Reviews from Gary Haring (4)
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Marina Review for 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
Reviewed by:
Gary Haring
, Pegasus,
on May 7, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'Rating: 5
Tween Waters marina
May 2024
It has been years since we last visited this marina. This area was hard hit by hurricane Ian and is still recovering with that last ten percent still visible here and there but the work is ongoing and soon it will be better than ever. The resort seemed busy for the off season and the resort staff helped us with our dinner reservations, concierge service privilege of staying at the marina. Many of the charter boats looked new, spit shined, floating in their slips awaiting passengers to go sightseeing and fishing but not many takers this day. There were a steady supply of couples wandering the docks greeted by the abundant area wildlife including several manatee with young calf, a nurse shark munching on discards from the fish cleaning tables, monster tarpon everywhere, and the resident great blue heroin snatching up pint sized minnows on the marinas sandy dingy beach. The staff's service was excellent and professional helping many a boater with their needs at the fuel dock. Pump-out was free and with an exceptionally long small diameter hose very easy carried out at the fuel dock. There are three restaurants on the property. The Old Captiva House, the legendary Crows Nest, and Tween Waters newest arrival The Ship Yard. The Crows Nest was not open during our stay. The Ship Yard took over the old Crows Nest restaurant which moved upstairs. I would call it mid-range fair and very affordable considering this is a resort. They served us a very good breakfast. Dinner at the Old Captiva House brought mixed review. We'll give it another try but I'll time my next visit to sample the up-scale fair of The Crows Nest. A storm blew in during the night which forced me on deck to bring down some shade canvas and the nasty chop woke up the entire boat but as fast as the storm came it went leaving behind a soaked cat and skipper. This and we were in a slip protected by a wave fence. What can I say, Florida storms, this is a well protected marina. We will return.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Marina Review for Boca Grande Marina
Reviewed by:
Gary Haring
, Pegasus,
on May 7, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'Rating: 5
Boca Grande Marina
May 2024
We visited this marina a day before the Tarpon fishing season opening tournament began. We were lucky to get a slip since all the tournament sized boats filled every other available space. We had a great time, the staff and fishermen exuded a fun vibrancy and everyone had a good time. The marina appeared recently refurnished, very clean. Even the dockside pump-out was painless, although pricy at $20 added to our per foot charge. With the lack of functional pump-out services in this area glad to pay it. The only signs of hurricane Ian were found ashore but I must say this town has worked a miracle in their recovery effort. The very walkable downtown was spotless. Our stay only a few days limited our food sampling but offerings ran the gamut from bar food to high end so all appetites were satisfied. With our 21 foot beam we were moored on the outer T head which put us facing the well marked inlet and while there is a formidable shoal guarding this inlet a strong NE wind managed to disturb our sleep with an annoying chop. Not complaining just informing. We will come back.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Marina Review for Moore Haven City Docks
Reviewed by:
Gary Haring
, Pegasus,
on Apr 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'Rating: 4
April 2024
We stayed at the private dock but walked and had a view of this dock which is in almost new condition. I was told it was recently rebuilt after a fire. Pilings are high enough to reach most boat's rub rails. The only issue I saw with this dock is the payment system. You have to pay at City Hall, not the library, and they need to be open otherwise you wait to pay or put payment in the honor box. Please note this dock is open to the public. For what it is worth I was warned by the locals to lock up my bikes although I saw nothing in town that concerned me. I may up my rating when I get an opportunity to stay here but do to the payment method and unlimited public access only 4 stars.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Marina Review for River House Marina
Reviewed by:
Gary Haring
, Pegasus,
on Apr 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'Rating: 5
This is the only privately owned marina of the 3 in town. Docks and utilities are in good order. The owner is very accommodating and ran the Dockwa reservation for us as a courtesy. Dock is gated. The only issue we had was the pilings were a little low for our rub-rail but fender-boards did the trick. This is our number one pick for marinas in this town but the 2 City run marinas are a good choice but we like the added security the gates brought. The train runs all the time and there is no escaping its horn. Very calm on this windy day and the few wakes were minimal.
View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
