Stopping points between Key West -> Sarasota

[jff]

We plan to run this summer from Key West to Sarasota, stopping on the way at Useppa and Captiva. I had planned on a first stop from Key West at Naples, just to break up the trip - should we consider instead Marco Island or somewhere South of Naples? And if so, any particular Marinas that anyone here would recommend (at Marco Island or somewhere else South of Naples)?

Thanks!
Capt. Jason

 

[Hampton]

Marco Island Yacht Club - Great pool and facilities.
Sansibel - Great tender ride up through the canals, and awesome, original restaurant at the marina (Grandma's, I think).
We could pass on Naples. Billionaires, service related people, and tourists.
Captiva - Seven Seas. Beautiful setting, but like being held captive on a cruise ship. We stayed at the other, more relaxed marina (name?). It was like a 1950's resort, 'cept with noisy kids. Easy walk to beautiful beach.

 

[Bucit]

Marco Island Yacht Club - Great pool and facilities.
Sansibel - Great tender ride up through the canals, and awesome, original restaurant at the marina (Grandma's, I think).
We could pass on Naples. Billionaires, service related people, and tourists.
Captiva - Seven Seas. Beautiful setting, but like being held captive on a cruise ship. We stayed at the other, more relaxed marina (name?). It was like a 1950's resort, 'cept with noisy kids. Easy walk to beautiful beach.

You have Seven Seas, Tween Waters and Cabbage Key all pretty close together. Tween Waters is the older looking resort but has a nice pool bar! It's much cheaper too. Seven Seas can get stuffy at times although it is a nice place to hang out.

 

[zboaterctf]

I think you both meant South Seas Plantation - not "Seven Seas" ... awesome facilities and multiple pools. They do have a day rate if you want to run in just for the day to use facilities and not spend the night. South of Marco is Everglades City that has some very quiet and cool places (Rod and Gun club). Some fun/cool places in Naples. Fort Meyers (Fish Tale). Cabbage Key (Old House). Enjoy - lots of fun places to back up to a beach, grab a drink, or enjoy some local food during that run.

 

[BritLady]

Would agree South Seas Plantation is very nice but a tad pricey. We like Tween Waters too but generally stay at the Yacht Club next door. Boca Grande is a really great area, especially if you like to fish: http://www.bocagrandemarina.net/ There's also Palm Island Marina which is pretty good and has a nice pool and ferry service to a restaurant http://www.palmisland.com/the-island-experience/palm-island-marina/. Further south is the Crow's Nest at Venice but it does not have that many amenities (nice pub type restaurant and upstairs a more formal one) but it's a favorite transient stop just on the right as you enter from the Venice inlet. Next stop ScarySota...take your pick..Marina Jack's....LongBoat Key.... We are doing the reverse this summer but not going across to Key West. What time of the summer are you travelling? Might pass you en-route. Have a good enjoyable trip!

 

[cod]

Esplanade Marina on Marco Island is also very nice. Restaurants and shops right at the marina, nice concrete floating docks.

 

[jff]

BritLady - we're be in Key West the last week of June, ending up in Sarasota around July 3rd. Tentatively going from Key West to Marco Island on June 28th.

cod - it seems as though Esplanade is the most 'upscale' Marina on Marco Island, is that the case?

Thanks for all the tips/advice everyone!

 

[BritLady]

BritLady - we're be in Key West the last week of June, ending up in Sarasota around July 3rd. Tentatively going from Key West to Marco Island on June 28th.

cod - it seems as though Esplanade is the most 'upscale' Marina on Marco Island, is that the case?

Thanks for all the tips/advice everyone!

We are looking to go in May so will be back in our home port of SRQ by July. If you have not cruised the west coast before at all you will love it, it really is beautiful, albeit very shallow. Enjoy!

 

[Mystic Dreamer]

Esplanade Marina on Marco Island is also very nice. Restaurants and shops right at the marina, nice concrete floating docks.

Not sure if it is important, but I don't think Esplanade has a pool. I stay at Marco Island Marina which has a pool...they also allow the fuel truck to deliver, which will save you a few $$$. Some of the highest priced fuel I have ever paid was in Marco- it is the last stop between the West Coast and the Keys, so they charge a premium.

 

[wastinaweigh]

Unless you are specifically looking for fuel stops, my suggestion is to drop the hook in Pelican Bay - the east side of Cayo Costa. Great anchorage and not commercial since it is a state park.

 

[jff]

Wastinaweigh - you mean Cayo Costa on the Gulf side I assume .... ?

 

[Bucit]

Cayo Costa is very nice. I did mean South Seas Plantation and not Seven Seas. Seven Seas is a seedy strip club in Tampa. How in the heck did I get that confused?

 

[cod]

cod - it seems as though Esplanade is the most 'upscale' Marina on Marco Island, is that the case?

Thanks for all the tips/advice everyone!

Can't say as I never stayed at the other marinas but probably is..... because instead of looking onto a parking lot, you are looking at shops and people walking along the waterfront. Mystic Dreamer does make a very good point about the pool. No pool at Esplanade when I was there.