If there’s a stretch of coastline that was perfectly made for Leopard Powercat living, it’s the Florida west coast. From shallow mangrove mazes and shell-covered shores to bustling marinas and remote anchorages, Florida’s west coast is a cruiser’s dream and a Leopard Powercats’ natural playground.
Thanks to its shallow draft, efficient performance, and spacious design, a Leopard Powercat opens up the entire Gulf Coast in a way few boats can. Tuck into quiet anchorages others can’t reach. Cruise longer and more comfortably with fuel-efficient twin engines and spacious indoor-outdoor living spaces. And entertain on a flybridge that was made for champagne sunsets and dolphin sightings.
Whether you’re planning a weeklong adventure, a luxurious weekend escape, or a spontaneous day trip, these top 12 unforgettable cruising destinations on Florida’s west coast will bring out the best in your Leopard Powercat.
1. Pensacola Beach & Santa Rosa Sound
Trip Type: Weekend getaway with marina comfort
Cruise Time: ~3–4 hours from Destin
Vibe: Old-Florida charm meets powder-soft beaches and protected cruising waters
For Leopard Powercat owners seeking a destination that blends smooth sailing with rich history and upscale relaxation, Pensacola Beach and Santa Rosa Sound are hard to beat. The protected waters of the Santa Rosa Sound are ideal for your Powercats’ shallow draft, giving you access to quiet anchorages, sandy shoals, and scenic barrier islands that many vessels can’t reach.
Pull into Palafox Pier Marina in downtown Pensacola for full-service amenities and easy access to the historic Seville Quarter. Spend the day exploring colonial-era architecture or touring the impressive Naval Aviation Museum.
Once you have had enough of the city, head to Big Lagoon State Park in Santa Rosa Sound and drop anchor in its calm, scenic waters. It’s the perfect overnight stop for sunrise views, birdwatching, and, if you’re lucky, a front-row seat to a Blue Angels practice session overhead.
This stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast feels like a well-kept secret and is a peaceful, picturesque, and effortlessly charming boater’s paradise lined with sandbars and serene anchorages.
Leopard Owner Tip: Dock at Sabine Marina for direct access to beach bars, live music, and fresh Gulf seafood. From here, it’s an easy dinghy ride to shallow, protected inlets perfect for paddleboarding or spotting dolphins.
2. Destin & Crab Island
Trip Type: Day party or overnight play
Cruise Time: ~3 hours from Panama City
Vibe: Water toys, parties, and play all day
If there’s one destination that embodies the spirit of Florida’s Emerald Coast, it’s Crab Island. Just off the coast of Destin, this submerged sandbar has evolved into the ultimate floating playground. And your Leopard’s stability and space gives you the best seat on the sandbar!
Whether you’re hosting friends for a celebratory day at anchor or setting up a shaded base for your kids to splash and play, the crystal-clear waist deep water, floating restaurants and impressive size of this submerged sandbar lets everyone craft their ideal vibe.
After the party, cruise into Destin Harbor and tie up at Harbor Walk Marina or Emerald Grande at Harbor Walk Village, both offering transient slips with power, water, and easy walkable access to dining, shopping, and nightlife. It’s a great spot to refuel, restock provisions, and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner with a view or extend your stay to explore the coastal trails and white sand beaches of nearby Henderson Beach State Park.
Leopard Owner Tip: For a kid-friendly day at Crab Island, arrive early and anchor on the northwest edge of the sandbar where the current is gentler, and the water is shallower, ideal for little swimmers.
3. Apalachicola
Trip Type: Peaceful weekend escape
Cruise Time: ~5 hours from Panama City
Vibe: Oysters, old Florida, and quiet natural beauty
Nestled along Florida’s aptly named Forgotten Coast, Apalachicola is a salty, soulful town where time slows down and the charm is as thick as the Spanish moss hanging from the oaks. This historic fishing village is laid-back, artsy, filled with oysters and just the right amount of off-the-beaten-path.
