8 minute read
Lee County Marinas
∫ In-water Marina Facility ∫ Service & Repairs ∫ Boat sales & rentals ∫ Storage ∫ Charters ∫ Fishing Guides
∫∫∫∫Bonita Bay Marina, 27598 Marina Pointe Dr. SW, Bonita Springs (239) 495-3222 www.bonitabaymarina.net ∫∫Burnt Store Marina, 3192 Matecumbe Key Rd, Punta Gorda (941)637-0083 www.burntstoremarina.com ∫∫Calusa Jack’s Marina, 2200 Marina Park Drive, Ft. Myers (239)694-2708 www.calusajacksmarina.com ∫Cape Coral (Godman) Yacht Basin, 5815 Driftwood Pkwy., Coral (239)574-0809 www.capecoral.net ∫∫∫Cape Coral Marine Centre, 1503 SE 46th Ln., Cape Coral (239)541-2988 ∫∫Cape Harbour Marina, 5828 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral (239)945-4330 www.capeharbour.com ∫∫Castaways Marina, 6460 Sanibel-Captiva Rd., Sanibel (239)472-1112 www.castaways-cottages.com/marina/ ∫City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin, 1300 Lee Street, Ft. Myers (239)321-7080 www.cityftmyers.com/381/Yacht-Basin ∫∫Diversified Yacht Services, 751 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach (239)765-8700 www.dysinc.com ∫∫Diversified Yacht Services, 2455 Fowler Street, Fort Myers (239)765-8700 www.dysinc.com ∫∫∫∫Everest Marina, 1838 Everest Parkway, Cape Coral (239)458-6604 www.capecoralboatrepair.com ∫∫∫∫∫Fish Tale Marina, 7225 Estero Blvd., Ft. Myers Beach (239)463-3600 www.thefishtalemarina.com ∫∫∫∫∫Four Winds Marina, Inc., 16501 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia (239)283-0250 www.fourwindsmarina.com ∫∫∫Getaway Marina, 18400 San Carlos Blvd., Ft. Myers Beach (239)466-3600 www.getawaymarina.com ∫∫∫Gulf Star Marina, 708 Fisherman’s Wharf, Ft. Myers Beach (239)209-0285 www.gulfstar-marina.com ∫∫∫Gulfside Marine Services, 4440 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha (239)282-0443 www.gulfsidemarine.com ∫∫∫Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina, 15107 Captiva Drive, Captiva (239)472-5800 www.gocaptiva.com ∫Legacy Harbour Marina, 2044 West First Street, Fort Myers (239)461-0775 www.legacyharbourmarina.com ∫∫∫Marinatown Yacht Harbour, 3446 Marinatown Lane, North Ft. Myers (239)997-7711 www.marinatown.net ∫∫McCarthy’s Marina, 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva (239)472-5300 www.mccarthysmarina.com
∫∫∫∫Monroe Canal Marina, 3105 Stringfellow Road, Saint James City (239)282-8600 www.monroecanalmarina.com
∫∫∫∫Moss Marine, 450 Harbor Court, Ft. Myers Beach (239)765-6677 www.mossmarine.com ∫∫Mullock Creek Marina, 18501 Mullock Creek Ln., Fort Myers (239)267-4932
∫∫∫Owl Creek Boat Works and Storage 18251 Owl Creek Dr, Alva (239)543-2100
∫∫∫Pineland Marina, 13921 Waterfront Dr., Bokeelia (239)283-3593 www.pinelandmarina.com ∫∫∫∫Port Sanibel Marina, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers (239)437-1660 www.portsanibelmarina.com ∫∫Prosperity Pointe Marina, 1016 N. Tamiami Trail, North Ft. Myers (239)995-2155 www.prosperitypointemarina.com ∫∫∫∫∫Salty Sam’s Marina, 2500 Main Street, Ft. Myers Beach (239)463-7333 www.saltysamsmarina.com ∫∫∫∫Sanibel Marina, 634 N. Yachtsman Drive, Sanibel (239)472-2723 www.sanibelmarina.com ∫∫∫∫∫Snook Bight Marina, 4765 Estero Blvd., Ft. Myers Beach (239)765-4371 www.snookbightmarina.com ∫∫∫South Seas Resort and Yacht Harbour, 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva (239)472-5111 www.southseas.com ∫∫∫∫Sweetwater Landing, 16991 S.R. 31, Ft. Myers (239)694-3850 www.sweetwaterlanding.net ∫∫∫Tarpon Point Marina, 6095 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral (239)549-4900 www.tarponpoint.com
∫∫∫The Boat House of Cape Coral, 1516 SE 46th St, Cape Coral (239)549-2628 www.boathouseh2o.com
∫Tween Waters Marina, 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva (239)472-5161 www.tween-waters.com ∫∫∫York Road Marine, 3446 York Rd, St James City (239)283-1149 www.yorkroadmarine.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU/CAMERON MICHAEL PHOTOGRAPHY Bonita SpringS
Step into Downtown Bonita Springs to see the historic Liles Hotel, a butterfly garden, bandshell and the artist cottages at Riverside Park. This park, off Old 41 Road right on the Imperial River, is used for a variety of town functions - everything from holiday celebrations, art shows, festivals, Movies in the Park to the annual Celebrate Bonita Festival held every spring.
Amenities include sheltered picnic tables, park benches, and restrooms as well as a Veteran's Brick walkway and Veteran's Memorial to honor all those who have served.
