Great Loop: Marco Island

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Smokehouse Bay - Marco Island

February 7th, 8th, 2022

Today’s journey was 61 miles from Captiva Island to Marco Island on the west coast of Florida.  Along the way we cruised by Fort Meyers and Naples.  We only took one detour, as I followed the incorrect set of channel markers through the islands off Fort Meyers.  The detour became a "bonus loop" closer to the city front.  This part of the coast is solid with high rise buildings along the beach front.  They go on for miles and miles.


The approach to Marco Island is via a constantly the changing estuary of the Marco River.  Our charts did not match the channel at all.  You have to look for the channel markers, which were accurate and provided safe access to the island.  Outside the channel you could see waves breaking on the shoals.  Variations in water color also help you find deeper water.  Another tactic is to watch a couple of “local” boats enter and follow their route.  With the wind, the currents and the waves breaking on the shoals, there is much to keep your interest as you approach the island.


Dinghy Dock on Smokehouse Bay

As you gain entrance to the island you find that it is laced with canals to maximize waterfront locations for the homes, hotels, resorts, and condos.  The Island had 15,000 full time residents and this swells to 35,000 residents in the winter months.  Once you get past the thin veneer of waterfront homes, the space is filled with strip malls and service businesses as is the rest of Florida. 




Groceries in the Dinghy

One unique feature we enjoyed, was the Winn-Dixie supermarket near Smokehouse Bay had a dinghy dock!  This greatly facilitated re-provisioning.  There was also a moderate sized marina on Smokehouse Bay.  Unfortunately, they do not have a fuel dock.  They do have a dinghy dock though, from which you can access the stores, restaurants, and pubs in the shopping complex immediately behind the marina.  We anchored in Smokehouse bay just off the Marina.

When we left, we fueled at Rose Marina.  Their prices were reasonable.  Once fueled, we headed out the channel to begin our trip to Little Shark River.  Winds were 15 knots and waves were 2-3.  Right on the upper edge of what we prefer.  So it was a little lumpy down to Little Shark River.



Trip Log



Location: Marco Island, FL 34145, USA

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