Pelican Bay Cruise
March 13, 2020 - March 15, 2020
FreeCruise Leader: To Be Determined
This is a favorite anchorage for the Club during the most comfortable time of the year.
Winter is over and we gather at a favorite anchorage here in Southwest Florida on the leeward side of Cayo Costa to celebrate. It’s that time of year when it’s not too hot and not too cold and perfect for being on the hook! There will be Happy Hours on the beach and dinghy exploration opportunities. We can check out what treasures have washed up on the beach, go for a hike in the state park, or just lounge on deck reading a book.
Be prepared for one of Florida’s best kept secrets by reviewing the Florida State Parks website.
If you’re new to Pelican Bay – click here for the –> Pelican Bay Chart. Entry into Pelican Bay is not particularly difficult but caution is advised. Don’t cut corners unless you’re familiar with the anchorage! If this is your first time, talk to one of the club’s many “regulars”for advice and assistance.
Do not forget to bring some cash to cover the $2 per person per day donation to the “Friends of Cayo Costa” who unselfishly man most of the of the island’s amenities. Also, write “CMCS” on your donation envelope so they know we continue to appreciate their efforts. Envelopes and payment box is at the dock. Or you can pay at the ranger station, which has some trail maps available.
PLEASE SUPPORT THIS WONDERFUL ASSET!
Click here for a chart created a few years ago by Isles Yacht Club. This is a good tool but remember that the sands shift so things may be different today than they were then! There is good holding throughout the anchorage as well as protection from all but strong N and NE winds.
- Friday Evening: we’ll gather at Dog Beach (a beach near the entrance on Punta Blanca Island) at around 5:00 PM. Bring your own drinks, and a snack to share.
- Saturday: can be spent:
- visiting other boats in your dinghy
- hiking Cayo Costa
- renting a bike to pedal Cayo Costa
- sitting on or walking the beach
- just hanging out with a good book
- gather-up a group to dinghy down to the “Tunnel of Love” (Cheedix Cut)
- tour the various “hidey holes” (e.g. Manatee Hole, School House Cove)
- Cabbage Key is a short dinghy ride for lunch
- if weather permits, a group may take their dinghies to the West side of Cayo Costa, inside Johnson Shoals, to a secluded beach area
- fix something that’s broken on your boat (a favorite for some)
- Saturday Evening: gather again on Dog Beach for cocktails around 5:00 PM. Bring your own drinks, and a snacks to share.
- Sunday: it’s time to head home (or not!). Feel free to come early and stay late!
If you want more information, please contact your cruise leaders (See contact information below.)
We plan to monitor channel 72, so please hail “CMCS” on your marine radio upon arrival!
