Even though Captain Katherine’s note below is in response to the “Western Florida Wish List” I sent out at the beginning of November, 2008, I wanted to post this message as a fresh entry. I know of few other communities who have made such a sincere effort to attract cruisers to their mooring field!

I am chair of the Anchorage Advisory Committee for the Town of Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field and I keep my boat year round in the mooring field. We have a new floating dinghy dock under the bridge on the island side to make it easier to enjoy the island. Restaurants and shops are with a couple of blocks of the dock, and there is a trolley that can take you to grocery stores, drug stores, and all the other places cruisers need to visit. Matanzas Inn under the bridge is where you check in and has the land facilities for the mooring field. There are two beautiful shower suites with large dressing areas and a community room with four washer/dryer pairs. Water is available at Matanzas for jerry jug use. The rate is $13.00 a night plus tax and there is a monthly rate available. Pump-out (by boat) is included in the price and can be scheduled through Matanzas Inn.
One of the complaints about our field is that the tethers are coated with slime and barnacles. They are cleaned regularly but unfortunately, the water in the bay is very fertile and stuff grows quickly. When we take our boat off the ball and are away for a few nights, slime has already grown back. We are exploring ways to alleviate this problem.
There is much more information on the town’s website: fortmyersbeachfl.gov. Just click on the mooring field link. There is a map of the field, phone numbers for Matanzas Inn, and much more. We will be redoing the website in the coming months.
I hope a lot of cruisers will come to our mooring field and enjoy the great town of Fort Myers Beach!!
Katherine Light, S/V Alborada

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field