Our thanks to Julie Burdick for these kind words, as posted on AGLAC’s Forum. A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Riviera Dunes Marina Resort occupies the Manatee River’s northern banks, just east of the easternmost of three bridges crossing the river at Bradenton and Palmetto near charted Craig Point. See FOCUS ON for more on Riviera Dunes Marina Resort.
We are currently at the Riviera Dunes Marina in Palmetto and really like it. It is up the Manatee River so it is quiet and protected and has floating concrete docks. It offers a nice restaurant, inside and outside bar, 2 pools and nice people. They have marina socials every other Friday too I believe. Although it is not cheap I would consider it fair and reasonable. The other thing we have found very nice is they have a pump out boat that you can have stop by your boat on Thursday for a mere $15. We will be staying there until mid February so if you end up there stop by and say hi… we have been following your youtube videos! Julie Burdick
Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota and south of Longboat Pass.
The Resort at Longboat Key Club Voted in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards TOP 30 RESORTS IN FLORIDA
Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota and south of Longboat Pass.
The options are endless for recreation at The Resort at Longboat Key Club. Reserve two nights this winter to save 20% and receive a daily $50 resort credit to help check those items off your beach vacation bucket list.
Photo courtesy of @govictoria. Offer is based on availability. Additional restrictions and/or blackout dates may apply. Not valid on existing reservations.
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220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228 USA LOCAL 941.383.8821 RESERVATIONS 855.314.3803
The controversy over dredging popular Big Pass, which has never been dredged and is subject to frequent shoaling and channel shifting has been waged since early 2017, see Legal Battles Mount.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota and south of Longboat Pass.
CCCC May Cruise to Sarasota
By Capt. Doug Rhees
Early in the year the CCCC cruise chairman made plans for the May Club cruise to take the Okeechobee Waterway, Caloosahatchee River, east to Lake Okeechobee, cross it and continue on east on the St. Lucie River to Stuart Fl. One of the Club members had made arrangements for 10 boats at Sunset Bay and Marina. As cruise time neared reports of shallow water east of Clewiston in the Lake had several members quite concerned about running aground.
This concern prompted a change in the May20 to 26 cruising dates as the safety of our members and their boats is paramount. We were able to obtain good dock space along with welcoming staff at both Marina Jack and Longboat Key Club in Sarasota. Because of the destination uncertainty and the late date change in venues, our numbers dwindled to just four boats. The trip up from Charlotte Harbor May 20 was pleasant as most boaters chose to run outside in the Gulf. The boat that came up the ICW found a pleasant ride as well with no bridge delays. Once all were docked Happy Hour was enjoyed by all at dockside.
Tuesday saw most members spending some time on boat projects prior to a group dinner at the Marina Jack upper level restaurant. Wednesday we all walked to the shopping area sightseeing and enjoyed a lunch at the Whole Foods store. We had an early group dinner at Owens Fish Camp (a local favorite and quite a unique spot). If you don’t get there early the wait can be very long.
Thursday we departed Marina Jack for a short 5 mile run up Sarasota Bay to the Long Boat Key Club to enjoy their pool and many amenities including the resort’s beach. Some of our group went via Marina shuttle to St. Armands Circle to shop. On day two the group spent time at the pool meeting new friends, and viewing the many large boats slipped at this beautiful facility. The evening meal was a group cookout using grills provided by the Marina.
As happens with most cruises the final day comes too soon and it was time to slip lines and shove off for home. Although some planned to head south on the outside for a faster return time, reports of an increasing south wind kept everyone in the ICW. It was crowded and slower but made for a safe ride home. Even a small group can and did have a great time. Hopefully a run to the east coast will be in the works for 2020.
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
Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, guards the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota and south of Longboat Pass. See Amenities Galore for their current promotions.
The staff at the marina at beautiful Longboat Key Club Moorings wants to send their sincerest thanks to all the Captains, Skippers and Crew who stay with them and, also, to extend a cordial invitation to all cruisers to come and experience their warm hospitality and the area’s many amenities.
Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, guards the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota, and south of Longboat Pass.
Longboat Pass separates Longbeach and Bradenton Beach south of Tampa Bay north of Sarasota, FL Adjustments to the uncharted ATONS in the Pass are a common and frequent USCG procedure and the last dredging was completed in April of ’17 (https://cruisersnet.net/164177). Our thanks to Bob Dockery for this update on earlier confusing marker positions
A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Riviera Dunes Marina Resort occupies the Manatee River’s northern banks, just east of the easternmost of three bridges crossing the river at Bradenton and Palmetto near charted Craig Point.
Fall in love with Florida’s west coast while enjoying the hospitality of Riviera Dunes Marina, Palmetto, Florida.
