Whoever would like to get an idea of how our grandparents stillexperienced Florida, you are in the right place on these islands. Sandy boated back to Captiva two days after the storm to pick up her son, Erik Brown, who had stayed at her home there. Operated by Captain Brandt Symes and his family, Sanibel Custom Charters offers year-round, private, family-friendly charters for Inshore Fishing, Dolphin Tours, Shelling Trips, Lunch Cruises, and Sightseeing, or combine different elements for the ultimate Combination Charter, for up to six passengers. The course will be held at the Pine Ridge Community Center, 15699 Pine Ridge Rd., Fort Myers, next to the fire station and across from [] On Sanibel, for example, youll find 25 miles of paved bike paths. Port Sanibel Marina - Fort Myers 14341 Port Comfort Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33908, . High-rise buildings, night-life, booming street noise? If youve been wanting to explore the barrier islands around Gasparilla Sound in southwest Florida, there are some fun and unique things to do in Boca Grande, although the true beauty of this island is found doing less, not more. We specialize in boat tours, sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and lunch cruises in the Sanibel, Captiva, Cabbage Key, Pine Island, or Fort Myers area. These islands are very far awayfrom all that! Places like Boca Grande, which blissfully feels like time has passed it by. Whelks, conchs, scallops, clams, and sand dollars are all pretty easy to find. sweetmelissascafe.com, Blue Coyote Supper Club, Sanibel Captiva Island Tours | Jensen's Marina and Cottages ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-53457823', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruises to Captiva and/or Sanibel? Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Please leave your contact information and a member of our team will get back to you within 24 hours. The Temptation Restaurant Boca Grande exudes an old school charm so authentically retro at 75 years old, its cool. Feel like trying something completely different? Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, one of Boca Grandes gems, Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, the Range Light - 220 Gulf Blvd, Boca Grande, Port Boca Grande Lighthouse - 880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande. Baths. There are just toomany. Love Water? If youre longing for a place where the simple things in life still rule, you need to check out this island paradise for a day trip or preferably longer. Select one of the cruise options below to book your cruise adventure today! The lighthouse itself resembles a coastal home with a wraparound porch more than a tall stately lighthouse. . For more information contact our team today. Whether you want to fish, swim, walk the beach in search of shells, or gather sand dollars and starfish, the best way to see Sanibel Island is by water. I was stunned more than anything, she says. . The Keys to Unlock New Investment Opportunities? As other job opportunities opened, she offered staffers an out to take better-paying positions to support themselves and their families until they could return to their old Captiva gigs. Tarpon Bay: The Hidden Gem. Sometimes, Id get home and just think about the huge undertaking of work ahead of me and pray to God to give me strength and help me make the right choices. One of the hardest dilemmas she faced: How could she keep her staff employed when all five of her restaurants and her Captiva Island Inn were shuttered and in need of major repairs? She kept the creamery, with the Loose Caboose Ice Cream Shoppe connected to Keylime Bistro Boca Grande. Boat trips around Cape Coral to Captiva and Sanibel Island through the canals of Cape Coral discover the world of dolphins and manatees +1 (239) 785 8966 +49 (208) 998 3337 . sanibelmarina.com, Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa, Captiva Thus, if you have a deep-draft vessel you might want to rent something smaller to cruise around after tying up your primary rig. Plan to Enjoy the Edgartown Race Weekend Coming Soon! While seas are generally mild on the inside approach, be aware that some cuts outside of the main channels have water depths of five feet or less at mean low For some shell collectors, thebest shell on the beach is not theperfect shell but rather one witha flaw, a little round hole and atrue story that goes with it. cook em three different ways. Accommodation for up to 13 passengers. Across the Boca Grande inlet from the lighthouse is Cayo . Thebeach of Fort Myers is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, be it jet skiing,windsurfing or parasailing. Lots of Sunshine & Progress on Sanibel To access Sanibel Island, opt for either Sanibel Marina or The sea snail used itstongue as a secret weapon. Customize your trip and create the perfect day on the water! Outdoors lovers and fitness buffs will absolutely love this area; opportunities to get out and do your thing are not only widely available, they are often enhanced. The historic town includes notable restaurants and a museum along with a cluster of shops and galleries. Alone, with friends or with the family. Please note that it is over an hour boat ride each way to the islands of Cayo Costa or Cabbage Key, so you will need to book a minimum of 6 hours for a Combination Charter. Ready to explore Sanibel Island by boat? $275,000. The staff is very accommodating, polite and knowledgeable. