For those who prefer swinging a rod instead of a golf club, the region's miles of waterways teem with fish-redfish, snook and sea trout stay near to shore while huge tarpon populate Boca Grande Pass and offshore reefs serve as homes to amberjack, grouper and cobia.

Even non-anglers should hit the water or they will miss some of the region's most spectacular scenery. Dolphins frolic in the wake of boats while osprey fly overhead. The waters glimmer beneath azure skies. Pay strict heed to slow-boat zones, many of which provide a winter haven for the slow-moving and endangered manatee. Try a canoe or kayak for leisurely exploration of the many meandering canals and rivers.

Boating and Water Sports

Collier County

Everglades City

Eden of the Everglades, Dupont Road, (800) 543-3367. One-hour scenic boat tours through the Everglades. The Ten Thousand Islands tour is $19.50/adult, $8.50/children, three and under free. Airboats also available. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Everglades National Park Boat Tours, State Road 29, Chokoloskee Causeway, (800) 445-7724. See one of the world's largest mangrove forests at Everglades National Park, along with manatees, dolphins, bald eagles and roseate spoonbills. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Sunday.

Everglades Private Airboat Tours, 31000 Tamiami Trail E. (800) 368-0065. Call for hours.

Everglades Wildlife Safari Tours, 31222 Tamiami Trail E., (877) 695-2820. One-hour airboat rides, safari rides. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jungle Erv's Airboat World, 804 Collier Ave., (800) 432-3367. Airboat ride in the Florida Everglades. Small six-passenger airboat for the more adventurous. Alligator Park included with all tours. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Marco Island

Airboat Experience, 3200 Highway 92 at the Goodland Bridge, (239) 642-3141. Watch for manatees, bottle-nosed dolphins, birds and alligators. Explore the islands of the Everglades.

Blue Runner Charters, 610 Lewis Court, (239) 642-7585. Offshore fishing charters for groups up to six. Children are welcome.

Cedar Bay Marina, 705 E. Elkcam Circle, (239) 394-3482. Boat rentals, gas, bait, fishing tackle, ice, ship's store and waterside deck and snack area. www.cedarbaymarina.com.

Caxambas Park, Collier Court, (239) 642-0004. Two-lane boat ramp, restrooms, concession with fuel, bait, tackle, food and drinks, picnic area, and more. Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Eagle Excursions, 3200 San Marco Road, (239) 642-1925. Includes Everglades, dolphin and manatee tours. www.eagleexcursions.com.

Factory Bay Boat Rentals at Cedar Bay Marina, 705 East Elkcam Circle, (239) 642-6717. Rental boats, dry rack storage, service department.

Marco Island Ski and Water Sports, 400 S. Collier Blvd. at Marriott's Marco Island Resort and Golf Club, (239) 642-2359 or 560 S. Collier Blvd. at Marco Island Hilton Beach Resort, (239) 642-3377. Parasailing, waverunners, ecotours, guided Everglades excursions and more. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Marco River Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Drive, (239) 394-2502. Daily shuttle to Key West. Rental boats of all types. Large tackle shop with live bait and ship's store; marine service available; new boat dealer. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. www.marcoriver.com.

Sea Excursions, (239) 642-6400. Fishing, sailing, shelling and sunset tours. Dinner cruises, dolphin watching. www.seaexcursions.com.

Stop's Marine Charters, 300 W. Goodland Drive at Calusa Marina, (239) 394-8000. These personalized Everglades adventures near Marco Island include fishing, shelling, snorkeling, sightseeing nature tours, and bird, dolphin and manatee scouting. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Sunday. www.stopsmarinecharters.com.

Naples

A & B Charters. Located at the City Dock, 1880 12th Ave S. (239) 263-8833. Capt. Allen Walburn offers half-, full- and multiday deep-sea or inland fishing trips, sailing charters, sightseeing, shelling and cocktail charters. www.aandbcharters.com.