A stunning fountain and an abundance of green space provide the perfect atmosphere for a bit to eat at one of the picnic shelters, or benches.
Meanwhile, the historic Liles Hotel, built in 1926, offers exhibits in the public areas of the hotel while the Imperial River cottages, restored fishing bungalows, offer a selection of handmade jewelry, paintings, sculptures and other fine arts. The Artist Cottages are open to the public on Sundays during season and offer Art Nights the fourth Wednesday of each month.
The City of Bonita Springs also provides other opportunities for individuals to enjoy the outdoors at a variety of stunning parks along the water: • Stroll down to Bonita Beach Park, a 2.5-acres of beachfront featuring a boardwalk and ample areas to take a dip in the blue water. Need a break out of the heat? Stop by one of the eight gazebo and picnic shelters surrounded by sand dunes and coastal vegetation.
• One of the last underdeveloped barrier islands on the southwest coast of Florida offers 342-acres of natural land where a shifting habitat of beach, dunes, coastal strand, maritime hammock and estuarine mangrove forest is located. Barefoot Beach Preserve, actually in Collier County, has 8,200 feet of sandy beaches for people to enjoy creating sandcastles, or splashing in the water. The preserve is also a popular attraction for avid fishermen who enjoy loosing themselves in nature while trying to catch one of the many varieties of fish. • An isolated location, Little Hickory Island Park, is located just off Little Hickory Island. Take a dip in the water, enjoy a little meal at one of the shelters or — a local favorite— cast a line in the surf. It's also a great place to take in a beautiful Florida sunset. • For those who have a furry four-legged best friend, stop by the Bonita Springs Dog Park, which has a bridge spreading across Leitner Creek providing some peace and serenity. The wooded, spacious park gives dogs 6 acres to run some of their energy off in three separated enclosures depending on the dogs size. • A popular old Florida-style attraction, Everglades Wonder Gardens provides visitors with an opportunity to travel back in time to learn about artifacts collected by Bill and Lester Piper, as well as explore the 3.5-acre botanical jungle bursting with native trees and plants. Take a moment to feed the bright pink flamingos, take a stroll through the butterfly garden and stop and view the intriguing alligators.
BOKEELIA
PHOTO BY CHARLENE RUSS
Pine island
Pine Island, often referred to as the forgotten island, is located just west of Cape Coral off Burn Store Road. Once you venture over the Matlacha Bridge -- fantastic for fishing -- you’re on island time. You’ll notice no traffic lights or high rises, which is just the way locals like it. The speed limits on this two-lane island are slower for a reason. You won’t be in a hurry to zip passed the colorful Matlacha architecture, where the streets are lined with shops, art galleries, and eateries. The historic Calusa Indians were already calling this island home as early as the 1500s, when Ponce de Leon stumbled upon them after careening his ship here.
All this and much more rich island history can be found at the Museum of the Islands where many exhibits await discovery. The volunteer-run museum now stands in what was once the island’s first library, preserving many artifacts donated by locals, many of whom are third, fourth, and even fifth generation Pine Islanders. Winter Hours (Nov. 1 - April 30) Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. 4 p.m. closed Mondays Summer Hours (May 1 - October 31) Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Group Tours available by appointment Admission $3 adults $1 children
Education abounds at the Randell Research Center in Pineland where the Calusa Heritage Trail is now open from sunrise to sunset. The store, classroom and restrooms are still closed. Bicycles are not allowed on the trail. Visitors are encouraged to maintain physical distancing and avoid touching handrails or signage to help stem the spread of COVID19.
Pine Island Tropicals in Bokeelia is a tropical plant nursery as well as an outdoor farmers market, specializing in organically grown plants and vegetables. Frequent visits to the nursery reveal the seasonality of the fruits and vegetables; therefore not all of the produce is available year-around. They continually do research and development of different plant cultivars to further not only their education but enhance the wide varieties they offer.
For over 100 years people have enjoyed fishing from the Bokeelia Fishing Pier at Bocilla Island Seaport. Located at the northern tip of Pine Island stretching into the waters of Charlotte Harbor. No fishing license is required, just come and enjoy the fun. Rod & Reel rentals available for $10 a day from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU
Cayo Costa
The Tropic Star Ferry will take you on a short ride from Pine Island to Cayo Costa, one of the area’s most beautiful islands. Here you can spend the day visiting dolphin and manatee or lengthen your stay if you enjoy camping either in a tent or rustic cabin. With miles of pristine beaches and hiking trails to discover, this is a place the family can disconnect with the mainland and reconnect with nature.
Cabbage Key
Cabbage Key is only accessible by boat. Located near marker 60 on the inter-coastal highway this 100-acre island, owned by the Wells family, proudly features the well-known Cabbage Key “open air” restaurant with its “dollar bill bar” if you’re in the mood for a bite or an historic inn and rental cottages for those who plan a longer stay than the average day-tripper.
Useppa Island
Useppa Island is located near the northern end of Pine Island Sound. Currently the home of the private Useppa Island Club, this 100-acre bridgeless private island is a destination for those who have a desire for security as well as privacy. Club membership as well as real estate inquiries invited.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU
Little Pine Island
Little Pine Island is a 4,700-acre wetland preserve found along the way from Matlacha to Greater Pine Island. Little Pine Island is an extensive coastal wetland between Pine Island and Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, whose restoration began over 23 years ago. This habitat is responsible for the discharge of organic biomass to the estuary while simultaneously supporting a diversity of wildlife. It also serves as a nursery for juvenile fish, while providing breeding areas for migratory birds.
