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1. ron -  May 26, 2010 - 2:18 pm

   We’ve spent weeks at Factory Bay waiting for weather. It is well protected and you have access to everything you need. The bottom is all mud and if you have a Danforth, it won’t hold in a blow. We dragged twice with two hooks set-Danforth and Fortress, in a blow and had to change to our heavier plow to dig and sink in the mud for a good hold. Also, if you stay a bit longer than anticipated, your anchor rode will be studded with tiny seashells and a muddy mess when you pull the hook.

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2. Capt. RL& Karen -  December 16, 2009 - 11:17 am

   We anchored between R14 & G15 along with 2 other boats on Monday 12/14/09, just across from the Snook Restaurant. Lots of water and had entertainment for the evening. Just follow the markers into Capri Pass…lots of water here. Will definitely come back.
   Capt. RL & Karen
   s/v Last Call
   45′ Island Trader, ketch

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3. Claiborne -  August 28, 2009 - 8:42 am

   I’ve been into Factory Bay twice this year and each time the police pass, wave and keep going. There have always been other boats anchored there, as well.
   Jake Dye

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1. Jim Merritt -  May 18, 2015 - 12:32 pm

   Anchored twice in Smokehouse Bay in May of this year (2015) and found the bay and the holding excellent. The Winn Dixie dock around the corner under the bridge was very convenient. The only note I would add that isn’t in the previous postings is that the navigation markers from the pass through Collier bay on the chart plotter do not match what is actually there. The marked channel runs out at “12” with three possible directions. Take the residential channel directly ahead and after going around a bend you will see smokehouse bay and “13”.

   SV Latitude Adjustment

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2. Lee Oldershaw -  May 1, 2014 - 1:20 pm

   Smokehouse Bay has a fairly narrow 3′ mlw bar running north south in the center of the north half of the bay. Depths outside this bar around the edges of the bay are typically 12′ in soft, smelly mud. There’s plenty of room to anchor away from the bar in the eastern half of the bay away from the entry channel that heads south to the marina. The shallowest spot is in entrance route in the eastern corner of Collier Bay at 25 57.955N, 81 43.900W. Keep away from the marker R2 and hug the seawalls as you make the turn to starboard but watch for outbound vessels that don’t know why you’re doing that. A 6′ draft can be carried to the bay.
   The bar in Smokehouse Bay can be faintly seen in the aerial view of the Collier County Property Appraisers GIS web site at http://www.collierappraiser.com/webmap/Map.aspx?ccpaver=1.9.2&msize=L when you zoom in. The cloudy water on the west side of the bay is not shallow.
   Lee Oldershaw

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3. Ken & Alta -  March 14, 2014 - 3:33 am

   Dear Cruisers, I’ve been reading your posts re: Smokehouse Bay in Marco Is.. Unfortunately, nobody has mentioned (or I haven’t noticed) the boat types involved. Our vessel is a 43′ Beneteau with a 5’7″ draft; would any of you be able to confirm to me the suitability of Smokehouse for our vessel? We appreciate your time and wish all fair winds. Ken & Alta (SV Alta Gracia)

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4. Lee Oldershaw -  August 5, 2013 - 9:06 am

   After being advised by the Marco Is. city attorney, that the Esplanade Marina was in violation of PUD agreements by restricting public docking at the Marina in Smokehouse Bay, The management entity of the Esplanade complex has advised the marina staff to cease enforcing the restriction that public dock users can only use the dock while patronizing Esplanade businesses. The signs should be removed shortly and the city of Marco should be accessible from the Esplanade dock. The “Dumas Gang” of the successful Marco anchoring challenge participated in this effort by researching documents and bringing them to the city’s notice. The City of Marco Island was on the boaters side this time.
   Lee Oldershaw

   August 7, 2013
   With the dawn of a new day, the Esplanade Marina Association has not yet complied with the request by Commercial Realty Corporation ( CRC ), the commercial owner of the 8 public slips to remove the restrictive docking signage. I don’t know how much longer this will be in limbo. There is some indication they may be intransigent about the issue. The City of Marco Island and CRC seem to be in agreement that the current docking restrictions do not conform to the Land Use Summary of the 1998 Development Agreement. We’ll keep you informed.
   Lee Oldershaw

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5. Lee Oldershaw -  May 20, 2013 - 1:21 pm

   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 dinghy dock at the south end and you are within walking distance of anything you desire; West Marine, hardware store, Winn-Dixie ( dinghy dock ), rental car, many restaurants, propane, etc. On island taxi’s are about $7. 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

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6. Marty & Jerry Richardson -  November 15, 2011 - 10:50 am