Cruise in from the Gulf and dock your Powercat at Scipio Creek Marina or Apalachicola City Docks, both offering easy access to downtown and calm, protected slips along the scenic riverfront.
Apalachicola was once the heart of Florida’s oyster industry, and it still delivers some of the best seafood around. Order a dozen raw or chargrilled oysters from one of the many seafood joints where the oysters come fresh from the boat and wander through local antique stores, or the Apalachicola Maritime Museum to soak up a bit of salty history.
Once you have had your fill of oysters and history, cruise over to St. George Island for quiet beaches and shell-strewn shorelines or grab your kayaks and explore the serene Apalachicola River backwaters or stretch your legs and take a nature walk in the Apalachicola National Estuarine Reserve.
Leopard Owner Tip: This destination is all about slowing down and soaking it in. Your Powercat’s shallow draft and generous interior space make it easy to stay a while, with plenty of calm anchorages
4. Tarpon Springs
Trip Type: Cultural day trip
Cruise Time: ~2 hours from Clearwater
Vibe: Greek island charm in Florida
Pull into Tarpon Springs and you might do a double take. It feels like you’ve been whisked away to a sleepy Greek fishing village rather than cruising Florida’s Gulf Coast. With your Leopard Powercat docked just steps from the waterfront promenade, you’re perfectly positioned to explore one of the most culturally unique towns in the state.
This charming coastal gem was shaped by Greek sponge divers who settled here in the early 1900s, and their art of sponge harvesting and a tradition of feeding hungry sailors still persists today.
Soak up the Greek culture with a stroll along Dodecanese Boulevard, lined with family-run bakeries offering warm loukoumades, authentic spanakopita and souvlaki, and shops selling everything from natural sea sponges to handmade jewelry.
And if you want some more of this charming towns unique history and architecture, head to the stunning St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, a landmark of marble, mosaic, and light. And for a fun hands-on experience, swing by the sponge exchange museum or pop into the aquarium with the kids. Whether you’re here for the history, the culture, or just the food, Tarpon Springs delivers.
Leopard Owner Tip: Dock at the Tarpon Springs City Marina for easy access to all the action, and if you’re planning a winter trip, don’t miss the city’s famous Epiphany celebration in January.
5. Clearwater Beach
Trip Type: Family-friendly beach day or easy overnight
Cruise Time: ~2 hours from Tampa
Vibe: Easygoing family fun
With calm waters, sugar-fine sand, and plenty of marinas, Clearwater is ideal for Leopard owners cruising with kids or guests who love walkable towns and that picture-perfect Florida postcard atmosphere.
Its powder-soft sand and calm, shallow waters make for an easy cruise and is a crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages. Dock your Leopard at Clearwater Beach Marina, where full-service amenities meet walkable access to all the action. With calm Gulf waters, wide channel access, and plenty of dockage options, cruising into Clearwater feels effortless.
From your slip, it’s a quick walk to Pier 60, the hub of all things festive and the beach is perfect for little ones, with shallow, gentle surf and lifeguard-patrolled stretches. For grown-ups, there’s great dining, cold drinks, and just enough shopping to keep things interesting.
Leopard Owner Tip: Your spacious Leopard Powercat is the perfect floating hotel right in the heart of the action. Dock early, grab a beach cruiser or trolley pass, and explore the town at your own pace. For a stress-free evening, head to Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill for seafood, sunsets, and toes-in-the-sand vibes just a short stroll from your marina slip.
6. Caladesi Island
Trip Type: Remote island escape
Cruise Time: ~30 minutes from Clearwater
Vibe: Nature, naps and no crowds
For those who crave privacy, serenity, and a touch of wild beauty, Caladesi Island is a secluded treasure that feels worlds away, yet it’s just a quick, scenic cruise from Clearwater. Accessible only by boat, Caladesi is consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the U.S. Anchor offshore or grab a slip in the state park marina to enjoy your own private stretch of paradise.
