What is the PGI Rim Canal?
The main canal known as the RIM CANAL runs adjacent to the protected mangrove sanctuary that borders Charlotte Harbor. It stretches for just over 2 miles. At the north, it begins where Ponce De Leon inlet meets the houses in Punta Gorda Isles. At the south, it ends just after Sunset Lake.
The mangrove sanctuary is protected by law; nothing will ever be built where the mangroves are
The mangrove sanctuary is protected by law; nothing will ever be built where the mangroves are
Overview of Waterfront Properties in Punta Gorda Isles
Waterfront properties in Punta Gorda Isles are located in one of 4 sections.
Old Section (5-10 minutes to open water)
This is the section of homes/condos north of Marion and west of Bal Harbor Blvd. Some of the homes are older in this area, but many are newer as well. Most are on interior canals but a few are directly on Charlotte Harbor. Access to open water is to the north at the Colony Point area. There are no bridges restricting height.
Powerboat Section (10-25 minutes to open water)
This is the section of homes/condos/apartments south of Marion Ave, east of Bal Harbor Blvd, and north of Aqui Esta Blvd (on both sides of Bal Harbor Blvd). Almost all are on the water, and all are on interior canals. Access to open water is to the north, under either the Gulfview Bridge or the Fishermen’s Village Bridge. Both of these bridges are fixed, so height restrictions for boats in this section is 12-15 feet, depending on tide.
Because of the height restrictions, properties in this section can be slightly less expensive than in the other sections, as sailboats and larger boats can’t make it under the fixed bridges.
Bird Section (10-25 minutes to open water)
This is the section of homes/condos south of Aqui Esta and east of Bal Harbor Blvd. All are on the water. Most are on interior canals but a few are on “Sunset Lake”, which is a large lagoon of water in the south-west of this section. Access to open water is via Buckley Pass to Alligator Creek, then to Charlotte Harbor. Boats can also go from this section along the picturesque Rim Canal to Ponce de Leon inlet out to Charlotte Harbor. There are no bridges restricting height.
Ponce de Leon Section (5-15 minutes to open water)
This is the section of homes south of Marion Ave and west of Bal Harbor Blvd. Access to open water is along the picturesque Rim Canal to Ponce de Leon inlet out to Charlotte Harbor. Boats can also leave through Buckley Pass to Alligator Creek, then to Charlotte Harbor. There are no bridges restricting height.
Old Section (5-10 minutes to open water)
This is the section of homes/condos north of Marion and west of Bal Harbor Blvd. Some of the homes are older in this area, but many are newer as well. Most are on interior canals but a few are directly on Charlotte Harbor. Access to open water is to the north at the Colony Point area. There are no bridges restricting height.
Powerboat Section (10-25 minutes to open water)
This is the section of homes/condos/apartments south of Marion Ave, east of Bal Harbor Blvd, and north of Aqui Esta Blvd (on both sides of Bal Harbor Blvd). Almost all are on the water, and all are on interior canals. Access to open water is to the north, under either the Gulfview Bridge or the Fishermen’s Village Bridge. Both of these bridges are fixed, so height restrictions for boats in this section is 12-15 feet, depending on tide.
Because of the height restrictions, properties in this section can be slightly less expensive than in the other sections, as sailboats and larger boats can’t make it under the fixed bridges.
Bird Section (10-25 minutes to open water)
This is the section of homes/condos south of Aqui Esta and east of Bal Harbor Blvd. All are on the water. Most are on interior canals but a few are on “Sunset Lake”, which is a large lagoon of water in the south-west of this section. Access to open water is via Buckley Pass to Alligator Creek, then to Charlotte Harbor. Boats can also go from this section along the picturesque Rim Canal to Ponce de Leon inlet out to Charlotte Harbor. There are no bridges restricting height.
Ponce de Leon Section (5-15 minutes to open water)
This is the section of homes south of Marion Ave and west of Bal Harbor Blvd. Access to open water is along the picturesque Rim Canal to Ponce de Leon inlet out to Charlotte Harbor. Boats can also leave through Buckley Pass to Alligator Creek, then to Charlotte Harbor. There are no bridges restricting height.
Premium Lot Locations in Punta Gorda Isles
Of the nearly 13,000 homes/condos in Punta Gorda Isles, there are 106 that are on the most sought-after (and most expensive) land, so the value of the land these homes are built on is far higher than interior canal land. These lots are more expensive by $200,000-300,000 or more when compared to other lots of similar size on the interior canals. These premium locations are:
1. On the Rim Canal (92 homes)
These are the homes where their lanai, backyard and dock are directly across from the mangrove preserve on the west side of the Rim Canal. These 92 houses are also the only places that have a view of the annual PGI Christmas Boat Parade (Saturday before Christmas Eve).
32 of these 92 homes are “tip lot” homes, meaning they have a view of the water in two directions; onto the Rim Canal and onto the smaller canal that flows into the Rim Canal. These homes have more sea frontage but less privacy from neighbors across the smaller canal.
