Punta Blanco inner anchorage will be found on the charted bubble of deep water virtually surrounded by Punta Blanco.
If you are looking for a secluded anchorage to hide out from a strong wind, this is the spot! Getting in with a chartplotter isn’t nearly as daunting as it used to be without one- just watch the depth sounder. There is a small sand `beach’ where you can land with the dinghy. We didn’t, but a local boat pulled right up on the sand and the folks went exploring. A long dinghy ride from the state park though. Jean Thomason
We can attest from a dinghy visit and speaking with those anchored there, that is a nice spot, with a few caveats. If a large boat gets there first and takes up the middle of the deep water, it is tough for another larger boat to fit. Second, as the description states, it is VERY easy to wind up aground, as we did. It is not always possible to read the water depth visually. Duane Ising
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.
We come to Bradenton every year and always stay for a few days at Twin Dolphin Marina. Everything is top-notch and the staff are friendly and helpful. The only difference for us is that this year we extended our stay to a week! Jean Thomason
I echo Jean’s comments. Our YC visits Twin Dolphins each year as part of our cruise schedule. A great destination, a great facility with excellent amenities, and a great staff. Whit Sibley
Otter-Lido Key Anchorage can be found southwest of unlighted daybeacon #7, on the approach channel leading to the Sarasota Yacht Club.
The wind in November has forced us to seek some protected anchorages and this is one of them. A distance off the waterway but easy to get to and quite protected from that persistent NE wind. Jean Thomason
In addition to recent news of a fully operational pumpout boat, see /?p=119532, Capt.Hyde adds these perks to anchoring in Punta Gorda, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! on Western Florida’s Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.
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
Our thanks to Captain Mary Dixon, for sending us this good news for cruisers visiting SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Punta Gorda, on Western Florida’s Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.
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
Little Shark River Outer Anchorage - Click for Chartview
Little Shark River is an interesting, but sometimes very buggy anchorage that lies well south of Everglades City and a short hop north of Cape Sable. It is one of the most backwater cruising possibilities in all of Florida. The SSECN recommends three Little Shark River anchorages in our Western Florida Anchorage Directory, but there are actually several dozen spots you might choose to drop the hook. As beautifully described below, Captain Libby chose the Little Shark River Outer Anchorage.
Recently enjoyed a wonderful 2-week cruise from Cape Coral, FL to Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL late Oct/early Nov. 2013. Anchored in Little Shark River off Red “4” and it was an incredible experience! Unbelievable fishing, dolphin feeding frenzy, and manatees everywhere enjoying the tidal feast! Offered the most incredible sunsets, brilliant star gazing and sunrises I have ever experienced. Winds were N so I can only guess they blew the mosquitoes away as we were prepared for them and only a few show up on our screens. Tidal swing is strong but a solid holding. Happiest thought I have had in a long time and I look forward to visiting and exploring the area when we have more time. Excellent anchorage if you can bear to be without electronic communication devices! Happy thought for me! Glenda Libby
Anclote Key, Anclote River and the charming community of Tarpon Springs lies astride the northern terminus of the Western Florida ICW. So, this is either the jumping off point when headed north across the waterwayless Big Bend region of Western Florida, or the first possible stop when cruising south from Carrabelle, Dog Island or Apalachicola. Turtle Cove is one of the newest marinas in Tarpon Springs. We had occasion to visit here in February of 2012, and were favorably impressed. Most of the dockage for transient craft is located on an artificial island jutting out into the creek, and connected to the mainland by a narrow, but auto accessible neck. Neat concept! I might also add that all the downtown Tarpon Springs attractions, including the MANY superb Greek style restaurants are within easy walking distance, and there is a fresh seafood market literally next door to Turtle Cove. Yummmmmm! These excellent reports come from our good friends on the Great Loop Forum.
