Into the Blue
Cruise past mangroves, sandbars and sunlit shorelines on a “choose-your-own-adventure” boat day.
Sanibel Island
Time spent boating is time well spent in the Fort Myers area, where life unfolds on the water. More than just a way to get around, boating leads you to some of the region’s most beautiful scenery – where you can spot wildlife, explore quiet beaches, cast a line or simply drift into serenity.
So Many Ways to Get Out on the Water
Tour boats throughout the Fort Myers area specialize in a range of excursions, while charter boats tailor your day to your favorite on-the-water activities. Many tours focus on nature and wildlife.
Cayo Costa State Park, @joncward
At Tarpon Bay Explorers at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, helpful guides enhance your birdwatching experience. Southwest Florida Dolphin & Eco Tours on Fort Myers Beach spotlights marine life. Island Time Dolphin & Shelling Cruises in Fort Myers Beach whisks you away to prime shelling spots (and you might even see manatees and dolphins along the way).
For a peaceful and intimate boating experience, consider booking a trip with Magic Wind Adventure Sailing on Fort Myers Beach, where Captains Dan and Dianne take only 6 passengers (or you may book a private sail or photo shoot session for a special occasion).
You’ll have many options to choose from for sunset cruises, including Good Time Charters on Fort Myers Beach and Tropic Star of Pine Island, where you can see a beautiful sunset over the waters of Pine Island Sound.
Captiva Cruise, Cabbage Key
Tip: Book early for the best availability, as the most popular tours fill up fast.
Fort Myers Beach
Sailing into the sunset
just feels right.
Sanibel Island
Private Boating
Design your own on-the-water itinerary with an intimate private charter for up to six people. Captains with Coastal Friends in Cape Coral and Flip Side Eco Charters on Sanibel Island offer deep knowledge of local waterways, wildlife and hidden spots few others find. Whether you’re searching for dolphins, enjoying lunch on a castaway island, unwinding on a secluded beach, taking in a sunset or mixing a bit of everything, your charter goes wherever you want to wander.
Entertaining Boat Experiences
Prefer your boating excursion with a playful twist? Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise from Fort Myers Beach delivers full-on entertainment and theatrics.
Under the skull and crossbones, 90 minutes of games, dress-up, cannon blasts, comic interaction, dancing and a full bar keep mateys of all ages engaged. By evening, the Pieces of Eight – a Spanish galleon replica – transforms into an adults-only party.
For groups of two to 28, tiki cruises out of Fort Myers Beach offer another way to celebrate on the water. Like a tiki bar afloat, these cruises keep the fun going with drinks, music, dancing – even karaoke on some outings. Bring your own beverages and wear something tropical, then choose from sunset, dolphin-watching and other themed rides.
Boating goes bananas with the Banana Boat Experience at Yolo Watersports on Captiva Island. Hold on tight as you bounce through the surf at a gentle pace with up to six passengers.
Salty Sam's Pirate Cruise, Fort Myers Beach
Be Your Own Captain
Elevate your private boating experience a step further by bringing along your own ride, or rent one with ease from local marinas. Flying Bridge offers rentals at Sanibel Marina, while Salty Sam’s Marina on Fort Myers Beach is another great option. Choose from pontoons, deck boats and center console models, then set your course.
Cape Harbour Marina, Cape Coral
Marinas to Dock Your Boat
If you decide to bring your own boat, plenty of marinas offer convenient dockage. Sanibel Marina places you close to bay waters, while Snook Bight Marina in Fort Myers Beach sits right along the shore. Port Sanibel Marina rests at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, and the Marina at Edison Ford welcomes you in the heart of downtown.
Accommodations with On-site Dockage
For the utmost convenience, boaters can book their stay at a resort with docks. In Cape Coral, The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village offers easy access to the water. On Captiva Island, ‘Tween Waters Inn & Marina and Jensen’s Marina & Cottages welcome boaters, while Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina in Fort Myers Beach delivers a full-service experience.
Don't Miss
Wonderful Wildlife
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