RV Resort Near Charlotte Harbor

Charlotte Harbor is essentially your resort’s "front yard"—a massive, 270-square-mile estuary where the Peace and Myakka Rivers meet the Gulf of Mexico. For your guests at Cabana Bay, Charlotte Harbor represents the best in Florida boating, world-class fishing, and untouched natural beauty.

 

It is located just 5 to 10 miles (approx. 8–12 minutes) from the resort, depending on which access point they choose.

Charlotte Harbor: Florida’s Natural Treasure

Distance from Resort: ~8 miles (Approx. 12-min drive)

 

Charlotte Harbor is the second-largest estuary in Florida and remains one of the most pristine coastal environments in the state. While other areas are lined with high-rises, the shores of Charlotte Harbor are largely protected, offering our guests a "Front Row Seat" to incredible wildlife, hidden islands, and spectacular sunsets.

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Boat the "Harbor Loop"

The best way to see the Harbor is from the water. Whether you bring your own boat or rent one locally, the Harbor is your gateway to adventure.

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• Gasparilla Marina: Located just minutes from the resort, this is the perfect place to launch your boat or rent a pontoon for a day of exploring the Harbor’s hidden coves.

• Island Hopping: Use the Harbor to navigate to the secluded beaches of Cayo Costa or grab lunch at the famous Cabbage Key, accessible only by boat!

 

World-Class Fishing

​Anglers travel from all over the globe to fish these waters. Charlotte Harbor is a premier destination for "The Big Three": Tarpon, Snook, and Redfish.
 

• The Experience: The shallow "flats" of the Harbor are perfect for back-country fishing.

• Guest Tip: If you want a guaranteed "tight line," we recommend booking a local charter captain who can show you the "honey holes" tucked into the mangrove shorelines.

 

Paddle the Mangrove Tunnels

For a quieter pace, the eastern side of the Harbor offers some of the best kayaking in Florida.
 

• Don Pedro Island State Park: Launch your kayak and paddle across the Intracoastal to this hidden island park. The mangrove-lined channels are teeming with manatees, rays, and small sharks (the friendly kind!).

• The Blueway Trails: Follow the marked paddling trails for a safe and scenic way to get lost in nature.

Sunset over the Water

Because the Harbor is so wide, it offers some of the most unobstructed sunset views on the Gulf Coast.
 

• Where to Watch: Head to any of the waterfront parks or simply look west from the Myakka River Bridge.

• Guest Tip: Keep an eye out for the "Green Flash"—a legendary optical phenomenon that occasionally happens just as the sun dips below the horizon!

 

Harbor-Front Dining: Seafood with a View

There is nothing quite like a meal overlooking the harbor. Here are a few guest favorites just a short drive from Cabana Bay:
 

• The Leverock's Restaurant: A classic Florida seafood spot located right on the water at the Palm Island Transit. Great for watching the ferry move back and forth while you eat.​

• The Eagle's Nest: A local hidden gem with a casual vibe and a deck that puts you right on the water’s edge.
   

Why Cabana Bay is the Ultimate Harbor Home Base

While there are parks directly on the Harbor, our guests prefer the Placida lifestyle for a few reasons:
 

1. The Best of Both Worlds: You get the calm, inland waters of the Harbor for fishing and the high-end, white-sand beaches of Boca Grande for relaxing—both just minutes away.
    

2. Room for Your Toys: Our oversized paver sites are designed with the modern boater in mind. You have plenty of room for your rig and your gear.
    

3. The Gateway Position: We are located at the "mouth" of the Harbor, giving you faster access to the Gulf of Mexico than parks located further up-river

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Other nearby Southwest Florida locations

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