Marco Island to Tampa Bay or 'Thereabouts'

[Rocketman]

I am looking for advise for a trip from Marco Island to Tampa Bay area, my wife and I would like to take a easy trip and explore as many area's in between as possible. We enjoy being on the hook as much as possible but do not mind paying for an overnight in a marinia if there are things to do. We have a 40 ft beneteau 5 ft draft, 43ft mast. Time is not a problem. Any sugestions on sights, anchorages, and ports along the route would be great. If there are suggestions of fun and interesting sights north of Tampa area we would also like to hear about those also. Thanks

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Rocketman

I am looking for advise for a trip from Marco Island to Tampa Bay area, my wife and I would like to take a easy trip and explore as many area's in between as possible. We enjoy being on the hook as much as possible but do not mind paying for an overnight in a marinia if there are things to do. We have a 40 ft beneteau 5 ft draft, 43ft mast. Time is not a problem. Any sugestions on sights, anchorages, and ports along the route would be great. If there are suggestions of fun and interesting sights north of Tampa area we would also like to hear about those also. Thanks

You could spend a week in the Charlotte Harbor area and not get bored. Just really study the charts, and talk to the locals when you get there in case high spots have shifted, because there's some very shallow area there.

Be extremely careful to stay in the channel if you sail between Pine Island and the mainland because there be birds waidin' right out side of that channel in places.

[sailorchic34]

years ago I anchored south pine island around st. james city. Several good anchorages there and also at cabbage key and useppa just before Charlotte harbor are good anchorages. But do stay in the channels as it is really skinny water around there.

[Dulcesuenos]

Love crows nest in venice,, twin dolphin marina in bradenton,, clearwater municipal in clearwater,,

[capngeo]

Casey Key Fish House Tiki Bar at Blackburn Point

Bight at the south end of Punta Blanca

Ft Myers Beach (several great watering holes within dingy distance of anchorage)

Marina Jack’s Sarasota

Mar Vista, Longboat Key

Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach

Egmont Key

Marriot Marina Tampa/ Ybor City

[djmarchand]

First of all, sign up for Active Captain. All of the anchorages are well marked on their site and include reviews by real boaters.

Here are some of our favorites:

1. Ft Meyers Beach- Mooring field with great access to beaches.

2. Useppa Island/Cabbage Key- Either get a slip or anchor nearby. Or just stop for a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" at the restaurant on Cabbage Key.

3. Cayo Costa State Park- Huge anchorage but a little tight entering. Hug the inside. You can dinghy to the state dock and walk across to the beach.

4. Boca Grande- Charming anchorage. Drop your anchor in the middle of the cove and back down and tie to the mangroves. Dinghy into this upscale town.

5. Saratoga- Now has a mooring field near the center of town.

There are others, just look them up on Active Captain.

David

[Rocketman]

Thanks to all who have replied, I will check them all out and see what fits our plans. Anyone out there that would like to buddy up is welcome. We love to find other couples that have simular interest it makes sailing that much more fun.

[Dkdoyle]

Anna maria island, vinoy basin off st. Pete, manatee river near twin dolphins, gulfport, stop by little harbour marina in ruskin, caledesi island a little further up. Winter depths are a little shallow so be careful you hit some areas when it is not low tide. Have a blast.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by capngeo

Casey Key Fish House Tiki Bar at Blackburn Point

Bight at the south end of Punta Blanca

Ft Myers Beach (several great watering holes within dingy distance of anchorage)

Marina Jack’s Sarasota

Mar Vista, Longboat Key

Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach

Egmont Key

Marriot Marina Tampa/ Ybor City

Look for a little spot off the southeast end of Tampa Bay called Terra Ceia. Getting in there will be tricky with a deep keel, so don't go at low tide. At channel marker 10 have your chart plotter zoomed in and you will discover a high spot IN the channel. You want to go to port there, trust me! But there's a beautiful, quiet anchorage in there if you're tired of marinas. Great bottom for anchoring.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Dkdoyle

Anna maria island, vinoy basin off st. Pete, manatee river near twin dolphins, gulfport, stop by little harbour marina in ruskin, caledesi island a little further up. Winter depths are a little shallow so be careful you hit some areas when it is not low tide. Have a blast.

Little Harbor in Ruskin -- AND Caledisi -- require great care with a deep keel. Caledisi has one of the most beautiful wild beaches on the planed, and the docks are, I think, $10 a night. Don't know if that includes electricity, not sure if it's available. Caledisi Island is a state park. Unless you go by boat you can only get there by ferry, and they limit how many people can be on the island via ferry each day. It's very unspoiled, and there's a very interesting walk through "old country Florida."

[Dkdoyle]

Yes the have electric and you ca make reservations. But it is shallow. I wiuld urfe caution in the winter.

As for little harbour it is no problem unless it is low tide. Stay in the channel and stay well clear of the green marker at the entrance as it shoals there. Very nice facilites with pools, restaurant, pump out.
I sail out of there year round.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Dkdoyle

Yes the have electric and you ca make reservations. But it is shallow. I wiuld urfe caution in the winter.

As for little harbour it is no problem unless it is low tide. Stay in the channel and stay well clear of the green marker at the entrance as it shoals there. Very nice facilites with pools, restaurant, pump out.
I sail out of there year round.

Caledisi can be tricky at high tide.

[Seadaddler]

Are you sure your mast is only 43 with a 40' boat,my 36 Hunter is 55' plus.
Nick

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Seadaddler

Are you sure your mast is only 43 with a 40' boat,my 36 Hunter is 55' plus.
Nick

My Hunter 31' has a 42' mast.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Rocketman

Try out this site, Florida Sea Grant - Boating & Waterways - Anchorage Inventory, it has good maps, charts and aerial photos of all the SW Fla coast. Have used it many timed, especially for out of the way placed.

GOOD LUCK and Happy Sailing..