Never heard of Palmetto, Florida? Ahh, then there’s another reason for adding this destination marina to your cruise plans. Located in a slice of old Florida, but with all the modern amenities. This is a rather new marina, as marinas go. Riviera Dunes Marina began its operations late in 2003. As its reputation grew as a safe and beautiful spot, those who owned their slips in the marina decided to purchase it from its developer and Riviera Dunes Marina is now owned by its slip owners, boaters like you, and operated by marine professionals, so your needs are not only known, but understood and anticipated.
From the north as you follow the Gulf ICW into Tampa Bay, you will want to leave the ICW Course line at Red “70” heading towards Red “2” at the entrance channel to the wide and beautiful Manatee River. Coming from the south, after leaving the Palma Sola Bay behind Anna Maria Island into Tampa Bay, watch for the entrance into the Manatee River off to Starboard shortly after entering the Bay cruising north. The entrance to the marina channel is about five miles up the scenic and wide Manatee River on your Port side. Make a 90 degree turn to Port at Red 24-A to enter the marina entrance channel.
Near Riviera Dunes Marina, you will find a Walmart, a Publix, and a wonderful veterinarian, Dr. Jack Beal, who is also an avid boater. Then just across the river is the town of Bradenton with its river walk park and Old Town Bradenton, where you will discover lots of excellent restaurants, the South Florida Museum and other interesting places. There is also a West Marine in Bradenton that can be reached easily with “uber”.
What ever your needs, there are ample resources to keep your cruise plans fully accommodated.
Riviera Dunes Marina has been recognized as West Florida’s best protected marina. With ten-foot wide, floating docks, 50 and 100-amp power and onSpot wifi for the best internet connections.
Ready to mingle and catch up on all the latest places your fellow skippers and crew have enjoyed? There is a large social deck just for the boaters with tables, chairs, umbrellas and, for those who want to cook some fresh fish or their own special creations, there are four “clean” gas grills for everyone to enjoy, as they prepare their galley delights. What better way to wrap up a day, making new friends while relaxing with your favorite libations?
A very nice, comfortable social deck located so that it is in a “for boaters only area.”
Riviera Dunes provides stable, wide concrete floating docks. They make it so easy to board, clean and move around your vessel. Plenty of room for dock carts being used and for a nice casual walk around the marina.
And the wide fairways provide a comfortable margin while entering or leaving your slip.
Need to stretch those muscles, get all the parts moving again without the pounding of the feet or knees, then you know there is nothing like a nice swim. Riviera Dunes Marina has two separate pools, one for families where kids are welcomed, and one for adults only. Both are heated for winter comfort. So, these pools are ready when you arrive, to provide you with a comfortable area for exercise and or pure relaxation.
Arrive hungry and take advantage of the onsite Dockside Social Bar and Grill. The name says it all. A local dining favorite, where you may enjoy views of the marina while dining inside or out in the open-air atmosphere.
When you dock your vessel with Riviera Dunes, the premier Bradenton-Palmetton area marina, you will be able to use your tender to explore up and down the river where the landscape of old Florida with moss draped Live Oaks and all sorts of Palm trees. Even stopping in at another favorite eating spot on the river called “Woody’s River Rue”.
Or head down to DeSoto National Memorial Park or just across on the north side is Emerson Park with its delightful walking nature trails. These are just a few of the many enjoyable things to do in the area.
Big Sarasota Pass which, with its frequent channel shifts and shoals, connects the Gulf with the Gulf Waterway and the southern tip of Sarasota Bay. Ongoing controversy surrounding the dredging has focused primarily on environment issues. See also Dredging Permit Approved.
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is a great liveaboard marina located on the western shore of Tampa Bay in downtown St. Pete. Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and voted Best Small Marina in 2017, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13. These good words for St. Pete Municipal Marina and Pink Shell Resort Marina are from Dan Sherburn as posted on AGLCA’s Forum.
I second the St Pete Municipal. Great marina and close to downtown. Great stop. I also enjoyed Pink Shell (Ft Myers) and Tarpon Point (resort like marina in Cape Coral). Dan Sherburn
As confirmation of our earlier posting, Red Tide Spreads Along Gulf Coast, this onsite report of the discomforts of being in the vicinity of red tide comes from our friend, Jeffrey Guttenberger, as posted on AGLCA’s Forum.
We decided in early July to stay in SWFL and cruise her for the summer, then start the loop in March, 2019. As it turns out, that wasn’t a good plan. The fresh waters down here are filled with green/blue algae and the coastal waters all have red tide. We can’t be on the boat because we’re both coughing and sneezing. The water down here (Ft. Myers area) is not good. Jeffrey and Cathy Guttenberger
Toxic red tide is making Floridians sick — and angry Red tides in the Gulf of Mexico and toxic blue-green algae in inland waters are killing animals and stoking outrage in South Florida. by James Rainey / Aug.03.2018 / 3:13 PM ET
Sarasota grapples with red tide’s effects from YourObserver.com Sarasota beaches were inundated with the unpleasant sights and smells associated with red tide this weekend. How does the community deal with the fallout?
