Punta Gorda Isles (PGI) Has a fabulous canal system that runs 45 miles with 90 miles of concrete seawall maintained by the city. Most of the canal system offers deep water sailboat access with no fixed bridge, though a portion of the canals do have a fixed bridge to clear and lead out through Bass Inlet(13’8”), Sailfish Inlet(13’), or Tarpon Inlet (13’6”). The entry points to the canal system are dredged to 6’ mean low water. The canals generally range in depth from 8’-15’ with more shallow depths close to the seawalls. There are a variety of homes along the canal system that range in vintage from the 1960s to present. Most homes have docks and or lifts in place. There are also undeveloped lots which will accommodate new custom homes. The boat ride out of the canal system can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour out to the Peace River or through Ponce Inlet to Charlotte Harbor. Cruising through the canal system you will find a plethora of boats ranging from flats boats to trawlers and large sailing catamarans.

Burnt Store Isles (BSI) Is a canal system that spans 9 miles with 18 miles of seawall. This portion of the canal system generally boasts slightly wider canals and is located just south of PGI with all vessels leaving this portion of the canal system through Alligator Creek into Charlotte Harbor. The city removed a lock that was installed at the entry point to the creek, though the original lock walls remain, making this a narrower passage. There are no bridges in this area. Boats stored in this area are required to be kept on lifts (unless they have been grandfathered). Consequently, you will not find as many deep keel sailboats in this area. The city has been maintaining the inlet to a mean low water level of 5”, and dredges Alligator Creek (though it may initiate dredging to 6’ in the future). BSI experienced more houses being built starting in the 1980s and continues to experience new construction today. 

Pirate Harbor, and Port Charlotte

Living in these communities also allows residents to have their boat right on their own dock directly behind their home on a canal. Most properties have unrestricted access to open water, though a portion of the Port Charlotte waterways are limited by fixed bridges.

Burnt Store Marina

Burnt Store Marina is one of SW Florida’s largest deep-water marinas offers unparalleled access to the Gulf of Mexico via Charlotte Harbor. This full-service marina features 525 wet slips for boats up to 100’, plus over 275 dry slips, a boat launch, two onsite restaurants, golf, fitness, boat rentals, and tennis. The marina also has a Freedom Boat Club and Sailtime base. Burnt Store is located on the shores of Charlotte Harbor, just 10 nautical miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The main channel is dredged to 8’. The marina is located at the heart of a laid back gated resort community.

Cape Harbor Marina

Cape Harbour Marina is located in Cape Coral, off the Caloosahatchee River, just a three and one-half mile run to the Gulf of Mexico (just off mile marker 92) accommodates 78 vessels up to 65’ in the water as well as vessels up to 34’ in their dry storage facility. The Complex offers luxury condominiums as well as several gated enclaves of Estate Homes with private docks . The marina boasts great access to the Gulf via the Sanibel Causeway fixed bridge (70’ vertical clearance). Enjoy restaurants and shopping in the waterside village. www.capeharbor.com 

Tarpon Point Marina

Tarpon Point Marina is located in Cape Coral, off the Caloosahatchee River. Tarpon Point Marina is also located just off the I.C.W. at marker #92. This marina has 216 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 100’. Inside the marina basin depths range from 8 to 12 feet. Tarpon Point has access to the Gulf via the Sanibel Causeway fixed bridge (70’ vertical clearance). The marina is part of a luxury gated resort community complete with luxury condominiums, custom estate homes, a Westin Hotel, fine dining and shops. These marinas have access to expert mechanical, electronic, canvas, boat hauling, bottom cleaning, and maintenance facilities.