All Water Excursions, (239) 594-0213. Offering customized charters and water activities. Also organizes special beach events at both Delnor-Wiggins Pass and Lovers Key state parks. www.allwaterexcursions.com.

Bayview Park, Danford Street off Thomasson Drive. (239) 353-0404. Two-lane boat ramp, restrooms, picnic shelters and a playground overlooking Naples Bay. Ramp fee is $3. Open from sunrise to sundown.

Cocohatchee River Park and Marine, 13531 Vanderbilt Drive, (239) 566-2611. Marina just north of Wiggins Pass. Tackle, fuel, rental boats and dockage for vessels up to 50 feet. Overnight dockage available. Ramp fee is $3. 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The park is open Monday-Sunday.

Collier Boulevard Boating Park, State Road 951 at County Road 952. (239) 353-0404. Four-lane boat ramp. Sunrise to sundown.

Double Sunshine/Lady Brett, U.S. 41 at Tin City, (239) 263-4949. The Double Sunshine offers 90-minute nature cruises, dolphin watching, sightseeing and sunset cruises of exclusive Port Royal, $25/person. Lady Brett offers offshore fishing and half-day trips, $55/person. Half-day trips run from 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1 to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday.

Everglades Day Safari, Naples, Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach. (800) 472-3069. Airboat rides, pontoon boat rides, nature walks, nature drives and lunches offered. Naturalists and tour guides available.

Everglades Excursions, 1010 Sixth Ave. S., (239) 262-1914. Offering full- and half-day tours of the Everglades. Depart every morning from Naples and Marco Island. Tour includes cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands, narrated tour of Everglades City, a taste of the Everglades luncheon, Smallwood Museum tour, airboat ride and alligator show.www.everglades-excursions.com.

Grand Slam Charters, Brookside Marina, 2023 Davis Blvd., (239) 793-0969. Light-tackle backcountry and offshore fishing with Capt. Will Geraghty. Two boats to choose from, custom 25-foot or 18-foot backcountry flats skiff.

Capt. Mike Friday. (239) 593-4357. Inshore backcountry guide.

International Yachting Services of Naples, (239) 262-8411. Cruisers, yachts and sport boats from 40 to 130 feet. More than 68 vessels to choose from. Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.interyacht.com.

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd., (239) 435-4353. Beach chair, umbrella and cabana rentals at this intown resort. Pedal-boat rentals (two-seater, $20/hour; four-seater $30/hour); kayak $15/hour, double kayak $30/hour; sailboats $30/hour. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.naplesbeachhotel.com.

The Naples City Dock, 12th Avenue South, on Naples Bay. (239) 213-3070. Fuel dock, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, bait and ice. Close to ship's store and restaurants. Many fishing, sailing and sightseeing charter boats are available for hire and depart from the city dock. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. http://dock.naplesgov.com.

Naples Dive Center, 1949 Davis Blvd., (239) 775-4357. A PADI five-star facility. Scuba training, scuba equipment sales and service, and scuba travel. Indoor heated pool. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Naples Landing, 1101 Ninth St. S. (239) 213-1819. The only public boat ramp within Naples' city limits. Metered parking available.

Naples Princess at Port-O-Call Marina, 550 Port-O-Call Way, (239) 649-2275. See the spectacular homes of Port Royal on Naples Bay or watch a breathtaking sunset from the Gulf aboard the Naples Princess, a 93-foot yacht. Daily cruises offer sightseeing, lunch, sunset hors d'oeuvres or sunset dinner cruises. Reservations required. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.naplesprincesscruises.com.

Nautilus Boat Tours, 179 S. Bay Drive, (239) 597-4408. Discover sunsets, dolphins and manatees. Lunch and dinner cruises, custom-designed private and corporate parties and weddings available. Regularly scheduled cruises and two private clubs. Adult admission is $20. Annual memberships and discounts available. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily reservations are required. www.nautilusboattours.com.

