Great Loop: Marco Island
Smokehouse Bay - Marco Island February 7 th , 8 th , 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. W...