With no cars, no crowds, and no high-rises, it’s the perfect place to unwind in nature. Kayak through hidden mangrove tunnels, hike the shaded interior trail to the old homestead ruins, or snorkel right off the beach in tranquil Gulf waters. There are no shops or restaurants here, so come prepared.
Leopard Owner Tip: Take advantage of your Leopards full galley and prep a chef-worthy lunch onboard. Caladesi’s marina has grills and picnic areas, but nothing beats dining alfresco on your flybridge with a panoramic view of untouched coastline.
7. Cabbage Key
Trip Type: Off-the-grid weekend
Cruise Time: ~2.5 hours from Fort Myers
Vibe: Laid-back island life
Tucked away in Pine Island Sound and accessible only by water, the quirky little island of Cabbage Key is a sun-drenched throwback to Old Florida where flip-flops are fancy, and it’s always 5’o clock somewhere. Leopard owners craving a taste of the past will love this remote, no-frills island hideaway brimming with character and kitsch.
Dock at the Cabbage Key Marina (water depths average 6 feet, perfect for Leopard Powercats) and wander up the shell path to the historic Cabbage Key Inn, said to have inspired Jimmy Buffett’s iconic Cheeseburger in Paradise. With no roads, no cars, and no Wi-Fi, Cabbage Key is your perfect detox from the world.
The island is a favorite among boaters doing the Great Calusa Blueway or poking through Pine Island Sound’s backwaters. If you’re planning to overnight, call ahead, as dock space can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Leopard Owner Tip: Bring some dollar bills to leave your mark on the inn’s iconic walls.
8. Sanibel & Captiva Islands
Trip Type: Weekend or day trip shell-seeking escape
Cruise Time: ~1 hour from Fort Myers
Vibe: Easygoing island adventure
A favorite among West Coast Florida cruisers, Sanibel and Captiva offers the perfect blend of natural wonder and island sophistication. Ideal for Leopard owners who love their morning paddle as much as their evening cocktail.
Cruise into South Seas Marina, where Leopard Powercats can easily dock thanks to generous beam-friendly slips and well-equipped facilities. From there, you’ll have direct access to Captiva’s vibrant village life with colorful shops and casually elegant restaurants with sunset views.
Sanibel, just to the south, is a shell collector’s paradise and home to over 250 species of shells! And with so many people drawn to its shell covered shores, the locals have coined the term “Sanibel Stoop” to describe the bent-over position of beachcombers. The island’s Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is also a must-see, offering over 6,400 acres of mangroves, birdwatching, and peaceful backwater exploration.
Leopard Owner Tip: Thanks to your Leopard’s shallow draft and excellent stability, you can explore tucked-away channels like Tarpon Bay and Roosevelt Channel, perfect for early-morning kayaking or SUP sessions surrounded by manatees, dolphins, and roseate spoonbills. For overnight stays, South Seas offers fuel, provisioning, and golf cart rentals to explore Captiva in style.
9. Naples
Trip Type: Luxe weekend escape
Cruise Time: ~3 hours from Marco Island
Vibe: Polished, posh, and Gulf-glam
If you’re craving a luxury weekend getaway, set your course for Naples. Known for its manicured charm, designer shopping, world class golf and sparkling shoreline, this Gulf side gem is made for Leopard owners who appreciate the finer things, without sacrificing the freedom and comfort of having their Powercat close by.
Reserve a slip at the Naples City Dock, one of the most coveted slips on the West Coast, for a full-service marina that welcomes Powercats with wide slips, shore power, fueling, and walkable access to downtown’s most iconic hotspots. From here you’ll be steps away from world-class galleries, high-end boutiques, and chef-driven dining on 5th Avenue South. The marina’s prime location makes it easy to swap your deck shoes for something strappy and explore the town’s sophisticated scene.
Back aboard your Leopard, the good life continues, sipping craft cocktails on the flybridge, or enjoying a gourmet meal from your galley or ordering in from Naples’ vibrant culinary scene.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation or refinement, Naples offers the perfect blend of elevated leisure and coastal adventure for a romantic getaway.