Port of the Islands Island Nature Cruises, (239) 394-3101 or (239) 642-3133. Two-hour tour of the Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades, and manatee tour. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Reservations only.

SCUBAdventures, 971 Creech Road, (239) 434-7477. Snorkeling, scuba training, sales and rentals. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

South Bay Marina, 179 S. Bay Drive, (239) 597-2063. Marina with fuel, bait, tackle and boat rentals. Specializing in backwater, deep sea, reef, night wreck and offshore charter fishing. Some tours available.

Sweet Liberty, at the City Dock, 880 12th Ave. S. (239) 793-3525. Three-hour beachcombing, nature, sightseeing, sailing and dolphin tours on the 53-foot sailing catamaran. Private parties, weddings, corporate parties, family reunions. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and sunset cruises. www.sweetliberty.com.

Lee County

Bonita Springs

Back Bay Marina, 4751 Bonita Beach Road, (239) 992-2608. Bait, boat rentals, fishing equipment, fuel, lift facilities, service and parts.

Big Hickory Fishing Nook Marina, 26107 Hickory Blvd., (239) 992-3945. Pontoon boats, kayaks, bait, fuel, slips and sundries. Great landing for the Great Calusa Blueway canoe and kayak paddling trail.

Bonita Boat Rentals, 26395 Hickory Blvd., (239) 992-2137. Pontoon boat rentals, 22-foot boats. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Sunday.

Bonita Jet Ski and Parasail, 27908 Hickory Blvd., (239) 947-4460. Rents Jet Skis, chairs, cabanas and umbrellas, and offers parasailing. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (239) 992-0487 for reservations. Accepts all major credit cards.

Estero Bay Boat Tours, 5231 Mamie St., (239) 992-2200. Travel the backwaters of Estero Bay with licensed guides to see dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, ospreys and wading birds. Also shelling trips, lunch or dinner cruises, back-bay fishing and private parties. $15/adult, $10/child under 12 years. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private charters available (reservations three days in advance).

Fish Trap Marina, 4794 Bonita Beach Road, (239) 992-6055. Bait, tackle, rod and reel repairs and backwater charter fishing. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Hickory Bay Charters, 4242 Mariner Lane, (239) 947-3851. Bay and pass fishing and sightseeing.

High Hopes Charters, 229 W. Third St., (239) 495-7589. Specializing in reef, pass and backwater private charter fishing or sightseeing. Also provides boating or fishing instruction with a Coast Guard master-licensed captain. Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. www.highhopescharters.com.

Imperial River Boat Ramp, 27551 S. Tamiami Trail, (239) 949-4615. Restrooms, grill, picnic table, fishing pier and more. Parking $3 per vehicle. Park open sunrise to sunset. Boat ramp open 24 hours.

Cape Coral/ Pine Island

Aqua Nut Boat Rentals at Tarpon Point Marina, 1430 Rose Garden Road, (239) 542-5001. Pontoons, deck boats and bowriders. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Dockside Boat Rentals, 2401 Andalusia Blvd., (239) 772-4463. Suzuki dealer and boat transporter. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Genmar/Evinrude Backwater Fishing School, 13771 Waterfront Drive, Pineland, (941) 356-0785. The historic Tarpon Lodge hosts this unique educational opportunity. This season's courses begin April 2005 and include three days of hands-on instruction by fishing instructors, licensed charter boat captains and guides. www.genmarbackwaterfishingschool.com.

Matlacha Boat Ramp, 4577 Pine Island Road N.W., Matlacha. (239) 283-4110. Two-slip boat launching facility with parking for vehicles with boat trailers. Ready access to Matlacha Pass. Parking fee $3. Annual passes available for $40 at the Matlacha Community Center or Terry Park offices. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Estero

Estero River Tackle and Canoe Outfitters, 20991 Tamiami Trail S., (239) 992-4050. Canoe or kayak along the Estero River to Estero Bay. Full-line bait and tackle shop. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., or call for special tour times. www.esteroriveroutfitters.com.

