Florida – West Coast Pilot Notes
Channel Key Daybeacon 4 Old Dan Bank Light 1
24 49.3N, 80 53.8W Red 24 51N, 84 50W Fl G 4s 4M
triangle.
Channel Five Light 2
Old Sweat Bank East End Daybeacon
24 48.90N, 080 46.47W Fl R 4s 3M Red
24 49.3N, 80 51.7W Black/White
triangle. 16ft
diamond.
Channel Five Bridge
Anchorage: The Little Shark River offers a
protected anchorage just near the entrance
to Cape Romano
and as far as the turn near Marker 4 in 8-10ft.
The bottom is very soft.
Tides p. 468, Differences p. 531
Waypoints
Currents p. 654, Differences p. 710
East Cape Light 2
Pilotage: The yacht passage from the
25 05.0N, 81 05.0W Fl R 4s 5M Red
Channel Five Bridge is narrow and prone to
triangle. 16ft
shoaling. Pass near Bamboo Key Light 13,
then head N leaving Bamboo Banks to E. Lay
Northwest Cape Light 4
a course several miles W of any of the three
25 12.8N, 81 11.7W Fl R 2.5s 4M 16ft Red
capes that comprise Cape Sable. The waters
triangle.
are shoal some distance from shore.
From Cape Sable to Cape Romano, plot a
Little Shark River Entrance Light 1
NW course at least 10nm offshore. In any
25 19.2N, 81 09.3W Fl G 4s 4M 16ft Green
event, respect Northwest Cape Light 4 and
Cape Romano Shoals Light, unless going
square.
into the Little Shark River. Cape Romano Shoals Light
Caution: In season, watch for lobster trap
25 41.3N, 81 38.8W Fl W 4s 6M 18ft
floats that tend to snag.
NR on dolphin.
Cape Romano to Egmont Key
Longboat Pass Approach Light LP
27 26.08N, 82 42.12W Mo (A) W 6M Red/White
Tides p. 471, Differences p. 531
octagon. 16ft.
Currents p. 654, Differences p. 710
Naples: 26 08N 81 48W
Pilotage: During summer months, after- Pilotage: Entry through Gordon Pass is
noon thunderstorms ashore will generally not easy in prevailing easterlies.
extend more than 5 to 10nm into the Gulf. Caution: The channel should be followed
There are numerous inlets along this pas- closely, avoiding the shoaling edges.
sage but many are unnavigable due to shoal- Landmarks: A microwave tower, several wa-
ing. Vessels on direct courses along the coast ter tanks, and numerous hotels and apartment
should make note of the shoals off Boca houses are prominent in Naples from offshore.
Grande Pass and Sanibel Island. Use caution The kiosk of the 1,000ft municipal fishing pier
approaching Capri Pass from the S; shoals is prominent inshore. The television tower
over the old Big Marco Pass extend nearly a at 26 03.15N, 81 42.15W is a good landmark
mile from Marco Island. when approaching at night from W or SW.
Waypoints Waypoints
Capri Pass Approach Light Gordon Pass Light 1
25 58.6N, 81 44.1W Fl W 10s 17M 26 5.5N, 81 48.8W Fl G 2.5s 5M Green
Building. 90ft. Obscured 280°-030°. square. 16ft.
174