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel . Vessels up to 100 feet Sanibel to Boca Raton drive - plan a road trip Or, if you have a boat, you can get to Boca Grande in about 30 minutes from Cape Coral or Sanibel. Find the best . First things first wake up early and head down to Pineland Marina. We accept Cash & Credit Cards.Gift Certificates available, contact us to purchase! 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. Once on the inside route, Jensens Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, McCarthys Marina and the marina at Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa provide easy access In fact, its hidden by enough scrub and trees that many visitors dont realize its even there! After a few relaxing hours at the beach you can head down the road to thePort Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum. Note that Blind Pass, another passage to the ICW, carries a low clearance designation on the charts. She painted the space pastel purple, blue and green to channel the happy spirit of the islands. greenflashcaptiva.com, Tween Waters Inn Island If the problem persists, open a ticket on our support page and we will assist with troubleshooting. docfords.com, Sweet Melissas, Sanibel As much as she loves Boca Grande, her heart is in Captiva, where she opened the inn in 1999. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a47f205f700c6c961ca7c8322cc02e6d" );document.getElementById("d1fc23e155").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This influx of travelers brought the need for hotels like the Gasparilla Inn and restaurants serving the freshest local seafood. And only two ways to getthere . . At Sanibel Pilates and Ambu Yoga you can meditate on the beach or try SUP yoga. In front of Fort Myers lies the small island of Estero Island. If you are just visiting the site, just wait a bit and it should be back soon. Capt. The Sandbar Music Festival is held annually at the end of summer on the Boca Grande Trainbridge Sandbar just off the causeway from Placida to Gasparilla Island. At 27, Kayla is on her third executive chef gig in Naplesher latest at Paul Fleming's new modern Asian-American restaurant. (484) 459-3971; sanibelpilatesyoga.com, Southern Instinct Fishing Charters western boundary of Cape Coral is the Matlacha Pass and its wildlife preserve. Capt. It evokes what Sandy fell in love with about Boca Grande: the air of elegance you find all over the island town. LighthouseBeach is also great for shelling and many times youll find a bunch of sharks teeth that just wash up on shore. She informed employees at all six businesses that shed pay them to help with salvage and clean-up operations on the island. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Great tour and history. Life vests are provided for each guest. To list all thebeaches accessible by boat from your house is quite impossible. Youre right; its ashell-eat-shell world out there. 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. Boca Grande is a destination all its own but getting there from Naples is a bit of a roundabout. Everybody knows about Sanibel and Captiva, the beautiful shell-laden Florida barrier islands on the southwest Florida coast. Anotherdestination worth visiting is Naples. Traveling with a dog or cat? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The beaches of Sanibel Island have a strict policy against taking home living creatures. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. (239) 822-3337; captivaadventures.com, Tarpon Bay Explorers BOCA GRANDE Welcome to FortMyersBoatTour.com. Between these entertaining access routes, Sanibel stretches for roughly 12 miles while Captiva sprawls for another five. