second wind marine - water taxi service

The water taxi was parked alongside the Casey Key Fish House Restaurant. Their flyer stated $60/hr for groups of six. We called to learn more and then booked it for a two hour ride for 6. They would have picked us up at any docking area, but we decided the Casey Key dock worked fine as we would go to dinner after our trip. We enjoyed a ride past the millionaires' row of "McMansions" and continued up the intracoastal waterway to the Nokomis jetty. We were able to bring on food and drink. Carl, our captain was quite pleasant and could answer many questions about the area. We got back around 6 just as the sun began to set. I had been concerned about it getting too cool, but it was fine. If I were to take friends again I would arrange to board at Marker 4 in Venice to enjoy the narrower quieter part of the waterway toward Casperson Beach. The fact that it was a pontoon boat I believe that children who can follow rules of wearing a life jacket and stay in their sit while the boat is moving would do fine. On adult-only trips moving from seat to seat or standing is not a problem.

We are snowbirds who live in Venice part of the year. We have lived in Venice for about 5 years but only heard of this cruise recently. Ten of us took the trip which included a cruise up the intercostal to Sarasota and a stop at a few waterside bars for cocktails at strategic points along the way.Every single person in our party remarked about how terrific the cruise was, why hadn't we come across it sooner and we must do it again.Charlie and Debbie were remarkable hosts. They know the area inside out including most of the houses that we inquired about. They were also very accommodating, changing the route several times to suit our needs.If you are looking for a cool cruise for a bunch of folks then this is your trip. Apparently there are copycats out there but Charlie and Debbie are who you want.

This was one of the nicest things we've done in Florida this season. They took us wherever we wanted to go and the captain and mate were informative and friendly. Eating at the Casey Key Fish House either before or after the ride is convenient as the dock is right there. We had six in our group and all enjoyed the whole experience.

Took a ride from my dock in Venice to Marina Jack in Sarasota. Watched the sunset and had a bottle of wine on the ride. Enjoyed our meal at the Restaurant and a peaceful trip back to Venice.