Islamorada to Punta Blanca Island, FL

Total Miles Traveled 2095

We spent eight days on Islamorada, a village encompassing six of the Florida Keys.  We moored our boat at Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina, located on the Florida Bay side of the Keys.  When we started our loop in 2015, we met Phil and Jeanne, and their dog Buster on “Knot Yet”.  We haven’t seen them since; they are currently full time live aboards at this marina.  We also found that the dock master is originally from Evansville, Indiana and one of the boats wintering here is from Eddy Creek Marina, not far from our home port at Grand Rivers Kentucky.

Our purpose for staying here was to visit with our family during their Spring Break 2018.  They found a condo about a mile from the marina with a nice pool and an awesome view of the sunsets. 

Everyone wanted to snorkel during their stay but the weather didn’t cooperate very well (surprise, surprise).  We had temperatures in the 80’s but only had one day during their stay with calm winds.  We had planned to snorkel at Alligator Reef Lighthouse, located about five miles east of Indian Key on the Ocean side of the Keys.  Although the forecast indicated calm seas, it was too rough to anchor and snorkel. 

After cruising out to the lighthouse, we returned to calmer conditions in Florida Bay and were able to snorkel close to our marina.  Our friends Phil and Jeanne had snorkel equipment for their grandkids and were kind enough to offer it to us.  Thanks’ guys!  An experience our family will not soon forget.

We also visited the marine mammal park  Theater of the Sea,  which offers dolphin shows, sea lion shows parrot shows, and a path leading through the lagoon to see alligators, crocodiles, turtles, and several species of fish.

As usual the week went fast but we had a great time during their visit.  We left Islamorada March 24^th and anchored in Little Shark River, then anchored again at Naples Florida on the 25^th before continuing up the Gordon River to the Naples City Marina on the 26^th.  The marina has been completely renovated with new docks, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. 

Although the marina is not located close to Old or New Naples, we walked several blocks to make a loop around the entire area.  Our first observation is this is a town of the rich and famous.  I don’t believe I have seen so many BMW’s, Cadillac’s, or Mercedes all in one location.  All of the areas we walked though were very upscale and well groomed.  We also noticed that all of the condominiums or apartments were called clubs?  I’m sure there is a reason for it but hey, I’m from the Midwest.  We also realized that everything is very expensive, no souvenirs here, and when you ask about happy hour you get that deer in the headlights look.  Yep, a nice place to visit but wouldn’t want to live here.

We left Naples on March 28^th and cruised to Ft Myers Beach at Salty Sam’s Marina.  We made a fuel stop on the way at Ballard Fuel dock to top off our tanks at $2.79 a gallon.  This is currently the best diesel price on the west coast of Florida.  Kevin and Jill from “Chasing 80” drove over from their house at Ft Myers to meet us at the marinas Parrot Key Caribbean Grill for happy hour one evening, we had a great visit.

Ft Myers Beach….a little crowded during spring break.  I guess we’re just spoiled by having our own private beach most of the time.

After a short stay we continued north on March 30^th to one of our favorite anchorages at Punta Blanca Island located between Cayo Costa State Park and Pine Island Sound.

Passing Sanibel Island Lighthouse, one of the first lighthouses on Florida’s Gulf coast north of Key West and the Dry Tortugas.

After passing under the Sanibel Causeway bridge, we’ll be back into the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW).

This dolphin is having fun jumping the wake of a passing boat in Pine Island Sound.

We have seen more wildlife anchored at Punta Blanca Island than any other anchorage during our adventures. 

We also took the dinghy to Cabbage Key, our favorite place to get a cheeseburger in paradise.   Many thanks to our friends Shannon and Dot, for showing us this island several years ago.  If you’re ever in the area, it’s a must stop.