Destinations in SW Florida

[Dick Pluta]

We're SW Florida newbies and are now in Cape Coral. We have been doing a minor major refit (or maybe a major minor refit) for the last ten weeks and expect to be done in early February. We'd like to take a couple of short cruises in this area, anything from 3 or 4 days up to a week or so. Any suggestions?

Dick Pluta
AEGEA
Isslander Freeport 41
Cape Coral, FL

[DotDun]

Dry Tortugas - Key West

[Nice N Easy]

I totally agree with the Tortugas, Key West suggestion. Distance to both is about the same, and both are an easy overnight sail. If you like more of the party and touristy atmosphere, head to Key West. If your preferance is peace and quiet, solitude and beauty head for the Tortugas. Just be aware that if you decide on the Tortugas, the only things available there are scenery, and anything you want, or might want you have to bring with you, including fuel, water, food and booze. There are several boats from a couple of different boards going to meet up there around the last week of Jan. first week of Feb. Hopefully myself included. I can assure you that you will be made to feel right at home. This invitation to come on down, is for any on this board also. The more the merrier.

[robw_fl]

Of course key west and dry tortugas are an option, as are any of the islands throughout the keys...some great sailing down that way. 3-4 days is pretty ambitious...a week, with a decent weather window, yea, go for it.

Locally, Cabbage Key is a nice little stopover if you head out of the river there at Cape Coral and N. through Pine Island Sound. Neat little island with a restaurant and a bit of history. OR you could keep heading N. a bit up to Venice, and on to Sarasota area and just explore around a bit. Some nice anchorages and if you want a little more than a quiet night, Sarasota sits right on the bay with a marina and/or anchorage right downtown.

One nice thing especially with limited time is that if you stay on this coast and head N. rather than crossing FL bay to the keys, the weather won't play as much of a factor (i.e. won't get you stuck somewhere) as you can stay inside if necessary and still make way.

Have a nice ride,

Rob