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Times of the Islands Magazine

11 Water Adventures To Check Out Around Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Jul 31, 2018 04:07PM ● By Kevin

Captiva Island sunrise, August 2017. Photo courtesy of Captain Brian On The Water - Sanibel/Captiva Tours on Facebook and Instagram.

Coasting through the waters surrounding Sanibel and Captiva Islands, one cannot help but feel that great sense of adventure, especially in the summertime. Southwest Florida, and the islands particularly, is known for beautiful views, outdoor activities, spotting all types of wildlife, and recreational sporting activities. What makes it all better is the overwhelming amount of options to get out on the water and experience all of the above.

If you're constantly trying to find something to do out on the water and the old routine is stale, why not try something from our list?

From boat tours and activities to sporting equipment rentals to catching a glimpse at all sorts of wildlife native to the islands, there are plenty of reasons to get out and do something new this summer.

Captain Brian On The Water - Captiva FL

Captain Brian On The Water - Captiva, FL

Captain Brian Holaway is well versed in the intricacies of our unmatched locale. He can guide to and through a multitude of out-of-the way tidal creeks, bayous, keys and islands. More imp... Read More » 

Adventure Sea Kayak  SUP - Captiva FL

Adventure Sea Kayak & SUP - Captiva, FL

The Gulf waters off of the coast of Captiva and Sanibel Islands are among the most beautiful in the world, where unrivaled wildlife, fishing, and nature views abound. Get an up close... Read More » 

Sunny Island Adventures - Captiva FL

Sunny Island Adventures - Captiva, FL

Sunny Island Adventures is South Seas Island Resort’s exclusive “all things fun“ on-site recreational rentals and watersports provider! Formerly known as Best Boat Rentals and Sunny Islan... Read More » 

Sanibel Sea School - Sanibel FL

Sanibel Sea School - Sanibel, FL

Our Vision and Mission At Sanibel Sea School our vision is a world where all people value, understand and care for the ocean. Our mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person a... Read More » 

Salty Sams Pirate Cruise - Fort Myers Beach FL

Salty Sam's Pirate Cruise - Fort Myers Beach, FL

Step into a 90 minute interactive comedy adventure aboard the Pieces of Eight, a 65ft replica Spanish galleon. Ye will be sworn in as pirates, have live cannon rounds, a mutiny against th... Read More » 

Sanibel Dolphin Tours - Fort Myers FL

Sanibel Dolphin Tours - Fort Myers, FL

Sit back and relax as you cruise the pristine waters off Sanibel Island, Captiva Island and Fort Myers. Our guides will take you to all of the Sanibel Islands Dolphin and Wildlife hot sp... Read More » 

Tarpon Bay Explorers - Sanibel FL

Tarpon Bay Explorers - Sanibel, FL

Welcome to Tarpon Bay Explorers! We are the licensed concession to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. We provide fun, low-impact, educational & recreational opportuniti... Read More » 

Adventures in Paradise - Outfitters - Sanibel FL

Adventures in Paradise - Outfitters - Sanibel, FL

Owned and operated by the Stewart family on Sanibel Island since 1986, we hope to bring you our love of the sea; dolphins, manatee, sea otters, seahorses and shelling throughout the water... Read More » 

Sanibel Thriller - Sanibel FL

Sanibel Thriller - Sanibel, FL

If there is one cruise to take…this is it! Board the Sanibel Thriller for the thrill of a lifetime. You will cruise the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound, circumnavigatin... Read More » 

Endless Summer Charters - Fort Myers FL

Endless Summer Charters - Fort Myers, FL

Let Capt. Bill Hammond, Capt. Matt Johnson and Capt. Ethan Hansen with ENDLESS SUMMER CHARTERS show you some of the best back bay and near shore fishing in SW Florida. Catch Tarpon, S... Read More » 

Captiva Cruises - Captiva FL

Captiva Cruises - Captiva, FL

Captiva Cruises is located at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, on beautiful Captiva Island, Florida. Founded in 1986, Captiva Cruises is an excursion boat company, which operates a fleet of vessel... Read More » 


As always, if we're missing any of your favorites, tell us in the comments below!