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. She expects all of her restaurants to be back by September. I had to emotionally get over losing the cottages, but in the long run, it will be better, Sandy says. The Caloosahatchee River, via locks, will take you to Lake Okeechobee and out the other side to the Atlantic. We can help accommodate groups exceeding six passengers by reserving a second boat (or more) with our fellow guides. Things to Do in Boca Grande for a Blissful Island Vibe We are here to show you the best of the Gulf Coast. If you would rather stay on the water while getting in a workout, fear not. Our charter boat comfortably and safely fits 6 guests, plus your Private Captain and Tour Guide (8 total). Welcome to your stunning bay front oasis in the highly sought-after community of Boca Bay! Rememberit is illegal to remove live shells! As I step out onto the dock, an osprey circles above a school of sea trout holding in a nearby channel. Designed and Built between 1949-50 by architect Francis Burrall Hoffman Jr. in the style of the 17th century Spanish mission churches, this hidden gem is one of the prettiest spots in Boca Grande. (There's even a term"Sanibel stoop"for the position beachcombers assume while searching for prized shells.) Boca Grande Boat Tours. It is magnificent. The Feds Actions Appear to Be Working Or Are They? 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. .and more, depending on the season. Meanwhile, a well-timed endeavor equipped the entrepreneur to weather the storm. Downtown Cape Coral to Sanibel Island, for example, is about 14 miles, depending on your route; however, boaters must cross the . (239) 896-2341; southerninstinct.com, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum "Outstanding service, dedication, and a wonderful experience for all on Gulf Coast Family Charters." . Likewise, there are two routes to choose from, one following the Pine Island Pass, or one through the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Once back at the dock, all legal fish you keep will be expertly filleted and bagged for you to take home. And, shes not staying quiet on Captiva, either. Its a tough choice, I know, but Im happy to have options, which is what the beautiful Floridian isles of Sanibel and Captiva are all about. Find the travel option that best suits you. You have found it here in Cape Coral! But, she did itkeeping everyone who wanted to work, her employees say. Ft. 6020 Boca Grande Cswy Unit 58 Boat Slip, BOCA GRANDE, FL 33921. Choose Your Cruise | Captiva Cruises Experiences and Destinations Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum. To see and to be seen thats what it is allabout here. The library has some fascinating history about the librarys founders and amazingly, the Reading Room includes a leaf from the Gutenburg Bible printed in 1454, and a page from the The Book of the Dead, written in the first century BC and copied onto papyrus during the first century AD. . But that is a long time ago. This is why they are a popular place for marriages. (239) 472-8900; tarponbayexplorers.com, Sunny Island Adventures This is maybe not quite as comfortableas the bedrooms in our luxury villas, but very romantic nonetheless. Outstanding service, dedication, and a wonderful experience for all on Gulf Coast Family Charters.. Meet the talented couple behind Florida Gulfshore Ballet and their quest to create the first professional company in the region. Schedule a water taxi to the historic Boca Grande, the most northern destination of the island tours offered from Jensen's Marina. So, be sure and bring some mesh shelling bags with you to the beach. Relatively long and narrow, they offer easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for serious offshore fishing adventures and open-throttle cruises. 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. Today, the Whidden family operates the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum at the marina though its little more than a junk shop you have to root through yourself. Get answers to your questions about Boca Grande. Theres plenty of outdoor seating including umbrella tables on the beach, and its easy to watch a fiery sunset or enjoy a cocktail to views of the Gulf. Boat Cruises to Captiva/Sanibel - Boca Grande Forum Sanibel and Captiva are among the top shelling destinations in the world. Known for their fresh seafood, pasta, and veal dishes, a visit here is a must when youre visiting Boca Grande. Therefore, most of the accommodations youll find near the beach are private homes. GoDaddy network blocked by origin firewall. The islands website assumes that both places Sanibel andCaptiva were still connected some 6,000 years ago. Boca Grande to Sanibel - one way to travel via car - Rome2rio Located on the north side of the Caloosahatchee River. Dolphin & Wildlife Cruises Sunset Cruises Private Charters for Special Events. We have great boating for all types and sizes. USA +1 (239) 785 8966 When it comes to local Boca Grande restaurants, the iconic Pink Elephant restaurant is an island tradition. Are there day (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Worlds Richest Tarpon Tournament is held annually in May. nice selection of appetizers and soups, fresh grouper, salmon, Mahi, and tripletailplus choice ribeye steaks and veal chops. Enjoy an unforgettable day with a guided (private) boat tour. Definitely a photo op! Required fields are marked *. This 1593 ft detached vacation home is the perfect place to work, play, and stay for a while. Day Trip to Boca Grande - Southwest Florida Travel Or, if you have a boat, you can get to Boca Grande in about 30 minutes from Cape Coral or Sanibel. Browse Available Boat Rentals in Sanibel Island. Contrary to what some might think, Boca Grande is actually located in Lee County though you have to drive through Charlotte County to get there on land. We also can create custom packages just for you and your family. 