Florida – West Coast Pilot Notes
Daybeacon 2
Punta Gorda / Port Charlotte:
26 05.45N, 81 48.42W
26 55N, 82 03W (see chart on next spread)
Pilotage: Entry into Charlotte Harbor
TR on pile.
through Boca Grande Pass is wide and well
Anchorage: Very little room outside the marked. Extensive shoals line the entry chan-
marked channel. Possible near the municipal nel several miles into Gulf waters. Respect
marina and between marks 12 and 16. the sea buoy. If possible check local knowl-
Dockage/Moorings: Available at many edge for conditions in Swach Channel. It lies
marinas concentrated near the bridge at the immediately alongshore of Gasparilla Island.
head of navigation for the Gordon River. Cautions: Heavy onshore winds can create
Fuel: At marinas near bridge. Also near hazardous sea conditions.
Gordon Pass.
Waypoints
Supplies: Extensive. Groceries and shop-
Charlotte Harbor Entrance Lighted Bell Buoy 2
ping available.
Services: Extensive. Haulout facilities.
26 39.8N, 82 19.6W Fl R 6s 4M Red
Port Boca Grande Light
Fort Myers Beach: 26 27N, 81 57W
Pilotage: Obey San Carlos Bay Light 1. Just
26 43.0N, 82 15.6W Oc W 4s 12M White
past Marker 6, swing ENE to find Matanzas
dwelling on S end of island. 41ft.
Pass Channel leading around Estero Island
Punta Gorda Light 2
into the protected waters of the Pass. Avoid
shoals on either side of the channel.
26 56.1N, 82 04.4W Fl R 4s 3M
Bridges: The highway bridge that connects
TR on dolphin. 16ft.
Fort Myers Beach, on Estero Island, with San
Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club Daybeacon 1
Carlos Island has a fixed span with a vertical
clearance of 65ft. The highway bridge that
26 57.3N, 82 04.8W
connects San Carlos Island with the mainland
SG on pile. Private aid.
has a 31ft fixed span with a clearance of 6ft.
Dockage/Moorings: Marinas at Fisher-
Regulations: A slow no-wake speed limit is
man’s Village and a city marina. More facili-
enforced from Daybeacon 9A, at the SE end
ties on the Charlotte side.
of San Carlos Bay, to ESE of Daybeacon 24,
Anchorage: Small 7ft anchorage behind
in Matanzas Pass.
La Costa Island S of park pier in Pelican Bay.
Waypoints
Open anchorage off either Punta Gorda or
San Carlos Bay Light
Charlotte in harbor.
26 25.13N, 81 57.5W Mo(A) W 6M
Fuel: Fuel docks at most marinas.
Supplies: All supplies.
MR on skeleton tower. 16ft.
Services: Repair facilities and haulouts.
Mantanzas Pass Channel Light 1
26 27.65N, 81 58.48W Fl G 2.5s 4M SG on pile.
Venice: 27 06N, 82 27W
(see chart on next spread)
Dockage/Moorings: Many marinas on
Pilotage: Currents can be swift in the ICW
both sides of the harbor.
just inside the inlet. Be especially careful
Anchorage: 8-9ft of water S of the shoal in
when approaching opening bridges. Best
the middle of harbor or farther in towards
inlet between Boca Grande and Tampa Bay.
Matanzas Pass. The USCG and FMP patrol
Entrance channel is short, well marked; once
the area and discourage anchoring too close
inside you must quickly decide whether to go
to the channels.
N or S on ICW or dock at a marina. There is
Fuel: At several marinas.
very little maneuvering room.
Supplies: All marine supplies and other
provisions available.
Waypoints
Services: Repair and haulout facilities.
Venice Inlet Light 1
27 06.77N, 82 28.22W Fl G 6s 6M SG on pile. 20ft.
176