Port Charlotte is the center of Charlotte County on the Gulf Coast of Florida and offers access to Charlotte Harbor as well as many of the other area amenities and attractions. Charlotte Harbor, fed by the Peace and Myakka rivers, is the second largest estuary in the state. A harbor cruise will provide visitors with views of the mangrove-edged preserved shoreline, river passages, miles of sandy beaches and local wildlife, including dolphins, manatees and a variety of water birds.
Located across the harbor from Port Charlotte, Boca Boats Inc. offers two standard cruise options as well as chartered tours. A half-day lunch cruise takes guests to Cabbage Key, just outside the harbor. A shorter trip cruises through Gasparilla Sound. Cruises depart from the Boca Grande Resort.
Boca Boats Inc.
5800 Gasparilla Rd.
Boca Grande, FL 33921
888-416-2628
Bocaboat.com
Grande Tours Inc. offers several cruising options, including Captain Marian's Choice tour through the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves. This tour, led by a naturalist guide, offers educational and hands-on opportunities to explore remote sandbars. Dolphin sightings are common occurrences during these cruises.
Grande Tours, Inc.
12575 Placida Rd.
Placida, FL 33946
941-697-8825
Grandetours.com
Gulf Harbor Charter offers full- or half-day private sightseeing cruises through Lemon Bay, Stump Pass, Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande. Custom tailored tours may include stops at waterfront restaurants, fishing spots or secluded beaches. Tours depart from the Stump Pass Marina.
Gulf Harbor Charter
260 Maryland Ave.
Englewood, FL 34224
941-697-8161
Gulfharborcharter.com
Visitors can choose from a multitude of cruise options offered by King Fisher Fleet. The daylong cruises start with a two hour tour of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves. Shorter Charlotte Harbor cruises include an afternoon tour, sunset cruise or half-day cruise. Another option is an eco tour up the Peace River, which is guided by naturalists from the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center.
King Fisher Fleet
1200 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-639-0969
Kingfisherfleet.com
