Whidden's Marina

Location and Access

Driving Directions

Whidden's Marina is conveniently located at 190 First Street E., Boca Grande, Florida 33921. If you're planning a visit, you can easily access a map detailing directions from anywhere in the US or Canada to Whidden's Marina through the official website. To make your trip to the marina a smooth one, consider using the map provided on the website.

Boat Ramp and Docking Facilities

The docking facilities at Whidden's Marina are well-maintained and accommodating to boats and yachts of various sizes. With ample slips and moorings available for rent, you can count on finding a space to dock your vessel throughout your stay.

In addition to docking facilities, Whidden's Marina features a boat ramp that makes it simple for boaters to access the water. Boaters can easily launch their boats, explore the surrounding area, and participate in their preferred water activities. With hours of operation from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, Whidden's Marina ensures you have plenty of time to utilize their on-site resources, from the boat ramp to the docking facilities.

Services and Amenities

Fishing Charters

Whidden's Marina in Boca Grande is known as the Tarpon Capital of the World, and has a long-standing reputation for their fishing charters. These charters offer the unique experience of exploring the beautiful waters of Florida while giving you a chance to catch some of the area's prized fish, such as tarpon, snook, and redfish. Expert guides are available to give advice and ensure a memorable and successful fishing trip.

Boat Rentals

To make the most out of your time on the water, consider renting a boat from Whidden's Marina. They offer a variety of boats to suit your needs, whether you are fishing or cruising around Boca Grande. To enhance your experience, the marina provides local knowledge to help guide you through the surrounding waters. For safety, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the local watercraft regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable time.

Marina Store

At Whidden's Marina, you will find a helpful and well-stocked Marina Store, which offers essential supplies and souvenirs. They provide items including:

• Fishing gear
• Bait
• Tackle
• Snacks and drinks
• Local maps
• Marina merchandise

The store is open seven days a week, from 9 AM to 6 PM, ensuring that customers have access to supplies and information throughout their stay.

Accommodations and Dining

On-site Lodging Options

While Whidden's Marina itself does not offer on-site accommodations, there are plenty of nearby options for those visiting the historic marina in Boca Grande, Florida. One such option is The Palmetto Inn, a 3-star guesthouse located just 0.4 miles (0.6 km) away. This charming and comfortable guesthouse offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, and beach sun loungers, making it a great place to stay while enjoying your time near Whidden's Marina.

Nearby Restaurants

Boca Grande offers a variety of restaurants to suit every taste and budget:

• The Loose Caboose: Just a short walk from Whidden's Marina, this casual eatery is perfect for a satisfying lunch after a morning spent exploring nearby sights. They are known for their delicious sandwiches, seafood dishes, and homemade ice cream.
• South Beach Bar & Grille: With its beachfront location and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, this restaurant is ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. The menu features fresh seafood, steaks, and a variety of salads and sandwiches.
• Eagle Grille & Miller's Dockside: Situated on the water in Boca Grande, this popular restaurant complex offers two distinct dining experiences. Eagle Grille is an upscale option with a focus on fresh, impeccably-prepared seafood dishes, while Miller's Dockside caters to those in search of a more casual, family-friendly atmosphere and menu.

With these accommodations and dining options available near Whidden's Marina, your visit to Boca Grande is sure to be enjoyable and memorable. Remember to take the time to explore the marina itself – it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on December 28, 2000, and is a glimpse into the area's rich maritime history.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

While staying at Whidden's Marina in Boca Grande, there are plenty of nearby attractions and activities for you to explore. Some of the top attractions include Boca Grande Beaches and the Gasparilla Island State Park. Below are the details on these attractions:

Boca Grande Beaches

Boca Grande is well-known for its beautiful, pristine beaches that provide the perfect environment for relaxation and plenty of water activities. Some of the popular beaches include Gulf Beach and Boca Grande Pass. These beaches are perfect for:

• Sunbathing
• Swimming
• Shelling
• Fishing
• Watching magnificent sunsets

Gasparilla Island State Park

Located just a short drive from Whidden's Marina, Gasparilla Island State Park offers visitors a mix of recreational opportunities and a chance to learn about the island's rich history. At the park, visitors can enjoy:

• The Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum: Showcasing the history of the island and its significance as a vital shipping port in the early 20th century.
• Nature trails: Providing opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting in the surrounding barrier island ecosystem.
• Picnicking and playground areas: Making it a perfect destination for families to spend an enjoyable day outdoors.