We stayed at Turtle Cove in Tarpon Springs, just after our crossing last January. We agree with every nice thing that’s been said about that marina. I would add that there’s a nice bike path, the Pinellas trail, that you can access not particularly far from the marina, and it goes all the way to Clearwater if I remember correctly (but be REALLY careful about riding in front of a stopped car–it might suddenly decide to take off!!!!!) Also, try Hellas Greek restaurant, and order flaming “oopa” cheese! Tarpon Springs was a fun stop, and the marina handy to all it has to offer. Anita & Don “Limelight”
Let me chime in on Turtle Cove. I found it in a cruising magazine while we were sitting in Steinhatchee. We had been to Tarpon Springs twice before by car and knew that we did not want to stay at the city dock area. There was always too much traffic on the water there so we jumped at the chance to get in a more secluded spot. You have to be careful getting back to it and should holler at a local as you move down the canal off the Anclote River to ask about which side the locals hug. Turtle Cove was a treasure. They have this unique circular island with slips all around. I don’t know if it is manmade or not. We could walk or ride our bikes about two blocks and we were at our all time favorite restaurant “Mama’s Greek Restaurant” where they let us bring our bikes inside because they were worried someone might bother them. Mama’s is on the street behind the main drag. We spent several days at Turtle Cove, ate three times at Mama’s and if I could revisit any marina on the Loop it would be Turtle Cove. Rusty Carlisle
To experience the many charms of delightful Dunedin, FL, we would suggest giving the nod to the Dunedin Municipal Marina. The entire downtown business district is within easy walking distance. It’s a bit more of a hike from Marker 1 Marina. However you get there, Dunedin is well worth a visit, and having dinner at Kelly’s Bistro is worth the entire effort!!!! The message below was copied from our friends at the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA, http://www.greatloop.org/).
When you arrive at either Marker 1 or the Dunedin Municipal Marina be sure to askfor your welcome packet if the dockmaster forgets. If you’re looking for peace and quiet try the Caladesi Island State Park Marina. Caladesi has one of the best beaches in all of North America, or so it’s been rated. Lots going on all around town; restaurants, shopping, farmer’s market everyFriday/Saturday. Dunedin is right on the Pinellas Bike Trail, midway between Tarpon Springs and St. Pete. The Trail is an easy way to get around. On the weekends trythe Jolly Trolley for transportation between Tarpon Springs and Clearwater Beach. Ron & Jan Matuska
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
I’ve said it many times, but it’s worth repeating. If you get six cruisers together and ask their opinions on the best way to cross Western Florida’s waterwayless “Big Bend” region, you’ll get eight different opinions. Some argue vehemently for cutting the corner and heading straight from Dog Island (Carrabelle, FL) or Panama City, straight to Anclote Key or Clearwater, FL. Others are equally convinced the best way to make this passage is to follow the Big Bend shoreline, keeping well offshore to avoid the huge shelf of shallows running west into the Gulf of Mexico from this portion of the Florida coastline. Then, there is the issue of the best time of day (or night) to depart. Throw in a mix of these various alternatives, and you have an endless variety of opinions. Here is a string which just appeared on the AGLCA forum.
Can someone tell me if it is possible to leave from Dog Island in the dark early morning hours to cross over to the west coast of Florida. I have been through there three times and don’t remember if there are crab pots in that area. My boat can do 12-13 mph without burning excessive fuel, but that isn’t quite enough time to cross in daylight at this time of year. We did a daylight crossing from Crystal River in 2012 when we came north, but I would prefer going farther down the Florida West coast. Dave Miller Sea Ya
Dave, We have crossed from behind Dog Island three times, last time three years ago. I have left at 2 am and at 4am, go thorough East Pass to the lighted buoy and direct to Anclote Key. I have never noticed crab pots at Dog Island, however, at the East end of the journey, they are thick. I run about 12-14 MPH for the first 6 hours and then adjust my speed to match getting into Tarpon Springs before 4pm. We usually anchor at the power plant. We are headed that way this year on our way to the Bahamas and intend to use the same strategy. We operate a 48′ Tolly and it is good to see another Tolly out here. Robert and Patty Mitchell with Maggi the wonder dog ORINOCO
Little Shark River is an interesting, but sometimes very buggy anchorage that lies well south of Everglades City and a short hop north of Cape Sable. It is one of the most backwater cruising possibilities in all of Florida. Just don’t try anchoring here on a still, summer night, or even in October, as Captain Luby relates. The little guys will come out, pick your boat up, and consume it in the nearby marsh! The SSECN recommends three Little Shark River anchorages in our Western Florida Anchorage Directory, but there are actually several dozen spots you might choose to drop the hook.
