park docks will get down to 5-1/2′ at MLLW. By the time you get to the docks, you’ll see 6-1/2′ or more. There is a deep pool correctly charted on the current charts that carries 9′, which is the deepest water in the bay. Some older charts that are still widely circulated do not show that 9′ pool correctly. If you do not see that deep pool, you do not have the current charts of the basin. The basin is actually a “pass” between Cayo Costa Island to the west and Punta Blanco Island to the east. To the south from Pelican Bay, the water appears visually to be open; but, it is shoal, and not navigable by cruising draft boats. The only access back to the G-ICW from Pelican Bay is the one to the north of Punta Blanco Island, described above.
Armed with this “local knowledge,” you will find Pelican Bay to be a delightful, well protected anchorage with a lot to see and do.
Hope this is useful.
Jim
There are two really good anchorages near Boca Grande entrance to Charlotte Harbor. The second is Pelican Bay at Cayo Costa. This is one of our favorites. Many people avoid it because of the shoal at the entrance. Just hug the beach – stay 25-50 feet off the beach and you will be in 6-9 feet of water. We draw 4.5 feet and anchor here a lot. The beach and park at Cayo Costa are great and again the park is only accessible by boat.
Marty & Jerry Richardson
Pelican Bay is right in my backyard, and I have been there a number of times. The descriptions above are reasonable, although the details change often.
However, the discussion about tides is not correct. The tides in this part of the world cycle from diurnal to semidiurnal twice each month. The diurnal tides are near full moon and new moon, while the semidiurnal tides are near the first and third quarters. There is also an important annual component. The lowest tides tend to be mid-day in the winter and mid-night in the summer.
There are no simple rules that can be conveniently remembered. Even thought the average tidal range is only a couple of feet, tide tables are essential if depth is important to you.
Gene Fuller
Punta Gorda
The nun has now been replaced with a post R74. We were just there 1/20/13.
Frank Cushing
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pelican Bay
Is there any updated info on Pelican Bay accessibility/ permission to anchor there, etc????? Last I've seen is Dec 2022.
We went by several days ago on saw a number of boats anchored there. Can’t go ashore but great location for nice anchorage. Looked like the boats were following the same route into Pelican Bay. Sign is still up.
I did dig a bit deeper and made some calls including to the Florida Park Service where I spoke to a real person. ( I had googled state parks and they gave me a list of other places still closed.) She said that the Cayo Costa is completely closed down and that included the anchorage. She was quite firm about the anchorage even when I said we would not go ashore. Has she ever even seen the place? Probably not. We are going that way anyhow in the next day or two so…….
I’m also looking for status of Cayo Costa. Currently anchored off Ding Darling for our second night. Mangroves look really browned out. Have not tried the dinghy yet to go inside as the entrance looks partially blocked off. Hopefully the tide is still coming up but… We are going to move to Cayo Costa probably tomorrow and will keep our fingers crossed. Came across the lake on Tuesday and very saddened to see Fort Meyers and Cape Coral and now Pine Island.
Jérôme – not a word – have tried for info via Boats US – nothing – seems either no one knows anything – or notinterested in answering.
Paul
I am looking for the same info on Pelican Bay and if boats are even cruising the ICW between Fort Myers and Venice. Have you by heard anything Paul?
Since the passing of Hurricane Ian can anyone tell me if the main entrance off of Marker #74 off the ICW is still navigable with a 5 foot draft???
Thank you.
Paul
Redfish Pass, between Captiva and North Captiva Islands, has always been an issue for deep keel cruisers due to shoaling and off-station markers. See Clarification, Channel and Detailed Notes.
I tried to leave out of Captiva this morning and could not get out. Grounded left, right and center with 6ft keel at high tide. Where the charts say 20 it’s 12. Where they say 12 it’s as low as 6.
James Bostick
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Redfish Pass
York Island Anchorage is located off the southern shores of York Island, well northwest of the ICW’s flashing daybeacon #13. Our thanks to longtime contributor and experienced cruiser, Sonny Reeves, for this report.
At the South end of Pine Island , St James City
Long Cut @ Aprox 26.29.522, 82.5.581
The Long Cut is a pass for fishing boats. The cut is 7-9 ft deep all the way to the curve past short cut. Entrance is well marked. Holding is soft mud. Bugs and fishermen going wide open can be a problem. Otherwise a good protected anchorage with shore facilities and great Keys style on the water restaurants in dink range. Fuel, diesel and some supplies are on Monroe canal. Winn Dixie and other services are at island center.