60 of these 92 homes have "Total Privacy Rim Canal View". From the lanai of these homes, there is complete privacy from neighbors (i.e. you can’t see neighbors and they can't see you).
As of this writing (May 25, 2025), there are 3 properties for sale directly on the Rim Canal.
1701 Casey Cay - 4,143 sf, $1,890,000 ($456/sf) - TIP LOT view (MLS Link: here)
3936 Crooked Island Dr - 2,342 sf - $785,000 ($335/sf) - TOTAL PRIVACY view (MLS Link: here)
5720 Almar Dr - 2,006 sf - $765,000 ($381/sf) - TOTAL PRIVACY view (MLS Link: here)
2. On Sunset Lake
These are the 14 homes that border Sunset Lake, a large lagoon of water. The Rim Canal flows along the southwest side of Sunset Lake. From the lanai of these homes, there is a beautiful view of the water and the mangrove preserve. There is not complete privacy from the lanai of these homes but most of the other houses across the water are distant.
As of this writing, there are NO properties for sale directly on Sunset Lake.
3. On Charlotte Harbor
These are homes in the “Old Section” with views directly of open water. From the lanai of these homes, there is Port Charlotte a few miles in the distance, but for all intents and purposes, there is complete privacy from neighbors (you can’t see neighbors and they can't see you).
As of this writing, there are NO properties for sale directly on Charlotte Harbor
Advantages and DISADVANTAGES of Living on the PGI Rim Canal
Advantages
Disadvantages
- Direct view of the mangrove preserve and no view of any neighbors from your lanai for most of the Rim Canal houses. You’ll only experience the peace and quiet of nature.
- Wider waterway view - the Rim Canal is the widest canal in Punta Gorda Isles. Also, much more room for maneuvering your boat to your dock.
- More active waterway with views of dolphin, manatee, birds and fish.
- Christmas Boat Parade - Rim Canal properties are the only place to view the parade!
- More waterfront means longer docks, better view and more possibilities for multiple boats.
- Kayak paths through the mangroves are directly accessible from the Rim Canal.
Disadvantages
- Property is higher in cost.
Houses Recently Sold or Currently for Sale on the PGI RIM CANAL
For Sale
1701 Casey Cay - 4,143 sf, $1,890,000 ($456/sf) - TIP LOT view (MLS Link: here)
3936 Crooked Island Dr - 2,342 sf - $785,000 ($335/sf) - TOTAL PRIVACY view (MLS Link: here)
5720 Almar Dr - 2,006 sf - $765,000 ($381/sf) - TOTAL PRIVACY view (MLS Link: here)
Sold
5036 Ussepa Ct - 3,458 sf, SOLD March 2025 for $1,850,000 ($535/sf)
3846 St Kitts Ct - 3,888 sf, SOLD Nov 2024 for $1,800,000 ($463/sf)
3840 Saba Ct - 3,076 sf, SOLD Nov 2023 for $1,675,000 ($545/sf)
3862 Carupano Ct - 2,440 sf, SOLD March 2023 for $1,260,000 ($516/sf)
3835 Aves Island Ct - 3,170 sf, SOLD June 2023 for $1,650,000 ($520/sf)
3954 Crooked Island Dr - 4,246 sf, SOLD Feb 2024 for $2,587,000 ($609/sf)
5057 Bal Harbor Blvd - 2,861 sf, SOLD April 2023 for $1,680,000 ($587/sf)
3213 Antigua Dr - 3,377 sf, SOLD June 2024 for $1,925,000 ($570/sf)
3249 Antigua Dr - 2,442 sf, SOLD December 2023 for $1,548,000 ($634/sf)
1668 Casey Key - 3,727 sf, SOLD Dec 2023 for $1,754,000 ($470/sf)
1701 Casey Cay - 4,143 sf, $1,890,000 ($456/sf) - TIP LOT view (MLS Link: here)
3936 Crooked Island Dr - 2,342 sf - $785,000 ($335/sf) - TOTAL PRIVACY view (MLS Link: here)
5720 Almar Dr - 2,006 sf - $765,000 ($381/sf) - TOTAL PRIVACY view (MLS Link: here)
Sold
