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Boating Dreams came true in Cape Coral
The following was written by Joe Ward and published in May-June 2009 Issue of Simply the Best in Cape Coral Wet and Wild Guide
My dreams came true in 2002 when my wife and I sailed our 45’ Gulfstar through the Bahamas, around Key West, and up the Caloosahatchie River into the Cape Coral Yacht Club Marina. Upon docking into our final destination, the harbor master greeted us with, “Welcome to Cape Coral. It’s Paradise”. He explained the Yacht Club was owned by the City and not private a private club which might have ridiculous dockage fees. Wow, what a water wonderland here for boaters and all us water babies turned 'aquanuts'. We were impressed! Most of our days are filled with fabulous Florida winds and weather, deep blue ocean sailing, great fishing, playing with the dolphins, finding manatee, snorkeling, Scuba diving, skinny-dipping, sunbathing and tons of fun. Anchoring in a beautiful harbor before sunset, enjoying a tasty sea food dinner and drinks at the local bar with island music playing, while sharing the day’s adventures with other sailors, was pure bliss for this son of a sailorman.
This boating city of Cape Coral is unique in the world because of its location and development. Nestled between the Caloosahatchie River and Gulf of Mexico, our Cape is surrounded by world famous Sanibel, Captiva, Caya Costa, Gaspirella, Pine Island resorts, and also the Matlacha Aquatic Wildlife Preserve and Ft. Myers Beach. All are a short drive or boat trip from the Cape; such a natural Paradise! Being a boating community, instead of a beach community, sets us apart from the rest of Florida. Truly a water, weather wonderland, it is laced with 400 miles of man-made navigable canals and about 31 miles of shoreline. Beautiful, colorful Florida homes line both sides giving us more than 800 miles of waterfront homes with thousands of boats, docks, pools and toys in the back. Beaches, marinas and waterfront restaurants are everywhere for fun boating destinations. Every needed boating service is conveniently located and well equipped with knowledgeable staff, such as USA Bait & Tackle located on Cape Coral Pkwy.
Soon after my arrival, Cape Coral’s boating destinations improved greatly with the construction of Tarpon Point and Cape Harbour Marinas in the southwestern point of the city. Both are high-end developments for boaters. Tarpon Point is a private, gated community from land and water. Cape Harbour is open to the public via both land and water, and is adorned with several restaurants, and quaint boutiques ranging from unique, clothing shops, jewelry, accessories, art gallery, candy store, day spa/salon, specialized gifts and The Bikini Company, all of which are independently owned and operated.
Almost everyone here is passionate about keeping this beautiful marine environment clean, safe and protected for our enjoyment. An idle speed cruise through “the miserable mile” at the southern end of the Caloosahatchie is proof of this and a lesson in appreciation of safe boating and the protected Manatees.
Our abundant wildlife, beautiful weather, every water sport, fun relaxed lifestyle and friendly people are a way of life here in Cape Coral. Some of the many reasons our water wonderland is Simple the Best. Enjoy!
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