Bonita Springs Marina – Gateway to Southwest Florida’s Paradise Waters

Imperial River – Estero Bay – Bonita Springs

150+ Wet & Dry Slips – Full-Service Marina – Sweetwater Charter Services – Backwater Jacks Restaurant
Located on Imperial River – Direct Access to Estero Bay – 30 Minutes to Gulf of Mexico – Boutique Luxury Boat Club

Bonita Springs Marina, operating as Bonita Bay Marina, represents Southwest Florida’s premier full-service boating destination on the pristine Imperial River at the southern end of Estero Bay. Located at 27598 Marina Pointe Drive in Bonita Springs, Florida, this semi-private facility serves as the aquatic centerpiece of the exclusive Bonita Bay community, offering over 150 wet and dry slips designed to accommodate vessels from small fishing boats to luxury yachts. Positioned strategically between Fort Myers and Naples, the marina combines world-class boating infrastructure with the natural beauty of Florida’s protected estuarine waters, creating an idyllic sanctuary for boaters seeking both convenience and tranquility.

Positioned at coordinates N 26° 19.234′ / W 081° 49.567′ (approximate), the marina occupies a picturesque bend on the Imperial River where calm, protected waters meet lush mangrove forests and pristine barrier islands. The facility provides direct access to Estero Bay—a 17,000-acre aquatic preserve that ranks among Florida’s most productive fishing grounds—and offers a navigable route to the Gulf of Mexico approximately 30 minutes away through protected channels. This strategic location places boaters at the threshold of endless exploration opportunities, from the shell-covered beaches of Lovers Key State Park to the legendary offshore fishing grounds that have made Southwest Florida famous.

This facility—anchoring the southern shores of the Imperial River waterway—combines essential marina services (wet slips with boat lifts, climate-controlled dry storage, fuel dock, mechanical services) with elevated amenities including Backwater Jacks waterfront restaurant, Sweetwater Lifestyles boutique boat club and charter services, and comprehensive concierge support, making it the ideal destination for Bonita Bay residents, visiting cruisers exploring Southwest Florida, anglers targeting Snook and Tarpon, and boating families seeking a refined maritime lifestyle in one of Florida’s most desirable coastal communities.

Marina Overview & Location

Imperial River – Estero Bay – Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs Marina (Bonita Bay Marina)
27598 Marina Pointe Drive
Bonita Springs, FL 34134, United States
Coordinates: N 26° 19.234′ / W 081° 49.567′

Contact:
Phone: (239) 949-6969
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily; Extended Summer Hours)
VHF: Monitored Channel 16

Management:
Marina Operations Contact: Bonita Bay Marina Management
Ownership: Resident Investor Group (Semi-Private Facility)

Location:
Body of Water: Imperial River / Estero Bay
Gulf Access: 30 Minutes via Estero Bay to Big Hickory Pass or Matanzas Pass
Type: Full-Service Semi-Private Marina & Yacht Club

A Jewel on the Imperial River

Created by Residents, for the Community

Bonita Springs Marina holds a unique distinction among Southwest Florida marinas—it is owned and operated by a group of resident investors from the Bonita Bay community itself. This structure ensures that the marina operates with the community’s best interests at heart, maintaining high standards while fostering a welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere. Unlike corporate-owned facilities focused on maximizing revenue, Bonita Bay Marina prioritizes quality service, environmental stewardship, and creating a maritime hub where residents and their guests can pursue their aquatic aspirations.

The marina graces a picturesque bend on the Imperial River, a scenic waterway that meanders through mangrove-lined shores from inland Bonita Springs to the protected waters of Estero Bay. The river’s calm, protected nature makes it ideal for novice boaters and families, while its direct connection to Estero Bay provides experienced captains with access to world-class fishing, pristine beaches, and the open Gulf of Mexico.

The Bonita Bay Lifestyle:
The marina serves as more than just a place to store boats—it’s a social hub where neighbors gather to share fishing stories, plan group cruises, and celebrate the Southwest Florida lifestyle. Weekend mornings see captains preparing vessels for day trips to Sanibel Island or offshore fishing expeditions. Afternoons bring families returning from beach outings at Lovers Key. Evenings find boaters gathering at Backwater Jacks for sunset cocktails and fresh Gulf seafood.

Wet Slip Dockage: Protected Moorage with Boat Lifts

Modern Slips with Innovative Lift Systems

Bonita Springs Marina offers an extensive array of wet slip options designed to accommodate vessels of various sizes and configurations. Unlike traditional fixed-dock marinas, Bonita Bay has invested in modern boat lift systems for many slips, providing superior protection for hulls, running gear, and bottom paint.

