Florida's West Coast

[hmason]

I'm looking for input from TF'ers. We are thinking of spending the winter on Florida's west coast and would like to find a fairly priced marina that permits live aboards. Any suggestions? Thanks to all.

 

[Conall63]

Fort Myers Yacht Basin.

Great staff, and easy walk to River district.

There are quite a few live aboards. You might want to consider reservations now in this area as marina's fill up fast during the winter.

Conall

 

[O C Diver]

No! Don't come! You're not welcome! Oliver shoe shops here regularly!

Lots of choices in Ft. Myers area depending on what you're looking for.

Ted

 

[hmason]

No! Don't come! You're not welcome! Oliver shoe shops here regularly!

Lots of choices in Ft. Myers area depending on what you're looking for.

Ted

I no longer have shoes thanks to you know who. Other than that; dog friendly, parking, clean, safe, tennis and a pool would be nice too.

 

[O C Diver]

Gulf Harbour Marina might be to your liking. It's part of Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club. Have admired it from afar but didn't need most of their facilities, so never visited or inquired. Probably worth a call to see what's doable.

Ted

 

[High Wire]

X2 for City of Ft Myers Yacht Basin and add St Petersburg City marina.

 

[Moonstruck]

X2 for City of Ft Myers Yacht Basin and add St Petersburg City marina.

Archie, you picked two winners there.

 

[Capt.Bill11]

Sarasota, Bradenton, Manatee River area, Ft. Myers/Ft. Myers Beach, St. Pete, Venice, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Punta Gorda, Pine Island, etc., etc,

You can't go wrong with any of those places. Look into those areas and then call around to see what marinas allow live aboards in the places that meet your needs.

 

[Rossigal]

Know several that spend time in Tarpon Springs. Lots walkable both from City dock and Turtle Cove Marina. St. Pete is nice, Tarpon is better

 

[hmason]

Thanks to all. My research begins.

 

[caltexflanc]

If you are interested in doing any cruising while there, Fort Myers is a great location twixt the pretty wilderness of the 10000 Islands and the more urban areas north with some nice gunkholing off Sanibel and Cayo Costa. Pretty straightforward trip to the Keys or Dry Tortugas too. In general SW FL is much easier going than SE FL.

 

[Mainship400]

Longboat key near Sarasota, would also be good for your wish list, but pricy. Maybe try a few places. We spent one winter on the west coast and spent a month at each of 4 different places. That way you get a good rate and can see all the many beautiful areas. Check out active captain and you can see reviews for all the marinas in the areas that capt Bill recommended. They are all good choices

 

[jwnall]

You will find the west coast a lot different from the east coast of Florida. More like Florida used to be. Not all that many New York accents.