TAKING TO THE WATER

Taking to the

water In Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte

By Gabriele Walkow

The best place to spend some time in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte during the hazy, lazy days of summer is ON the water. Choose from several different types of charter operators offering a variety of adventures for exploring beautiful Charlotte Harbor and the waters beyond.

SMOKE AND ROSES

Based in Port Charlotte, Captain Dan and First Mate Agnes offer private catamaran sailing charters aboard their spacious and smooth sailing Smoke and Roses, a 47-foot Leopard. Choose from Sunset, Half Day or Full Day cruises to view coastal mangroves, a variety of birdlife and bottlenose dolphins. Or have the ultimate boating experience on two LiveA-Board Charter options. Gulf Island Cruises is a two- to four-day excursion, sailing through Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands and spending each night anchored at a unique location or a marina (extra). Southwest Florida Coastal Cruising is an unrivalled five- to seven-day extended cruise. Sailing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, beach walks and visiting local islands are the order of the day. Reservations required. smokeandroses.com

A dolphin playing alongside Smoke and Roses

PUNTA GORDA SAILING

Enjoy warm Florida breezes, capture the perfect West Coast sunset or set out on an overnight, multiday adventure with Punta Gorda Sailing. Celebrating a special event such as an anniversary, birthday or engagement? Set sail with Punta Gorda Sailing and create memorable moments. Choose from day cruises, sunset cruises, private cruises and overnight island adventures. Guests have the option to sail on the modern 36-foot sloop, the S/V Calypso, or the classic 41-foot double mast ketch rig, the S/V Dancer. Offering a variety of sailing cruises for every type of adventurer, guests can sail as much as they want or just sit back and relax. puntagordasailing.com

KING FISHER FLEET

Located in Punta Gorda’s popular Fishermen’s Village, choose from a variety of charters including actionpacked fishing, romantic sunset cruises, picturesque river tours and off-the-beaten path island trips. The 90-minute Harbor Tour is the perfect introduction to beautiful Charlotte Harbor. This narrated cruise tours the Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor waterfront and then circles the bay looking for dolphins, seabirds and other wildlife. With a fleet that includes two custom-built double decker sightseeing boats, a deepsea fishing vessel and several back-bay guide boats, King Fisher Fleet’s knowledgeable crew will ensure that Allegiant travelers take to the water in style. kingfisherfleet.com