Ann & Harry,
The South Florida Loop is a great trip.  You can go from Ft. Myers Beach/Sanibel to Naples, then to Marco Island, then Little Shark River then Marathon.  Everglades City is an interesting trip and worth consideration.  Also, depending on your draft and the state of the tide, you might be able to travel the "back side" of Marco Island and go out Coon Key Pass, by Goodland, which will save traveling around Cape Romano Shoals.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
Morning Star
lying Marathon, FL
www.CruisingMorningStar.com

We went the inside route from Marco Island to Goodland.  Plenty of water,
even at low tide for our 3.5 ft draft.  Goodland is a nice stop and not far
by bike from Marco if you need supplies (none in Goodland).  From Goodland
we went to Rod & Gun Club in Everglades City, well marked passes out Coon
Pass and in at Indian Pass.  We went around the cape to Flamingo &
Everlagdes National Park.  Not a great marina by any means but a worthwhile
stop.

Instead of Marathon, we opted for Key West.  Long day and lots of lobster /
crap pots.  But we didn't want to miss Key West.  If you don't anchor and
prefer marinas, City Marina @ Garrison Bight has much better rates.

Adagio now @ Plantation Key making ready for run to Miami.

Ron Matuska
Adagio, NT34-318
Dunedin, FL