   Whole heartily endorse the anchorage in Smokehouse Bay on Marco (this is where the Esplanada is. Dinghy under the bridge and Winn-Dixie has a dingy dock you can use. There is also a great Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays – we always plan to hit there on our way through.
   Marty & Jerry Richardson

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7. Herman -  February 24, 2011 - 3:30 pm

   I read your listing of Smokehouse Bay. And I was happy to see it. This is the best anchorage on the west coast of Florida. The chart you have bears no resemblance to reality. I don’t know if there is a more recent one, I am going to have to look around, if you are interested. There are all new markers which were put in when the marina was built. The channel is very well marked. Coming in from the Marco River it typically 8+ feet. The only shallow spot is by the first turn to starboard which is 5+ or so feet at dead low tide. The water is the deepest hugging the pilings and seawall. After that spot there is 8+ feet by following the markers into Smokehouse Bay. Smokehouse Bay is deep 10+ feet. There is only one shallow spot which is behind the first green marker on the way into the bay. Even with that there is deep water between the marker and the seawall. The problem is just that relatively small spot of about 4+ feet. The bottom is mud, so make sure your anchor is caught.
   Herman

   I e-mailed Captain Herman back, and asked if the “small spot of 4+ foot water” was part of the entrance channel, and, if so, where it would be encountered. As you will see, this one shallow spot is NOT part of the entry cut, and is easily avoided!

   The area in question is not in a channel but rather a small area in the west end of the anchorage and can be easily avoided.
   Herman

   Reply to Herman
8. Nicole -  January 11, 2011 - 11:41 am

   GREAT GREAT ANCHORAGE.
   Chris, the dockmaster at Esplanade, is fantastic. Give him the courtesy of checking in with him (we walked over from the dinghy dock at Winn Dixie) and he will treat you like gold. Fantastic guy.
   It was mentioned to us that other cruising boats have “snuck” onto the dock early in the morning to take on water and leave their trash. The marina considers this trespassing, just a word to the wise. (besides if you ask the dockmaster he will probably let you do both of these things, just ask!)
   One warning: We were warned by a helpful person on the dock that if you anchor here for more than 4 consecutive nights the shoreside neighbors will call the Coast Guard and tell them you have been there for a long time and must be pumping out in the water. Apparently the CG will then send one of their small boats to visit you and I assume, do a safety and head check. Not a big deal (kind of a waste of the CGs time I think) but good to know in the event in happens to you.
   Esplanade will pump you out for free if you give them a call on VHF 16.
   Nicole

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9. Jerry Richardson -  December 15, 2010 - 11:57 am

   Have to agree with the postings on Smokehouse Bay. We use this as our primary anchoring spot when at Marco Island. Restaurants at the Esplanade are great, along with being easy walking distances to supermarkets, West Marine and a load of restaurants. One nice thing is that you can dinghy under the bridge and then bear to the left and use the dinghy dock located at the Winn-Dixie to do your shopping. Easier than shopping by car !!!!
   Jerry Richardson

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10. S/V Two If By Sea -  December 15, 2010 - 11:57 am

    We visited Smokehouse Bay in April. When entering after the Pass, you do need to hug the condo side of the channel and then follow the markers. Plenty of water and good holding. The marina is boater/dinghy friendly, which is a nice change from Marco River Marina and Factory Bay. I would recommend you do a courtesy checking with the dockmaster at Esplanade. They prefer the dinghies to be docked at certain spots. Smokehouse Bay is only about 10 minutes further in than Factory Bay and is well worth it.
    S/V Two If By Sea

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1. Claiborne -  April 5, 2010 - 11:30 am

   If you decide to stop in the Marco Island area I’ll share info on an anchorage there that I picked up from another T & T contributor a couple of years ago.
   Take a look at a spot a short distance north of Marco Island along the channel between Naples and Marco Island, NW of R 14 (25 59.972N, 081 44.564W). It’s not very impressive on the chart, but is beautifully protected by mangroves and shallows, has great holding, and there is plenty of room for two or three boats. IMHO it’s far superior to the commonly recommended spot in Factory Bay, with its sloppy mud poor holding. The downside is that there no easy dinghy access to shore or facilities. Also, there is some wave action from passing boats in the channel, but that all stops at dark, since those channel markers are not lighted. Was even able to get fair wifi from some source there.
   Dan Stone
   St. Pete

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2. George -  November 30, 2009 - 7:36 am