Anchored here Oct 2013 and it was fascinatingly beautiful. Though the water is black and nothing much visible below the surface, there were many creatures jumping. One very large creature would surface making a large splash but we could never see what it was ‘“ thinking it would be manatees surfacing. We were alone this night and it was incredibly peaceful and the sky was incredible with billions of stars and no ambient light. Bugs were fierce after dark and cutters held most at bay but a few got through. Hatch screens a must here if you want to sleep. Recommend this as interim between Marathon and Marco areas. Depths going in and out were fine. A little challenging to locate by eyesight so the GPS was required to find it. Have fun. Jim Luby
`A little buggy’ is quite the understatement. This is a fantastic anchorage . . . in January, February. Otherwise it’s mosquito hell. Ed Robinson
We were there on August 10, 2013 with one other boat for one night and had nearly zero bugs. I suppose it was because we had a 15 to 20 knot wind just about the entire time. We had a few of the big horsefly type flies, but nothing else. I suppose we were just lucky, but we were prepared none the less. I was actually able to cook a pork loin on the grill outside without any issues. This is REMOTE and a really fine anchorage ‘“ well protected in just about any direction as long as you choose your spot wisely. A west or southwest wind might be a problem, but when we were there the wind was out of the east. It even has a marker to help you find it, but I would recommend GPS as the coast looks pretty much the same all around. Don’t confuse the larger Shark River just north of here ‘“ it does not have much protection. We had a few fishermen come by in small boats before dark, but after dark, it was dead quiet and VERY dark with zero ambient light. It is strategically located just about the halfway point between Marco and the Keys. I highly recommend this anchorage. Dave Fuller
In the past, we had to hug the shore away from Fl G’1’³ at the entrance to the Little Shark River, as the shoaling came out into the channel there. Not sure what the current conditions would be. Our first visit to Little Shark was during a 50K/12’ seas blow. The conditions inside were `severe calm’. A Great Anchorage! Nils Pearson `Fairwinds’
Marker One Marina lies south of the Dunedin/Honeymoon Island Bridge, along the easterly banks of the Western Florida ICW.
When making your Gulf Crossing plans, please consider staying at Marker 1 Marina! We’re only 800 yards off the ICW in Dunedin, FL (halfway between Tarpon Springs and Clearwater). We have good power, good water, well maintained docks, 24 hour security, and a well-trained staff that’s eager to please. Even better: AGLCA members receive fuel and dockage discounts! Looper transient dockage is only $1/ft/day, $5/ft/week and $11/ft/month, and includes water, power, cable TV, and WiFi. You’ll find a grocery store, pharmacy, bank, dentist, dry cleaner and several restaurants all within a half mile of the marina. And if you’re staying with us around December 7th, plan on taking part in our annual Christmas Boat Parade and join us for a Cajun Christmas Shrimp Boil! Thanks, Steve Arndt Marina Director Marker 1 Marina
The huge St. Petersburg Municipal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) guards the western shores of Tampa Bay, in the heart of the city’s downtown business district. This is, quite simply, one of the best city owned an operated marinas I have ever reviewed. And, if that’s not enough for you, there are myriad (and superb) dining attractions within walking distance, and lots of other local attractions. You can’t go wrong by coiling your lines at St. Petersburg Municipal Marina!
