Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club

Pros

• The cart staff and starters are described as the best ever.
• The pro shop is a real class act.
• The course is immaculate and the greens are perfect.
• Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club is described as a place they love and consider home.
• Austin is praised as the best dock master they've encountered, professional and courteous.
• It is regarded as Fort Myers' finest country club.
• It is a great place to stop by, with a souvenir shop and good food.
• The staff are very friendly and the layout is excellent.
• The club is described as exceptional.
• The clubhouse overlooking the harbor is beautiful.
• The marina is described as the best, with clean and updated facilities and helpful staff.
• The place is perfect to relax.

Cons

• One guard played video games and couldn't assist for two minutes, and another guard told the guest to leave even when pulled over in a safe spot.
• The guards at the gate constantly let people through without passes, and there were lots of car break-ins.
• The guards were constantly rude to residents.
• The club was not welcoming to guests and family members, and after the 14th time a family member could be banned from the club.
• The initiation fee could be raised by an extra $10,000 on short notice, with the club justifying it by saying, "We charge $10,000 extra because we can."
• During COVID, donations meant for the staff disappeared, the GM "lost" the money, there was a perceived lack of leadership, and turnover was very high.
• The reviewer would never join such a club and advised looking elsewhere.

Review

Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club sits at the heart of a sprawling Florida lifestyle, blending a revered country club with a welcoming and active marina community. Those who have called Gulf Harbour home for years speak of a place where the golf course and club facilities elevate everyday living, and where a sense of belonging lingers long after the round ends. For nearly a quarter of a century, members and residents - whether living in the community or simply enjoying the club as golfers or social members - have found in Gulf Harbour a space that feels like a true home base. The reviews emphasize a culture of pride and care: the course is kept in pristine condition, the greens are consistently excellent, and the overall environment is described as beautiful, inviting, and well maintained. Even guests and visitors are treated to the same high standard of hospitality that makes Gulf Harbour stand out.

On the course, the impression is overwhelmingly positive. The layout is noted as thoughtful and enjoyable for players of all skill levels, with multiple tee options providing accessible challenges and clear sightlines that allow beginners and seasoned players alike to savor the experience. The conditioning earns frequent praise - the fairways and greens are described as immaculate, with a particular emphasis on the precision of the greens. The water features and strategic holes add character, and several reviewers mention that the scenery, including stunning sunsets over the harbor, enhances an already superb golfing day. Beyond golf, the community and clubhouse complement the course, offering a sense of place where the sport and the social life intersect gracefully.

Service and hospitality are a recurring highlight. Staff across departments - cart attendants, starters, and the pro shop - are consistently credited with warmth, professionalism, and an eagerness to ensure guests have what they need. One reviewer specifically lauds Austin, a dock master, for his exemplary professionalism, courtesy, and helpful manner during a lengthy multi-week voyage; the sentiment is echoed by others who describe Gulf Harbour's team as "top-tier" and attentive. There are numerous mentions of friendly personnel in the spa, dining rooms, and fitness areas, as well as in casual conversations around the clubhouse and marina. The overall tone is one of appreciation for the people who keep the club running smoothly and make every visit feel special.

The property's appeal extends well beyond the golf course. The club houses a variety of amenities that support a full, balanced lifestyle: a marina that's well regarded for its prices, cleanliness, and staff, a clubhouse with dining options that consistently satisfy, and a wellness environment that includes a pool and gym. Reviewers repeatedly highlight the clubhouse as a focal point - an elegant venue that overlooks the harbor and serves as a hub for social gatherings, events, and casual evenings alike. The community feel is reinforced by the close-knit social network described by many residents who value the opportunity to socialize, dine, and celebrate milestones in a setting that remains beautifully maintained and welcoming.

