Excursions (Day and ½ day)
Sanibel / Captiva Islands
On a due north heading from Fort Myers Beach, we wind our way through the barrier islands of Sanibel, Captiva, and Cayo Costa, and Gasparilla which all make Southwest Florida famous. Our passage takes us first through Pine Island Sound. Fifteen miles long and four miles wide, the Sound is protected by these barrier islands to the West and Pine Island to the East, and affords us countless islands and keys which offer unlimited anchorages and abundant bird and marine life to observe.
No cruise through Southwest Florida is complete without a stop at Cabbage Key. This picturesque island has been made famous by such well-known cruisers as Jimmy Buffet. Rumor has it that Cabbage Key was the inspiration for Jimmy's song, "Cheeseburger in Paradise"! And there's nothing quite like a cool libation at the island bar which is decorated in a unique wallpaper - dollar bills!
Our afternoon begins at Cayo Costa which is one of the most beautiful of the barrier islands. It is truly a tropical paradise. Our excursion will allow an anchorage here as the island is now a State Park and offers excellent shelling, beachcombing, swimming and snorkeling.
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As the day ends, we will return and cruise the gulf side of the islands and view the sparkling beaches of Sanibel and as always we look forward to catch our famous Florida Sunsets.
Naples
5th Avenue Shopping and Gulf Shore million dollar homes. After a day enjoying the waters off our barrier islands, Off the Chart Excursions will take you south along the Gulf to the coastal communities of Naples and Marco Island. The first stop on our cruise toward the state's southern tip is the prominent Naples fishing pier which is an easy landmark to Gordon Pass and the entrance to the world-renown Naples. Our excursion will take you by the million dollar mansions lining the canals leading to town, where we will tie up at the City Docks and stop for lunch, and shop Tin City and mingle with the "rich and famous".
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After lunch we head seven miles south of Gordon Pass to Marco Island. The inside route from Naples southward on the ICW is a treat for nature lovers young and old. Alligators, raccoons, bald eagles, osprey and manatees are just a few of the "friendly natives" you may encounter along the way. With its white beaches and condominiums Marco is now a model of resort living.
As we leave Marco, by contrast, we take the waterway further south to Goodland you will almost step back in time to a sleepy fishing village of "old" Florida. While only a few miles from one another, the towns of Marco Island and Goodland are worlds apart.
Leaving civilization behind, you will travel through Coon Key Pass and into the world of the Ten Thousand Islands.
As the day ends, our return will cruise the gulf side of the islands with views of the sparkling beaches of Marco, Naples and Fort Myers Beach and as always we look forward to catch our famous Florida Sunsets.
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