Suggest . . . the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina. I have my boat there; they are great people and you are close to downtown and very easy to get to the Tampa Airport. Thank you, Bob Dersham
Smokehouse Bay is a very popular southwestern Florida anchorage that sits in the heart of northern Marco Island. Access is gained by way of a marked channel which breaks off from the main Marco Island to Naples unofficial waterway channel, just east of Capri Pass, and runs southwest and then southeast across Collier Bay. Smokehouse Bay also hosts Esplanade Marina on its southeastern shores. Transient dockage is available at Esplanade Marina. Back on 4/20/12, we reported, by way of a message received from Captain Noel, that Esplanade Marina would no longer allow dinghy dockage at their piers, unless those who came ashore were strictly there to patronize the shops and restaurants of the Esplande (see /?p=86219). As part of this same posting, we appended a lengthy message from Esplanade Marina dockmaster, Captain Kris Greenough, explaining his facility’s policy, and stating that this prohibition was not a new thing. Then, early in 2013, we received a message from SAMI (Sailing Association of Marco Island) member, and a good friend of this writer and the SSECN, Captain Lee Oldershaw, to the effect that the restrictions on dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina had been lifted. Then, a short time later, a second note arrived informing us that this situation was not yet resolved. On 9/20/13, we received an e-mail from Dockmaster Greenough, stating that Captain Oldershaw’s postings on our site were now dated and inaccurate. This led us to investigate the situation, and we agree that the two earlier postings concerning dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina are now dated, and, for this reason only, we have removed them from the SSECN. There is far more to this story, however. According to multiple sources on Marco Island, this controversy began when another SAMI member, Captain Herman Diebler, discovered that in the original permit granted for the building of the Esplanade complex, a provision was included that required the marina associated with this property to provide dinghy dockage for anyone wishing to come ashore to Marco Island. SAMI brought this matter to the city government of Marco Island’s attention, and communication was made with the parent company that owns the Esplanade complex. We are told that they originally agreed to lift the “Esplanade only” restriction for dinghy dockage, and that was the source of the first message we received and posted from Captain Oldershaw. Then, we are again told, the Esplanade condo owners association and marina association stepped into the picture, and objected to a dinghy dockage policy that would accommodate all cruisers who wished to come ashore. And so, “the signs stayed up” and dinghy dockage remained available only for those patrons of the Esplanade. Far more recently, a meeting took place between the Marco Island city government, and the attorney representing the Esplanade condo and marina associations. We are told that the results of this meeting were far from conclusive, and that the situation regarding open dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina remains “fluid,” and the “waters have been muddied.” The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net will continue to follow this situation and bring you news of developments as they occur. For the moment, though, cruisers anchoring on Smokehouse Bay should not expect to find dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina, unless their shoreside activities are confined to the Esplanade Complex!
It has been almost two years since yours truly journeyed to St. Augustine, Florida by “land yacht” to speak at a public forum dedicated to considering what local anchorage regulations should be enacted in regards to this community’s participation in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. I came away with the frustrated feeling, which proved to be correct, that the city of St. Augustine was going to recommend a 30-day anchorage limit for boats which dropped the hook outside of the official mooring field. Fortunately, the FWC shot down this limit, and it was never put into effect. There followed months and months of local forums and countless messages and editorials here on the Cruisers’ Net about what sort of anchorage regulations should, or should NOT, be adopted in the cities selected for the Pilot Mooring Field Program. A group in the Florida Keys, known as BARR, even sprang into being for awhile, with the sole purpose of fighting for sensible anchorage regulations in the Florida Keys (all of Monroe County, which encompasses the Florida Keys, is one of the selected Pilot Mooring Field sites). The Pilot Mooring Field Program has been going forward in multiple Florida locales for almost a year now, and, wonder of wonders, it looks as if the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service (“FWC”) IS ACTUALLY ASKING FOR INPUT FROM THE CRUISING COMMUNITY AS TO HOW THIS PROGRAM IS WORKING! THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR COLLECTIVE VOICES TO BE HEARD WHERE IT REALLY COUNTS. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net urges as many of our readers as possible to FOLLOW THE LIVE LINK IN THE MESSAGE BELOW, AND LET THE FWC KNOW HOW YOU REALLY FEEL ABOUT THE MOORING FIELD PROGRAM!!! For those of you who have had your head in the proverbial sand for the last several years, as part of the new Florida Anchoring Law, passed by the Florida Legislature in 2009, there was a political give and take included in the negotiations which surrounded this bill. This is a vast oversimplification, but, to summarize, in return for taking away the power of Florida cities and counties to regulate anchorage, the bill included a “Pilot Mooring Field Program,” which would allow a multi-year study, in multiple Florida cities, as to how mooring fields would serve the needs of cruisers and land owners alike, and what, if any, anchorage regulations might be appropriate for vessels that drop the hook outside the official mooring field, but still within the corporate limits of the communities participating in the pilot program. The law which authorized the Pilot Mooring Field Program has an automatic sunset date in July,2014. Thereafter, the idea is that the Florida legislature will take all the lessons learned from this trial program, and ENACT A PERMANENT, UNIFORM, STATEWIDE SERIES OF ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS! Now, do you see why it’s SO important for the voice of the cruising community to be heard!!! PLEASE READ ON!
