Discover Boating and Watersports

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.