Anchorages Egmont Key to Sanibel

[prioritymarine]

Will be cruising from Clearwater Beach to Sanibel Island and am looking for protected anchorages south of Egmont Key, as Egmont Key is only 3 hours out of a 12 hour trip. Does anyone have recommendations for an anchorage around the Sarasota area, not too far out of the way without having to go under any bridges? Boat draws 4.5 feet and needs 25' to clear bridges. Thank you.

[Davy J]

Discounting Longboat Pass and New Pass, you could could anchor at Otter key, inside Big Sarasota Pass. Your next inlet would be Venice, from there you could pull into Stump Pass. After that, you are going onto Boca Grande Pass/Pelican Bay.

[flyingfin]

Venice Inlet is best, no bridge, deep and well marked, fuel dock on south side of inlet just as you enter. Decent anchorage, but watch for strong currents and anchor drag as the tides change.

[a64pilot]

I’ve never anchored in Venice, I was under the impression that they would sick the local law on you.

[Davy J]

I've never had any issue with LE in Venice. There are usually 20-30 boats anchored there. The only problem we've had there is that the bottom is very rocky and have had issues getting the anchor to set.

The reports of problems with the city have to do with the use of the docks at Higel Park. Many people were tying up to the docks overnight and a few were staying for days. That prompted the city to ban overnight stays on the docks at the park.

[ottewj]

I have anchored a few times just north of the Englewood Bridge. The area on the east side of the ICW is deep and very open. I draw 6' 4". Also this would be even with the town of Englewood. This time of year the breeze would be welcome.

[stnick]

My self i would never anchor at Egmont Its soft holding and the wind can shift during the night. Run outside come in Longboat pass and I cw all the rest of the way Or Venice inlet The crows nest the food is out standing .Or in Boca Grand pass and north 2 miles there is a marina showers food and drink .

[CaptRory]

LE in Venice? What is LE? I have always used the Crows Next in the inlet. I have never found an deep enough spot far enough off the ICW to satisfy a boat or two, let alone 20.

[a64pilot]

LE is usually LEO, for Law Enforcement Officer.
I had heard that a couple of years ago either on Active or this Forum, so I stayed in the Marina once, which I won’t again.
Not that it’s a bad place, just you side tie and get wakes often, meaning of course you beat against the dock.
I’d just as soon not pay to be beaten against a dock myself.
Decent restaurant though, not low price, but nice.

[Davy J]

I have never found an deep enough spot far enough off the ICW to satisfy a boat or two, let alone 20.

Apparently, you have never ventured to the area surrounding Higel Marine Park . Google earth shows about twenty boats in the screen shot.........

Most of them are permanent "anchor outs" but many are also in transit.

[svHyLyte]

I suggest you click over to ActiveCaptain.com, register (it's free) and use the Cruising Guide (aka "Map") to examine charts/routes too/from Clearwater to Boca Grande and return. Lots of places to stop and user reviews for information.

FWIW,,,

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, prioritymarine.


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