Likewise, there are two routes to choose from, one following the Pine Island Pass, or one through the Gulf of Mexico. More adventurous paddlers can hook up with Tarpon Bay Explorers at the J.N. 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. Sandy and her husband, Tim, often boated to Gasparilla Island with friends for breakfast or lunch at the Caboose, as locals called the restaurant. But scoop up the sand along the shore and look for the small black shark teeth! Boca Grande. The southern stretch of the river runs past Cape Coral into Lake Okeechobee and the Atlantic Ocean. Theres a decision to be made now, and I carefully consider my choices: Do I pull up a chair on the bay side with a beautiful view of Pine Island Sound or walk 100 yards to the Gulf shore to see what new seashells have washed up overnight? 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! Please wait a few minutes and try again. This rich phosphate market combined with unparalleled fishing spurred development of the town of Boca Grande. 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 . So it may be surprising to many that there are no hotels on the beach like many places in Florida one more reason to love this island! Wedged between Charlotte Harbor to the northeast and Estero Bay to the southeast, Sanibel and Captiva are the largest in a chain of barrier islands that come across as super-tourist yet surprisingly laid back. The Worlds Richest Tarpon Tournament is held annually in May. 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. Are there day (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Boca Grande is best known for its sugar sand beaches, charming and historic downtown, and world class fishing. When youre looking for something a bit more upscale or a special occasion place for dinner, Scarpas is the place for elegant Italian-inspired cuisine. . Capt. .and more, depending on the season. 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. 5820 Gasparilla Rd #31, BOCA GRANDE, FL 33921 - Redfin The Johann Fust community Library is a mini cultural and literary gem. After wooing Neapolitans with her Hotel Escalante and Veranda E, Mary Brandt debuts the transportive The MED restaurant in the Bayshore Arts District. This idyllic island is a haven for boaters, kayakers, and shellers, plus the entire island is loaded with nature trails you can hike. 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 USA +1 (239) 785 8966 Improve this listing Similar Experiences Contact us!. But, by February, the islands beaches were open, and old Captiva friends were showing up on the island. By plane, small craft can fly into the airport in Placida , or major airlines fly into Punta Gorda (PGD), Sarasota (SRQ), or Southwest Florida International (RSW). This waterway runs between the mainland and Pine Island, which is very shallow and home to many marine life species. Theres a quality of life in some remote parts of southwest Florida that demands a slower pace the small towns and barrier islands that were slow to grow and develop along with the rest of Florida, but now find themselves richer from the lack of big infrastructure or tourism draws. Your email address will not be published. Are you planning a vacation or staycation? From any of these, you can walk to the Gulf-side beaches, or grab a cab or bike to reach other destinations. So, be sure and bring some mesh shelling bags with you to the beach. Homes similar to 5820 Gasparilla Rd #31 are listed between $178K to $275K at an average of $151,040 per square foot. Plus, theyre a lot of fun! 847 Harborshore Dr #1, Boca Grande, FL 33921 is a 2,324 sqft, 3 bed, 3 bath Condo listed for $3,775,000. Cabbage Key features Old Florida style and a rustic feel that will appeal to nature lovers. Boating | About Punta Gorda The Caloosahatchee River is the winter home to manatees and other marine animals above and below the water. At 27, Kayla is on her third executive chef gig in Naplesher latest at Paul Fleming's new modern Asian-American restaurant. Its 15 minutes from Pine Island as its just across the water from Bokeelia. Whats shelling, you ask? You can still go to the pool afterwards. . A destination that ispopular not only with tourists. Its a quick ride to the fishing grounds aboard our Ranger Bay 2400, equipped with a four stroke Yamaha 300 hp engine. . Accommodation for up to 13 passengers. Subscribe to our mailing list to receive the best in boating weekly direct to your inbox! Video tour of Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva Cabbage Key Weather clear sky Sat 75F 72F Sun 70F 55F Mon 70F 55F Tue 73F The Boca Grande restaurant runs much like the original on Captiva, with its worry-free beachy style and the