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
The Harborage at Bayboro is a very large marina complex, located just south of even larger St. Petersburg Municipal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR), at the western tip of the Bayboro Channel, west of Tampa Bay’s marker #S. There is an on-site restaurant, but it is not nearly as simple to walk to all of downtown St. Petersburg’s many restaurants and shops from this facility, as is true from St. Pete Municipal Marina. Nevertheless, the Harborage is a superior marina that many cruisers will thoroughly enjoy!
We have kept our boat at Harborage Marina for the past 8 years, and are now liveaboards. We have a nice mix of seasonal, occasional and liveaboard boaters. We love the floating docks, great swimming pool, on site restaurant and many other amenities. We are within walking distance of downtown St Pete but much quieter than the Municipal Marina. Bayboro Harbor is very well protected and has easy access to the bay. We do not have as much rocking during rough weather as our friends @ other downtown marinas. Highly suggest you check it out. Susan & Joe Chilberg Set Free ’88 Monk 36
I had three consecutive annual contracts in Harborage until October 2007, I was leaving on a 12 month offshore cruise in May 2008 and asked if I could have an extension until then. This was refused on the grounds that ‘ we only do 12 month contracts’ and at some inconvenience I had to relocate for six months. I had never been in arrears and had caused no `trouble’. I completed a transatlantic circuit and you can be sure that I put every one I met who expressed any interest in western Florida in the picture about this and can only hope that this marina now adopts a more customer friendly policy. David Watkins, s/v `Swift `, Palmetto.
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina guards the western shores of Tampa Bay, in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, FL. There are many dining possibilities within walking distance. This is one of the best managed, large municipal marinas it has been my privilege to review over the last 30 years, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR.
St Petersburg Municipal Marina is one of the largest liveaboard “approved” marina and offers the benefits of being downtown and within walking distance of all needs and attractions. Keyed gates secured with 24X seven security and cameras. dedicated parking,keyed mail box, etc, etc, etc,.. Plus the St Pete area is a wealth of boat technicians from it’s boat building eras. What is amazing about St Pete is it’s vibrancy of venues, events, shops, restaurants, museums, performing arts, sports venues, large hospitals college, etc., etc. etc. I all our cruising we find it to offer the most at a great price point. Joe Pica Carolyn Ann
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
Marina Operations/Marina Jacks abuts the east-northeastern shores, to the northeast of red unlighted daybeacon #8A in Sarasota Bay, in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Florida.
I love the mooring field, dink over to O’Learys Tiki Bar and walk to Marina Jacks from there. Short walk to downtown and lots to do there. Marina Jacks has the best showers anywhere, if they only had a pool it would be perfect. Cambren Davis
Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove lies in the charted, water tank shaped cove, immediately east of the northernmost extreme of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and causeway.
Great little marina, two pools and hot tub, tiki bar and good restaurant. Not much within walking distance. Very reasonable rates, fills up on weekends. Entrance channel a little shallow in spots at low tide, not too bad though if you go slow. Keep left around red at entrance, then ease back to the right. Cambren Davis
Bradenton Beach Marina lies at the terminus of the charted, L-shaped channel cutting in from the Cortez Bridge’s southwestern corner in Bradenton Beach, FL
Stayed for two nights, had only planned staying one. Good solid marina, friendly staff, great location. Lots of restaurants nearby and cool free trolley on the island, great beach. I would definitely stay again. Cambren Davis
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, Riviera Dunes Marina Resort occupies a mostly uncharted harbor along Manatee River’s northern banks, just east of the easternmost of three bridges crossing the river at Bradenton and Palmetto (near charted Craig Point).
While the basin that the marina is located in is not charted, it is not large enough to require charting. The shallowest water found is the channel to the basin. Our boat is in this marina and normally has over 15′ of water under her. The marina is well maintained, the staff is great, the location is excellent. Rob Homan
Cape Haze Marina Bay flanks the eastern shores of the ICW/Lemon Bay, south of unlighted daybeacon #9.
Stayed at Cape Haze Marina overnight on May 27, 2013. Friendly staff, very helpful Showers are comfortable and clean, but close at 5:00 pm. This is a well protected marina that is well worth the price. Manuel Farinas
Twin Dolphin Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, sits perched on the southern shores of Manatee River, just short of the Highway 41 Business bridge.
