Living The Boat And Golf Lifestyle In Gulf Harbour Yacht & CC

What if your morning tee time and afternoon cruise could start from the same address? If you love fairways as much as you love open water, Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club brings both worlds together in a single, private community. In this guide, you’ll see how the marina and course work in tandem, what daily life looks like, and what to know as a buyer. Let’s dive in.

Where Gulf Harbour fits in SWFL

Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club sits on the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, within Lee County. The community spans about 1,600 residences across 22 neighborhoods inside the gates. You get immediate access to the Intracoastal Waterway plus quick runs to Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers Beach.

If you are researching the area for a second home or a full-time move, the blend of boating, golf, and resort amenities in one footprint is the core draw. It feels practical and vacation-like at the same time.

A day in the boat-and-golf life

Picture a weekend morning on the championship course, followed by lunch with friends at a club restaurant. Afterward, you walk to the protected marina for an easy cruise toward the barrier islands. Back at the docks, you refuel, rinse the boat, and make it to a themed social event the same evening.

That rhythm is the lifestyle: golf when you like, water when you want, and a full social calendar on site.

Marina advantages for boaters

The Gulf Harbour Marina is a floating-dock, full-service facility with about 186 deep-water slips, plus power, water, pump-outs, and fuel. The marina accommodates large vessels, with stated capacity up to roughly 97 to 100 feet, and offers transient dockage for visiting boats. You launch on a protected river channel with direct ICW access and short runs to local beaches and islands. Explore marina details and current services.

Slip ownership is part of the appeal. Deeded slips do appear on the market at times, and many residents choose to own a berth near home. Expect separate slip costs and recurring dues in addition to your HOA or condo fees. Inventory can be limited, so some boaters join waitlists through the marina office.

Golf you will play all year

Gulf Harbour’s 18-hole championship course stretches about 6,700 yards, par 72, with full practice facilities and active leagues. The club recently completed a member-driven reimagining led by architect Kipp Schulties that focused on playability for all skill levels. You can review the club’s overview and program highlights on the golf page and learn more about the redesign in the club’s behind-the-redesign feature.

The big win is proximity. You can line up a morning round, grab your gear, and walk to the docks for an afternoon cruise without leaving the neighborhood.

Fitness, tennis, spa and more

Beyond the fairways, the HarbourView wellness complex offers modern equipment, classes, and spa services to round out your routine. The tennis community features Har-Tru courts, USPTA pros, and active league play for a steady calendar of matches and clinics.

These facilities make it simple to keep a daily rhythm: a stretch class or training session, a few sets on the courts, or a post-round spa visit. Dining venues on property complete the resort feel.

Dining and a packed social calendar

You have multiple on-site spots to meet and dine, including member favorites like Waterside Grille, Johnny Brown’s, and the Harbourview Room. The club promotes 300-plus social events per year, from themed dinners to tournaments and seasonal parties. See current venues and event flavor on the dining page.

Nature and island time

Gulf Harbour maintains Eagle Perch Island, a private conservation and sandy-beach amenity tied to the club’s Audubon recognition. It is a quiet setting for birding, kayak launches, and sunset time with neighbors. Learn more about this unique perk on the Eagle Perch Island page.

Homes and neighborhoods at a glance

Inside the gates, you will find condos, townhomes and villas, carriage homes, and single-family estates. Many residences feature garage parking, screened lanais, and course, marina, or water views. The club’s community overview cites a broad price spread, with offerings from the $300s up to the multi-million range. Review the mix on the community overview.

Choose your fit

• Dock-at-home buyers: Focus on residences near the marina and look for opportunities to purchase a deeded slip when one becomes available. Plan for separate slip dues and marina agreements.
• Turnkey seasonal seekers: Condos and carriage homes can deliver low-maintenance living with access to club amenities and social life. Confirm rental rules if seasonal rental income matters to your plan.
• Estate and view-focused buyers: Single-family neighborhoods and select buildings offer larger footprints, outdoor living areas, and sweeping golf or water vistas.

