Reviews: Crow's Nest Marina & Restaurant

Reviewed by: D. Jenkins on May 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

The Dockmaster and dockhands were outstanding - the best that we have seen in our travels. With their help, backing into the finger dock slip was effortless. Our exit the next morning was just as easy. The restaurant on site was excellent. Very nice bay and inlet , peaceful evening. Ubered to Publix for some provisions which was nice. The private shower/ head facilities and laundry were top notch. We really enjoyed this marina and Venice, will return for a longer stay.

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Reviewed by: Richard Lewis , Sea-Quel, on Mar 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 56'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great location . Staff is wonderful. We will be back. Had bad weather coming in and they informed us we needed to depart early due to the wind direction. They were spot on.

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Reviewed by: Jill Abramson on Feb 14, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Beautiful location. Very helpful with docking, setting up electric, helping us rent bikes for the afternoon. Rode the bicycles into town. Good stop. Recommend.

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Reviewed by: Jeff French on Jan 24, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 3

Beach, restaurant very close. Easy bike ride to grocery store and town. Very good staff who do a great job helping you dock.

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Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 15, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

As others have noted, the tidal current that passes Crow's Nest can be downright vicious, but the dockmaster and dockhands are well-experienced at bringing boats into the slips safely and without damage. I normally retain full command and control of the docking procedure, but here I defer to their advice and guidance.

An option to docking during the height of the tidal flow is to drop an anchor on the north side of the channel for an hour or two until slack tide. Some will remain there overnight, but again, that tidal current bids caution and maintaining close watch on the anchor's hold.

It is a bit of a hike, but historic, downtown Venice is only a mile and a half away through some pleasant neighborhoods with little traffic. There are a number of Shoppes and restaurants lining the south side of the main thoroughfare. A mile beyond the historic downtown (to the south) is a shopping center with a wine bar, liquor store, Publix, etc.

With the limited depths of the anchorage in Roberts Bay, Crow's Nest is a great option.

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Reviewed by: Donna Decaul , Miss Lynn, on Aug 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 4.6'

Rating: 5

We arrived late Wednesday afternoon, weary and hungry. The dockmaster and his helper were welcoming and helpful. We had a lovely spot on the sea-sall with a beautiful view.We spent one night. The exit was as easy as the entrance. Lovely experience.

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Reviewed by: Jill Terrell on Jul 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 50'
Draft: 8.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed here in March. Very easy to get to and deep draft accessible. The line handlers were super nice. The restrooms were all updated and very clean with plenty of space to put your things. There is a restaurant next door and walking distance to a park for your dog. Stayed one night and it was great.

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Reviewed by: David Mann , Now or Never, on Jan 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 5

Arrived at the long wall and was provided assistance from a professional dockmaster. Experienced no problems during our stay and enjoyed the view of the channel and all of the busy traffic. When approaching from the ICW go around the island rather than trying to naviagate an unmarked cut between the island and the park. It can be done but need the local knowledge, aided by a shallow draft and/or high tide. Great food in the tavern located at the marina.

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Reviewed by: Terry Franzel , No Fences, on Jun 2, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Great people and great food! We came in on a falling tide and being on an inlet the current was extremely strong! Yet the dock staff made me look like a lot better Captain than I thought I was. They gave me, and every other docking boat, excellent directions and assistance. The facilities are very clean and spacious. The restaurant is one of the favorites in town, as demonstrated by the line of cars waiting to get in. We got to the outside patio just in time and enjoyed some great craft beer and a fantastic seafood platter. We stopped on the way down and on the way back home. This is one place we will always plan to stay at in the future!

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Reviewed by: Captains Jean & Jerry Coleman on May 27, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 14.0'

Rating: 5

This is the FASTEST fueling stop on the west coast of Florida! In from the Gulf, fueled up and back out again in less than 25 minutes! Rick is a super resource - helpful and informative! Tidal currents can be swift but with a little care, this might be the best place to get fuel, especially if you are running outside plus the water is gorgeous here!