Of course, every place that invites strong opinions attracts a spectrum of experiences. A number of residents have raised concerns related to living in the community and the governance of the club. Some reviewers differentiate clearly between the Gulf Harbour Country Club and the Gulf Harbour community, noting that membership policies and access for guests can vary in ways that influence the experience. Specific criticisms focus on the perception that rules and fees can shift in ways that feel inconsistent, with anecdotes about initiation fee changes and extra charges appearing and disappearing in response to policy updates. There are painful anecdotes about governance, leadership, and staff turnover, including claims about how donations collected during COVID were handled and the perceived lack of transparency. For some, these concerns are significant enough to affect their willingness to join or to advocate for Gulf Harbour as a long-term home.

Security and gate experiences add another layer of nuance to the overall picture. While many guests and residents report smooth access and respectful interactions, there are memorable accounts of less favorable moments. One reviewer recalls guards who paused admission to play video games, leading to delays and awkward moments at the gate, while another describes a guard directing them to leave even when they were parked in a safe area outside the gated zone. These anecdotes underscore the reality that, at times, the experience at entry points can feel inconsistent, and they remind prospective members and visitors that the day-to-day realities of access may vary.

In sum, Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club emerges from the collection of observations as a place of exceptional quality and deep appeal. The golf course and greens are repeatedly praised for their condition and playability, the clubhouse and marina create a complete, resort-like environment, and the staff earn broad admiration for their professionalism and warmth. The community side - the living experience, the condos, the beach areas, and the social networks - adds a dimension of charm and stability that many reviewers describe as unbeatable. Yet the same notes of caution that appear in only a minority of reviews are worth considering: governance questions, fee structures, guest policies, and security practices at the gates have prompted mainland residents and prospective members to weigh the trade-offs carefully. For those seeking a high-end Florida coastal lifestyle with exquisite amenities, a welcoming club culture, and a sense of home, Gulf Harbour remains a compelling option - one that is widely loved, generally well-maintained, and continually evolving to meet the desires of its residents and guests.

This part of Fort Myers, Florida, offers a variety of healthcare options that cater to seniors, including audiology services, eye care centers, pediatric specialties, and OB/GYN practices. The proximity of pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy ensures convenient access to medications and healthcare products. Additionally, the presence of diverse dining options ranging from casual eateries like Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill to upscale restaurants like Ford's Garage caters to different culinary preferences. Nearby parks like Jaycee Park and Bunche Beach Preserve provide opportunities for leisurely outdoor activities. The area also boasts reliable medical facilities such as Lee Health and Gulf Coast Hospital for any emergency needs. For entertainment, Regal Belltower theater is a short drive away for movie buffs. Overall, this part of Fort Myers provides a well-rounded environment with essential amenities for seniors looking to settle down in the area.

Physicians

• Martina Audiology and Hearing Services (0.8 miles)
• All Saints Eye Center (1 miles)
• Boron Medical (1.7 miles)
• Myers, Brent - Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition of Florida Pa (1.9 miles)
• Pediatric Orthopedics of Southwest Florida (2.1 miles)
• Lee Physicians Group (2.3 miles)
• Health Park OB/GYN (2.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill (1.1 miles)
• McGregor Grill (1.4 miles)
• Ford's Garage (2.2 miles)
• Wendy's (2.2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.2 miles)
• Lazy Flamingo (2.3 miles)
• Fish Tale Grill (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• Marko's Diner (1.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Urban Buzz Coffee (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Lee Health (2.3 miles)
• The Children's Rehabilitation Center - Bass Rd (2.3 miles)
• Lee Health Neurodiagnostics - Golisano Children's Hospital (2.3 miles)
• Lee Health Cardiovascular Services - HealthPark Commons (2.4 miles)
• Cardiovascular Services - Medical Plaza 1 (2.5 miles)
• Gulf Coast Hospital (3.7 miles)

Parks

• Jaycee Park (3 miles)
• San Carlos Bay - Bunche Beach Preserve (4 miles)
• Bowditch Point Park (4.9 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Belltower (4.6 miles)