Everglades City to Punta Gorda Questions

[fishheadbarandgrill]

We’re planning to do the Florida mini-loop this winter cruising season. Leaving Southport, NC mid-Dec. Will aim for Marathon, then up the Fl west coast before crossing over to Stuart via Lake Okeechobee. If we’re lucky, we’ll make the rendezvous in February. I’ve been doing some route planning and would like some info/feedback on routes from Everglades City to Punta Gorda. Are there inlets to avoid? Are there ICW/inshore routes to avoid? Here’s my current plan

Marathon to Little Shark River- no problem
LSR to Everglades City - no problem
EC to Goodland- looks good, stay east of Coon Key when entering Gullivan Bay?
Goodland to Naples - plan on using inshore/ICW. Does that makes sense?
Naples to Ft Meyers Beach - offshore. Any issues with the two inlets?
FMB to Punta Gorda - is there a preferred route, east or west of Pine Island?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Hi Bob:

You’ve got things mapped out just fine. Regarding Pine Island.....we’ve cruised both the west n east side without any difficulty. With that said you should be aware that the east side has less depth and the channel is narrower then the ICW route but if going to Punta Gorda n the Rendezvous the east side is shorter. If you have any additional questions feel free to PM me or you can check out our blog.....trailertrawlerlife and do a search.

Jim F

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Hi Bob:

You’ve got things mapped out just fine. Regarding Pine Island.....we’ve cruised both the west n east side without any difficulty. With that said you should be aware that the east side has less depth and the channel is narrower then the ICW route but if going to Punta Gorda n the Rendezvous the east side is shorter. If you have any additional questions feel free to PM me or you can check out our blog.....trailertrawlerlife and do a search.

Jim F

Thanks Jim!

 

[Heronboy]

We recently moved to the Marco area. I’m familiar with the portion of your route from Coon Key to Naples, your selections are correct/good as I have traveled that exact route with a 31. Enjoy and stop at the Little Bar in Goodland or the Snook Inn in Marco for a cold one!

 

[knotflying]

If the seas are good you can also go out Marco inlet and go on the outside and enter Gordon Pass to go to Naples town dock. The ICW from Marco to Naples is a bit circuitous, but pleasant. On a weekend it can get a bit busy with inconsiderate white boats in the narrow channels. If you stay on the outside and pass Naples there is a nice anchorage at Lover's Key. If you stay on the east side of Pine island I would do it on a rising tide. The channel is well marked and narrow and shallow in spots. Just take it slow so you don't miss a marker.