Florida

Learning to sail in Southwest Florida is like sailing in a tropical paradise right here in the continental United States. Florida offers endless possibilities to explore its inland waterways or venture out to the Gulf of Mexico for an offshore experience. Florida’s history, breathtaking sunsets, and large array of aquatic life make every day an adventure. Whether you are a first-time sailor or looking to advance your sailing knowledge, you can make your next destination vacation a sailing trip to Florida!

Charlotte Harbor

Burnt Store Marina, a Safe Harbor Marina in Punta Gorda, FL, is our SW Florida base of operations. It is a full-service marina including a fuel dock, pool, laundry, bar & grill with entertainment, and more. It is located on Charlotte Harbor with easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and the Gulf of Mexico. Cruising the ICW gives you access to a multitude of resorts, restaurants, lively watering holes, and quite lagoons. Sea life is abundant with dolphin, manatee, tarpon, sharks, and the occasional sea turtle. Once outside of Charlotte Harbor your destinations are endless. A few days north can take you to Venice and Tampa Bay with a stop at historic Desoto Park or venture a few days south to Sanibel, Captiva, Naples and Marco Island.

Sailing Destinations

Cayo Costa

Just a short 10-mile sail across Charlotte Harbor is Cayo Costa State Park. Pelican Bay is a quiet anchorage for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, or a trip ashore to wander the hiking trails filled with a wonderland of cabbage palm, pine, and overhanging oak. This walk takes you across the island to the Gulf of Mexico for beautiful sunset views. You may also take a kayak or dinghy into the adjacent inlet pond where you often see manatee.  www.floridastateparks.org

Pine Island Sound

Cruise to the beautiful and unspoiled islands of Pine Island Sound, Florida. Cabbage Key, Cayo Costa and the other barrier Islands of Southwest Florida offer scenery, wildlife, and a tranquility found in few places in the world. Leaving out of Burnt Store Marina into Charlotte Harbor, you will experience the beauty of original and unspoiled Florida that still exists in the Pine Island Sound area. The nearby barrier islands contain parks, spectacular beaches, resorts, and an abundance of wildlife. Many of the islands are only accessible by boat. The sailing is relaxed and manatees, dolphin, and a wide variety of birds can be seen. 

Sailing north through the Gulf of Mexico to Venice (50 miles) is a relaxing day ending with a beautiful sunset viewed from Humphris Park. The Crows Nest Restaurant offers dining outside on the patio or inside with a view of the inlet! You will find casual tavern style dining downstairs or enjoy a fabulous seafood dinner in the main restaurant upstairs.

Crows Nest Marina - Venice, FL

Other popular destinations within a short sail

Fisherman’s Village  www.fishermensvillage.com

Cabbage Key  www.cabbagekey.com