5036 Ussepa Ct - 3,458 sf, SOLD March 2025 for $1,850,000 ($535/sf)
3846 St Kitts Ct - 3,888 sf, SOLD Nov 2024 for $1,800,000 ($463/sf)
3840 Saba Ct - 3,076 sf, SOLD Nov 2023 for $1,675,000 ($545/sf)
3862 Carupano Ct - 2,440 sf, SOLD March 2023 for $1,260,000 ($516/sf)
3835 Aves Island Ct - 3,170 sf, SOLD June 2023 for $1,650,000 ($520/sf)
3954 Crooked Island Dr - 4,246 sf, SOLD Feb 2024 for $2,587,000 ($609/sf)
5057 Bal Harbor Blvd - 2,861 sf, SOLD April 2023 for $1,680,000 ($587/sf)
3213 Antigua Dr - 3,377 sf, SOLD June 2024 for $1,925,000 ($570/sf)
3249 Antigua Dr - 2,442 sf, SOLD December 2023 for $1,548,000 ($634/sf)
1668 Casey Key - 3,727 sf, SOLD Dec 2023 for $1,754,000 ($470/sf)
Complete List of Houses Directly on PGI Rim Canal or Directly on Sunset Lake
32 Homes Directly on Rim Canal - TIP LOTS (more water frontage, less privacy)
3205 Antigua Dr empty lot
3330 Antigua Dr
2859 St Vincent
2825 St Vincent
3676 Aruba Ct
3675 Aruba Ct
2774 Ryan Blvd
2918 Ryan Blvd
3837 Bermuda Ct
3860 Bermuda Ct
3839 St Kitts Ct
3840 St Kitts Ct
3839 Saba Ct
3840 Saba Ct - 3,076 sf, Sold Nov 2023 for $1,675,000 ($545/sf)
3835 Carupano Ct
3862 Carupano Ct - 2,440 sf, Sold March 2023 for $1,260,000 ($516/sf)
3835 Aves Island Ct - 3,170 sf, Sold June 2023 for $1,650,000 ($520/sf)
3836 Aves Island Ct
3954 Crooked Island Dr - 4,246 sf, Sold Feb 2024 for $2,587,000 ($609/sf)
3932 Crooked Island Dr
3905 La Costa Island Ct
3906 La Costa Island Ct
5076 La Costa Island Ct
5075 La Costa Island Ct
5029 Captiva Ct
5030 Captiva Ct
5077 Key Largo Dr
1664 Casey Key
1730 Casey Key
5035 Ussepa Ct
5036 Ussepa Ct - 3,458 sf, FOR SALE $2,250,000 ($650/sf)
5057 Bal Harbor Blvd - 2,861 sf, SOLD April 2023 for $1,680,000 ($587/sf)
60 Homes Directly on Rim Canal - Total Privacy View (no neighbors can see lanai)
3213 Antigua Dr - 3,377 sf, SOLD June 2024 for $1,925,000 ($570/sf)
3219 Antigua Dr empty lot
3225 Antigua Dr
3231 Antigua Dr
3237 Antigua Dr
3243 Antigua Dr
3249 Antigua Dr - 2,442 sf, SOLD December 2023 for $1,548,000 ($634/sf)
3255 Antigua Dr
3259 Antigua Dr
3263 Antigua Dr
3301 Antigua Dr
3305 Antigua Dr
3309 Antigua Dr
3315 Antigua Dr
3319 Antigua Dr
2855 St Vincent empty lot
2851 St Vincent
2847 St Vincent empty lot
2841 St Vincent
2837 St Vincent
2831 St Vincent
3682 Aruba Ct
2800 Ryan Blvd
2806 Ryan Blvd
2812 Ryan Blvd
2818 Ryan Blvd
2824 Ryan Blvd empty lot
2830 Ryan Blvd
2836 Ryan Blvd empty lot
2842 Ryan Blvd
2848 Ryan Blvd
2900 Ryan Blvd
2906 Ryan Blvd
2912 Ryan Blvd
3840 Bermuda Ct empty lot
3846 St Kitts Ct - 3,888 sf, FOR SALE $2,090,000 ($537/sf)
3846 Saba Ct
3842 Aves Island Ct
3950 Crooked Island Dr empty lot
3946 Crooked Island Dr
3940 Crooked Island Dr
3936 Crooked Island Dr - 2,342 sf, FOR SALE $1,089,214 ($465/sf)
3900 La Costa Island Ct
5084 La Costa Island Ct
5036 Captiva Ct
5035 Key Largo Dr
5039 Key Largo Dr
5043 Key Largo Dr
5059 Key Largo Dr
5065 Key Largo Dr empty lot
5071 Key Largo Dr
1668 Casey Key - 3,727 sf, SOLD Dec 2023 for $1,754,000 ($470/sf)
1700 Casey Key
1708 Casey Key
1714 Casey Key empty lot
1720 Casey Key empty lot
5040 Ussepa Ct
5050 Bal Harbor Blvd empty lot
1407 Pine Island Ct
1413 Pine Island Ct
14 Homes Directly on Sunset Lake
1417 Pine Island Ct
1421 Pine Island Ct
1339 Casey Key Dr
1339 Casey Key Dr
1344 Casey Key Dr
1340 Casey Key Dr
1441 Sea Gull Ct
1435 Sea Gull Ct
1430 Surfbird Ct
1436 Surfbird Ct
1442 Surfbird Ct
1448 Surfbird Ct empty lot
1454 Surfbird Ct
1458 Surfbird Ct