Wet Slip Features:

• Multiple Size Options: Slips accommodate vessels from 20 to 50+ feet in length
• Boat Lift Capability: Many slips feature hydraulic boat lifts (capacities vary)
• Shore Power: 30 AMP and 50 AMP electrical service at every slip
• Potable Water: Freshwater connections for cleaning and onboard systems
• Protected Location: Situated on calm river bend, sheltered from wind and chop
• Covered Options: Select slips offer roof coverage for additional sun protection
• Weekly, Monthly & Seasonal Terms: Flexible rental arrangements

The Boat Lift Advantage:
Boat lifts keep hulls out of the water when not in use, preventing marine growth (barnacles, algae), reducing bottom paint maintenance, and eliminating the risk of osmotic blistering. For boaters in saltwater environments, this feature alone can save thousands of dollars annually in maintenance costs while preserving vessel value.

Reservation & Availability:
Slip availability varies seasonally. The marina welcomes inquiries from Bonita Bay residents, property owners, and their guests. Transient docking may be available on a limited basis depending on occupancy. Contact the marina office to discuss specific requirements and current availability.

Dry Storage: Climate-Controlled Indoor Protection

Rack Storage with Valet Launch Service

For boats up to 36 feet in length, Bonita Springs Marina offers premium indoor dry storage in a climate-controlled facility. This storage option provides the ultimate protection from Florida’s intense UV radiation, afternoon thunderstorms, salt air corrosion, and hurricane exposure.

Dry Storage Features:

• Indoor Rack System: Boats stored in organized racks within enclosed building
• Climate Control: Temperature and humidity regulation to prevent mold and mildew
• Valet Launch Service: Call ahead, and marina staff will have your boat in the water and ready
• Freshwater Wash-Down: Boats rinsed with fresh water upon return to remove salt
• Maximum Capacity: Vessels up to 36 feet (beam and weight restrictions apply)
• Security: Enclosed building with limited access and surveillance
• Convenient Access: Daily launch service during operating hours

Dry Storage Rates:
Pricing varies by vessel size and commitment term (monthly vs. annual contracts). Long-term storage customers often receive discounted rates. Contact the marina office for current rate sheets and availability.

Why Choose Dry Storage:
Beyond protection from the elements, dry storage eliminates the need for trailer ownership, reduces insurance costs (boats stored indoors often qualify for lower premiums), and provides peace of mind during hurricane season. The valet service means you can enjoy boating without the hassle of launching, retrieving, and trailering.

Navigation & Approach: Imperial River to Estero Bay

Protected Waterways to the Gulf

Navigating to and from Bonita Springs Marina is a pleasure, with well-marked channels, protected waters, and stunning natural scenery throughout the journey.

The Approach from Estero Bay:
Vessels entering from Estero Bay will navigate south through the bay, identifying the mouth of the Imperial River on the eastern shore. The river entrance is marked and leads into a meandering, mangrove-lined channel. Follow the marked channel upstream for approximately 2 miles, passing residential docks and natural preserves. Bonita Bay Marina will appear on the northern shore at a prominent river bend, easily identified by the substantial dock structures and the Backwater Jacks restaurant building.

Depth & Draft:
The Imperial River channel is maintained and dredged, generally offering 6-8 feet of depth at mean low water. Vessels with drafts up to 5 feet can navigate safely at most tide stages. Deeper draft boats should time their arrivals and departures with higher tides and contact the marina for current depth information.

Access to the Gulf:
From the marina, boaters can navigate downstream to Estero Bay and proceed to the Gulf of Mexico via two primary routes:

• Big Hickory Pass (North): Exit Estero Bay north to Big Hickory Island and the Gulf
• Matanzas Pass (South): Navigate south through Estero Bay to Fort Myers Beach and Matanzas Pass

Both routes offer protected navigation through scenic barrier island chains. Travel time from the marina to the Gulf is approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on boat speed and tidal currents.

Estero Bay Highlights:
The bay itself is a boater’s paradise, featuring shallow grass flats for fishing, sandbars for beaching and swimming, mangrove islands for exploration, and protected anchorages. The bay is part of a designated Aquatic Preserve, ensuring pristine water quality and abundant marine life.

Sweetwater Lifestyles: Boutique Boat Club & Charters

Luxury Boating Without Ownership

One of Bonita Springs Marina’s crown jewels is its partnership with Sweetwater Lifestyles, widely considered the best charter service in Southwest Florida and an innovative boutique boat club that has been a Bonita Bay tradition since 1992.

