Reviews from John Moore (5)

Marina Review for South Seas Resort & Marina

Reviewed by: John Moore on Feb 7, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Warm breeze and coconut trees? Check. Protected marina with friendly staff? Check. Poolside tiki bar? Check. Golf, restaurants, wave runners, kayaks, bikes, and and little grocery with coffee and sandwiches? Check check check check, and check! Yep... it’s all there. We reserved 3 nights at the dock, and added a 4th as we were enjoying the stay.

The property basically is the last 3 miles of Captiva’s north end, so you’ll need to get acquainted with the free trolley that runs the length of the property to shop and address other services. South end of trolley run connects you to boutiques, more restaurants, Starbucks, post office, and bank. Runs about every 20 minutes from stops all along property.

Marina entrance only has room for 1 to come or go, so coordinate on vhf for arrival. Dockmaster Russ and his crew are very helpful. Just have your lines ready to pass and fenders ready. Dockside tie ups. We were advised bow in, port side lines, “O” dock, on arrival, so really easy. You will get a wrist band at check in for pool, restroom, showers, and laundry... all spotless clean. Shower towels are provided.

Tuesday morning sports a farmers market with local food, veggies, and gift items. Great fun. We filled a backpack. Take the trolley.

Had a great time. Will return. Call ahead for marina staff hours. During our stay they departed at 4:30pm. Our visit was early February 2021, so covid rules in place. Harborside Restaurant was closed, but due to reopen soon.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Useppa Island

Reviewed by: John Moore, Claire, on Jan 30, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

This just an additional note to previous reviews. Anchor on or north of the anchor symbol. Cables run from Cabbage across the ICW south side of the symbol, and,are not obvious on charts.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Cabbage Key Inn

Reviewed by: John Moore , Claire, on Jan 30, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

We stopped here for our 45th wedding anniversary, with the previous visit for our 1st, so it's easy to do the math to see how long it's been between stops. Very nostalgic. The place has been lipsticked up a bit over the years. They've done a good job upgrading and still maintaining old Florida rustic. To the best of my memory, the docks are original location, just with new paint and electric. No water. Piles are uneven with short gangways, which helps to keep the old Florida ambiance. The channel is easy to follow from the ICW. Stay in it with anything other than a dinghy. Dockmasters were very respectful and nice. We got the same great attention as the mega yachts and trawlers. They had no trouble accommodating a 90+ foot yacht.

The old dollar bill grill has been spruced up, still collecting cash on walls of the bar and parts of the dining room. Other sections have a lodge look including a working fireplace. More of a restaurant than a grill now. Bone in prime rib, shrimp scampi, and grouper were top notch.

We stayed 3 nights in the inn, and two at the dock. Room 5 has a screened porch with water view, tiny bathroom, and dim lighting (bring a headlamp from the boat if you like to read old school at night). There are cottages with private docks available. Check draft when booking. Nature trails are pleasant walks. Met Speedy and Myrtle the turtles. Staff was pleasant. Was very nice to get away from the ICW zoo and back to lazy old Florida.

Personal notes:
Don't go with the wrong expectations. No pool, floating bar, beaches or bikinis. It's as far from Miami as one can get and still be on the water in Florida. There has been a clear effort to keep the old feel... back to the 1930's in some areas, and at the same time handle new crowds of 450 plus visitors a day. It's a tough job.
Restaurant and amenities are a bit expensive, but we got over it. Dinner for two with 4 adult drinks and tip was $170. Keep in mind everything goes on and off by ferry, including trash. Tap water is not drinkable unless you are in survival mode. Bring water or buy the bottles, and don't complain.
Weekend lunch is packed. It's parade of boats at midday. We sat east side of the ICW for 30 mins and waited for a call back on ch 11. Once you've checked in, you're on the dockmasters mental list, and he'll bring you in with a slip waiting. Seemed to me we were brought in ahead of those that wondered in without a call. The property was almost deserted after lunch.
Tipping well on the strong side, including dockmasters seems to be worthwhile. They treat everyone well, but the extra was noticed. It's the best way I can put it.
Overall our visit was a great experience. Brought back some great memories, and created wonderful new ones.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Chino Island

Reviewed by: John Moore, Claire, on Jan 30, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

We visited 1/29 - 1/30 2021. Very quiet and peaceful. Winds through the night were NNE to E at 12, and we did not get a breath of it. Any other direction you will be unprotected. During the day, wake protection is zero from ICW, but far enough away that we were not compelled to move. Many fishermen drift the mangroves. Night was very quiet. Bathtub smooth, as the breeze was going over the top of us. A very nice stop if you don't mind what's left over of the ICW wake.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Manasota Key - Englewood Beach

Reviewed by: John Moore, Claire, on Jan 30, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Visited 1/23/2021. Homes on west side. Neighbors all know each other and very respectful. As a result wakes were minimal considering the amount of traffic. It was a Saturday. Several abandoned or sunk boats around give it a junk yard feel. For that reason we will only stop again out of necessity. Holding and protection is good. Bar music drifting through the air was pleasant. Didn't go ashore this time to avoid dealing with covid, but things ashore may raise the value of a stop here. Mosquitos very bad at sunset, but not present in the morning, so breakfast in the cockpit was wonderful. Overall a pleasant stop.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer