SOUTHWEST GULF COAST of FLORIDA

The last week we traveled down the SOUTHWEST GULF COAST of FLORIDA. 

Our first stop in Boca Grande, Florida. Boca Grande is a small residential community on Gaspirilla Island. The town is known for its historic downtown, sugar sand beaches and fishing. Very early inhabitants were Calusa Indians, living on the island in 5,000 BC. Just like the Indians, many wealthy American and British sportsman came here to fish. This influx of fishermen "Put Boca Grande on the Map".

The next stop was Captiva Island. On the way there we passed by famous Cabbage Key Island. We tried to stop for lunch but the dockhand wasn't very helpful and it was pretty windy. Oh well, so much for our "Cheese Burger in Paradise"? 

Once we arrived to Captiva Island we docked at 'Tween Waters Inn and Marina. According to folklore, Captiva got its name because the Pirate Captain Jose Gaspar (Gaspirilla) held his female prisoners on the island for random (or worse). Today Captiva is known for one of the best shelling beaches in the world. It was voted one of Americas most Romantic beaches by Travelocity. There is even has a Pepperidge Farm cookie named in the Islands honor "Captiva" (a dark chocolate brownie)...Yum!

We planned on one or two night stop on Captiva, but stayed for three nights.  It's one of those magical places that would be easy to stay forever! But, The Great American Loop is calling our name to move on.....

Our next port, Pink Shell Marina at Fort Myers Beach, Florida. This Marina was voted in the top 25 Best Places to dock in North America by Power and Motor Yacht Magazine. It's a very busy region and one of Florida's top tourist destinations. During the American Indian War of the 1830's the United States built Fort Myers. It was used as a base of operations against the Seminole. 

From Pink Shell, we crossed the Bay and docked at Salty Sam's Marina in Fort Myers Beach. We moved Marinas to watch the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade! (We took an Uber to the local shopping center to purchase some Christmas decorations for Thistle:).

The next day we traveled to Naples, Florida. The ICW ends in Fort Myers so we are now traveling (outside) in the Gulf of Mexico. We docked at the beautiful Naples Boat Club. The Club is very well maintained with large yachts, a swimming pool, free laundry and gorgeous clubhouse.Naples is famous for its high end shopping and dining. It is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. It gets its name from Naples, Italy. We loved riding our bikes around Naples, the people and pet watching is unbelievable! Our favorite restaurant was Cafe Milano...half price everything from 3:30 -5:00 (voted 5 out of 5 stars from us:). 

We left the opulence of Naples and headed to Everglades City, Florida (these two ports are as opposite as possible).  We docked at the historic Everglades Rod and Gun Club. This old Club has been shared by Presidents, sportsman, pioneers, travelers, Loopers and locals for over 100 years. It is located in the 10,000 islands and near Everglades National Park. The city has a tropical savanna climate, that consists of warm dry winters, hot and humid summers with heavy rain and lots of misquotes! 

With a good weather window we will be crossing the Gulf of Mexico to Key West :)

Looper Tip: We finally watched "Beneath the 12 Mile Reef" ... it is a must see for all Loopers stopping in Tarpon Springs. 

The last week we traveled from Longboat Key to Everglades City.

There were many more low bridges!

Sights along the ICW: more dolphins, hurricane damage and lots and lots and lots of crab pots.

We were interested to learn that Florida stone carb are sustainable. 

The fisherman only remove the crab claw and then the claw regenerates by the next season. 

There are very strict Florida laws that address crab fishing.

At the Boca Grande Marina.

From our dock we walked to see sunset and then enjoyed a jalapeño margarita at The Pink Elephant!

The sunset was spectacular:) 

We passed Cabbage Key where it is rumored Jimmy Buffet wrote "Cheese Burger in Paradise".

'Tween Waters Inn and Marina on Captiva Island. 

It was very shallow getting there, but totally worth the extra effort! 

Our friendly dock mates were on a beautiful 1949 Rybovich.  

That evening we enjoyed dinner, ice cream and great stories (Thank You :) 

Highlights at 'Tween Waters ... a beer at the Mucky Duck (right on the beach), 

ice cream at Pinocchio's (dirty sand dollar) and the Christmas decorations at 'Tween Waters. 

Captiva Island is one of our favorite stops on the Great American Loop :) 

Good night from 'Tween Waters Inn and Marina.  

Pink Shell Resort and Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. 

The Pink Shell Beach, dinner at Yucatán and boats decorated for Christmas. 

A short 30 minute trip to Salty Sams's Marina also in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. 

 Lots of commercial fishing boats in the harbor.

The Boat Parade ! 

(We had a great slip to see and hear everything:) 

Thistle is decorated. 

Naples Boat Club in Naples, Florida. 

Many large boats in the Marina! 

Naples pier and beach. 

Cheers to Third Street South, our favorite area of Naples. 

Getting in the Naples Christmas spirt...Ho Ho Ho!

The Everglades National Park. 

The Everglades Rod and Gun Club. 

Inside the historic Club house. 

Thistle docked at The Everglades Rod and Gun Club, Everglades City Florida.