10 Best Liquid Adventures

1. What a dive. Immerse yourself in unspoiled underwater splendor with a week aboard a 110-foot dive boat in Fiji or Palau, Micronesia. Kevin Sweeney's SCUBAdventures in Naples will do all the planning for you. Opt for a small group trip, or let Sweeney arrange a more personalized experience. Trips include airfare, meals and land-based resort stay on your last night, and start at about $5,000 per person. 971 Creech Road, Seabreeze Plaza, Naples. (239) 434-7477.

2. Fisherman's special. Captain Jack Thompson has been fishing the productive backwaters off Goodland south of Marco Island for 45 years, so a trip with him will take you to the fishy spots. You'll also see dolphins, manatees and a flurry of bird life. Thompson provides all the rods, tackle and licenses needed to reel in snook, redfish, trout and pompano aboard the 25-foot Miss Lucy. $350 for a half-day; up to four people. (239) 775-3436.

3. Different strokes. Not just for competitive swimmers and triathletes, Master Swimming groups in Fort Myers and Naples offer training and advice for all skill levels. To get in on the action, head to Fort Myers Beach the first week in June for the 2005 USA Open Water National Championships; anyone can swim in the one-mile Dash for Cash, or watch from the beach or the pier. USA Open Water National Championships, June 2-5; races start at Lynn Hall Park, Fort Myers Beach. (239) 462-3322. For info on Master Swimming, visit www.swimflorida.org.

4. Harness the wind. Not long ago, learning to windsurf was an exhausting, time-consuming affair. Not anymore. Ace Performer's owner/instructor, Roy Massey, had senior editor Hobart Rowland skimming along Sanibel Harbor in just 30 minutes. Credit Massey's 20-plus years of experience in the sport. Also credit the new ultra-wide boards and lighter sails, which make learning easy for all ages. Massey promises you'll be up and sailing in an hour. Lessons start at $70. 16842 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. (239) 489-3513.

5. Spa magic. When it comes to a dream pool or spa, anything goes when money is no object. Whether it's floating stepping-stones leading through a cascading waterfall, sunlight-reflecting glass tiles, vanishing edges, adjustable themed lighting, a natural gravel bottom, a computerized salt-water filtering system, or even a koi pond for the illusion of swimming with the fishes, Architectural Land Design's Christian Andrea can make it happen. 2780 S. Horseshoe Drive, Suite 5, Naples. (239) 430-1661.

6. Paddle power. Pick up your boat at Estero River Outfitters and put in just steps away. For an all-day canoe or kayak adventure, paddle the four-and-a-half miles past the Koreshan State Historic Site and into Estero Bay for a visit to Mound Key, an ancient Calusa shell mound. Reserve a guided trip or, with a little help from the expert staff at ERO, let nature be your guide. Kayak rentals $17.50/day; canoe rentals start at $22.50/day; guided tours $35. Estero River Outfitters, U.S. 41 at the Estero River, 20991 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero. (239) 992-4050.

7. Captain kids. Get the kids out of your hair and on the water this summer at the Naples Community Sailing Center, which operates camps for children eight to 14. Classes are limited to 12 students, who begin sailing with instructors and are soon captaining their own boats. Budding mariners earn the US Sailing small boat level-one certification. June-August; $250. Naples Landing Park, 1101 Ninth Street S., Naples. (239) 403-7193. www.NaplesSailingCenter.com.

8. Tubby time. Need a pick-me-up? A rejuvenating soak in a Bali Bath at the spa at Marco Island Marriott should lift your spirits and leave you calm and centered. Relax in a quiet bath or take an invigorating dip in the hydrotherapy tub. For a romantic soak, try the tub for two, complete with jets, a waterfall and calming lights. Signature treatment: $78. 400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. (239) 642-2686.

9. Aquasize. Work out underwater at Total Rehab in Naples, where you can run on an underwater treadmill, get your golf swing back, take a water aerobics class or pedal on the hydro-force underwater bicycle. New this year: Pilates for the pool. And the best part? The water is always 92 degrees. Water aerobics Monday-Friday at 999 Trail Terrace Drive, Naples. (239) 649-2222.

10. Yachts incredible. For the ultimate in on-the-water opulence, charter a luxury yacht and cruise the Gulfshore waters-or head out to sea. With room for eight guests, the 115-foot Trinity yacht Leda comes with a 32-foot Intrepid tender for fishing, skiing and exploring; two kayaks; water-skis and snorkel gear; satellite TV; a wave-runner; a Jacuzzi; and more. $42,500 a week, plus expenses. The Sacks Group, (954) 764-7742. www.thesacksgroup.com.