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. (239) 472-3337 Folklore has it that Gasparilla Island was named for the infamous, and possibly fictitious, pirate, Jose Gaspar, who is said to have used the island as a base and allegedly buried his treasure here, though the Boca Grande Historical Society has something to say about that. This is a great family retreat with a unique, Caribbean menu. Get your cameras ready in case you see some dolphins. Miles of unspoiled sandy beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. The restaurant is famed for its titular dessert, with its two levels of decadence that contain a custard-like base and fluffy top layer over a dense, crunchy crust, with sweet and tart swirls of raspberry and Key lime sauces. From Estero Island it is only a stones throw tothe Everglades. 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. But also for families with children Fort Myers Beach is ideal. A golf cart rental is recommended if you want to explore the town. He will take you through Charlotte Harbor and 15 minutesinto the boat ride you will see the water turn into a bright turquoise! $297. Daily live music fills the patio, shaded with big, light-strung umbrellas. . Plus, the outdoor setting under tall banyan trees rounds out a very nice setting. All our charters include a licensed USCG certified Captain and a personal and knowledgable Tour Guide, Professional USCG Licensed Captain & Tour Guide. Sanibel Island Fishing Charters-Ft. Myers-Captiva Fishing It fits into the picturesque landscape in an inimitable wayand invites you to a relaxing beach day. 5.0 Exceptional. Why go on a boat tour with a captain as your guide? February 2019 Can You Beach Your Boat on Sanibel Island? Boca Grande Marina - Boca Grande 220 Harbor Dr, Boca Grande, FL 33921, . Although smaller boats are often seen out beyond Pine Island, if you spend your day working your way from beach to the beach, a 20 to 30-foot boat would be more ideal for these conditions. Eons ago when the giant Megaladon sharks inhabited the shallow inland seas, they deposited countless teeth. The fried fish and shrimp platters couldnt get any fresher! Boca Grande. 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. Accoutrements aside though, delicious food and excellent wait service never go out of style. Either way, watch out for manatees, which are plentiful throughout the system. A laid-back waterside sports bar. Boat Trips in and around Cape Coral Cape Coral Info Its just as it sounds; you The total distance and travel time between Sanibel Island and Cape Coral depends on your starting point. Cruise Options- Dolphin cruises, shelling cruises, sunset cruises Theres no better way to see and enjoy Boca Grande than from a golf cart! Try the Yucatan Shrimp, with real butter, garlic, mild Columbian chilies, cilantro, spices,and key lime juice. 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. With Sanibel Custom Charters it truly is,Your Charter, Your Way. Catch your own fish and theyll found on all Gulf barrier islands. Sanibel and Captiva islands are 8 miles to the south. Views from the top are incredible and well worth the advance reservation. (239) 472-5161 $195,000. This post is also available in: Whiddens Marina is full of local nautical treasures. Then its multitasking tonguesucked the nutritious life out ofthat mollusk. Keylime Bistro opens in Boca Grande - Gulfshore Life Sanibel Island. This area also tends to be a busy stretch of waterway. It's 15 minutes from Pine Island as it's just across the water from Bokeelia. But that is nothing compared to the experience of a boat trip that await the vacationers. Absolutely. In other words, if youre in Naples or Fort Myers, you need to drive north on I-75 or Rte. From the Sanibel Causeway Bridges to Boca Grande Pass, we fish the warm, shallow mangrove waters and grass flats of the backcountry that are teeming with a variety of fish, such as: Redfish, Snook, Spotted Sea Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, Crevalle Jack, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Florida Pompano, various Shark . Looking south over Boca Grande toward Cayo Costa and beyond to the Lee county coast. In their ancestral habitatdolphins swim unbelievable distances