Country Club Shores: A Boater's Dream
Located at the south end of Longboat Key, Country Club Shores is a gem of a community that dates back to the 1960s. This area is home to 396 residences, most of which are nestled along man-made deep-water canals. With a total of 19 canals, the community offers residents direct access to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, making it an ideal spot for those with larger boats.
One of the standout features of the canals in Country Club Shores is their generous width, typically ranging from 70 to 80 feet. For example, the canal between Yawl Lane and Cutter Lane measures approximately 77 feet across, with dock usage permitted up to 30% of that width—about 23 feet. These dimensions provide ample space for maneuvering and docking larger vessels, offering a seamless transition from your dock to the open waters.
Emerald Harbor: A Hidden Gem for Large Vessels
Journey to the northern part of Longboat Key, and you’ll find Emerald Harbor—a cozy enclave with just three streets and 82 homes. This area is a true haven for boating enthusiasts, boasting the widest canals on the entire island. If you own a 40-foot-plus boat, this is the place where you can comfortably moor it right in your backyard.
Emerald Harbor features direct, bridge-free access to open waters, providing ultimate convenience for any boater. As you navigate through these expansive waterways, be on the lookout for the manatees that often grace the canals with their presence, adding a touch of natural wonder to your boating experience.
Sleepy Lagoon: A Kayaker’s Delight
At the northern tip of Longboat Key lies Sleepy Lagoon, a peaceful single-family home community with a charming, vintage Florida feel. This enclave features nine canals, most of which are ideally suited for smaller boats and kayaks. The narrower size of some canals here means you might notice vertical lifts in place to accommodate the vessels.
However, like the canals in Country Club Shores and Emerald Harbor, those in Sleepy Lagoon provide direct access to Sarasota Bay. It’s the perfect spot for those who enjoy a more intimate boating experience in a quiet, laid-back community.
Discover the Waterways of Longboat Key
The canals of Country Club Shores, Emerald Harbor, and Sleepy Lagoon each offer their own unique charm and appeal for boating and water enthusiasts. These communities highlight the diverse and beautiful waterways that make Longboat Key such a special place to live and explore. But remember, in addition to these featured canals, there are nearly 30 more canals spread across the island, each with its own story to tell.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about these communities or others on Longboat Key, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you discover and enjoy all the beauty that Longboat Key real estate has to offer.