Fort Myers

Adventures in Paradise and Port Sanibel Marina, 14341 Port Comfort Road, (239) 482-5296. Backwater fishing, sea-life tours, sunset cruises, powerboat rentals, eco-dolphin tours, shelling and snorkeling tours, trolley tours and canoe trails. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Back Country Fishing Charters with Capt. Paul Hobby. 13371 Electron Drive, (239) 433-1007. Super-light-tackle and fly-fishing for snook, redfish and tarpon. Specializing in fly-fishing. Predawn lure fishing for larger snook during warmer months, as well as big tarpon on fly tackle, 16-foot Egret flats boat. Fish off Sanibel, Captiva and Pine islands. www.fishinghobby.com.

Davis Boat Ramp, (239) 461-7400, 2227 Davis Blvd. Community boat ramp with vehicle/trailer parking. Parking $3 per day. Dawn until dusk.

Fossil Expeditions, 213 Lincoln Ave., (239) 368-3252. Guided Everglades half- and full-day tours with airboat rides, or stroll the boardwalk into the cypress swamp. Guided fossil tours for shark teeth, mammoth, camel, sloth and whale bones; $60/adult, $55/child; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. www.fossilexpeditions.com.

GAEA Guides, Guided Kayak Tours, (239) 694-5513 or (866) 256-6388. Kayak tours with a naturalist through back bays, aquatic preserves, wildlife refuges, creeks, bayous, rivers and mangrove forests. Specialty trips include bird rookery, manatee, archaeological, full-moon, sunset and bat tours; $50/person for full day (shorter tours available). Reservations required. www.gaea-guides.com.

J.C. Sightseeing and Dinner Boat Cruises, 2313 Edwards Drive, (239) 334-7474. Several boating and cruising options. Lunch, dinner, sightseeing tours, private parties. Year-round cruising. http://modernsurf.com/jccruises.

Manatee World, 5605 Palm Beach Blvd., (239) 693-1434. Ecological boat tours offer the opportunity to view manatees, alligators and birds in a natural setting. Gift shop, group tours and school presentations. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mullock Creek Marina, 18501 Mullock Creek Lane, (239) 267-3717. Bait, tackle and fuel, plus boat charters. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cabana area with refreshments.

Offshore Sailing School, office headquarters at 16731 McGregor Blvd., sailing courses at South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, (800) 221-4326. Three- to five-day sailing courses plus daily introductory clinics and beginner through advanced cruising; racing and sailors' clinics are available. www.offshore-sailing.com.

Old Florida River Tours, 1300 Lee St., (239) 826-2457. The Black Tie is a 60-foot charter yacht built in 1936 that will accommodate up to six people and crew on full-day and half-day river cruises. Also bed-and-breakfast cruises ($299 per couple). Lunch served. Departs from the City Yacht Basin in downtown Fort Myers. www.ofrt.com.

Punta Rassa Boat Ramp, 18500 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. (239) 432-2006.Two double boat ramps, restrooms, fish cleaning station. Parking $3 per 24 hours. The ramp is Open 24 hours.

Southwest Florida Yachts/Florida Sailing and Cruising School, 3444 Marinatown Lane, Suite 19, (239) 656-1339 or (800) 262-7939. Offering American Sailing Association courses from basic to advanced. Powerboat cruising courses; single and twin engine. Sail and power-yacht charters from 24 to 42 -feet, bare-boat captained. Cruise the barrier islands of Southwest Florida aboard your private yacht. All courses live-aboard. Minimum two students, maximum four/vessel. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Sunday. www.swfyachts.com and www.flsailandcruiseschool.com.

Team Arcure, 9204 Pineapple Road, (239) 560-9366. Charter Capt. Sam Arcure fishes Pine Island Sound, Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor, Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva.

