(Podcast) Misadventures in Florida Sailing: When the Boat Bumps its Way to Anna Maria Island, Venice, and Boca Grande Pass

Season 2, Episode 6.

Wow — well, here we are, bouncing on the bottom near the coast of Egmont Key in Tampa Bay. Yikes!

Then we “camp” — anchor out — in a very pleasant spot at Anna Maria Island before heading back south for another visit to the wonderful coastal town of Venice, Florida, where we treat our adventurous guest (Lisa, from Episode 5) to a fantastic dinner at The Crow’s Nest. We keep the trip going the next morning, setting sail for the island of Cayo Costa and a bit of beach time on this remote barrier island of Charlotte Harbor — it can only be reached by boat or helicopter.

This uninhabited island is a state park and wildlife sanctuary with some of the best camping and shell hunting on the Florida coast. Boaters beware, though! The popular channel entrance to the Pelican Bay area on the east side of Cayo Costa, leading into a protected anchorage, is tricky, shallow, and not well-marked. We watched a few boats fail to find the right line and find the ground instead. The trick is to stay on the west side of the channel, very close to the island and the sandbar that runs along that side of the inlet. If you’re not feeling that brave — or, as in our case, it’s a very busy weekend — you can anchor on the east side of the northern end of the island. Just be sure to stay out of the Intracoastal Waterway and clear of Boca Grande Pass.

Once you’re safely anchored, you’re free to explore the island. They even have a tram that will take you to the Gulf side, saving you the walk across.

As much as we’ve enjoyed having Lisa onboard, her vacation time is coming to a close and we have to get her to an airport. Luckily, we know just the place: Burnt Store Marina (not sponsored) is only a short sail away. That works out in our favor, too, because on the recent leg our forward head (toilet) decided to become fussy — non-functional. And of course I picked the perfect time to do the repairs… you’ll have to listen to find out.

Jennifer (Cristen’s sister) arrives, and we set out on another day of sailing — which turns into a night of sailing…

Referenced in this episode: Cayo Costa State Park; Leave No Trace; Burnt Store Marina; and Mote Marine Lab.