WATER & BEACHES

  • Charlotte Harbor water is brown

    Water of Charlotte Harbor

    The water in Charlotte Harbor can be compared to strongly brewed tea. Its brown color is a turn-off to most beach-seekers, and for good reason. High levels of bacteria can be found in the water of Charlotte Harbor. There have been reports of serious infections contracted through contact with bacteria-laden water. This is why Charlotte Harbor is not known as a popular destination for swimmers, sun bathers, or beach goers.

    If you are searching for blue-green waters and white sand beaches, you will need to go somewhere other than Port Charlotte.

  • No gulf beaches in Port Charlotte

    Where's the beach? Not Here.

    If you are hoping to spend time at the beach on your Florida vacation, perhaps another location would suit you better. Englewood Beach is the closest coastal beach, and it will take you the better part of an hour to get there.

    Port Charlotte does have small parks along the harbor, but none will offer you the sand and water you are expecting to find. Naples, FL, which is a well-known beach destination is shown in the picture to the right. It is located directly on the Gulf of Mexico and is over an hour away from Port Charlotte.