| Getting out to Anclote Light
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| From Craig Park, on Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs, we'll take a leisurely cruise through the bayous, down the Anclote River and out onto the Gulf of Mexico to get to Anclote Light.
The Anclote River is part of a tidal estuary that includes several bayous as well as the river itself. We'll start off in Spring Bayou then we'll go through Minetta Bayou, under the bascule bridge on Riverside Drive, then through Tarpon Bayou and into the Anclote.
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Upriver from Marker 29, the Anclote is a No-Wake zone, so you'll have a chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the river as we make our way downriver.
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We'll follow the channel as it bends northwest just past Sunset Key and again at Firnell Island. Once past Firnell Island we'll be heading due west, out the Anclote channel. Heading out the channel we'll cross the northern edge of St Joseph's Sound and you will be able to see many small islets as well as Anclote Key, Anclote Light and parts of Clearwater. Dolphins are native to this area and it isn't unusual to see them.
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Approaching Anclote Key we will make a left turn and follow what's left of the S Anclote channel. Shifting sands on the windward side of Anclote Key filled in all but a small section on the leeward side of the island.
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You will go ashore directly from the boat, and you will get your feet wet - be prepared. Once ashore you can take the boardwalk/brick path to the base of Anclote Light. It's about 1800 ft from the beach to the lighthouse. Anclote Light is not normally open to the public, you are free to explore the area, but the lighthouse itself is in a fenced in area for security purposes. Approximately once a year the light is open to the public. Please check with the park ranger for more information.
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There is a dock at the south end of Anclote Key, however, it is only for "Official Use" (ie - by the park ranger, marine police, US Coast Guard, etc). I can not tie up to, or discharge passengers onto, the dock without incurring a fine, so please don't ask me to violate the law.
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