Broad range of destinations from Sanibel and Captiva Island to Boca Grande, St. Petersburg, Marco Island, Florida Keys, Miami, Bahamas and more Perfect for a private family cruise, wedding, romantic getaway or corporate events NOW AVAILABLE: 84' Lazzara "Daddy's Lady II" 84 Lazzara Daddy's Lady II Enjoy the beauty of Southwest Florida and book a private charter with your own captain and tour guide for the day! Information and links to marinas in Southwestern Florida offering transient boat dockage, wet slips, dry boat storage, safe harbor, marine fuel, ships stores and waterfront restaurants. Florida is diversity, in a way that canhardly be found anywhere else. Definitely a photo op! gocaptiva.com, McCarthys Marina, Captiva We will even provide a sample of spices for you to try. She expects all of her restaurants to be back by September. A laid-back waterside sports bar. Jet Ski Rental from Cape Coral to Sanibel or Fort Myers 16 Recommended Rentals from $150.00 per group (up to 2) LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Sunset and Dolphin Cruise around Fort Myers Beach 29 Recommended Power Boats from $400.00 per group (up to 6) LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Guided Kayak Eco Tour - Bunche Beach 106 Recommended Water Tours from $79.95 per adult Meet the talented couple behind Florida Gulfshore Ballet and their quest to create the first professional company in the region. Among dozens of fine eateries, The Lazy Flamingo has restaurants on both Sanibel and Captiva. Great ride, lots of dolphins. Whats shelling, you ask? From there short drive down the road you will find Banyan Road- this picturesque road is famous for being the backdrop to family and wedding pictures. (239) 472-5161 As a tourist, at these temperatures even a T-shirt is toomuch to wear and you feel like bowing to the locals who with stoic composure rush towork at 95 degrees Fahrenheit with a suit and a tie. Most travelers come to Boca Grande for the amazing beaches and water activities. First things first wake up early and head down to Pineland Marina. The Cayo Costa Beach was gorgeous, and the trip was the perfect amount of time.. The best way to get from Boca Grande to Sanibel Island costs only $16 and takes just 1 hours. Anglers, too, have plenty of options in these waters. There are no theme parks here or any major attractions to speak of, and the only water park is the natural one surrounding it, pristine and undisturbed. A largejunonia shell, for example, can bring $150 at a local shell shop; someone finds one nearly every week. (239) 472-5800 Try the Yucatan Shrimp, with real butter, garlic, mild Columbian chilies, cilantro, spices,and key lime juice. Originally constructed in 1885 in the state of Delaware, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1918 due to erosion, disassembled and then reconstructed on Gasparilla Island in 1927. Its a quick ride to the fishing grounds aboard our Ranger Bay 2400, equipped with a four stroke Yamaha 300 hp engine. From dolphins jumping to private beaches and the best seashells you can find, we offer a variety of packages catered to your family and friends! (239) 472-5161 Doc Fords Rum Bar also has establishments on both islands. We are honored to be named Cape Coral's best Boat Tour Agency of 2022. Today Boca Grande is a mecca for tourists and sun worshippers seeking a casual laid-back vacation in an out-of-the-way location by the sea. Captiva Island Tours | Jensen's Marina and Cottages Find pet-friendly stops. Five library spaces including separate Childrens and Young Adult libraries, and a rare book and reference library are accessed from the courtyard. Afternoon thunderstorms are typical in the summer and September is usually the quietest month, but be advisedmany of the islands businesses operate on reduced hours or shut down completely in late summer for renovations and vacation. If you're planning a road trip to Boca Raton, you can research locations to stop along the way. (239) 395-2233; shellmuseum.org, By Tom Schlichter, Southern Boating January 2018, Your email address will not be published. . On most days, the waters off the beaches of Boca Grande are clear and you can easily find some beautiful seashells and sand dollars. The tranquil back waters of Boca Grande Bayou are perfect for an early morning kayak adventure or stand up paddle boarding. . On the Florida barrier island south of Stump Pass State Park, there is a little-visited state park reachable only by boat, Don Pedro Island State Park. We are here to show you the best of the Gulf Coast. OUR MOST POPULAR TRIP! The total distance and travel time between Sanibel Island and. Book a custom Dolphin Tour around the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva. The new locale is a few islands north in Boca Grandes former Loose Caboose location. (239) 437-1660 USA +1 (239) 785 8966 This area also tends to be a busy stretch of waterway. We see many of our regulars in Boca Grande now that word is getting out, Sandy says. $297. They are a hazard to boaters, and boaters are a hazard to them, so the speed limit in these areas is SLOW and strictly enforced. This is one of the best islands in Florida to watch the sunset. Sanibel island is a famed Florida island located near Fort Meyers. She painted the space pastel purple, blue and green to channel the happy spirit of the islands. It was a great value and our tour guide Captain George was over the top, it is one of Captivas best attractions., We had a great trip to Cayo Costa to shell! 