Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. The islands also exert a magicalattraction for lovers. Regardless of when or where you tie up in this secluded neck of the woods, youre in for a rare treat. (239) 395-2233; shellmuseum.org, By Tom Schlichter, Southern Boating January 2018, Your email address will not be published. A destination that ispopular not only with tourists. The earliest settlers came here to fish and by the late 19th century the fishing industry was well established. Boca Grande is a destination all its own but getting there from Naples is a bit of a roundabout. Boca Grande is a small community on Gasparilla Island, located about an hour north of Sanibel by boat. "Outstanding service, dedication, and a wonderful experience for all on Gulf Coast Family Charters." . These are among southwest Floridas best festivals and events, especially for lovers of fishing and great music! Copyright 1999 2019 GoDaddy Operating Company, LLC. Between these entertaining access routes, Sanibel stretches for roughly 12 miles while Captiva sprawls for another five. you ankle-deep in shells. Jensens Captiva Island Beach and Marina 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. Places like Boca Grande, which blissfully feels like time has passed it by. But the diseases,which they introduced, including yellow fever and tuberculosis, had devastatingconsequences for the local population. (There's even a term"Sanibel stoop"for the position beachcombers assume while searching for prized shells.) 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. The restaurant closes for the season in August and September. Camping along the way? 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. There are more than enough of them all around Cape Coral. 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 February 2019 Vessels up to 40 feet 5.0 Exceptional. 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. Boca Grande, Florida Contact Awards Travelers' Choice 2022 Suggest edits to improve what we show. This is why they are a popular place for marriages. Remember to Stay in the Channels & Obey the Speed Limits. Our charter boat comfortably and safely fits 6 guests, plus your Private Captain and Tour Guide (8 total). Are you planning a vacation or staycation? however, most reset the bar with significant upgrades. Im still here and resilient as ever, she says. Truly get on island time when you reserve the boat for a full 8-hour day. Also, it is said that the Spanishconquerors have been unable to take the island permanently. Call now (239) 283-3999 Visit Sister Property Cabbage Key Experience Old Florida Relax while experiencing the "Old Florida" charm of our 1926 lodge. A member of our team will be in touch with you within 24 hours! Switzerland +41 (445) 001 666 No new or closed sales. Definitely a photo op! Anthony Torres; Sanibel, FL; 22 ft Bay boat 31 Reviews; Add To Favorites LighthouseBeach is also great for shelling and many times youll find a bunch of sharks teeth that just wash up on shore. The Temptation Restaurant Boca Grande exudes an old school charm so authentically retro at 75 years old, its cool. Baths. A largejunonia shell, for example, can bring $150 at a local shell shop; someone finds one nearly every week. GoDaddy network blocked by origin firewall. (239) 472-8311 USA +1 (239) 785 8966 And with speeds that in city trafficwould be reason for a fine. From Punta Gorda, these destinations are all within a short distance from your back door! But it wasnt until 1932 that the light was re-lit and began service as the rear entrance range light for Port Boca Grande. Listen to live music as you sip & snack from our bar menu. As I step out onto the dock, an osprey circles above a school of sea trout holding in a nearby channel. . 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 .. We offer full-day, half-day, and sunset charters. We accept Cash & Credit Cards.Gift Certificates available, contact us to purchase! It is also home to many people who call this area of Florida their winter home. Relatively long and narrow, they offer easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for serious offshore fishing adventures and open-throttle cruises. The happy memories of your fishing trip with Sanibel Custom Charters will last a lifetime! 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! If saltwater angling is what youre after, youve come to the right place. Or, if you have a boat, you can get to Boca Grande in about 30 minutes from Cape Coral or Sanibel. 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. You can charter us for almost any reason! Its 7:30 and the sun is already well above the horizon. Boca Grand is the largest city of Gasparilla Island. 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. When she bought the Captiva restaurant, she took the booths into the parking lot and beat them with chains to erase the formality of the former locale. 