Charter Services:
Sweetwater operates a fleet of immaculately maintained vessels offering:

• Sunset Cruises: Romantic evening excursions with stunning Gulf Coast sunsets
• Dolphin Tours: Family-friendly encounters with Southwest Florida’s resident dolphin pods
• Fishing Charters: Inshore and nearshore trips targeting Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Grouper
• Island Hopping: Explore Sanibel, Captiva, and the pristine beaches of Lovers Key State Park
• Customized Excursions: Private charters tailored to your group’s interests

Sweetwater Boat Club Membership:
For boaters who want regular access without ownership responsibilities, the Sweetwater Boat Club offers an elevated membership experience:

• Luxury Fleet Access: Members enjoy exclusive use of high-end vessels ranging from sport boats to large cruisers
• Hassle-Free Boating: Sweetwater owns, cleans, maintains, and insures all boats
• Concierge Services: Dockside food and beverage services, trip planning, and recommendations
• Community Events: Member socials, group flotillas, and exclusive gatherings
• Boutique Philosophy: Limited membership ensures availability and personalized attention

Why Join:
The cost of owning a 30-foot boat in Southwest Florida (purchase price, insurance, storage, maintenance, repairs) easily exceeds $50,000-$100,000 in the first few years. Sweetwater membership provides all the benefits of boat ownership without the headaches, costs, or depreciation.

Backwater Jacks: Waterfront Dining Excellence

Award-Winning Restaurant on the River

Completing the marina’s amenity package is Backwater Jacks, an upscale-casual waterfront restaurant that has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Perched directly on the Imperial River with panoramic water views, the restaurant offers fresh Gulf seafood, prime steaks, creative cocktails, and some of the best sunset views in Bonita Springs.

Dining Experience:

• Waterfront Seating: Indoor dining room and expansive outdoor deck overlooking the river
• Fresh Seafood Daily: Grouper, Snapper, Mahi, Stone Crab, and Gulf Shrimp
• Full Bar: Craft cocktails, extensive wine list, and local beers
• Boat-Up Access: Dedicated docks allow boaters to arrive by water
• Casual Elegance: Upscale cuisine in a relaxed, boater-friendly atmosphere
• Live Entertainment: Regular live music on weekends

Signature Dishes:
Backwater Jacks is famous for its Grouper Reuben, Blackened Mahi Tacos, and signature Sunset Shrimp—a dish created to be savored while watching the sun dip below the mangrove horizon. The restaurant sources from local fishermen when possible, ensuring peak freshness.

The Social Hub:
Beyond just a restaurant, Backwater Jacks serves as the social hub of Bonita Bay Marina. It’s where captains gather after a day on the water, where neighbors meet for Friday afternoon cocktails, and where families celebrate milestones with waterfront dining experiences.

Full-Service Amenities & Marine Services

Comprehensive Support for Boaters

Bonita Springs Marina offers a full suite of services designed to support every aspect of boat ownership and operation.

Marine Services:

• Light Mechanical Services: Routine maintenance, oil changes, and minor repairs
• Boat Washing & Detailing: Professional cleaning and waxing services
• Bottom Cleaning: Diver services to clean hulls and running gear
• Engine Flushes: Freshwater flushes to prevent saltwater corrosion
• Battery Maintenance: Charging and replacement services
• Transport Services: Coordination with local transporters for haul-out and relaunch
• Work Racks: Elevated racks for projects and maintenance

On-Site Amenities:

• Fuel Dock: Marine gasoline and diesel fuel (confirm current availability)
• Pump-Out Station: Holding tank disposal services
• Bait & Tackle Shop: Live bait, frozen bait, lures, and fishing supplies
• Ship Store: Marine supplies, ice, beverages, and provisions
• Restrooms & Showers: Clean, modern facilities
• Parking: Ample parking for marina guests and restaurant patrons
• WiFi Access: Available in marina common areas

Concierge Services:
The marina staff provides concierge-level support, including local recommendations for provisioning, dining, attractions, and coordinating maintenance services with trusted local vendors.

Fishing Paradise: Estero Bay & Gulf Access

World-Class Angling Opportunities

Bonita Springs Marina’s location on the Imperial River provides unparalleled access to some of Florida’s most productive fishing grounds. The combination of protected bay fishing, nearshore action, and offshore opportunities creates year-round angling excitement.

