At sunrise, if the water is warm enough along the pocket, you may be lucky enough to spot a manatee or two. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see one but local boaters said a family of three was nearby. Better luck next time.
Known as the “ultimate marine escape,” Pirate’s Cove is a chic 50-room hotel complex with its own private marina equipped with 50 slips for boats up to 80 feet in length, and an Intracoastal Waterway with direct access to the ocean and neighboring private beaches that are ideal for diving and snorkeling. The marina itself is equipped with cable TV hookups, high-speed wireless Internet, laundry & shower facilities, as well as marine and tackle supplies and fuel.
On the premises is Pirate’s Loft Restaurant, which features a 250-seat dining room and lounge with live music Friday and Saturday nights. For lunch on Monday, my editors and I enjoyed the Margarita Monday special and ordered an appetizer platter of Florida Steamers, which was absolutely delicious. These tender neck clams were perfectly steamed with just the right amount of lemon juice, garlic butter and white wine. Yummm... For the main course, I enjoyed the Fresh Mahi Sandwich, which was perfectly grilled and soft. Taking an early supper before our departure, my editors tried out the Sunset Supper specials. For only $14.95 you can enjoy a Crab Cake, Broiled Salmon, Rum Ribs or Shrimp Pasta Primavera entrees along with your choice of soup or salad, one side dish, dessert and coffee or tea. My editor enjoyed the Broiled Salmon and couldn’t stop talking about how perfectly seasoned it was.
Pirate’s Cove definitely displays warmth and charm through its friendly & courteous staff, always smiling and helpful, and a relaxing environment. The lobby features continental breakfast until 10:30am each morning, with a wide assortment of bagels & pastries, cereals, fruits, juices & coffee. Enjoy your breakfast outdoors on their covered wrap-around-porch or head over to the pool area, which has a comfortably-sized outdoor heated pool.