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Times of the Islands Magazine

Kids Rule! Fun for Those Who Like to Push It to the Limit

Jan 27, 2022 02:06PM ● By ANN MARIE O’PHELAN

For some kids, fun stuff includes a swing, a slide, and a kiddy pool. For others, who are older or more adventurous, fun consists of extremes like ziplining, rock-wall climbing, and jet skiing. In Southwest Florida they can find all levels of fun.

Visitors to Captiva will find a wealth of water sports and eco tours at their disposal. Guests at 'Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa are surrounded by wildlife. “At ’Tween Waters, kids and parents can get an unfiltered view of the local wildlife on the bay with sightings of manatee, dolphin, herons, egrets, anhinga, cormorants, osprey, and more. Eco tours and educational tours, as well as self-guided tours are available,” says Ashley Shenk, brand experience director. Plus, kayak and standup paddleboard rentals are available bayside. Guests staying two nights or more receive a $250-value Island Rewards Coupon Book with discounts and savings to the best of the island’s outdoor adventures. Also on Captiva, Sunny Island Adventures provides great fun for children 6 years and up.

“We offer endless possibilities, and in that way, we are unique, because we can operate with ease on the gulf or bay. We want to make people happy—to put smiles on their faces, and to make memories, “says Jimi Batchelor, owner of Sunny Island Adventures.

On Sanibel, explore Sanibel Island’s natural beauty from the water with Tarpon Bay Explorers. Join a naturalist for a tranquil cruise on Tarpon Bay. “You will observe the rookery islands and may spot dolphins and manatees,” says Wendy Schnapp, managing partner of Tarpon Bay Explorers. Cruises are available throughout the day, including special breakfast and evening tours. All trips include aquarium exploration.


Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and regular contributor to TOTI Media.


IF YOU GO

’Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa

15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva

800-223-5865; tween-waters.com/activities


Sunny Island Adventures

5400 Plantation Road, Captiva

239-312-4094; sunnyislandadventures.com


Tarpon Bay Explorers

900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

239-472-8900; tarponbayexplorers.com


OTHER LOCAL FUN SPOTS

YOLO Watersports, Inc. 

11534 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

239-472-9656; yolowatersports.com


Holiday Water Sports

Three Fort Myers Beach locations; holidaywatersportsfmb.com 

Pink Shell, 250 Estero Blvd.

239-765-4386

Best Western, 684 Estero Blvd.

239-463-6778

Diamondhead, 2000 Estero Blvd.

239-765-2252