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. To tour by paddle power, head over to Adventure Sea Kayaks at Tween Waters Inn on Captiva and enter the small cove in Buck Key to find seahorses, jumping mullet and all sorts of bird life. We are honored to be named Cape Corals best Boat Tour Agency of 2022. 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. 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. We have great boating for all types and sizes. More than 250 varieties wait to be discovered here, some of which are exceedingly rare, of scientific significance or even worth a few bucks. Built up by the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway in the early 1900s and subsequently discovered by the Rockefellers, du Ponts, J.P Morgan and their ilk, Boca Grande and its legendary tarpon fishing made for a rich mans playground. This area of the Caloosahatchee is where manatees make their homes in the shallow, grassy, warm waters. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. She informed employees at all six businesses that shed pay them to help with salvage and clean-up operations on the island. Known locally as The Pink, the eatery is part of the legendary Gasparilla Inn and Club, another reason for its popularity among locals and guests. Now in its 108th season, the resort offers 142 luxurious accommodations and a host of fun activities for families, couples, and groups that enjoy Florida as it was meant to be., The old dilapidated pier locals call Bocahenge. Rome2rio makes travelling from Boca Grande to Sanibel Island easy. sanibelmarina.com/gramma, Mad Hatter, Captiva 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? 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. If the beach is designated as a swimming beach, the distance becomes 500 feet. In doing so, Boca Grande. Anotherdestination worth visiting is Naples. . The staff is very accommodating, polite and knowledgeable. Of course, our captain has a fewrecommendations for you too, that you wont find in a travel guide. She painted the space pastel purple, blue and green to channel the happy spirit of the islands. Fully licensed and insured. Theres no better way to see and enjoy Boca Grande than from a golf cart! Whelks, conchs, scallops, clams, and sand dollars are all pretty easy to find. Enjoy the sunset like never before with your front-row seat on our private sunset charter. Unlike other barrier islandsin this area, Sanibel Island hasan east-west beach that trapssought-after shells from southernwaters, including the Caribbean. Florida is diversity, in a way that canhardly be found anywhere else. category four storm, crushed the area in 2004. Whoever loves fun sports will get their moneys worthhere. So it is not surprising to see a celebrity while exploring Naples,and you cannot shake the feeling of:Ive seen this face before on TV. Get your cameras ready in case you see some dolphins. Welcome to your stunning bay front oasis in the highly sought-after community of Boca Bay! During this tour, you will completely circumnavigate Sanibel and Captiva islands. The fried fish and shrimp platters couldnt get any fresher! Either by ferry or your own boat. Their pizzas are delish, and they also have good wraps and salads. There are many great hotels and inns. To access Sanibel Island, opt for either Sanibel Marina or You can go anywhere, including the beach, and dont have to worry about a lack of parking. 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. Get answers to your questions about Boca Grande. 41 through Charlotte County then head west and back down south again to get there. Brandt will handle your catches for you, unless of course, you want to get your hands dirty! .and more, depending on the season. cook em three different ways. Your email address will not be published. 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. Our mission is to provide safe family-oriented charters that explore the beauty of the Gulf Coast. Inside, she added an L-shaped bar splashed with Keylime Bistro trademark hues. Its one of over 100 islands that dot the coastline of Pine Island Sound, Estero Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Sanibel and Captiva are among the top shelling destinations in the world. Wander the island of Cayo Costa and search for seashells. But, by February, the islands beaches were open, and old Captiva friends were showing up on the island. At the time, a front entrance range light was located a mile off shore in the Gulf of Mexico, and when the two lights lined up, a ships' navigators knew it was time to turn into Boca Grande Pass. 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. Cabbage Key features Old Florida style and a rustic feel that will appeal to nature lovers. Resorts, Captiva We happily did some of the research for you and found some of the best vacations rentals on Boca Grande steps from the beaches or the backwater bayou for awesome kayaking: This 2 BR townhouse on the south end of the island adjacent to Gasparilla Island State Park has amazing Gulf views and 1130 sq ft perfect for a family vacation. southseas.com orsouthseas.com/see-and-do/spa-and-fitness, Sanibel Taxi (for both islands) In their ancestral habitatdolphins swim unbelievable distances every day. On the other hand, if you plan to spend your time on the backside of Sanibel Island, a smaller boat would work well for the shallow waters of Pine Island Bay. That puts you in the lead. Homes similar to 5820 Gasparilla Rd #31 are listed between $178K to $275K at an average of $151,040 per square foot. 