Leopard Owner Tip: With your Leopard’s comfort and capacity, Naples makes a perfect long weekend launchpad. Bring bikes aboard and explore scenic trails or cruise north to nearby beaches like Keewaydin Island for a quieter slice of paradise. During season, dock reservations go fast, so book early to enjoy this chic city from the best seat in the house.
10. Venice
Trip Type: Offbeat beach town break
Cruise Time: ~1.5 hours from Sarasota
Vibe: Fossil-finding fun meets old Florida ease
Known for its shark tooth beaches, Venice is a peaceful port with old Florida charm and a hint of whimsy. This coastal gem is perfect for Leopard owners seeking a slower pace and scenic strolls over a party scene.
Dock at the welcoming Venice Yacht Club, where transient cruisers enjoy top-tier amenities and easy access to town. From there, explore historic downtown’s brick-lined streets, Italian-inspired architecture, and cozy boutiques. Grab a latte, browse the antique shops, or simply enjoy the shady palms and gulf breeze.
This is a place where time moves a little slower and the simple pleasures shine. Whether that’s sifting the sand for prehistoric treasures, biking the scenic Legacy Trail, or watching dolphins play along the jetty.
Leopard Owner Tip: Your Leopard’s shallow draft makes anchoring just off Caspersen Beach easy, giving you front-row access to some of the best fossil hunting in Florida. For a dose of quirky local culture, visit in April for the Shark’s Tooth Festival, where local food, music, and tooth-themed fun take over the town.
11. Marco Island
Trip Type: Family friendly beaches and world class fishing
Cruise Time: ~2 hours from Naples
Vibe: Laid-back luxury meets Gulf side adventure
Marco Island is a stunning getaway spot known for its pristine white-sand beaches, world class fishing and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Easily accessible via the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), this upscale island destination offers several full-service marinas, making it a convenient and comfortable stop for Leopard owners seeking a beachside retreat.
The island’s natural beauty is filled with opportunities for spotting sea turtles nesting on the shore, as well as world-class fishing in the rich waters of the Gulf. Whether you’re here to relax on the powdery sands or explore the vibrant marine life, Marco Island perfectly balances a laid-back tropical vibe with adventure filled activities for the whole family.
Leopard Owner Tip: Spend the night docked at Rose Marina, known for its excellent facilities and prime location.
12. Ten Thousand Islands
Trip Type: Wilderness escape
Cruise Time: ~1.5 hours from Marco Island
Vibe: Wild, raw, and wonderful
If you’re craving a true get away from it all, the Ten Thousand Islands offer an unmatched wilderness experience. This sprawling maze of mangroves, tidal creeks, and protected wildlife refuges is accessible only by boat, making it a perfect destination for adventurous Leopard owners looking to unplug and immerse themselves in nature.
Anchor out in secluded coves and watch playful dolphins glide through the water or launch a kayak to explore serene mangrove tunnels where manatees and a variety of bird species make their home. The peaceful isolation and abundant wildlife create a truly unique boating experience.
Leopard Owner Tip: With no restaurants or shops in the area, thorough provisioning is essential. Fortunately, your Powercat’s well-appointed galley and flybridge BBQ makes it easy to enjoy gourmet meals off the grid.
An Unforgettable Journeys Start With The Right Catamaran
The west coast of Florida is a diverse destination that perfectly matches the diverse capabilities of your Leopard Powercat.
From cruising shallow, secluded backwaters, maneuvering in busy marinas, unmatched indoor-outdoor living spaces to entertain, and the comfort and fuel efficiency to take on extended voyages, no place is too far, too remote or too crowded for your Leopard Powercat.
Whether you’re chasing quiet coves or vibrant waterfronts, cruising Florida’s diverse west coast is just the beginning of what Leopard Powercat ownership is all about.
Contact Leopard Catamarans today to find the perfect fit for your next great adventure.