every day. category four storm, crushed the area in 2004. Cabbage Key Useppa Boca Grande Tarpon Lodge Theres a parking area, public restrooms, a covered picnic pavilion with tables, and handicap accessible boardwalks to the beaches adjacent to the lighthouse. The locals also like to come here to dine in thedapper restaurants to enjoy a meal. There are 25.46 miles from Sanibel to Boca Grande in northwest direction and 73 miles (117.48 kilometers) by car, following the US-41 route.. Sanibel and Boca Grande are 1 hour 43 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop .. But scoop up the sand along the shore and look for the small black shark teeth! (239) 472-5200, Port Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Endless Summer Charters' website to book on-line! Shelling is by far the most common activity here. Each lighthouse park offers ADA beach access with restroom facilities and fresh water showers, plenty of parking, picnic tables, and even shade canopies and grills. Although smaller boats are often seen out beyond Pine Island, if you spend your day working your way from beach to the beach, a 20 to 30-foot boat would be more ideal for these conditions. The Johann Fust community Library is a mini cultural and literary gem. Even car traffic is not an issueon this island. Im still here and resilient as ever, she says. If you want tospend another night on Cayo Costa after a romantic walk in this idyllic setting, youcan rent a cabin with the parks management. 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. Subscribe to our mailing list to receive the best in boating weekly direct to your inbox! The beaches ofSanibel Island near Fort Myershave shell abundance and variety,including many murdered clams. 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 . Gasparilla Adventures has reasonable rates on 4 or 6 passenger golf carts, and offer great service. From Punta Gorda, these destinations are all within a short distance from your back door! 2 new listings: 11511 Laika Ln 3/2 $2.195M, 16321 Captiva Dr 5/4 $4.35M. Search for RV campgrounds. The new locale is a few islands north in Boca Grandes former Loose Caboose location. Sanibel Marina is a popular place in the area to dock your boat. Welcome aboard for one of our 4, 6, or 8-hour charters. This is the fastest route from Sanibel, FL to Boca Grande, FL.. Sanibel, FL and Boca Grande, FL are in the same time zone (EDT). Much of the traffic is caused by the large number of boats coming and going through this pass between ocean and river, which adds to the congestion that occurs along the miserable mile. Once you are clear of the river, the trip is about five miles if you are passing under the causeway to the Sanibel Lighthouse, which is on the southern end of the island. We are honored to be named Cape Corals best Boat Tour Agency of 2022. Plus, theyre a lot of fun! more. Regardless of when or where you tie up in this secluded neck of the woods, youre in for a rare treat. Camping along the way? Since then, the clientele may have become a bit more exclusive, but its still a quiet place. Icing on the cake was seeing dolphins! A destination that ispopular not only with tourists. American fare. Improve this listing Similar Experiences On the Gulf side, tasty tripletail hang near buoy chains, sheepshead surround rock piles, and king mackerel cruise nearshore waters. 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! 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. May 19, 2021 . The cheapest way to get from Boca Raton to Sanibel Island costs only $35, and the quickest way takes just 2 hours. Sanibel | The definitive guide to travel and tourism for Southwest You've heard of places like Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Boca Grande, Little Gasparilla Island, Cabbage Key, Useppa, Pine Island Sound, Cape Haze, Cayo Costa, Lemon Bay and Redfish Pass. 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. Boca Grande Pass actually has Rules and . Florida has to offer on the water. This article may contain affiliate links. Longtime Captiva Island entrepreneur Sandy Stilwell Youngquist isnt a criernot even after seeing her properties post-Ian. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Boca Grande to Sanibel easy. Islands which can be hopped to include North Captiva, Cayo Costa, Useppa, Cabbage Key, Boca Grande and Pine Island. Sandy and her husband, Tim, often boated to Gasparilla Island with friends for breakfast or lunch at the Caboose, as locals called the restaurant. Cabbage Key encompasses 100 acres of under-developed paradise. Copyright 1999 2019 GoDaddy Operating Company, LLC. Cayo Costa, Sanibel Island, Boca Grande, Captiva Island & Pine Island . With your own private Captain and Tour Guide at your service, explore the ocean like never before. 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