If you’ve been searching for Sanibel Island real estate, there’s a good chance you’re planning to settle down in the area or start a rental property. Either way, you’re likely to be spending a reasonable amount of time enjoying the sun and sand of Sanibel and Captiva Islands!
There are many incredible activities here, from dining and shopping to nature trails and museums. But one of the most popular things to do is boating! Here’s your complete guide to boating near the islands.
New to Boating?
Believe it or not, many people who purchase real estate on Sanibel Island have never boated before, so if this is the case for you, you’re not alone! Sanibel and Captiva Islands offer excellent conditions for boaters of all experience levels, so you don’t have to be intimidated by the thought of hitting the water for the first time.
If you’re not ready to get your very own boat, you may want to start by heading on a sightseeing cruise. On these excursions, you won’t be driving the boat but will instead benefit from the knowledge and experience of your captain. They’ll point out breathtaking sights along the way and can answer any questions you might have about the area.
Captiva Cruises is a famous boating company, offering fun excursions that take you past North Captiva Island and into the stunning open waters. You’ll even see some dolphins or manatees on your expedition with any luck! These excursions are great for families since they are short journeys and offer fun and education.
You might consider a general boat charter if you don’t want a cruise. You’ll still get an experienced captain to sail the boat for you, but you’ll have more freedom regarding where and how you spend your time on the water.
Boat Rentals
When you get comfortable on the water, you may decide to rent a boat. Boat rentals can be a great way to get used to being on the waves without shelling out the money for your boat. Plus, if you’re looking at condos for sale on Sanibel Island, you won’t have to worry about where to keep your boat!
Enjoy the beautiful Sanibel Island weather by renting a boat from local companies like the Sanibel Marina or Sunny Island Adventures. There are all kinds of boats for you to choose from depending on what you want to do for the day. If you’re trying to catch some delicious fish for dinner, you can rent a specialty fishing boat with all the equipment you need for a day at sea. For something more relaxed, you might want a pontoon boat with a shade cover and plenty of storage for food and drinks.
Sometimes, you want to get on the water without renting a massive vessel. There are plenty of options to choose from! Experience an exhilarating journey on the waves by renting a jet ski or Waverunner and taking your friends and family on a fast-paced ride. Want something more relaxed? Consider renting a kayak (available in single or tandem varieties) or paddleboard to enjoy the water at your own pace. These options still give you plenty of fun outdoors but are a bit easier to manage than a full-scale boat.
Boat Tours
For a customized and fun-filled day out on the water where you’re not responsible for the boat, consider a boat tour! You can find tours that suit just about any hobby and age group, so you can take the family or a group of friends and make the most of your time on the islands.
Perhaps the most popular type of boat tour is a fishing tour. There are many options, including inshore, offshore, party boat, and others. When you go on a fishing tour around Sanibel Island, look for species like snook, trout, grouper, pompano, shark, flounder, and Spanish mackerel. Tours can last as little as three hours or as long as the entire day! Many fishing tour companies will prepare any fish you catch so you can head back to your property and cook it up for dinner.
Canoe and kayak tours are also quite popular, offering more exercise and a slower-paced experience than the average boat tour. For instance, Tarpon Bay Explorers offers several guided nature tours, like the popular Kayak Trail Tour. This excursion takes you through the mangroves and the waters of Tarpon Bay, with an experienced naturalist guiding you. The Sunset Rookery Paddle offers gorgeous views of the sunset, while the Low Tide Kayak Tour takes you through the shallow waters and introduces you to native bird species like osprey and egrets.
Boating Activities
Sometimes, you want to be in the water without dealing with a boat. There are plenty of other ways to get out on the water!
Sail high above the water with a parasailing adventure from Captiva Watersports. This company offers the longest parasailing flight on the islands, putting you in the air for 10 to 12 minutes! A USCG Licensed Master Captain will sail you out into the water, get your equipment prepared, and get you sailing high in the sky. Enjoy the view and the surprising tranquility of the air before returning and getting a quick dip in the water to cool you off.
Another exciting and unique way to enjoy the water is with a shark ride! Don’t worry; you won’t be meeting an actual shark. You’ll be getting on a specially designed jet ski called The Shark, which can accommodate up to six passengers. Your captain will give you an exhilarating ride lasting 12 to 15 minutes, providing memories that will last a lifetime!
Buying or Selling?
Look no further if you have real estate needs on Sanibel or Captiva Island! Schuldenfrei is here to help! Contact the amazing team today to get started.
There’s some genuinely breathtaking nature here on Sanibel Island, whether you’re interested in Sanibel or Captiva Island birdwatching or nature trails. But by far, the best way to enjoy the outdoors here is to head out on a boat. You can rent your own, get on a charter, or hire a captain. Either way, you and your crew will love spending time together in the sun and the waves.
If you’re searching for Sanibel Island real estate so you can come to the waters any time you please, David Schuldenfrei can help. David has served the Sanibel Island area for decades and is among the most experienced and trusted realtors. David works individually with each client to understand their unique requests and expectations before presenting the best Sanibel Island condos for sale. He and his team will work with you from finding a property to submitting an offer, negotiating, and signing your contract. The team is always there to answer any questions or address your concerns.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands are some of the most stunning sections of Florida, so it’s time you come and experience them for yourself! Contact David Schuldenfrei to learn more about purchasing property on Sanibel Island.