Anchorages with access to land for our dog...

[Jimmy Disch]

Hi guys!

We are new to cruising in SW Florida out of Charlotte Harbor. We are excited to take a trip right after Christmas but want to stay sort of local.

I am looking for a good anchorage that will handle our 3' draft. But also need a dinghy dock or a way to get our dog on shore to do his business. If it had toilets, that would be a plus.

We just got back from Pelican Bay in Cayo Costa. It was perfect! Want to venture out from there. Say between Lemon Bay and Fort Myers?

Thoughts?

[svHyLyte]

Jimmy--

In the area your describe, we only know of one place this isn't "dog friendly", that being Cabbage Key and only there because in past, other dog owners didn't clean up after their pets and/or allowed them to roam freely which irritated other guests on the island and, in some cases, the wild life. In most places beach landings with a pet are best, if possible. For that, at this time of year (considering the cold), carry a pair of sea boots to keep your feet dry and a couple of rags to wipe your dog's feet off once he/she gets, or is put, back aboard the dinghy and waste bags to collect solid waste for disposal. You might also want to obtain a small folding shovel at somewhere like Bass Outlet that would allow you to bury solid waste in areas where that would be possible such as on Cayo Costa.

One nearby locale you might find enjoyable is Boca Grande. We stayed at the Boca Grande marina on our spring cruise this year and found it very enjoyable, accommodating; and, pet friendly but you can visit the locale and anchor in Boca Grande Bayou, just to the north of the entrance channel without charge and there are accessible dinghy docks.

Lastly, if you are not already using it, you might click over to ActiveCaptain.com and register (for free) and use the interactive cruising guide (aka "Live Map") which listed prospective anchorages and marinas with information including "pet friendliness" together with reviews and comments by other cruisers.

FWIW...

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jimmy.