Cruising SW Florida

[Gypsy Dancer]

We'll be chartering from SWFlorida Yachts out of Ft Meyers from 22 March to 28 March. Any suggestions about interesting places, coves, marinas etc. to visit? We're not sailing, it's a Grand Banks. A compromise. My husband wants me to get used to motorcruising for future ICW living. >sigh<

-Deana

[capngeo]

Many..... you planning on North or South?

[djmarchand]

There are lots of threads on this topic. Do a search. Two of my favorites are the Boca Grande and the Cayo Costa anchorages.

David

[jean1146]

Your best bet is to head north on the ICW,Cabbage Key is our favorite spot,old Florida...next is Cayo Costa and Pelican Bay,safe and quiet anchorage just south of Boca Grande.If you like crowded place go to South Seas Plantation just to the south.This is a beautifull area.
JC.

[cabo_sailor]

I second the suggestions for Cayo Costa, etc. Be careful going into Pelican Bay, I know your Grand Banks doesn't draw much but that is some very thin water. You might try to raise someone local for directions. Water is actually deeper near the beach than in the center. Also, you might look into Tween Waters marina. There you have a choice of using a slip or a mooring.

If you use Boca Grande channel be prepared for some rolling. It's very long and with a north or south breeze it can be rather uncomfortable. A cruising guide would probably be useful.

You should have fun, it's one of our favorite cruising destinations.

Rich

Rich

[zeehag]

do icw north to appalachicola and psj and around there-is gorgeous. folks are friendly and the best oysters in the world--yes even better than louisiana oysters, i am sorry to say....destin is on that route, pretty with interesting stuff going on, decent holding ....have fun!! ye wont have to worry about the bridges-- would be a fun trip.
i fyou have the range-- dry tortugas is good from ft myers--is how we sailed it--- is a beautiful trip and lovely place to stay for a few days.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by zeehag

do icw north to appalachicola and psj and around there-is gorgeous. .

Umm, Appalachicola must be the better part of a thousand miles from Ft. Myers - they've got six days . . .

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Umm, Appalachicola must be the better part of a thousand miles from Ft. Myers - they've got six days . . .

IS FUNNY--LAST YEAR IT DIDNT seem LIKE THAT FAR--- FUNNY HOW IT ONLY TOOK US IN A SLOOP 3 DAYS FROM APPALACH TO FT MYERS , and we did under 100 miles per day........ mebbe wannna reassess the mileage there--- fla isnt as long as kali, and kali is about 700 or more miles in length. i did a trip from slidell to ft myers and back 3 tiems last yr with a stop out in dry tortugas and we got a little over 6000 miles-- average 1000 miles each leg from slidell louisiana to ft myers and back with side trips and such.
6 days is more than enough to travel to appalach in a trawler and back. inside takes less time than outside, and we did it outside in 3 days. port charlotte is on the route and is lovely-- most wonderful trip. lots of good anchorages for trawlers-- the icw there is really beautiful and perfect for a trawler. wish we could have gone in more of icw-- but we didnt fit under bridges-- we were 55 ft tall.

[Unicorn Dreams]

If you want to get away from crowds, a good choice would be to work your way into the ten thousand islands or Sandy Key. One of the best beaches just north of Sandy Key, probably not see anyone else out there...

[womensetsail]

We charter in that area. If you're going South, check out Little Shark River for true-Florida pristine anchorages. Complete absence of human sound. May not even have cell service! If going North, try Useppa Island ( across from Cabbage Key) - a private island, but you may dock for lunch or anchor out nearby. This island is also pristine with lush tropical plants everywhere - orchids, etc. A charming old-florida destination. And Pelican Bay is a favorite of ours. A cruising guide will say it all. Have fun!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
It seems that you are already getting some good recommendations.
kind regards,

[Blue Crab]

Originally Posted by womensetsail

We charter in that area. If you're going South, check out Little Shark River for true-Florida pristine anchorages. Complete absence of human sound. May not even have cell service!!

I kinda wish we'd keep this info/area to ourselves from here on, though I guess the mosquitos (truly epic in number), noseeums (located here by the devil herself), biting flies (need I comment?), and the crocs and gators, and now all the fully grown pythons, boas, and anacondas in the mangroves, not to overlook the also hobbyist-released wild-assed oscars and the odd pirahna or three serve to keep the area "pristine" as you say. Then there's the no wifi thing. Get out of the marked channel at your peril. Many enter the Shark. Fewer return. When your batteries in the GPS die, you're done for. Ya'll have a nice day now.

[Tbrad]

Originally Posted by tgzzzz

I kinda wish we'd keep this info/area to ourselves from here on, though I guess the mosquitos (truly epic in number), noseeums (located here by the devil herself), biting flies (need I comment?), and the crocs and gators, and now all the fully grown pythons, boas, and anacondas in the mangroves, not to overlook the also hobbyist-released wild-assed oscars and the odd pirahna or three serve to keep the area "pristine" as you say. Then there's the no wifi thing. Get out of the marked channel at your peril. Many enter the Shark. Fewer return. When your batteries in the GPS die, you're done for. Ya'll have a nice day now.

AND if seeing a sixteen foot Anaconda laying on your deck causes you to consider jumpin' overboard: you need to be mindful of the cottonmouth water moccasins that sometimes frequent the area.

[womensetsail]

Okay. Okay LOL. I get the point.....and you're right, I guess Little Shark River is probably better left to folks with "local knowledge"....

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by zeehag

IS FUNNY--LAST YEAR IT DIDNT seem LIKE THAT FAR--- FUNNY HOW IT ONLY TOOK US IN A SLOOP 3 DAYS FROM APPALACH TO FT MYERS , and we did under 100 miles per day........ mebbe wannna reassess the mileage there--- fla isnt as long as kali, and kali is about 700 or more miles in length. i did a trip from slidell to ft myers and back 3 tiems last yr with a stop out in dry tortugas and we got a little over 6000 miles-- average 1000 miles each leg from slidell louisiana to ft myers and back with side trips and such.
6 days is more than enough to travel to appalach in a trawler and back. inside takes less time than outside, and we did it outside in 3 days. port charlotte is on the route and is lovely-- most wonderful trip. lots of good anchorages for trawlers-- the icw there is really beautiful and perfect for a trawler. wish we could have gone in more of icw-- but we didnt fit under bridges-- we were 55 ft tall.

You're right, it's not that far. In fact it's 300 nautical miles from FM to Appalachiacola if you go straight across the Gulf. Say 400 in the ICW. Round trip 600 to 800 miles. Still quite a distance for a six day charter.

It is a lovely, atmospheric place, though! I agree with you there!