Estero Bay Fishing:
The bay’s 17,000 acres of grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and deep channels host:

• Snook: Ambush predators found in mangrove roots and channel edges (catch & release only during closed season)
• Redfish (Red Drum): Tailing on shallow flats during low tide
• Spotted Seatrout: Prolific on grass flats, especially during cooler months
• Flounder: Bottom dwellers near channel drop-offs and sandy holes
• Sheepshead: Structure-oriented fish around docks, pilings, and bridges
• Tarpon: The “Silver King” migrates through in spring and summer, offering world-class sport fishing

Nearshore & Offshore:
Beyond the passes, the Gulf of Mexico offers:

• Grouper: Bottom fishing on natural and artificial reefs (seasonal closures apply)
• Snapper: Mangrove, Lane, and Yellowtail Snapper on nearshore structure
• King Mackerel: Fast-moving pelagics trolled near the beach or offshore
• Mahi-Mahi: Offshore weed lines and floating debris attract these acrobatic fish
• Cobia: Spring migration brings trophy-sized fish near the beaches

Fishing Regulations:
Florida fishing regulations are complex and change seasonally. Always check current FWC rules for size limits, bag limits, and closed seasons. Fishing from a licensed charter boat covers guests under the captain’s license; private boat anglers need individual licenses.

Nearby Attractions: Lovers Key & Barrier Islands

Paradise Beaches & Nature Preserves

Bonita Springs Marina’s location provides easy access to Southwest Florida’s most celebrated natural attractions.

Lovers Key State Park:
Just 15 minutes by boat, Lovers Key is a pristine 1,616-acre barrier island featuring:

• Miles of undeveloped white-sand beaches
• Excellent shelling opportunities
• Covered fishing pier
• Canoe and kayak trails through mangrove forests
• Wildlife viewing (dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, shore birds)

Big Hickory Island:
This secluded barrier island on the north side of Estero Bay offers:

• Quiet, uncrowded beaches perfect for beaching boats
• Excellent snorkeling and diving near the pass
• Waterfront restaurants accessible by boat (Doc’s Beach House, Nervous Nellie’s)

Sanibel & Captiva Islands:
A scenic cruise north through protected bays leads to these world-famous islands:

• Sanibel Island: Legendary shelling beaches, lighthouse, and wildlife refuge
• Captiva Island: Upscale dining, boutique shopping, and resort marinas

Fort Myers Beach:
To the south, Fort Myers Beach offers:

• Bustling beach town atmosphere with restaurants, bars, and shops
• Matanzas Pass for Gulf access
• Boat-up dining and entertainment options

Marina Specifications Table

Category	Details
Location	27598 Marina Pointe Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Waterway	Imperial River / Estero Bay
Coordinates	N 26° 19.234′ / W 081° 49.567′
Total Capacity	150+ Wet & Dry Slips
Wet Slips	Multiple sizes with boat lift options
Dry Storage	Indoor rack storage up to 36 ft vessels
Power	30 AMP & 50 AMP Shore Power
Depth	River Channel: 6-8 ft; Dockside varies
Fuel	Marine gasoline & diesel (confirm availability)
Amenities	Restrooms, Showers, WiFi, Bait Shop, Ship Store
Restaurant	Backwater Jacks (On-site waterfront dining)
Charter Services	Sweetwater Lifestyles (Boat club & charters)
Marine Services	Mechanical, washing, detailing, bottom cleaning
Gulf Access	30-40 minutes via Estero Bay
Fishing	World-class Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Grouper
Nearby Attractions	Lovers Key, Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach
Payment	Cash, Visa, Mastercard accepted
VHF	Channel 16

Why Choose Bonita Springs Marina?

Refined Lifestyle on Protected Waters

Community-Owned Excellence:
The resident investor ownership model ensures the marina operates with community values, not corporate profit mandates. This translates to better service, thoughtful improvements, and a genuine neighborhood atmosphere.

Boat Lift Technology:
Having access to wet slips with boat lifts is a game-changer for hull maintenance and vessel longevity. This feature alone justifies membership for many boaters.

Sweetwater Partnership:
Having one of Southwest Florida’s premier charter operations based at the marina provides residents and guests with unparalleled access to professional boating experiences, whether through membership or individual charters.

Estero Bay Access:
The protected route to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico offers safe navigation, stunning scenery, and access to world-class fishing and beaches. It’s the perfect balance of convenience and adventure.

Backwater Jacks:
Having an award-winning restaurant on-site elevates the marina experience. You can dock, dine, and socialize without ever needing to get in a car.

Location Between Naples & Fort Myers:
Bonita Springs occupies a sweet spot between two major cities, providing access to urban amenities while maintaining a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information

Bonita Springs Marina (Bonita Bay Marina)
27598 Marina Pointe Drive
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Phone: (239) 949-6969
VHF Channel 16

Discover the refined boating lifestyle at Bonita Springs Marina, where community values, modern amenities, and Southwest Florida’s most pristine waters converge to create an unparalleled maritime sanctuary.