Stayed at Twin Dolphin again this year for three nights, and as usual, the service was outstanding. The pool and Jacuzzi is a welcome change of pace from cruising and the occasional anchoring out. This is a top-notch facility with very helpful and courteous staff. Will repeat next year. Manuel Farinas Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Twin Dolphin Marina
Smokehouse Bay lies in the heart of northern Marco Island. This fortunate body of water plays host to Esplanade Marina and a good anchorage. Its entrance channel leaves the unofficial Marco Island to Naples waterway west of marker #14.
This is one of the best small town harbors in Florida. When entering Smokehouse Bay from the north, keep on the west side of the bay. There is a narrow, north-south 3′ MLW mud shoal in the center of the north half of the bay. The shoal can be circumnavigated on the edges of the bay. Depths are mostly 9-12′ in slimy mud; be prepared to hose down when retrieving your ground tackle. Allow your anchor to set a while before setting as the mud is soft and deep. There is a 1 hour dinghy dock at the Winn Dixie, and you are within walking distance of anything you desire; West Marine, hardware store, rental car, many restaurants, propane, etc. On island taxis are $10 for up to four people. We’ve lived here 34 years and if we didn’t live here, this would be our premier cruising destination now that anchoring is unrestricted. Lee Oldershaw
Tierra Verde Marina is located directly on the Western Florida ICW, just west of the Pinellas Bayway Bridge, northwest of marker #22. This facility went through a major rebuilding only a year or so ago.
Stayed one night on our 31 foot sailboat. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. They only have 50 amp service, but were able to hook up to their outlet. No showers, but is in a nice location when going to/from Tampa Bay and the Gulf Intracoastal. Manuel Farinas
Recommendations of this type from fellow cruisers make for some of the best information you can get!
Call Dan Matos, marine engine surveyor (239-461-0366), and Steven Berlin, Accredited Marine Surveyor (239-466-45440 , They are both from Ft. Myers. Reported to be one of the best in Florida. We used them both on our new (new to us) Heritage East 44. Good luck, Ron on “Meander”
We have used Dan on two occassions. He is VERY GOOD, thorough and you can have confidence you are getting the best rests Mary Anne Osborne
Rose Marco River Marina overlooks the southwestern shores of Marco Island’s Factory Bay, which sits south-southwest of the Marco – Naples waterway’s unlighted daybeacon #15. Marco Island is on the Gulf coast south of Naples.
We spent three nights at RMRM recently. Nice floating docks, great fuel and dock prices and a helpful staff. It is a short walk to a hardware store, convenience store and restaurant. A taxi company offers complementary RT transport to selected local restaurants ‘“ a nice service. Albert Howes, Chaparral Signature 270 ‘“ JAH Love
This posting was prompted by a recent recommendation for a fuel delivery service in the Fort Myers area: /?p=113209. Manatee County is the Bradenton area south of Tampa. Cruisers’ Net would like to hear the opinions of our readers on the issue of truck-to-boat fuel delivery. Please use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link found on the upper right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages.
Cruising News: Our Homeowners Association in Manatee County has banned the delivery of fuel to vessels in our community. I am trying to find out if this ban is legal. I am aware of three locations where such bans were overturned or rescinded. Dania, North Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. The delivery service we were using is fully insured and has been in business for many years. Les Martin
Naples City Moorings are located south of the Naples City Pier and west, northwest of marker #34.
One requirement of using the Naples City moorings is that you get a pump-out first at the City Dock’“no exceptions, even though we had been pumped out the previous day at Fort Myers Beach. We understand that this is a city requirement. Ron Dwelle
Well, of course, Legacy Harbour Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!! Legacy Harbour Marina’s entrance is located on the Okeechobee Waterway/Caloosahatchee River, east of marker #49.
Cruising News: A-1 Fuel Services (239-246-4777) is a tanker service to marinas in the Marco, Naples and Ft. Myers area. Marinas that do not sell fuel will generally allow A-1 to come and fill up vessels. Minimum is 100 gallons and they only deliver on weekdays. They deliver to Legacy Marina in Ft. Myers which does not sell fuel. Among the lowest fuel prices in southwest FL. They need at least 1 day notice and prefer 2 days before delivery. Mike Negley
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies west, northwest of Tampa Bay’s flashing buoy #3. Enjoy this very complete on-site description of this large municipal marina in downtown St. Petersburg.