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Reviewed by: JEFF WHITNEY on May 11, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Stayed 2 nights. Rick the Dockmaster and his crew were excellent and without them we never would have made it into the 16’ wide slip with our 15’6” beam boat...in a ripping 2 knot side current and 15 knot gusts.
Slip was right on the inlet and wakes repeatedly knocked the fenders from the pilings, setting up our rub rail grinding on the pilings. Most boats observed the no wake zone, but with very heavy traffic it only took a few to cause us to have to reset fenders constantly. A smaller vessel would not have had this issue.
Restaurant was excellent and VERY popular. Walmart delivers for provisioning.
Beach across the inlet was crowded on the weekend and music was loud, but fine during the week.
Power went out repeatedly the first night, issue stopped when large boat left. Dock hands said first time they’ve had that issue, but made for long night trudging a hundred yards to reset main breaker. I did a free bag of ice for the trouble!
Overall an ok stay, would have been worse if not for the great restaurant and top notch dock hands.

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Reviewed by: Tina Pickell on Apr 27, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 62'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Crow's Nest Marina staff are professional and helpful-- easy to make reservations and dock assistance for taking lines. The restaurant offers great views of the boats entering or leaving the area. Occasionally wakes from some boaters, but speeds seemed to be monitored well by local authorities. Bikes are available to get into town, but the walk is pleasant too. The beach is practically steps away, but no pets allowed.

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Reviewed by: Diane Fowler , Windy City, on Apr 16, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Great service and food, as usual.

But, we arrived about 4:30 and wanted to take Complimentary bikes to town for dinner.

Ooops! Bicycles now FOR RENT at $7.50 each.

Someone needs to change this write up.

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Reviewed by: Captain Jim Marvin , Leap of Faith , on Apr 15, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The Crow’s Nest Marina features helpful staff, clean facilities and an excellent restaurant in a beautiful location.
Dockmaster Rick was very helpful in assisting us into our slip during a tricky cross current situation.
Please be advised that if you are docking a sailing vessel in one of their slips it is best to approach bow in as the bottom gets shallow towards the sea wall. Make sure your power cables and water hoses are long enough to reach the pedestals along the sea wall.
Otherwise, you will have a great experience at the Crow’s Nest!

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Reviewed by: Sherry Harvey on Feb 16, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent, clean marina. The staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We came in two weeks ago on a very windy, gusty day. Gusting winds made it impossible to dock in our assigned slip with our 21' beam, so Dave made sure we were secure on the facedock. He checked on us before going home, and was back the next morning at 7:00 checking on our lines. We would recommend this marina....and the bonus is the fantastic restaurant on site. And Pepe the parrot is pretty entertaining, too.....we stayed for 2 weeks & will be returning next winter!

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Reviewed by: Ryan Holthbaugh on May 14, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

One of my favorite overnight stops! I just love this place. It's lively, yet peaceful, and in a great location. A 5 minute walk to the beach, and quick walk to lovely shops, and an AMAZING restaurant on site. We just love it!

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Reviewed by: Laura Stein , Have Another Day , on Mar 24, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 57'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Great stop. Staff incredibly helpful. Helped us get tied up with no issue and helped us untie the next morning. We don't usually ask for help leaving but the tide was way out and was going to make for a dicey leap back onto the boat for me. Or retying all lines back to boat. Quick easy walk to beach. Fabulous body surfing. I walked into town Saturday morning for wonderful farmer's market and trip to the post office. After body surfing we took dinghy to little island and walked around a bit. Downtown Venice is beautiful and we would have enjoyed staying but were on our way to Cayo Costa.

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Reviewed by: Torie , Chapter Two, on Jan 5, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Crow’s Nest is always an awesome stop over from the Gulf or ICW. Staff very helpful with docking and helping you understand how the current affects docking. Just as we were getting to leave good blow came up, we waiting a few minutes, then they came back and helped us out. I like to be independent but geez use the help or you are going to kiss that seawall

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Reviewed by: Judy A on Sep 16, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

Great marina. Laundry, showers, restrooms very clean. Two places to eat, upstairs $$, downstairs $. Excellent food both places. Very short walk to South Jetty and Venice Beach. Marina staff excellent.

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Reviewed by: Scott LaPointe on Jan 14, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Busy marina. Diesel and gas available. Aaron the dock hand is excellent. Tides can be strong so be sure to use the posts and not the cleats provided. Great place to watch boats go by while you're at the restaurant or onboard. Long transient dock. Laundry. Groceries are a 2 mile courtesy bicycle ride away. Wifi terrible even in boaters lounge and nonexistent at your boat.

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Reviewed by: Chris Caldwell , AskCaptainChris, on Jul 3, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Very popular and crowded Marina year round. Restaurant is very good. Beware of swift tidal currents and shallow water in ICW. Stay in channel and you are OK. Great place to come in from Gulf, deep inlet, shallow ICW.

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