York Island anchorage @ Approx 26.29.535, 82.5.514 is just off the ICW North at marker R14 or turn North at R10. Exposed to the South and wakes from ICW. The holding is good and the shoreside amenities are not far off. Pine Island is off the path. Not as well known as nearby Sanibel or Captivia.
Click here for photos from Long Cut and York Island anchorage.
Enjoy!
Sonny Reeves
Be Salt and Light, wash feet!
St James City Fl 33956
see blog https://saltlightwashfeet.wordpress.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of York Island Anchorage
Greg Allard shares a photo of the beautiful sunset on Captiva Island, FL.
Captiva Sunset, Captiva Island, FL by Greg Allard
Patricio Island Anchorage lies off the southern banks of Patricio Island, which borders the non-GICW Pine Island Sound channel, east of Useppa Island and north-northeast of the Waterway’s flashing daybeacon #52. Our thanks to Skipper John for this report.
We enjoyed the solitude of this anchorage for 3 nights. Winds were from the SE at 15-20 mph so we hooked up closer to the Broken Islands. It’s nice to be well off the inter-coastal – we had the place completely to ourselves. If you are into bird watching, you will have your share off the Broken Islands. We were also greeted by a Manatee our first night just after setting the hook.
John
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Patricio Island Anchorage
York Island Anchorage is located off the southern shores of York Island, well northwest of the ICW’s flashing daybeacon #13. Our thanks to Skipper John for this report.
We anchored close to York but actually right in front of St James since we wanted a shorter dinghy ride to town. Winds were as predicted from the NW at 10 to 15 MPH so it was a pleasant evening. We got a bit of boat wake bouncing us around in the day time but nice calm evenings. I think there would be less boat traffic in front of York but then you have a longer dinghy ride if you want to go into town. St James is a pretty casual town, a few bars, a minimal general store, nice gift shop, and a pottery shop. Gunk holing the canals of St James in the dinghy was pretty cool.
John
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of York Island Anchorage
Anna’s comments are in contrast to other more favorable reviews of ‘Tween Waters Marina we have received, such as /149457, but seems to be in line with these comments: /148730. Tween Waters Inn and Marina lies southwest of the Roosevelt Channel’s marker #19 off Pine Island Sound.
My husband and I visited this marina before our vacation to preview it. We drove our car and when we got to the marina we weren’t impressed. The docks were in need of repair with nails poking through. We went into the dock masters office to inquire about pricing…the older lady working there was helpful but the gentleman there was to busy to even acknowledge our presence. We even asked him a question and he never looked up at us. Then we went to check out the restaurant and the older lady working there was very rude to us when we inquired about the menu as they weren’t open yet. Needless to say we will never stay at this place.
Anna
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of ‘Tween Waters Marina
You can be at the resort when things are not in sync. But normally you will find Tween Waters a very nice place to visit. We docked there one night recently, having been there by boat numerous times. They were busy with other boats, so instead of waiting we docked ourselves. No worries. The food is good. The pool is fun. The town is just a stroll away. One of our favorite places. Dave Bell, Escapade, Nordic Tug
We had almost the exact same experience last year. Because of their location they are not inclined to be friendly to anyone but their regulars, it is a very nice location, it is very nice to visit but they need new staff and a new attitude, management take notice, it is a service business.
The proposed no-wake zone is primarily around the Boca Grande Swing Bridge at GICW Statute Mile 34.5 at the northern end of Gasparilla Sound. Our thanks to the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs for this report.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gasparilla Sound
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. See /138063 for a description of the channel into South Seas Marina.
Cape Coral Cruise Club returns to South Seas Island Resort & Marina
by Mike Stewart
Member boats docked at South Seas Marina
Member boats docked at South Seas Marina
South Seas Island Resort was the place to be for fun loving CCCC cruisers March 15, 16 17. Fog early on Tuesday, the 15th, did not deter 11 boat skippers from sailing up the sound and arriving safely at the Resort marina to be assisted by the professional dock crew with lines, power and TV cables. (Two boats did not make the run due to last minute mechanical difficulties.) Phil and Lyn Quick, cruise leaders, had matters in hand and the whole evolution went off without a hitch.
Most people, except for our hard core fishermen, either enjoyed the pool or walks on the beach. There was a get together for “docktails” at 5pm, after which we all boarded the trolley for a run to Doc Fords for dinner. After enjoying the wide variety of seafood and land offerings, accompanied by wines and beers of choice, the group rode the trolley back to the marina. Some boaters even had room left for ice cream!