If you want to make the most out of your Whidden's Marina stay, exploring these attractions and engaging in various beach and park activities in Boca Grande will undoubtedly make your vacation more memorable.

History and Background

Whidden's Marina is a historic marina located in Boca Grande, Florida on 190 1st Street East. Established in 1926 by Sam Whidden, it has been operated by the Whidden family ever since. The marina holds a significant part of Boca Grande's history, and today it is known as one of the oldest marinas in the area. On December 28, 2000, Whidden's Marina was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

In the early days, Whidden's Marina also functioned as a popular Boca Grande night spot, dance hall, and restaurant. This multifaceted establishment played an important role in the local community and has been part of many memorable moments for the people of Boca Grande.

The marina has witnessed and contributed to the development of Boca Grande’s fishing industry. Whidden's Marina has also been closely tied to the history of tarpon fishing, allowing the area to be recognized as the Tarpon Capital of the World. This rich fishing culture has shaped the island's heritage and can be explored further at the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum, which showcases exhibits related to the Whidden family and their legacy in Boca Grande.

Over the years, Whidden's Marina has evolved and adapted to the changes in Boca Grande and has maintained its status as a beloved and respected establishment on the island. It continues to stand as a testament to the tireless efforts of the Whidden family and their dedication to preserving the history and culture of Boca Grande.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Whidden's Marina in Boca Grande, Florida, has been offering its services since 1926 and has received numerous positive reviews from its customers over the years. Visitors often highlight the marina's historic charm and the friendly, helpful staff. This Yelp listing showcases some of the reviews from customers who have had memorable experiences at Whidden's Marina.

Besides the nostalgic atmosphere, the marina has maintained its popularity due to its knowledgeable workers and the quality of services it offers to boating enthusiasts. One of the appealing aspects, as mentioned in these Marina Reviews, is its location on the beautiful, peaceful Okeechobee (Intracoastal) Waterway. Customers frequently comment on the upscale Florida casual amenities that the marina provides.

When visiting Whidden's Marina, customers also have the opportunity to experience the Boca Grande Shrimp Boat. As mentioned on the Experience Boca Grande website, this shrimp boat offers a unique encounter, and you'll find no fresher shrimp than those sold right off the boat at the marina.

Whidden's Marina has a Facebook page where they engage with the community and share updates about the marina. People visiting their Facebook page can see their strong bond with the customers and the value they put into maintaining their original family-owned heritage.

In summary, Whidden's Marina at Boca Grande is highly regarded by its customers for its excellent service, historic appeal, knowledgeable staff, and unique offerings. By reading through the various reviews and testimonials, future visitors can confidently plan their visit to this well-regarded marina.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Whidden's Marina offer?

Whidden's Marina is a full-service marina in Boca Grande, Florida, offering various services such as arranging charters, reserving overnight dockage, live bait availability, and more. The marina is open 7 days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM, allowing boaters to access its services with ease. Whidden's Marina has been locally owned and operated by the original family since 1926.

What are the boat slip rental options at Whidden's Marina?

Whidden's Marina offers overnight boat slip rentals for boaters visiting the Boca Grande area. To check the availability and pricing of the boat slips, it's advised to get in touch with the marina directly via phone or email.

Is there a webcam available at Whidden's Marina?

There doesn't seem to be a webcam available for Whidden's Marina. However, visiting in person offers a great experience of the historic marina and the surrounding Boca Grande area.

How was Whidden's Marina affected by Hurricane Ian?

There is no concrete information available on how Whidden's Marina was affected by Hurricane Ian. However, given that the marina has been in operation since 1926, it has likely weathered several storms and hurricanes throughout its history.

What hotels near Whidden's Marina have boat slips?

There isn't specific information available about hotels near Whidden's Marina with boat slips. However, there may be other marinas or accommodations in the Boca Grande area that can offer boat slip facilities. It's recommended to do some research or reach out to local hotels and marinas to inquire about their availability.

Are there boat rental options near Whidden's Marina?

While Whidden's Marina itself doesn't specifically mention boat rentals, there may be other providers in the Boca Grande area that offer this service. It's suggested to search in the local area or contact nearby marinas and rental companies to find available boat rental options.