   We anchored here oer the Thanksgiving weekend. We draw 5’8″ and had no issues. We entered Capri Pass at low tide (0.9′ above MLW) and our lowest reading was 8′. We did favor the south side of the channel as shoaling to the north was pretty evident and we were concerned that it may be shoaling into the channel. The shoaling did help break the seas. Entering into the channel we still favored the starboard side until after turning north, at which point we favored the port side. You will feel the wake of passing boats, but for us it didn’t seem to be much of a problem. A front blew through so we had fairly strong north winds and Umbrella Island afforded a reasonable lee. Holding was very good, but the mud is sticky. We anchored pretty much right over the anchor in the chartlet provided by the Cruising Guide to Western Florida (we carry it and the Cruising Guide to the Florida Keys aboard) . It was pretty nice sitting in a peaceful and pretty anchorage, with fresh backed cookies and coffee and our diesel fireplace going.
   s/v John Galt
   Tayana 37

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1. Linda -  January 25, 2012 - 3:04 pm

   During the week, you can have your own private Gulf side beach in this little piece of paradise. This is a very quiet anchorage in the evening. Some shoaling of the long channel coming in but our 6 foot draft s/v made it eventually on a rising mid tide.
   Linda

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2. Capt. Sterling -  April 28, 2010 - 1:08 pm

   Love the anchorage! Always stop here.
   Quiet, except for weekends. In a no wake zone if you go all the way down. Good holding , excellent protection, nice views. Beaches.
   Captain Sterling

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1. Claiborne -  August 27, 2009 - 9:13 am

   Gordon’s pass continues to shoal on the North side so favor the red. It’s about 7 feet( IF FAVORING THE RED!) at MLLW tides it’s no problem but, I perfer a deeper water passage (8 feet MLLW) it runs on a SW heading(if your out bound) just after you pass the breakwater simply head SW. This puts all markers to the WNW or seaward of your track line as you depart. I use that route about 10 times a week doing charters (6 foot draft)or with my own boat that draws 6’8″. I like that route and use it in all sea conditions as it gets me away from the big wake maker monster boats much faster which is safer for my passengers.But it also keeps you away from the ebb tide current much longer. This is nice if a seabreeze or a frontal passage has kicked the waves up as it\’s a much smoother passage.
   There is another trouble spot during low water. If you draw over 5 1/2 feet and the tide is very low consider hugging green # 13 if you don\’t, and make for red #12 (staying on the proper side for incomming traffic) you will find shoaling about 200 feet before arriving at red #12. Once you pass by 13 (going inbound) you will be fine to get back on the proper side of the channel.
   Now I add the disclaimer to be very careful to get past the end of the breakwater before turning and try this passage in settled weather until you are comfortable with it ect, ect….But in the effort to share info, give it a try sometime you’ll like it.
   You can still anchor in the nice coves out of the current and wakes amongst the big houses. This is a great spot to overnight saving the 3 mile run up river. The most popular cove is about 150 feet before arriving at green #13. Just turn North to enter this cove. But remember you have to hug the western shore for the deepest waters. If you stay TIGHT (like 20 feet of the dock pilings!)to the western shore you\’ll have 6.5 feet at MLLW. Many boats anchor in this cove which has a very soft bottom. But if you hug the this western shore and see another bay that opens up as you look due East you can turn to starboard and head up in there. Note that as you head across this first bay and away from the western shore you where hugging the depth will get shallow. This is a very soft bottom and we get through this part with our 6′.8″ draft at a zero tide. But we have the RPM’s up as we trudge on through this soft muck. As you reach the enterance to this next bay the depth will drop off to about 8 feet. This is the bay to raft up as you are in total idle speed protection. Either bay is a great anchorage area but all private, please don’t take your dog ashore even to an empty lot as I’ve seen a cruiser do! That behaviour makes it harder on us who fight and speak in city concil meetings etc for anchor rights.

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1. Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE) -  March 25, 2010 - 10:14 pm

   I meant to add that Sea Tow was dealing with a sailboat that was on the charted shoal on the north side entering the canal. Be sure to stay close to the green 21 side going in for good depths.

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2. Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE) -  March 25, 2010 - 10:06 pm

   Have anchored here twice, most recently on March 20. The mud is no worse than many other places (or maybe we North Carolinians are more used to mud!) It is a very quiet anchorage surrounded by nice homes. The only drawback is there is no way to go ashore closeby that we know of,

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3. Charlie Singmaster -  July 17, 2009 - 2:45 pm

   Great protection but very ugly mud on the bottom. As the tide changes you will circle the anchor and dredge up some real smelly stuff. A good anchor wash down is a must.

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1. Ron Dwelle -  May 3, 2013 - 7:31 am

   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

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