Membership 101: Golf vs. Sports

Gulf Harbour operates as a private, member-owned club with at least two primary membership categories: Golf and Sports or Social. Golf membership emphasizes year-round course and practice privileges. Sports or Social membership centers on tennis, wellness, dining, and social access, with seasonal golf access per club rules.

Home purchases and club memberships are separate decisions. Many buyers secure a home first, then choose the membership that fits their routine. For current categories and availability, start with the club’s Membership page.

Real costs to plan for

Beyond the purchase price, budget for:

• HOA or condo dues: These vary by neighborhood and building.
• Club initiation and dues: Confirm current categories with Membership before you decide. Do not rely on third-party numbers.
• Marina costs: If you own a deeded slip, expect slip dues and maintenance. Transient dockage rates apply for visiting boats.
• Insurance: Verify flood coverage and wind or hurricane coverage based on your home and slip location.
• Upcoming projects: The club has a clubhouse renovation underway with a published timeline from June 2025 to Fall 2026. Review details on the club’s renovation page and ask about any active assessments.

Boat-and-beach logistics from your dock

The marina markets a short run down the Caloosahatchee to the Gulf, with quick access to Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers Beach. Fuel, pump-outs, and guest facilities make it easy to host visiting boats or plan day trips. For transient slips, services, and current rates, check the Gulf Harbour Marina site.

When you want to mix golf and boating in one day, you can schedule a morning round, then cast off for a late lunch at a waterfront spot, and return in time for an evening event.

Hurricane and flood readiness

Southwest Florida enjoys great weather, yet due diligence matters. Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to look up a property’s exact flood zone and to request elevation information. Start your check on the FEMA map portal. Lee County also offers local flood-map tools that your agent can help you access.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, according to NOAA. If you own a boat, ask the marina for its written hurricane plan, required lines or chafe gear, and any haul-out agreements. Review your home and vessel insurance to confirm named-storm and flood coverage.

Quick buyer checklist

• Pin your lifestyle: heavy golf, heavy boating, or a balanced mix.
• Choose home type: condo or carriage for low-maintenance, or single-family for more space and outdoor living.
• Confirm club membership path: categories, waitlists, and guest policies.
• Plan dock strategy: deeded slip purchase, waitlist for a rental, or transient use.
• Verify all fees: HOA or condo dues, club dues, slip dues, and any assessments.
• Run flood checks: FEMA map lookup and local records for your exact address.
• Review hurricane plans: marina procedures, tie-up requirements, and insurance.
• Test the commute: airport access and daily essentials based on your routine.

Ready to see how this lifestyle fits you? For on-the-ground guidance, neighborhood intel, and a smooth path from search to closing, connect with Rich Morea for a private consultation and curated tour.

FAQs

What and where is Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club?

• It is a private, member-owned community in Fort Myers on the Caloosahatchee River, featuring a deep-water marina, an 18-hole championship golf course, fitness, tennis, dining, and social amenities.

How does the marina work for residents and guests?

• The full-service marina has about 186 deep-water slips, fuel, pump-outs, and transient docking; some owners purchase deeded slips, and visiting boats can reserve transient space through the marina office.

Is club membership required when buying a home in Gulf Harbour?

• Home purchases and club memberships are separate; you can buy a home without joining, then select a Golf or Sports/Social membership through the club based on availability and your lifestyle.

What housing options support a boat-focused lifestyle in Gulf Harbour?

• Buyers who want a permanent berth often target homes near the marina and watch for deeded slips on the market; others use transient or rental slips for seasonal boating.

What non-mortgage costs should I plan for in Gulf Harbour?

• Budget for HOA or condo dues, club initiation and dues, possible slip dues, insurance, and any assessments tied to capital projects like the clubhouse renovation.

How far is Gulf Harbour by boat to Sanibel or the Gulf?

• The marina promotes quick ICW access with a short run down the Caloosahatchee to the Gulf, making day trips to Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers Beach practical.

What should boat owners do for hurricane season at Gulf Harbour?

• Confirm the marina’s written hurricane plan, secure proper lines and gear, and review your home and vessel insurance; track official season dates and updates from NOAA.

Are rentals allowed in Gulf Harbour neighborhoods?

• Rental rules vary by building and HOA, so review association documents and current MLS disclosures for each property you consider.