1 price change: 11401 Old Lodge Ln 2/3.5 now $5.995M. Atlantic Coast Updates: Operation Sailfish, Five Outstanding Sunglasses You Need to See. In their ancestral habitatdolphins swim unbelievable distances every day. It really isnt muchmore than that in an aquarium for these proud sea creatures. Captiva has always been so magical to me,, Wine Bars Pop Up Across SWFL, Encouraging Us to Slow Down and Dine, Naples New Mediterranean Gem is in East Naples, The Birth of Southwest Floridas first professional ballet company, Meet the Chef Behind Paul Flemings New PJK Neighborhood Chinese. The restaurant closes for the season in August and September. But, by February, the islands beaches were open, and old Captiva friends were showing up on the island. Boca Grande Marina - Boca Grande 220 Harbor Dr, Boca Grande, FL 33921, . Cape Coral and Fort Myers Beach offer with the offshore islands Estero Island, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Cayo Costa or Boca Grande a unique area for guided boat tours with Cape Coral boat charter. . Therefore, most of the accommodations youll find near the beach are private homes. A destination that ispopular not only with tourists. That puts you in the lead. The staff is very accommodating, polite and knowledgeable. For dining right on the water, Sanibel-Grandma Dots serves up terrific sandwiches and salads in an open-air setting at Sanibel Marina, while the Green Flash on Captiva offers a Savor lunch, dinner or an overnight stay with waterfront views of Pine Island Sound. This idyllic island is a haven for boaters, kayakers, and shellers, plus the entire island is loaded with nature trails you can hike. Located right on South Beach in Boca Grande, South Beach Bar & Grille offers a casual menu that includes fresh local seafood, steaks, chicken, and pasta. With the discovery of phosphate rock on the Peace River in the late 1880s, the south end of the island was turned into a major shipping port. . From the famous dream beaches to small insider tips. Dolphin & Wildlife Cruises Sunset Cruises Private Charters for Special Events. With Boatsetter, you can rent pontoons, sailboats, fishing boats, catamarans, and many other types of boats in the Cape Coral area. We look forward to hearing from you. All rights reserved. Plus, theyre a lot of fun! As much as she loves Boca Grande, her heart is in Captiva, where she opened the inn in 1999. Regardless of when or where you tie up in this secluded neck of the woods, youre in for a rare treat. Their pizzas are delish, and they also have good wraps and salads. Its one of those places you have to go out of your way to get to before circling back from whence you came, and then youre there. Day trip to Boca Grande/Gasparilla Island - Tripadvisor Or are you the type to opt for nothing at all! 1 Sq. If the beach is designated as a swimming beach, the distance becomes 500 feet. This waterway runs between the mainland and Pine Island, which is very shallow and home to many marine life species. The second Keylime proved so successful that Sandy is considering creating more outposts, with a small-scale version at Southwest Florida International Airport next on her list. Scheduling a water taxi to historic Boca Grande is a great way to enjoy island tours from Jensen's Marina. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are widely available. The islands also exert a magicalattraction for lovers. Sanibel and Captiva are among the top shelling destinations in the world. Tom will pull into a public slip/boat ramp area that is typically known as the Pink Elephant Boat Ramp. Beds. Then came Ian. Leave your worries (and maybe even your cell phone!) As for dining out, its hard to go wrong here. Sea trout, redfish, and snook abound inside Pine Island Sound. Be sure to bring your camera! High-rise buildings, night-life, booming street noise? Ready to explore Sanibel Island by boat? Icing on the cake was seeing dolphins! Resort & Spa, Info@Happycape.Com, Golf courses in Cape Coral: Sports under Floridas sun, Excursion destinations in Cape Coral and surroundings, Unsere Telefonnummer in Deutschland: +49 (208) 998 3337, Ihr Ansprechpartner in der Schweiz: +41 (445) 001 666. May 19, 2021 . So bad was the devastation after Charlie that many marinas, resorts, and businesses had to completely rebuild. It is not uncommon to land 10 or more different species in a single 4-hour fishing charter. Boat Cruises to Captiva/Sanibel - Boca Grande Forum On average, it could take boaters about 20-30 minutes to go between Cape Coral and Sanibel Island by boat. Then look no further! A month after Ian, Sandy debuted a second location for her Keylime Bistro. Looking south over Boca Grande toward Cayo Costa and beyond to the Lee county coast. The Temptation Restaurant Boca Grande exudes an old school charm so authentically retro at 75 years old, its cool. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. You may bring food and drinks (*no hard liquor), we supply the ice and cooler. "Outstanding service, dedication, and a wonderful experience for all on Gulf Coast Family Charters." . The space seems destined to entertain, with its bright and nautical touches. Long known for its premier tarpon fishing one of our SWFL bucket list activities it became semi-famous in the 90s when the Bush family (H.W. Hunting for shark teeth is a big thing from Boca Grande up to Venice, where they wash ashore by the truckload. This is a super fun event on a hard packed sandbar surrounded by clear calm water with the old railroad trestle in the background. bluecoyotesupperclub.com, Sanibel-Grandma Dots, Sanibel (239) 472-5161 I might be confused about Little Gasparilla Island Any bars or restuarants on Little Gasparilla Island? Downtown Cape Coral to Sanibel Island, for example, is about 14 miles, depending on your route; however, boaters must cross the miserable mile in the middle of that route. As you pilot your boat into the harbor, you're first taken by the sheer natural beauty of this small enclave just a port turn off Channel Marker 60 highlighted by a grand, "Olde Florida" private residence built in the 193os, rising (an amazing for Lee County) some 20-plus feet above sea level upon a 500-year-old Calusa Indian shell mound. Both are accessible by land or boat. We accept Cash & Credit Cards.Gift Certificates available, contact us to purchase! Fishing Charters can put you on the fish. Sanibel Marina is a popular place in the area to dock your boat. Written by Yvonne 2. Tarpon Bay: The Hidden Gem. Best place for golf cart and bike rentals? Contact us: info@southernboating.com. Cape Coral, FL gulfcoastfamilycharters@gmail.com(941) 500-2877. Only here you get animpression of how such an animal must feel in a small wading pool. Whelks, conchs, scallops, clams, and sand dollars are all pretty easy to find. Youre never at a loss for your own private beach on Boca Grande. Current time in both locations is 7:26 am. Either by ferry or your own boat. (239) 432-9222 Vessels up to 24 feet The first Boca Grande lighthouse youll see as you drive south on the island is the historic Gasparilla Island Lighthouse (the Range Light, 1885-1932). Browse Available Boat Rentals in Sanibel Island. .and more, depending on the season. No hour motorboat rides down the ICW or channels to open water, Charlotte Harbor beckons, 10 miles in either direction literally as soon as we clear the short entry channel. The boats got faster, fishing style over the top, and testosterone running higher than ever. Explore paradise in comfort with Captiva Cruises! By car Boca Grande is approximately an hour away but on boat it's a quick and fun 30 mins! More than 250 varieties wait to be discovered here, some of which are exceedingly rare, of scientific significance or even worth a few bucks. Enjoy an unforgettable day with a guided (private) boat tour. Crushin' It Fishing Charters. Cabbage Key encompasses 100 acres of under-developed paradise. Thus, if you have a deep-draft vessel you might want to rent something smaller to cruise around after tying up your primary rig. Unlike New York, unlike Los Angeles, unlike the Midwest. A few locations on the Pine Island side of Sanibel Island are suitable for beaching a boat; however, much of the land there is a part of wildlife refuge or considered private property. When you relax inthe evening by the pool of one of our villas after one of these wonderful tours you willfeel like you are at home. Image Yacht Charters Yacht Charters in Southwest Florida To see and to be seen thats what it is allabout here. Ottersfocuses on traditional Floribbean flavors, with macadamia-crusted mahi, grouper sandwiches and tropical versions of traditional dishes, like the marinara-based paella that eschews saffron and folds in scallops, calamari and sausage. Great tour and history. If youre coming from the open Gulf, however, you can tuck inside to easily reach Sanibel Marina at Point Ybel, or slide through Redfish Pass to reach the marina at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva. sweetmelissascafe.com, Blue Coyote Supper Club, Sanibel You can stroll tree-lined streets and enjoy a tour of beautiful island mansions. Either way, watch out for manatees, which are plentiful throughout the system. Also, it is said that the Spanishconquerors have been unable to take the island permanently. For a real taste of old Boca Grande, stop by Whiddens Marina, one of Boca Grande's oldest marinas. Copyright 2023 Gulfshore Life Media, LLC. Boca Boat Cruises (Boca Grande) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Anthony Torres; Sanibel, FL; 22 ft Bay boat 31 Reviews; Add To Favorites If you have your kayak or SUP, put in on the bay side of 19th Street in downtown Boca Grande where parking is limited, but youll find a small area perfect for launching a kayak or paddle board. Note that Blind Pass, another passage to the ICW, carries a low clearance designation on the charts. environment. We are honored to be named Cape Corals best Boat Tour Agency of 2022. 