Greetings, In 2009, the Florida Legislature enacted a temporary pilot program to explore potential options for regulating the anchoring or mooring of non-live-aboard vessels outside the marked boundaries of public mooring fields. The City of St. Augustine, the City of St. Petersburg, the City of Sarasota, the City of Stuart in conjunction with Martin County, and the cities of Key West and Marathon in conjunction with Monroe County were granted temporary authority to regulate mooring in their jurisdictional waters through local ordinance. All ordinances enacted under authority of the pilot program will expire on July 1, 2014 and will be inoperative and unenforceable thereafter, unless reenacted by the Legislature. You, your partners, and interested members have the opportunity to provide valuable input on the Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking help from cruising boaters, local boaters, and residents in evaluating the effectiveness and fairness of the temporary ordinances and the pilot program. FWC has created and posted a survey at http://www.myfwc.com/anchoringsurvey which should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The Survey will be available from September 18th until October 7th, 2013. Your prompt participation would be appreciated. There is also a survey link on our Boating and Waterways webpage at http://www.myfwc.com/boating/. Thank you for your time and effort. Sincerely, Tom Captain Tom Shipp, FWC / DLE / Boating and Waterways
It is important for cruising boaters to answer in order to counteract the claims of those pushing this anti-anchoring law. Basically, the bottom line is the law promotes the opposite of one of its stated purposes’“to promote access to the waters of the state. Obviously, if you put in moorings nobody can anchor in those waters, so unless you want to pay to play and like using a mooring, you’re out of luck. And the moorings prevent anchoring 24/7, year-round, whether or not there is someone on them. I have personally been anchored in the tiny portion of water still available in Marathon and observed the majority of mooring balls empty, while the anchorage was jam-packed full. Sure, in high season the moorings are popular, but year-round they prevent anchoring in most of the harbor. It is very simple, this law was pushed through for one purpose’“to chase away anchored boats, and it has done so. John Kettlewell
Now here’s a really super idea that has become reality thanks to our good friends and SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, at the Punta Gorda Boater’s Alliance. Talk about a “no brainer.” Each and EVERY cruiser plying the waters of Charlotte Harbor, Peace River and /or Pine Island Sound will want to have one of these card on their console or dashboard. And, note they are waterproof, and ready for use anytime, anywhere. 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)
The following copyrighted story and link were taken from the website of ABC News out of Tampa, FL. Despite all advice about waterspouts, it is apparent that there is little one can do to prepare for such sudden storms. Maximo Marina is located on the charted canal cutting into Boca Ciega Bay’s southeastern shores, east-northeast of marker #14. There is also a large, strip shopping center located within two blocks of this facility, which contains a West Marine. Anyone know if there was any damage to the shopping center as well???
We continue to hear only good things about this marina. See /?p=46813 MS Dockside Marina is located at 292 Graham Drive in Carrabelle which is at the eastern end of the Northern Gulf Waterway. The phone is 850-697-3337. Email is msdocksidemarina@gmail.com
PS: The MS stands for Marine Systems.
Although we are not currently cruising (we are home in Carrabelle FL) we really wanted to applaud the staff of the MS Dockside Marina here at home. We chose this town in a great part because of this marina, and we continue to be amazed at their expertise and kindness. If anyone needs any kind of mechanical help just before or after the crossing between the northern gulf and the west coast of FL, these are the guys to see. They are skilled, professional, and will do what it takes to correct your problem. We are so grateful to have them right here in our own town. Hope you are doing okay. We think of you often. Tim and Lisa Keith-Lucas MV Santa Catalina de Guale
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 here for a few days in 2010 on our way to the Bahamas. Really, really nice with a great location and great amenities. Only problem was we really didn’t want to leave! R Holiman
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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