Hey guys! I am just north about 100+ miles in Tampa Bay. We have made the trip down to the Keys quite a few times and stayed at the typical places like Boca Grande, South Seas, Tween Waters, and then further down, City docks Naples, Marco river marina and Snook Inn. I was hoping you guys could come up with a few other marinas that were your favorites for an overnighter or two like on Pineland, Ft Myers Beach, Naples or Marco. The only prerequisite would be a pool as we are planning on heading down Memorial weekend the end of May and coming back the first week of June. Unfortunately, this trip we are traveling with some neighbors so most of the boats are 34-40ft cruisers. We will still have a great time but at quite a slower speed. I am a member of the OPBA based up here in Tampa Bay and am truly impressed with what you guys have accomplished down there with this group. I have been following your events and hope to get to attend at least one of your functions this year.

Thanks,
Keith

Here are just a couple for now and I may think of more later.

Punta Rassa near the Sanibel Bridge: Sanibel Harbor Resort is a great hotel with nice pool and slips that can accomodate a dozen or more boats. Very nice.

Ft Myers Beach: The Pink Shell on the Gulf put up a great new building with gorgeous pools etc. They have some docks on Matanzas Pass right across the street from the hotel. There are some good restaurants and marinas with fuel as you come along further south into the Pass.

Naples: continue up Naples Bay past the city docks, past Tin City, under the US 41 bridge and on your left is Bayfront Inn. The Cabana Bar where we are known to hang out some is directly ahead. There are some great restaurants in the Bayfront complex. Also you will be walking distance from downtown 5th Avenue and all it has to offer.

Bob

Bob,

Thanks for the info!

Keith

We got a slip at Fishermans's Village Marina in Punta Gorda for the airshow April 5-6. We are going to be on the Peace River just east of I-75 to watch the show. The marina has a heated pool and of course you have the shops/restaurants at Fisherman's Village which is a great hang-out.

Additional suggestions:

If any of your cruise party are members of a yacht club, try contacting Pelican Isle Yacht Club at Wiggins Pass for overnight dockage.

For an upper crust experience, try the Naples Yacht Club on Naples bay. or the Naples Sailing and Yacht club. Also, the Marco Island Yacht club. All have pools and fine restaurants.

T