Wednesday morning in the Chart Room our cruise leaders served a sumptuous breakfast of eggs, sausage, fruit, sweet muffins, muffins…..and more! Those ladies assisting by providing the fruit for the menu saw to it that nobody could claim that the selection was sparse. Most of us chose to walk the beaches for a couple of hours before again lounging at the pool. For lunch, cruisers were on their own to eat on board their boat or at an on-site restaurant. Several of us took the trolley to do some shopping off property. There is a great Mexican restaurant within easy walking distance of the resort, down near the Bubble Room. Two more boats arrived to bring our party to 13.
Dinner was prepared by our leaders and their assistants and served in the Chart Room. You just cannot beat barbecued pork loin with baked potatoes and green beans! After dinner the Second Annual “Not so Newlywed Game” entertained everyone. Apparently, only Jon and Elise “know” each other very well, the rest of us really struggled with the questions. And the jury is still out on our Commodore and his karaoke machine that “makes anyone sound like a professional”. I understand that there is evidence otherwise on Facebook!
Thursday, St. Patrick’s Day, and with everyone wearing green, started with a continental breakfast in the Chart Room. Then it was “on your own” until 4:30 pm cocktails. After happy hour, everyone spread to the winds to find a place to have dinner, most of us selecting the Harbourside Bar and Grill a fine restaurant at the marina. At about 7 pm we reconvened at the Chart Room for a “99” tournament, with tokens supplied by the cruise leaders. Mike and Brenda got no good cards at all and were gone early. Leave it to Dee and “newbie” Joanne to wipe out all the others and win the jackpot at their respective table. Way to go ladies!
Friday dawned spectacularly and the hardy cruise group said a fond “farewell” to South Seas Island Resort and safely proceeded home.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of South Seas Island Resort Marina
In spite of its name, Gasparilla Marina is not located on Gasparilla Island, but rather it is to be found along the northeastern banks of the GICW, just south of the Gasparilla Island Causeway/Bridge. The entrance to Gasparilla Marina cuts east off the Western Florida ICW. This facility features a well sheltered harbor and offers superior services. Our thanks to David Burnham for these kind words.
I forgot (nothing new at my age) to look at the fuel prices when we left Gasparilla Marina this morning after an overnight stay on our trip across the sandbar from Gulfport FL, to Jacksonville.
But I have to give the folks at Gasparilla Marina two thumbs up for accommodating us as we arrived at 10pm last night and easily found our assigned reserved slip for our 28 foot Catalina “Synergy” right where they’d described it earlier over the phone. Their facilities are first rate (warm on a very cool night) and we enjoyed our short stop over and a cup of coffee before leaving this morning at 8AM for the next leg to Fort Myers.
David Burnham
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gasparilla Marina
Redfish Channel, which leads cruisers from the Western Florida ICW’s run through Pine Island Sound, and the entrance channel to South Seas Island Resort Marina have both been completely altered within the last year or so. Several earlier postings here on the Cruisers’ Net have noted this change. Skipper Chris is requesting local knowledge.
I have been through this pass 3 times and I am still confused by the way it is marked. Red Right Return from the Gulf brings you through some very shallow waters. Check your GPS chartplotter coming in’¦.quite unnerving! Thankful I draw only a couple feet. Any insight would be helpful! Only one red marker and it appears to be in the middle of a shoal!
Chris
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Redfish Pass
Lots of water- as in 10-30′ 2 tricks –
1) marks are certainly not as charted in the chartlet. they have been moved to keep pace with the shoaling. See: http://media.southseas.com/d/southsea/media/Marina/SSIR_Channel_Map_FINAL.pdf
2) treat the new green mark ‘1’ as an outer rendezvous to get lined up. Especially if you are coming from the south – you can’t just go to the the outer red and head in. stay offshore more; go to green ‘1’ then turn into the pass.
Last up there 2 weeks ago.
Kim
Picnic Island Anchorage is found off the eastern and northeastern shores of Picnic Island, which itself lies just south, southeast of the ICW/Miserable Mile’s unlighted daybeacon #8.
Good for a lunch hook but it is hard to hold here as the current will rip through here. Better holding and less wave action (boats navigating the miserable mile wake) is to the north. I have used the Merwin key anchorage many times and for week long anchoring . 26°30.184’N,82°2.867’W safe journey fair winds 2 U.
