Kingfisher sets sail to Boca

The folks at Kingfisher Fleet had been kicking the idea around for a few seasons, but it wasn’t until last November that everything started to come together for a once-a-week, all-day cruise to Boca Grande from Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda.

The cruise will take about two hours each way, and the three crew members aboard the boat will share a bit of the history of the island with passengers, as well as keeping an eye out for local wildlife on the water. Each group will receive a packet with a Boca Beacon Visitor’s Guide, 2013 Gasparilla Island Street map and a discounts from local shops.

“We’ve had good support from the island merchants,” said Capt. Ralph Allen, who will be operating the boat as it crosses the harbor. “So far, we have between ten and 15 people signed up for the first trip.”

There are two boats that can be used to make the journey, one holds 80 passengers and  the other is a 100-passenger vessel.

The once-weekly trips will be every Friday, Starting February 1 and continuing until mid April. The boat leaves Fisherman’s Village at 9 a.m. sharp, so be there about 30 minutes early to board.

Travelers will spend around three hours on the island, then return to Fisherman’s Village by 5 p.m.

Tickets are $27.95 + tax for adults, kids are half-off and children 3 and under are free. For more information, call Kingfisher Fleet at 941-639-0969.