Pirates Cove in Stuart, Florida
A Delightful Resort and Marina

We drove South along the scenic coastal road from Vero Beach and in a short time reached, Stuart, Florida which has the enviable reputation of being the Sailfish Capital of the World. Our destination was the Pirates Cove Resort and Marina where we intended to spend a few days, fishing, golfing and sightseeing.

The resort was everything that we could have hoped for. The area around Port Salerno had the feel of an historic fishing village and was definitely Old Florida with not a high rise in sight. In fact there are no high rise condos in all of Martin County. Fishing boats lined the marina in front of the resort which boasted 51 full-service slips which could accommodate fishing yachts up to 90 feet. After being welcomed in by the very capable staff at the front desk, we took the elevator up to the third floor and found that our large, double room afforded us a breathtaking view of the marina. Our spacious balcony was perfect for sitting and sipping a cold glass on wine in the early evening, as we watched the gorgeous sun set over Manatee Pocket. We knew that we had found the perfect home away from home in the Pirates Cove. The resort will even accept “well mannered pets.

The Pirates Loft, which is part of the resort complex, was the perfect place for dinner. We did not even have to get in our car. We walked downstairs and were shown to a table overlooking the water. The restaurant was fairly crowded but we managed to get a table on the glassed-in patio where we were protected from the rather cool evening but could watch the boats returning to their safe harbor. Many of the restaurant patrons were dining in the Pirates Loft while living aboard their luxurious floating castles. It was great fun to watch the activity.

The outstanding menu offered something for every taste, from gourmet seafood, local fish, chicken, pasta and deluxe hamburgers served with yummy sweet potato fries. There was an early-bird special which featured perfectly cooked salmon. The service was excellent.
After dinner we strolled along the waterfront and stopped for a drink at the newly opened Tiki bar which was obviously a favorite with the locals. We had been in Stuart for less than 24 hours, but so far we could not have asked for a more perfect day.

We got an early start on our second day and after a free continental breakfast which we ate on the outdoor wrap-around porch, we went in search of a golf course. There were a number to choose from and we spent a most enjoyable morning hitting the little white ball toward the green and driving our golf cart along the scenic fairways. We found the perfect place for lunch in old downtown Stuart . The Oceola restaurant was filled with locals and the food was delicious. After lunch we wandered through the quaint streets and poked into a few of the small boutique shops.

We went in search of the nearby beaches and found several beach access areas. The most popular of the beaches was obviously Bathtub Reef which was perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the area which was protected by the surrounding reefs.
It had been a busy and full day and we were content to return to our comfortable room for a quick nap before once again venturing forth to enjoy the fresh Florida cuisine in the Pirates Loft.

Our last day in Stuart was reserved for fishing. We did not have time for the all-day excursion which promised us the possibility of encountering the renowned sailfish. Instead we settled for a most enjoyable day fishing the scenic inlets and mangrove crowded shores with Capt. Nick of Bite N Hold Fishing Charters . (nickc@bitenholdcharters.com. Capt. Nick had been fishing in the area for many years and pointed out to us many of the luxurious mansions along the shore. We did not catch any “whoppers” but we had a great time.

For families, special occasions, boaters, fishing tournaments or reunions, I cannot think of a more perfect place than the Pirates Cove.

www.piratescoveresort.com or all 772-287-2500.
wwwbitenholdcharters.com