Underwater Explorers, 12600 McGregor Blvd., (239) 481-4733. Scuba instruction, dive trips, snorkel lessons, service, sales and rental. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Underwater Specialists, 13388 N. U.S. 41, (239) 656-DIVE. Scuba-diving instruction, equipment sales and service, local trips and dive travel. A PADI five-star facility. A full-line Dacor dealer. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Fort Myers Beach

Big "M" Casino, 450 Harbor Court, (239) 765-PLAY. Play blackjack, roulette and over 200 slots aboard this gaming yacht. Afternoon cruises feature bingo. Evening cruises feature entertainment. Buffet available on every cruise. Ages 21 and up. www.bigMcasino.com.

Captain Tony's Fish'n Express, 18800 San Carlos Blvd., (239) 415-0515. Deep-sea fishing and half-day charters. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fish Tale Marina, 7225 Estero Blvd., (239) 463-3600. A full-service marina offering dry or wet storage, ship's store and mechanical service on weekdays for all types of boats. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Sunday.

Fort Myers Beach Marina, 703 Fisherman's Wharf, (239) 463-9552. Gulf access, wet and dry storage, service center and rentals. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Fun Rentals, 1901 Estero Blvd., (239) 463-8844. Harleys, wave runners, scooters and parasailing. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. six days; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Getaway Marina, 18400 San Carlos Blvd., (239) 466-3600. Half-day deep-sea fishing trips on the 90-foot Great Getaway or full days on the Island Lady. Sunset cruises on the Privateer IV. Daily and special Saturday-night snapper trips and private charters available. www.getawaymarina.com.

Paradise Parasail, 1160 Estero Blvd., (239) 463-7272. Parasail rides. Open 10 a.m. daily. Rides start at $45 per person.

Ranalli Parasail and Watersports, 2000 Estero Blvd. at Diamond Head Beach Resort, (239) 542-5511. Parasail up to 1,200 feet. Take off and land right on the boat. Guided wave runner dolphin tours, cabana and umbrella rentals and more.

Rebel Watersports and Southern Parasailing, 1010 Estero Blvd., (239) 463-3351. Tours and watersports. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Salty Sam's Marina, 2500 Main St., (239) 463-7333. Key West-style resort marina featuring open-air waterfront dining at Parrot Key Caribbean Grill and offering fishing charters, daily Key West ferry, sightseeing and dolphin watch tours, sailing charters, boat rentals, fuel, dockage, boating accessories and service and repair. www.saltysamsmarina.com.

Seashore Scuba, 15600 San Carlos Blvd., (239) 454-3111. Scuba and snorkeling charters daily in the Gulf of Mexico, $39 to $69 per person.

North Fort Myers

Fish-Tale Marina at Caloosa Isle, 1687 Inlet Drive, (239) 656-1700. Fuel, overnight dock, restaurant, service, dry storage and parts.

Marinatown Marina, 3446 Marina-town Lane, (239) 997-2767. Overnight docking available. Restaurants on site. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sanibel/Captiva Islands

Captiva Cruises, Captiva Island, (239) 472-5300. Daily excursions to Cabbage Key, Useppa, Boca Grande and Cayo Costa. Departure times vary. Dolphin/wildlife adventure cruises depart each day at 4 p.m. A sunset serenade cruise sets sail each evening and features the music of popular island musician Danny Morgan. Departure times also vary.

Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa Marina, 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, (239) 466-4000. Elegant sunset and Sunday brunch cruises on the Sanibel Harbour Princess. Ecotours on the Sun Princess catamaran. There is a 19-slip marina with overnight docking available.

'Tween Waters Marina, 15951 Captiva Road, (239) 472-5161. Marina dockage, boat ramp, canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals. Launch fee, $5, and a $3 retrieve fee. Charter sailing cruises, sightseeing, kayak trips, fishing and shelling guides and more. www.tweenwaters.com.

Ultimate Charters (239) 542-9315. Capt. Gary Clark specializes in fly and light-tackle fishing, sightseeing and shelling cruises around Sanibel, Captiva and Pine Island Sound. www.ultimatecharters.com.