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). Nothing to report. (239) 472-8900; tarponbayexplorers.com, Sunny Island Adventures He will take you through Charlotte Harbor and 15 minutesinto the boat ride you will see the water turn into a bright turquoise! Longtime Captiva Island entrepreneur Sandy Stilwell Youngquist isnt a criernot even after seeing her properties post-Ian. She kept the creamery, with the Loose Caboose Ice Cream Shoppe connected to Keylime Bistro Boca Grande. The islands website assumes that both places Sanibel andCaptiva were still connected some 6,000 years ago. Downtown Cape Coral to Sanibel Island, for example, is about 14 miles, depending on your route; however, boaters must cross the . Copyright 2019 | All Rights Reserved | Powered by. . Think about it. 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! Located on the north side of the Caloosahatchee River. If you own the web site, please verify with your hosting company if your server is up and running and if they have our firewall IPs whitelisted. Our 4-hour charters are typically from 8AM-12PM and 1PM-5PM, six-hour charters are usually 8AM-2PM and our 8-hour charters run from 8AM-4PM. If so, follow us on social media for a preview of the fun adventures and views we experience every day! On the western boundary of Cape Coral is the Matlacha Pass and its wildlife preserve. Youll need a boat, jet ski, kayak, stand-up paddle board to get there but its well worth it. Hunting for shark teeth is a big thing from Boca Grande up to Venice, where they wash ashore by the truckload. On average, it could take boaters about 20-30 minutes to go between Cape Coral and Sanibel Island by boat. Youre right; its ashell-eat-shell world out there. Capt. This is maybe not quite as comfortableas the bedrooms in our luxury villas, but very romantic nonetheless. All are worth a visit. has hermit crab races! Germany +49 (208) 998 3337 to Captiva. Captiva has no official bike routes, but you can cycle the main road from one end to the other, and Cayo Costa State Park, a short boat ride to the north of North Captiva Island, features six miles of wooded biking/hikingtrails plus nine miles of open beach for walking and running. Search for RV campgrounds. local in cape coral. With your own private Captain and Tour Guide at your service, explore the ocean like never before. Several of the beach access points on the south end of the island offer ADA beach access but no restroom facilities. All our charters include a licensed USCG certified Captain and a personal and knowledgable Tour Guide, Professional USCG Licensed Captain & Tour Guide. Feel like trying something completely different? With a focus on conservation, this is a live bait only, catch and release event that draws anglers from around the world. The Feds Actions Appear to Be Working Or Are They? (239) 472-5200, Port Sanibel Marina, Sanibel To list all thebeaches accessible by boat from your house is quite impossible. That choice turned out to be a winner as the islands bounced back with a vengeance, their tourism buoyed by the recognition of how big a role access to clean water and abundant wildlife plays in attracting visitors. 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. and snook can be caught at most passes. many other types of boats in the Cape Coral area. The Cayo Costa Beach was gorgeous, and the trip was the perfect amount of time.. Skyscrapers are eager to joinlandscapes that could come from Jurassic Park. Are there day (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? BOCA GRANDE Welcome to FortMyersBoatTour.com. On the tour, you may observe Manatees, and an occasional Sea Turtle in their natural habitats. 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. 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. Hopefully you are able to catch the sunset on the way back as a perfect ending to the perfect day! Scheduling a water taxi to historic Boca Grande is a great way to enjoy island tours from Jensen's Marina. We specialize in boat tours, sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and lunch cruises in the Sanibel, Captiva, Cabbage Key, Pine Island, or Fort Myers area. Kids love it!, Nature, shelling and 9 miles of unspoiled island beaches, Excellent way to spend Children feel a sense of pride when they reel in a fish. 