sea breeze sweeping through the room. After two days you willhave the feeling that you never want to leave. Port Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 65 feet (239) 437-1660 portsanibelmarina.com. Between these entertaining access routes, Sanibel stretches for roughly 12 miles while Captiva sprawls for another five. Try the Yucatan Shrimp, with real butter, garlic, mild Columbian chilies, cilantro, spices,and key lime juice. As other job opportunities opened, she offered staffers an out to take better-paying positions to support themselves and their families until they, As much as she loves Boca Grande, her heart is in Captiva, where she opened the inn in 1999. When it comes to local Boca Grande restaurants, the iconic Pink Elephant restaurant is an island tradition. Plan to Enjoy the Edgartown Race Weekend Coming Soon! The Keys to Unlock New Investment Opportunities? Sanibel Boat Ramp, 888 Sextant Drive Sanibel Marina, 634 N. Yachtsman Drive, 239-472-2723, www.sanibelmarina.com. Combine different elements to create your own Custom Charter. They offer a secluded beach and many different types of entertainment for the whole family. and snook can be caught at most passes. We specialize in boat tours, sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and lunch cruises in the Sanibel, Captiva, Cabbage Key, Pine Island, or Fort Myers area. Gasparilla Adventures has reasonable rates on 4 or 6 passenger golf carts, and offer great service. I had to emotionally get over losing the cottages, but in the long run, it will be better, Sandy says. Unlike New York, unlike Los Angeles, unlike the Midwest. Islands which can be hopped to include North Captiva, Cayo Costa, Useppa, Cabbage Key, Boca Grande and Pine Island. This article may contain affiliate links. LGBTQ friendly. Over the years, I have hired and fished with the best Tarpon guides that I know to gain more knowledge to provide the ultimate experience to clients wanting to catch a Tarpon in 'The Pass'. Reservations required. Life vests are provided for each guest. The historic town in the area includes restaurants and even a museum along with a cluster of shops and galleries. All rights reserved. On most days, the waters off the beaches of Boca Grande are clear and you can easily find some beautiful seashells and sand dollars. Explore paradise in comfort with Captiva Cruises! Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. Sandy left the train mural and memorabilia as a meeting of new and old. Since the early 90s the Boca Grande Chamber took over the tournament with first place winning over $100,000! There are just toomany. local in cape coral. 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. The restaurant closes for the season in August and September. Dolphin & Wildlife Cruises Sunset Cruises Private Charters for Special Events. Scheduling a water taxi to historic Boca Grande is a great way to enjoy island tours from Jensen's Marina. This is one of the best islands in Florida to watch the sunset. Do you like to indulge in daydreaming about sunset escapes and wonderful days on the water? nice selection of appetizers and soups, fresh grouper, salmon, Mahi, and tripletailplus choice ribeye steaks and veal chops. Then look no further! IN KONTAKT KOMMEN 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. Boca Grande Boat Tours. Note that Blind Pass, another passage to the ICW, carries a low clearance designation on the charts. Five library spaces including separate Childrens and Young Adult libraries, and a rare book and reference library are accessed from the courtyard. The new locale is a few islands north in Boca Grandes former Loose Caboose location. There are more than enough of them all around Cape Coral. tween-waters.com, Yacht Harbour & Marina, Captiva LighthouseBeach is also great for shelling and many times youll find a bunch of sharks teeth that just wash up on shore. Day trip to Boca Grande/Gasparilla Island - Tripadvisor 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? In their ancestral habitatdolphins swim unbelievable distances every day. Anotherdestination worth visiting is Naples. In front of Fort Myers lies the small island of Estero Island. Yes, we do! Theres no better way to see and enjoy Boca Grande than from a golf cart! Beginning at the Range (Gasparilla Island) Lighthouse just south of 5th street, youll see several beach access points including additional points south ending at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse. tween-waters.com, South Seas Island Resort,Captiva Boca Boat Cruises (Boca Grande) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (239) 472-5111 This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We also can create