Boating Guide

As many of you know, I love to boat! Here are some of my favorite destinations, I have also included hints & tips, and things to look out for along the way.

I reference the Cape Coral Yacht Basin (located at the very edge of south-east Cape Coral) as the starting point for these destinations.

Pincher's Crab Shack is the perfect place to go if you do not have time to head out into the Gulf of Mexico or Pine Island sound, and are looking for a good place to feel the Southwest Florida scene.

It will take about 25 minutes to get to Pincher's from the Cape Coral Yacht Basin at 25 mph (speed limit on the Caloosahatchee).

Hint: The water is deep going all the way in to Pincher's.

Keep in mind, as you travel from the Gulf of Mexico up the Caloosahatchee River (toward the Cape Coral Yacht Basin, and downtown Fort Myers) -> keep the red markers on your left, and the green markers on your right.  There are quite a few shallow areas along the way that can leave you stranded, especially during low tide. 

If you are looking to go somewhere that is not accessible by car, a very popular boating destination in Southwest Florida, and is rumored to be the place Jimmy Buffet wrote "Cheeseburger in Paradise" - you definitely have to head to Cabbage Key Inn.

1 hour from Cape Coral Yacht Basin (cruising at 28-30 mph)

Hint #1: Avoid the long wait during season for lunch, arrive around 11am.

Assure you don't get stranded, use the tide chart to find out if you are encountering an incoming or outgoing tide, and anchor out a foot or two deeper if you unsure when the tides are coming in or out.