Claiborne, as you asked a couple of weeks back as we left the Keys, here is a report on St Petersburg Municipal Marina. I will not recap the many published statistics on depths, etc, etc. For the newbie to this area (us), it is important to understand that the entrance is just a bit tricky because this marina is located in the Central Yacht Basin between North Yacht Basin (known locally as Vanoy Basin) and South Yacht Basin, where the St Petersburg Sailing Center is located. The St Petersburg Municipal Pier sticks a goodly distance into the bay between North (Vanoy) Basin and Central Basin; so there is little confusion about the difference in those two basins. However, there is a “Y” in the channel as you enter the breakwater to the Municipal Marina which allows a right turn into the Central Basin or a left turn into the South Basin . The sometimes noisy local small aircraft airport is located immediately to the south of South Basin but was not a nuisance at the transient pier. By the way, the “upside down pyramid” which has long marked the end of The Pier is scheduled to close very soon and be demolished. A grandiose design has been offered up, but there is local dissention about what will ultimately grace this area. Further confusing to the newbie is the fact that there are three separate landside marina entrances to their three separate piers (each with an office at the locked entrance), and the St Petersburg Yacht Club also resides in Central Basin. The long transient alongside-tie pier is part of the North Entrance pier structure and is quite easily seen once you enter central basin. You just angle right about 30 degrees to enter the basin from the breakwater entrance and then dogleg left about the same and look for the long pier. Piers are fixed, and tide is a couple of feet. We had to step on the handrails of our GB-42 at low tide in order to get aboard. Power was adequate with 30- and 50-Amp plugs at each pedestal. A limited cable TV service was provided, but was essentially worthless due to the poor channel selection. Potable water tasted good with no hint of sulfury “beach water” we encountered in marina near the coast. The northern portion of the basin is subject to the effects of easterly wind. We had some light winds from that direction during a part of our stay and rocked gently. Strong easterly winds might make it uncomfortable. We were not certain how long we intended to stay while awaiting a Gulf-crossing weather window to get home to the panhandle so we decided to sign up for a week, which the staff said they would rebate if we left early. The weekly “slip rate” before taxes for our Grand Banks 42 was $283.08 or a bit less than a dollar a foot per day while the daily rate was about 2 bucks a foot. Since my wife fell ill with a stomach virus and was out of commission for several days, we ended up needing at least four days, and by the fourth night, we were ahead of the game had we been paying a daily rate. The facilities are very clean and well kept without any of the usual rust and grime one so often sees in marina bathrooms and showers. The staff is friendly and helpful – ignore the one negative comment on Active Captain, except for the warning about strong easterly winds the guy must have encountered. We find the downtown area of this small city to be almost European in atmosphere with cultural, dining, and shopping clustered close to the marina amongst buildings in which people also live. The nearby college probably has something to do with this. In previous trips up and down the west coast of Florida, we were busy getting to some place else and ignored this place, but it really should be a destination in any trip by here. It is easily accessible from the ICW by simply running under the causeway of the Sunshine Skyway bridge to Bradenton and following the well-marked channel a few miles up the bay. There is a trolley stop outside the entrance to the north piers of the marina and 50 cents (25 for folks over 55) gets you aboard. It connects with buses which will run you all the way to the beaches and even Tarpon Springs. Rich Gano Calypso (GB42 Hull # 295) Panama City area, FL
Pink Shell Resort and Marina - Click for Chartview
The Pink Shell Resort guards the southern shores of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of Moss Marine, making this new marina the first facility encountered as one enters from the waters of the open Gulf. This fresh facility is clearly a GREAT addition to the cruising scene for the waters hard by the southerly genesis of the Western Florida ICW, and the westerly extreme of the Okeechobee Waterway/Caloosahatchee River.
We just stayed at the Pink Shell resort 1st week April and what a fantastic Marina with a great Pool and beach access also and great if you have kids too. They let us use the spa bathrooms and shower and the woman could not stop talking how great they were and the price very reasonable $2.00 per ft’ Nick
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