Canal east from Fort Myers

P

piconroy

Member
exMember
Joined
Jan 9, 2007
RO Number
24804
Messages
51
Is anyone familiar with the canal east from Ft Myers to the east coast of FL?

Can you recommend a web site for info?

Is taking the canal any fun? Any places to stop? How long does it take? Are there fees to get through? Any recommedations on the Lake Okeechobee portion?

Thanks much
PAT
 
"Is anyone familiar with the canal east from Ft Myers to the east coast of FL?"

I am.

"Can you recommend a web site for info?"

For marinas, anchorages, info on locking through, mileage and such, I'd pick up a copy of the Southern Waterway Guide.

web sites:
http://www.sailmiami.com/Okeechobee/index.htm
http://www.rolandmartinmarina.com/okeechobee_waterway.php
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/
http://www.yachtdeliveryusa.com/okeechobee-bridges.htm

"Is taking the canal any fun?"

Yes. It can be a lot of fun.

"Any places to stop?"

Sure, several marines, towns and a state/county park or two.

"How long does it take?"

Depends on your crusing speed and how often you stop along the way. In a boat like yours, you could do it in a long day.

"Are there fees to get through?"

No.

"Any recommedations on the Lake Okeechobee portion?"

Watch the weather. The lake is shallow and can get very rough. On a bad day you could go around on the rim route. If it's open.

I like staying at Roland Martin's Marina in Clewiston on the edge of the lake just before you cross west to east. And eating at the Clewiston Inn. Be sure to check out the bar in the Inn even if you don't drink. Very cool FL wildlife mural.
 
Thanks Bill

This gives me plenty to get started.

I will make a call on Clewiston Inn and have a cold one or two.

I may be back for more info

Thanks
PAT
 
Ask away Pat. I'm sure there are others here with good info as well.

By the way, the Inn will send a car to pick you up and return you to Roland Martin's.
 
What style - a car to pick us up !!

Hey Bill,

I envision something that looks like the ICW around the back of Venice Island.

In general what is it like?
Is it minimum wake or under 25
Are their views
How deep,on average,is the water
Can you pop in for a swim?

PAT
 
Yeah, they don't call it "The Ditch" for nothing. :-)

It's like the ditch south of Venice but wider and not lined with rocks. Has a natural shore line. Much of it you can run as fast as you wish. You just have to keep an eye out for other boats along the shore fishing and such. As well as marinas.

There are views. Cows, gators, turtles, birds, boats, homes, etc. :-)

I'd guess the average depth is around 10 feet or so.

You can swim in it.
 
Ah, the Ditch. I get it but it still sounds like something I should do.

Sorry I did not thank you sooner but I have been out of town. Any way thanks for the info and I will get back to you if I have more questions

PAT
 
No problem.

And don't let the "ditch" desciption deter you. It's well worth doing and seeing at least once.
 
it's a nice run, very rural. indeed doable in one day.

there are a few places to stop, a few years ago, i stopped at the city dock on the west side of the lake... cant' remember the name of the town, it's rigth before the lock.

The rim route has been closed for 2 or 3 years, too shallow.

the corps of engineer site has up to date info on locks and depth. They often close locks in the summer time for maintenance...
 
Its on the agenda for for March. I will get to Placida for some service and then continue on to the Ditch.

Keep the info & recommendations coming

Thanks
PAT
 
We started in Venice, stayed over in Ft. Meyers, Then Moore Haven (drank at Brenda's,great time with the locals) then on to Clewiston Roland Martin's and the Clewiston Inn. Also stayed near the Sabastion Inlet.We made reservastions, and we did have a problem at one of the locks that was down for repairs. We took the rim canal due to the weather. The frog legs were great!Had a memerable trip.Go for It!!
 
You must have had a great time. Because unless there are two of them, Brenda's is in Clewiston not Moore Haven. :-)
 
Bill,

Sounds like two points of call Lewiston Inn and Brendas ? And what about Moore Haven ?

I have been Google Earthing the Ditch. Kind of looks like what I expected. It is still on my agenda for March

PAT
 
I was wondering if anyone would catch that!I can't remember what bar it was in Moore Havan but we had "frog legs" dancing on the bar. haha We ended up going to Brenda's and partying with the same folks that were in Moore Haven the night before! I'll never forget the hospitality! It was great!
quote:
Originally posted by Capt. Bill1

You must have had a great time. Because unless there are two of them, Brenda's is in Clewiston not Moore Haven. :-)

Click to expand...
 
It's been a while since I stopped and partied in Moore Haven. But it's not big. So maybe Phil's recollection will clear up and he can direct you to that bar. :-)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top