custom packages just for you and your family. The Boca Grande restaurant runs much like the original on Captiva, with its worry-free beachy style and the sea breeze sweeping through the room. Since there are no marinas residing seaward on the Gulf front, the vast majority of boaters approach from the ICW in Pine Island Sound. Charmed by the buildings historic grandeur and communal ties, Sandy jumped at the chance to buy the restaurant and ice cream parlor on the tail end of the towns circa-1910 railroad depot. Captiva has always been so magical to me, she says. Sanibel/Captiva isnt a destination you land on by mistake. If youre getting tired of fresh local seafood and just want a pizza or plate of pasta, Sisters Restaurant in the center of town may have what youre hungry for. How far is Cape Coral from Sanibel Island by boat? Contact | Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant Wander the island of Cayo Costa and search for seashells. This part of southwest Florida is renowned for shelling, but be on the lookout for prehistoric shark teeth too. $195,000. The Marina offers bathrooms, showers, a public beach, and famous Grandma Dots restaurant. There, an hour-and-a-half kayak tour leads through one of the largest The grand Gasparilla Inn spurred the towns reputation as a prestigious getaway. It really isnt muchmore than that in an aquarium for these proud sea creatures. Sanibel tarpon - Sanibel Island Fishing Charters Most travelers come to Boca Grande for the amazing beaches and water activities. Children feel a sense of pride when they reel in a fish. You can charter us for almost any reason! 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 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. Meet the talented couple behind Florida Gulfshore Ballet and their quest to create the first professional company in the region. Or, if you have a boat, you can get to Boca Grande in about 30 minutes from Cape Coral or Sanibel. The same applies to manatees, the Trichechidaes. Located on the north side of the Caloosahatchee River. (239) 472-2938; sunnyislandadventures.com, J.N. Our mission is to provide safe family-oriented charters that explore the beauty of the Gulf Coast. Our mission is to provide safe family-oriented charters that explore the beauty of the Gulf . If theres something Sandywho has lived in Southwest Florida most of her lifeknows how to do well, its capturing the wind-in-hair, toes-in-sand, laidback vibe diners seek on a beach vacation. Dining at Keylime Bistro is what Sandy calls eclectic with a whimsical flair. Chef Nehru Williamswho has worked at The Sandals Resort in Jamaica, Captiva mainstay The Bubble Room and Sandys R.C. Port Sanibel Marina. Regardless of when or where you tie up in this secluded neck of the woods, youre in for a rare treat. cook em three different ways. 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). From dolphin tours to private beaches with the softest sands and the best shells, our family fun charters is the perfect adventure for the day! HAPPY CAPE 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 Gulf Access, Boat Dock, Free Wifi, Private Heated Pool - Stunning SE Cape Coral Home! 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. Germany +49 (208) 998 3337 Rememberit is illegal to remove live shells! 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. For a growing family, this 3 BR detached villa is stunning with 1485 sq ft to enjoy. Office: +1 (954) 522-5515 The most well known one being the Boca Grande Resort. The beaches of Sanibel Island have a strict policy against taking home living creatures. 1 Sq. Beds. Capt. . Many of them are secluded with just a few other people. It is magnificent. At the same time, this is where Floridas Gulf Coast Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) begins, allowing boaters to tuck inside Pine Island Sound where waters are generally mellow but some routes run shallow. The beaches ofSanibel Island near Fort Myershave shell abundance and variety,including many murdered clams. Charters Sanibel Custom Charters Founded by Sam Whidden in 1926 and honored with a spot on the National Register of Historic Places the same year, Whidden's was also a popular night spot, dance hall and restaurant back in the day. Sugar sand beaches and crystal clear water, Naples, farmers markets, shopping, NaplesFL1, Cape Coral, Wicked Dolphin, rum, distillery, day trips, tours, Gulf Coast islands thats accessible only by boat, southwest Floridas most beautiful beaches, Things to Do in Boca Grande for a Blissful Island Vibe, 15 Fun Things To Do on Sanibel Island, Florida, Castaway to 7 Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Islands Reachable Only By Boat.