Imagine yourself boating on sparkling crystal waters, white sand beaches off in the distance, seabirds drifting overhead. Where are you? On Florida's Gulf Coast cruising the stunning Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, which offers boaters amazing cruises on a route from Captiva Island to Marco Island.
This popular spot along the coastline is the Lee Island Coast which includes Sanibel and Captiva, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero Island/Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, and more than 100 smaller coastal islands off the mainland. These barrier islands and communities that dot the coast are a natural wonderland and offer something for everyone.
No cruise is complete without welcoming ports of call and these marinas have an amazing number of fun activities and pristine beaches for shelling and peaceful walks. Starting in the north and boating your way south, here are some of the marinas on the Florida gulf coast you won't want to miss.
South Seas Island Resort and Marinas, Captiva Island
South Seas Island Resort and Marina was originally a key lime plantation and it has a genuine old Florida feel. Surrounded by a 330-acre wildlife preserve, South Seas offers boating, kayaking, and sailing for the water lovers, and bicycling, golf and tennis for the sporting types. If relaxing on a private beach and shelling sounds great to you, South Seas has world famous white sand beaches.
As a world-class marina, South Seas has boat docking at two locations. Yacht Harbour Marina and Bayside Marina offer dockage, a launch, rentals, and charters. There is a wide range of services for you and your crew. Yacht Harbour Marina boasts luxury amenities and 2,400 feet of alongside berthing for boats up to 120′.
At the end of the day, dine inside or out at one of the many relaxing restaurants at the resort and marvel at the gorgeous views of Pine Island Sound. Or have gourmet groceries delivered and dine on the beach or near a fire pit.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, Fort Myers Beach
Heading south along the coast your next port of call is lovely Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, another old-style Florida marina that was voted one of the top 25 places to tie up a boat in North America. This marina boasts three pools, two restaurants, a full-service spa, and a gorgeous white sand beach. Water sports rentals, fun family activities, and chickee huts are all readily available on the beach.
Pink Shell has 41 slips, up to 100 feet of floating docks, and each with power pedestals, A full-time dock-master oversees boat mooring and daily operations to ensure your stay is relaxing and carefree. A ships store on the marina has fishing supplies, beverages, and snacks for a boater on the go.
Naples Bay Resort & Marina, Naples
Leaving the Fort Myers Beach locale and boating further south along the coast you arrive at Naples Bay Resort & Marina, a destination inviting you to enjoy the good life with so much to do you may just want to spend more time here than you originally planned. Slip into southwest Florida's only true waterfront hotel with a 97 slip marina with access to your hotel room only steps away. A full-service spa, lazy rivers, and kayak tours are a few of the many fun activities at this resort.
The marina offers boat rentals for full or half day trips so you can explore the pristine beauty of Florida's southwest coast. For the more adventurous, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and tours are also available. After a long day, sample some of the best cuisine South Florida has to offer at one of four scenic waterside restaurants.
Isles of Capri Marina, Marco Island
And finally, further south on the Intercoastal Waterway lies Marco Island, home to the charming Isles of Capris Marina. It is family owned and operated with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Easily accessible boat docks are available from 30 to 70 feet.
Rent a kayak and enjoy the beauty of deserted mangrove islands and observe native Florida wildlife on the backwaters of the Marco River. Or rent a pontoon boat with space for 12, perfect for exploring shallow waters or shelling on a deserted beach. At the end of your adventure dine on fresh seafood and relax at casual Island Gypsy Cafe & Marina Bar.
These marinas showcase the best the Gulf coast has to offer. From the fabulous beaches to sport fishing to stunning scenery in the warm Gulf waters, be inspired to begin your South Florida water adventure! If you are interested in exploring luxurious waterfront living in South Fort Myers Beach, contact us at Grandview at Bay Beach to schedule a tour.
