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Catch birds and other local wildlife on an early morning kayak adventure into aquatic preserves.
Family Vacation Days on the Water
Float along with the family in a variety of vessels to explore The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel from the water. Visitors can scope marine preserves, discover shell mounds and find themselves gone fishing on this itinerary that’s full of learning, adventure and animal encounters.
By Chelle Koster Walton, member of the Society of American Travel Writers
Float along with the family in a variety of vessels to explore The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel from the water. Visitors can scope marine preserves, discover shell mounds and find themselves gone fishing on this itinerary that’s full of learning, adventure and animal encounters.
By Chelle Koster Walton, member of the Society of American Travel Writers
  Bonita Beach |
Paddling magazines hail The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel for its top kayaking, so don't miss out. Catch the birds and other local wildlife as they and you awaken on an early morning kayak adventure into Pine Island's aquatic preserves. Contact Gulf Coast Kayak Company for rentals and tours.
Then rent a powerboat for a half-day from Pine Island's Four Winds Marina for a family excursion to Boca Grande or Gasparilla Island to the north. Stop for fishing in the bay or Boca Grande Pass, known for its remarkable tarpon catches in summer. Dock at Uncle Henry's Marina, which can arrange bike or golf cart rentals for exploring the island's restaurants, shops, beaches and lighthouse museum. Stop for homemade ice cream downtown at Loose Caboose.
Sea Life on Sanibel: Day 2
Adventures in Paradise’s Sea Life Encounter pontoon-boat excursion is perfect for families. Learn about local marine ecology from a trained biologist, who drags a seine net to gather specimens to identify and explain. Snorkeling and shelling trips are also scheduled.
Devote the evening to water-bound luxury aboard Sanibel Harbour Resort’s 100-foot Princess II yacht. Sunset cruises serve hors d'oeuvres or dinner.
Canoeing the Calusa: Day 3
 Learning to sail in area waters |
Rent your vessel at Estero River Outfitters on U.S. 41 or Lovers Key State Park. To tour Mound Key without paddling, contact Estero Bay Boat Tours or the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa.
Manatees and Sails: Day 4 add-on
If you're visiting between mid-November and mid-April, hook up with Fort Myers' Manatee World for a boat tour of the Orange River, where a herd of some 300 manatees migrates in winter. Off-season, consider a sail aboard New Moon on Captiva Island, which holds sailing classes for children and families, as does Offshore Sailing School at South Seas Resort.
If you go . . .
Day 1
Four Winds Marina, 239-283-0250, www.fourwindsmarina.com
Gulf Coast Kayak Company, 239-283-1125, www.gulfcoastkayak.com
The Loose Caboose, 239-964-0440
Uncle Henry's Marina, 941-964-0154, www.bocagrande.com
Day 2
Adventures in Paradise, 239-472-8443, www.adventureinparadiseinc.com
Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, 800-767-7777, www.sanibel-resort.com
Day 3
Estero Bay Boat Tours, 239-992-2200
Estero River Tackle and Canoe Outfitters, 239-992-4050
Great Calusa Blueway, 239-461-7400, www.greatcalusablueway.com
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, 800-55-HYATT, www.coconutpoint.hyatt.com
Lovers Key State Park, 239- 463-4588, floridastateparks.org
Mound Key State Archaeological Site, 239- 992-0311, www.ecotrail.com/mound_key.htm
Day 4 add-on:
Manatee World 239-694-4042, www.manateeworld.com
New Moon, 239-395-1782, www.newmoonsailing.com
Offshore Sailing School, 800-221-4326, www.offshore-sailing.com
South Seas Island Resort, 239- 454-1700, www.south-seas-resort.com
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