Sun-soaked beaches and an energetic nightlife create the perfect blend of a metropolitan and Florida lifestyle within Fort Myers Beach. Being on the water is something locals and visitors enjoy when on or near Fort Myers Beach. Whether it’s fishing, taking the boat out to explore nearby islands, or going on a boat cruise, boating is a popular activity, and for a reason! Here are five of the best places to boat with the family in Fort Myers Beach.
1. Salty Sam's Marina
Salty Sam's Marina is one of the best places to boat in Fort Myers Beach. It offers a large selection of boat rentals for fishing or exploring. You'll also find ample boat storage options if you're bringing your own boat. They have a variety of amenities, including:
- Several restaurants and bars
- A well-stocked ship store
- Boat service and detailing
- Several popular cruises that leave from this spot, including the Famous Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise and Sight Sea-R Dolphin, and Sunset Cruises
Salty Sam's is a great choice for the most centrally located and best-equipped marina in Fort Myers. 
2. Fish-Tale Marina
Fish-Tale Marina is another popular full-service marina on Fort Myers Beach that offers boat rentals, fishing charters, cruises, and more. Accommodations include:
- Bait and tackle
- Gasoline and diesel
- Sunset dolphin tours —1.5-hour tours where you can see dolphins and enjoy great views of the Gulf of Mexico
- Pump-out service
- Salon/spa
- Ship store
- Near restaurants and groceries
- Water sports equipment rentals
Fish-Tale Marina offers everything you need for a day of fun in the sun!
3. Bonita Springs
Bonita Springs, between Fort Myers and Naples, is a beach community that offers boating and many other outdoor activities..jpg?width=900&name=bigstock-Retirement-Travel-Asian-Lifes-428488619%20(1).jpg)
Bonita Springs is good for exploring the many small islands nearby, such as Boca Grande, and Cabbage Key. Bonita Springs has several options for renting boats, including Bay Water Boat Rentals and Bonita Boat Rentals. If you live nearby or visit the area frequently you may want to consider membership at the Bay Water Boat Club. Several companies, such as Clear Kayak Tours, operate kayak tours out of Bonita Springs.
4. Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park is an island in Estero Bay that's only accessible by boat. It can be reached from Lovers Key State Park and Koreshan State Park. It's a Native American site once inhabited by the Calusa. Many visitors enjoy taking their boats to this island park and exploring. The site is notable for its large forest of mangrove trees. There's a path for hiking for visitors who want to leave their boats and explore the island. The trail is only about a mile and leads to two large mounds, which provide impressive views of the island and water. Guided tours are available for groups. 
5. Sanibel and Captiva Islands
Many Fort Myers Beach excursions give you a chance to view and explore some of the region's many small islands. The two most notable ones are Sanibel Island and its close neighbor, Captiva Island. Both are very close to Fort Myers off the Gulf Coast. While both of these islands are valued for their beaches and tranquility, they have their unique differences.
Sanibel Island is like a bustling village, with several shopping centers and even a movie theater. One of its landmarks is a lighthouse, built in 1884, that visitors can climb. The island is large enough that you can rent a car or bike to explore it. Captiva Island has a more low-key atmosphere. Both islands are known for shelling, as they contain a wide assortment of beautiful shells people can collect. 
You can get to both Sanibel and Captiva Islands by car, ferry, or boat. If you drive or take a ferry, there are places on both islands where you can rent boats. One of the most popular boat rental places on Captiva Island is Jensen's Marina and Cottages. Tarpon Bay Explorers on Sanibel Island provides boat rentals, as well as guided tours and fishing charters.
Thinking of settling in the beautiful Fort Myers Beach area? Grandview at Bay Beach offers luxury waterfront condominiums with the quality, style, and lifestyle you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