RJ Schwandner
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Picnic Island Anchorage
This fine group of boaters, made up of overnight cruisers from the Cape Coral area, is a cruising club worth following as they visit marinas along the West Coast. ‘Tween Waters Inn and Marina lies southwest of the Roosevelt Channel’s marker #19 off Pine Island Sound.
Those arriving early enjoyed sunning, swimming and chatting around the pool. ‘˜Tween Waters’ tiki hut provided many boaters with its’ famous lunch specials. Arriving by car to enjoy docktails and a fabulous, 2-for-1 prime rib dinner in the Old Captiva House at ‘˜Tween Waters were Commodore Lee & Brenda Jetton, Mike & Brenda Stewart, John & Mary Brehm, Bruce & Sue Longman and Rear Commodore Edie Limbright.
Wednesday morning brought us a clear beautiful day. Each of the cruising couples entertained themselves with swimming, poolside lounging, fishing, reading, or bike rides and long walks through town and on the beach. Kelli & Joe Miller came by car to enjoy docktails complete with Phil Kryger’s famous fish bites.
The official ‘˜Tween Waters cruise leader had been sidetracked at the hospital, so Edie and Jim Limbright arriving on Princess, graciously stepped in with marinated flank steak, cooked to perfection right on the dock using a portable camp stove set up by ingenious Phil Kryger. All crews pitched in providing side dishes.
By Thursday morning, after all the storms had skirted ‘˜Tween Waters, the crews of all boats enjoyed a relaxing day. The Taake’s took their grandchildren to the beach only to sight sharks swimming close to the beach. Needless to say, the pool became very appealing. Our group of 16 had a delightful dinner at The Green Flash, followed by a beautiful sunset.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Elise Soyza
Club member boats tied up at ‘˜Tween Waters Resort.
‘˜Tween Waters historical marker
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of ‘Tween Waters Marina
Tween Waters Inn and Marina lies southwest of the Roosevelt Channel’s marker #19 off Pine Island Sound.
Docked at this marina June 3rd 2015 for lunch. Dock-master informed me of `new’ policy, cost $45 TO DOCK FOR LUNCH ! Said I could stay all day and I get a $25 coupon to use on premises. I guess if I got a $25 lunch then docking for the privilege of eating there would only cost $15.00 What a deal! Turned around and promptly left. Cabbage Key is much better and just a little further up the waterway.
Lil Toot
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tween Waters Marina
Each year the Cape Coral Cruise Club makes an extended cruise and, after visiting several marinas on the Gulf Coast, sends us their reports. This report is one of eight marinas they visited in April. In spite of its name, Gasparilla Marina is not located on Gasparilla Island, but rather it is to be found along the northeastern banks of the GICW, just south of the Gasparilla Island Causeway/Bridge. The entrance to Gasparilla Marina cuts east off the Western Florida ICW. This facility features a well sheltered harbor and offers superior services.
The final stop before heading back to Cape Coral was Gasparilla Marina. A final happy hour under a huge canopy by the docks gave the cruising members the opportunity to express their thanks to the cruise leaders for arranging a great itinerary, and or course assuring that the winds were calm and the weather outstanding.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gasparilla Marina
Uncle Henry’s Marina is found at the terminus of the long, southward-flowing channel that cuts off from the West Florida Waterway between the old railway span and the Gasparilla Island causeway bridge.
Arrived with a boat club and 11 boats of various types and sizes. Friendly staff, excellent restrooms and showers. Nearby restaurant (Patricks Thai ) was excellent as well. Convenience store within walking, however if you want to do more shopping a golf cart will be necessary. Beaches within dinghy ride distance with good shelling. We will be back.
Jim Merritt
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Uncle Henry’s Marina
Peekins Ranch Cove anchorage lies west of flashing daybeacon #13 near Gulf Waterway Mile 32.
I would add that there is also little protection from wave action when wind is from the south or south east. Wind generated waves wrap around the small peninsula that appears to offer protection from the south.
Rick Parish
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Peekins Ranch Cove Anchorage
Boca Grande ‘“ Gasparilla Island Basin Anchorage lies on the charted basin, north of the primary Boca Grand entrance channel, which itself lies west, northwest of the West Florida ICW’s unlighted daybeacon #2.
June 7 2014
Basically the anchorage is a wide spot in a very active waterway, with fishing boats coming and going constantly (there was a tarpon tournament that weekend). Necessary to `Med moor’ with a stern anchor near the adjacent mangroves to stay out of the water way. Had a NW wind which was helpful, a SW or South wind would tend to push you into the water way. Whenever there are Mangroves there are bugs so be prepared.
Jim Merritt
Be the first to comment!