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. Thatclam was murdered in cold blood. Pink street cruisers from the 60s sharethe highways with modern small cars. Sanibel andCaptiva Island have long been hotspots for tourists. If you are on the Captiva end of Sanibel Island, there is dockage available at the. Travelers come to Boca Grande for something less, craving a slower pace of life for a while. Atlantic Coast Updates: Operation Sailfish, Five Outstanding Sunglasses You Need to See. (239) 472-4160; sanibeltaxi.com, Adventure Sea Kayaks IN KONTAKT KOMMEN 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. Vessels up to 100 feet Historically speaking, Sanibel and Captiva have endured a few weather bumps over the years. Plan to Enjoy the Edgartown Race Weekend Coming Soon! From here, you can stroll around the tip of the island on Boca Grande Pass. After wooing Neapolitans with her Hotel Escalante and Veranda E, Mary Brandt debuts the transportive The MED restaurant in the Bayshore Arts District. 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 [] This first floor 3-bedroom,. 1 Sq. 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! Highly recommend this company!, Took the sunset cruise departing from south seas plantation crew was awesome. Of the 10 historic cottagesdating back to the 50sall but two had to be torn down. 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. 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 So did we miss any of your favorite things to do in Boca Grande? sanibelmarina.com, Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa, Captiva portsanibelmarina.com, Sanibel Marina, Sanibel 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. The Worlds Richest Tarpon Tournament is held annually in May. The space seems destined to entertain, with its bright and nautical touches. The Tween Waters Resort & Spa was established in 1931 offers fine dining, beach access, and many other family-friendly activities. This is a great family retreat with a unique, Caribbean menu. Sanibels South Florida geographyhelps. Our mission is to provide safe family-oriented charters that explore the beauty of the Gulf . The clam was the victim of acarnivorous sea snail, and it wasnt 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. Theres a parking area, public restrooms, a covered picnic pavilion with tables, and handicap accessible boardwalks to the beaches adjacent to the lighthouse. nice selection of appetizers and soups, fresh grouper, salmon, Mahi, and tripletailplus choice ribeye steaks and veal chops. Everybody knows about Sanibel and Captiva, the beautiful shell-laden Florida barrier islands on the southwest Florida coast. Sanibel and Captiva islands are 8 miles to the south. Your email address will not be published. Indeed, theres no way to fully cover these gems in a single short visit, but as I mentioned at the outset, it sure is nice to have choices. Their credit card system had been knocked offline by an electrical storm, and we had yet to stop at an ATM for cash. As for dining out, its hard to go wrong here. But also for families with children Fort Myers Beach is ideal. The Caloosahatchee River is the winter home to manatees and other marine animals above and below the water. Shes looking to rebuild and fully reopen the Inn by the time season rolls around in 2024. Sandy and her husband, Tim, often boated to Gasparilla Island with friends for breakfast or lunch at the Caboose, as locals called the restaurant. and Dubya) outed it as one of their favorite angling destinations. Obeying posted speed limits and no wake zones, staying in the channels, and safely operating your boat will get you out on the water and back again, safely. , where they have 41 boat slips and dining. 2 new listings: 11511 Laika Ln 3/2 $2.195M, 16321 Captiva Dr 5/4 $4.35M. 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. 6 hrs - $800 Fishing/Shelling Combo. But in the ocean? Tarpon Tale Inn 4.7 Superb. As much as she loves Boca Grande, her heart is in Captiva, where she opened the inn in 1999. We look forward to hearing from you. This waterway runs between the mainland and Pine Island, which is very shallow and home to many marine life species. Sanibel/Captiva isnt a destination you land on by mistake. Then its multitasking tonguesucked the nutritious life out ofthat mollusk. 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. 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. Daily lunch, and afternoon cruises to Cabbage Key and Useppa Island from Boca Grande, FL. Boca Grande Boat Tours. Visitors can reach the island only by boat, seaplane or water taxi. 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. The same day she heard the Caboose was for sale, Sandy made the trip; she made an offer the next day. 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. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. A pair of hurricanes tore through here in the 1920s and Hurricane Charlie, a It's 15 minutes from Pine Island as it's just across the water from Bokeelia. Browse All Available Boat Rentals Near Sanibel Island, By subscribing you accept Boatsetter Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. All rights reserved. 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. I was stunned more than anything, she says. 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.