Twin Dolphin Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, sits perched on the southern shores of Manatee River, just short of the Highway 41 Business bridge. We get lots of praise, like these good words from AGLCA member Kathy Anderson, for this fine marina and their commitment to facility upgrades, see FOCUS ON.
Twin Dolphins marina in Bradenton is in our top 5 marinas from our western 1/2 loop in 2014. Close to downtown which has a Saturday market, and it has a lovely restaurant onsite. It also abuts the river walk which is great for walkers and runners. Plus they have fun Christmas decorations and not far from Siesta Key/Sarasota (except for seasonal traffic). They have a pool, as well as the usual amenities. When we visited on our land vacation this past winter they were making some improvements to some of the docks. Kathy Anderson
Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, guards the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota, and south of Longboat Pass. Our thanks to Tom and Julie of AGLCA Forum for allowing us to share their comments.
We have stayed at Longboat Key Club Moorings for 6-12 weeks for three winters now. Great resort facilities, beach across the street to walk, Publix and CVS across the golf course….I could go on. Great spot to have visitors and an easy bus ride or Uber into Sarasota. Great cruising grounds as well with St Pete/ Clearwater to North and Captiva/Boca Grande and Fort Myers to the south. Tom & Julie Van Hall Sum Escape
Twin Dolphin Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, sits perched on the southern shores of Manatee River, just short of the Highway 41 Business bridge. We get lots of praise for this fine marina and their year-round community involvement.
TWIN DOLPHIN MARINA Making Improvements For Boaters’ Enjoyment
It is encouraging when we see destination marinas investing in the comfort and enjoyment of liveaboards and visiting cruisers alike.
Speeler & Associates, Inc., removed the older docks at Twin Dolphin Marina and then Gator Dredging did the dredging inside the marina basin.
Twin Dolphin Marina is located about five miles east of Tampa Bay up the Manatee River in the heart of Bradenton, Florida. The marina is in the final stages of making investments in its facilities to enhance its role in serving boaters and the community as Bradenton’s “anchor marina.” It is ideally located within very short walking distance to the historical area, great restaurants, the South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium, Village of the Arts, and area shopping. Twin Dolphin Marina is at the western edge of Bradenton’s beautiful Riverwalk with its amphitheater, all adding to a visitors enjoyment. Want to get off your boat for a few days and be just across the street from your vessel, a new hotel is going up close by that will provide additional rooms for visitors coming by land or sea.
East Basin where new docks are being installed.
The marina basin is divided by the historic Memorial Pier, where the popular and on-site PIER-22 restaurant is located. The marina offers 225 slips with floating docks. In order to serve current customers, the marina management is doing the renovations in specific sections to keep disruptions to a minimum. The improvement efforts currently underway involve replacing 144 older slips with new aluminum docks and durable composite non-corrosive decking. The reconfigured east basin will be able to host larger vessels as they will be increasing several slip sizes up to 110 feet. Additionally, modern electrical service for 30, 50, and 100 amps will be in place along with slip pump-outs, potable water and fire suppression protection.
For sure, Twin Dolphin Marina is one of those marinas with the facilities to offer their customers a full experience while visiting for a few days, several weeks, or making it their home-port.
As Marina Manager, Cynthia Belfatto, says, “We are so proud of how these improvements will serve our guests and full time residents who enjoy our resort life-style amenities, on-site award winning restaurant, marina pool and captain’s lounge, and beautiful setting along the Manatee River.”
Whatever criteria you use in choosing ports to visit, Twin Dolphin Marina most likely meets them all and is one destination port-of-call you will want to include in your cruise plans.
PHOTO GALLERY – Click image to enlarge
View of PIER 22 restaurant across the east basin where new docks are being installed
Floating dock posts installation
Wave attenuation barrier protects the marina
Street Entrance to Twin Dolphin Marina
Entrance to Pier 22 and West Basin of Marina
Canopied entrance to PIER 22.
Museum Expansion
Street entrance to South Florida Museum with Planetarium and Aquarium
Manatee Riverwalk goes right by Twin Dolphin Marina
Good news for Sarasota boaters! Big Sarasota Pass which, with its frequent channel shifts and shoals, connects the Gulf with the Gulf Waterway and the southern tip of Sarasota Bay. No time line is given for the dredging project.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has granted a permit to dredge Big Pass as part of a Lido Key shoreline re-nourishment project. State grants permit for proposed Big Pass dredge from YourObserver.com
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