Southwest Florida Water Sports
A Recipe for kid fun: a great beach, good accommodations, lots of things to do. That's what Southwest Florida offers families taking a short break from the daily grind. This Gulf Coast shore possesses some of Florida's best beaches -- and they're the focus of most kid activities. Fun in the sun - this is what Florida is really all about! With a wide range of social activities, relaxing activities and water sports, Florida offers you the vacation of a lifetime! Do you like exciting water sports as boat racing, water skiing or surfing or would you just like to get wet and wild experimenting in parasailing, sailing, fishing, rafting, or swimming? No matter what your choice, Southwest Florida has the resources and the natural scenic views that you will just love.
Wading for the little ones
The water deepens gradually, so there is always a lot of shallow wading water for toddlers and the beaches are so wide that there's plenty of room to stretch out on a towel, build sand castles or sharpen Frisbee skills. No need to fight for a lounge chair, there is plenty of room for everyone.
Swimming
From the white sandy beaches, from your private beach, from the marina, or when you are out boating for the day, swimming is one water sport that is inexpensive and fun for all. While swimming you can collect seashells, watch the skiers and boaters or you can simply lay back and float along as you relax. Swimming is one water sport that will tone your entire body while on vacation!
Kayaks and sailboats
Beachfront operators stand ready to rent sailboats, canoes, kayaks and other water craft. Marco Island Water Sports (239-394-4344), for instance, rents Yamaha Waverunners for $65 per half-hour or $120 an hour (single or double), Hobie Cat sailboats for $35 an hour and kayaks for $25. Or the company will take you on a guided Waverunner tour from the beach into the waters of the adjacent Ten Thousand Islands for $120 an hour. There are plenty of beachfront rental companies to choose from.
Parasailing
If you've always wanted a bird's-eye view of the beach, a parasail ride is for you, including a foot dip. What an awesome way to see the coast or celebrate your 50 birthday!
Kite Boarding
Similar to water skiing, kite boarding is a great water sport that you can enjoy where you will get wet but without all the work. Standing on a board, smaller than a surfboard, you are pulled along by a boat that will put you in the air as the waves challenge your balance. If you love the water plus you want excitement, kite boarding is the way to go!
Water Skiing
All of the excitement of water skiing is doubled when water skiing in Southwest Florida. The clear waters, the long stretches of the Gulf waters, and the power of the boat pulling you through the nature setting is wonderful for the entire family vacation. Get wet, learn to water ski, and enjoy the day with a professional lesson, use of your own equipment or through experimenting on your own!
Rafting
Bring your own raft along, or rent a raft and enjoy this water sport where you can still get a tan while enjoying the water! You can drift along in the Gulf clear waters, be pulled along a boat, or pick a spot near your favorite fishing hole and watch the fish swim around you! Rafting is a calming water sport that will get you in the water while relaxing you at the same time!
Scuba diving
The explorations of the under water world in scuba diving is an experience that both the young and the old will enjoy alike. Watch the wonders of the under water world come to life with your very own eyes! Scuba diving is a water sport that is sure to please your mind, your soul and your need for exercise!
Shelling tours
Because Marco Island, along with Sanibel Island, offers some of the best shelling in the country, many families comb the beach for whelks, olives and other shells. More avid shell collectors can take a boat tour to offshore sand bars and uninhabited isles where more treasures await.
Waverunners
10,000 Island Waverunner Adventure (239)-642-2359 or (239)-642-3377
Marco Island Water Sports (239)-394-4344
Waterski & Wakeboard Charters, 1947 San Marco Rd, Marco Island (239)-825-7015
Captain Dustin Beatty, Year round water-ski, wakeboard and tubing.
Boat Tours
Marco Island Princess, 951 Bald Eagle Drive (239)-642-5415
Sail around Marco Island and enjoy the bay, discover the beauty from the water on the 85 foot luxury air-conditioned Marco Island Princess. Enjoy the sunshine and sea breezes on the upper deck, or relax in the climate-controlled comfort of the two interior salons. Wander down to the bow deck and catch a glimpse of our playful Florida dolphins. As you sail along and thrill to the view, the Captain will entertain you with colorful details about the breathtaking scenery as well as intriguing points of interest. Both boats offer daily sightseeing, lunch, sunset hors d'oeuvres, or fabulous sunset dinner cruises. Whether you choose to sail on one of the public cruises or privately charter the boat, you'll be delighted by the attentive service combined with the comfort and style of: The Most Elegant Yachts in Southwest Florida.
Sunshine Tours, Marco River Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Dr. (239)-642-5415
Capt. Rodger and all the staff at Sunshine Tours invite you to join us for a great experience on the waters of Marco Island and the Gulf of Mexico. Serving Marco and Naples for over 21 years, Sunshine Tours offers daily offshore and back country fishing trips, available privately, or shared on a "split charter" as well as "party boat" style backcountry fishing trips several times each day. Island shelling excursions are offered several times weekly, and only at low tide. Our "chickee hut" ticket office is also where you can get tickets and information on the luxurious Marco Island Princess, sailing daily offering Lunch, Hors d' Oeuvres and Dinner Cruises. Stop by or call, and let our friendly and professional staff make your day. We're open from 7-7, 7 days a week!
Islands Best Tours, 951 Bald Eagle Drive (239)-642-5415
We offer Backcountry Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Island Shelling Sightseeing, Sunset Hors d'oeuvres Cruises, Lunch & Dinner Cruises
Sea Excursions (239-642-6400) operates the Shell Cat, which picks up passengers from the Hilton beach for twice-daily shelling trips to barrier islands, $35. It also runs sailing and sunset cruises.
Kahuna Katamarans (239-642-7704) Sailing and Sunset Cruises.
Sunshine Tours (239-642-5415) Fishing, Shelling, Sightseeing, Sunset Cruises.
Key West Express (1-888-539-2628) Get away to America's Caribbean Paradise aboard the fun vessels of the KEY WEST EXPRESS, sailing only in season from the Marco River Marina in Marco Island, the M/V Whale Watcher is a 130' Super Cruiser, powered by 5 jet drives. It is the fastest trip to Key West. It features two enclosed, air conditioned cabins, sun deck, and full galley and bar.
Boat Rental and Charter
Captain Ted Naftal, Fish the Ten Thousand Islands or Off Shore Wrecks (239)-775-3344
Factory Bay Marina (239)-642-6717
Manatee Express (239)-642-5773
O'Shea's Power Boat Rental (239)-642-7881
Boat Rentals (No Captain Provided)
Cedar Bay Marina (239)-642-6717
Marco River Marina (239)-394-2502
Goodland Bay Marina (239)-394-2797
Airboat Rides/ Everglades Tours
Eden of the Everglades (239)-695-2805
Wooten's Everglade Airboat Tours (239)-695-2781