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island, FL 33924 Open today: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Save Read all 1,103 reviews ahanson1950 Lenexa, Kansas 10 8 Day trip to Boca Grande/Gasparilla Island Review of Captiva Cruises Reviewed May 11, 2014 This was a fun day trip, I always love a boat ride! Its just as it sounds; you About 2 miles south of the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse at the southern tip of the island, is the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse (1890), the oldest structure on the island. Ryan Kane at Southern Instinct Reserve an exclusive Sightseeing Charter along the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. And with speeds that in city trafficwould be reason for a fine. Several of the beach access points on the south end of the island offer ADA beach access but no restroom facilities. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. The beaches of Sanibel Island have a strict policy against taking home living creatures. Its a special excursion to be premeditated for sure, but once youve arrived, odds are youll make the same effort to return over and over again, each time turning over a new leafor seashell, as it were. Your email address will not be published. Not only will you be able tosee the beautiful white and black lighthouse, but you can enjoy the beach with its wonderful white sands and turquoise waters. Things to Do & Attractions in Cabbage Key FL - VISIT FLORIDA Soon wealthy sportsmen discovered the incredible fishing in Charlotte Harbor, especially for world class tarpon. Since there are no marinas residing seaward on the Gulf front, the vast majority of boaters approach from the ICW in Pine Island Sound. When you join us for a trip, be sure to tag your photos and videos with @CaptivaCruises and #CaptivaCruises. (239) 472-2938; sunnyislandadventures.com, J.N. Tarpon fishing Boca Grande is one of the best things to do here, and yes they really are that big! Florida barrier islands: Explore less-visited gems such as Stump Pass document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a47f205f700c6c961ca7c8322cc02e6d" );document.getElementById("d1fc23e155").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Someshell collectors string them upas necklaces. Bring your own bottle. LighthouseBeach is also great for shelling and many times youll find a bunch of sharks teeth that just wash up on shore. She kept the creamery, with the Loose Caboose Ice Cream Shoppe connected to Keylime Bistro Boca Grande. The library is built around a lovely garden and courtyard which is adorned with coral from St. Augustine, ceiling beams made from local cypress, and hand-carved Japanese panels. Or if youve had enough fun in the sun, you can easily dine inside. The grand Gasparilla Inn spurred the towns reputation as a prestigious getaway. (guests of South Seas Island Resorts only) Fresh fried Gulf shrimp and cold beer at The Temptation. Consider relaxing as you cruise around Sanibel and Captiva, from the Sanibel Lighthouse, past Tarpon Beach, Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass, through Redfish Pass and back along the outside of Tarpon Bay. If you click through and make a qualifying purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. water. Hopefully you are able to catch the sunset on the way back as a perfect ending to the perfect day! Whatever cruise you choose, youll enjoy a beautiful adventure and take home memories that will last a lifetime. Captiva has always been so magical to me, she says. We also can create custom packages just for you and your family. Once we arrive at our first spot, our premium quality St Croix rods and Fin-Nor reels will be set up and baited for you. While Sanibel and Captiva can be enjoyed year-round, March/April and October/November are ideal weather months and therefore see the most visitors. Before the Sanibel bridge was repaired, she and her family ran three boats, including one she captained from her home at St. Charles Yacht Club in south Fort Myers. These early Spanish and Cuban fishermen caught literally tons of mullet and other fish which they salted and exported to Havana and several other markets. Sanibel/Captiva isnt a destination you land on by mistake. Sanibel tarpon - Sanibel Island Fishing Charters