6 minute read
Water Ways
Aquatic adventures await you in Naples, on, above and below the waves.
By Jeffrey Laign
Aquatic adventures await you in Naples, on, above and below the waves. Glide across the water on paddle boards and kayaks. Meet alligators while riding an iconic airboat, check out a signature swamp buggy or take in a bird’s-eye view of the Gulf on a parasailing excursion. Your options are practically endless. So, what are you waiting for? Jump right in and enjoy some water play!
Boating & Cruising
You can rent any kind of vessel in Naples, from motorboats and sailboats to deck boats and catamarans. Take off on your own vessel or book a private charter boat with a captain. Skilled airboat captains can whisk you across the fabled sea of grass at Everglades National Park, offering upclose encounters with alligators, water birds and other endemic species. Spend an unforgettable day island-hopping or book an excursion to Keewaydin Island for some of the best shelling and swimming in the area.
If cruising is more your style, relax and enjoy the sea breeze as your cruise captain points out the sights and the diversity of wildlife along the way. Spend the afternoon island-hopping, dolphinspotting or both! And don’t deny yourself the chance to rekindle romance on a sunset cruise aboard the iconic luxury yacht Naples Princess.
Make a Splash
Stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP as it’s widely known, is an increasingly popular sport you can try right off shore at Naples Grande Beach Resort. Have a few laughs and test your balance as you stand up on your board and propel yourself along the water with a long paddle. You can also skim the surface while kitesurfi ng and windsurfi ng for a thrilling adventure. Take a class and give it a try!
Straddle a Jet Ski or WaveRunner and satisfy your need for speed. Choose from several water bikes at All Water Excursions. Zip around by yourself or cut across Naples Bay on a guided tour where you may be joined by dolphins. It’s a fast and furious adventure you’ll remember long after you return home from your Naples getaway.
Under the Sea
Grab your mask and fi ns and head for Clam Pass Beach, just four minutes from Naples Grande. Snorkeling is easier than diving and fun for children and adults — and you don’t have to worry about certification. You’ll be surprised at how much you can see from the surface!
Experienced cave divers rave about the Black Hole, a 100-foot-diameter opening that leads to an ancient sinkhole spring. Others endeavor to fathom the mysteries of sunken ships, explore vibrant coral reefs and hang out with titan turtles and schools of multihued fish. Dive companies will set you up with transportation and gear. Many also offer classes if you aren’t certified to dive.
Ecotouring
What better way to learn about the environment as you make new friends and memories than on a guided tour? Manatee Sightseeing EcoTours offers close encounters with the gentle, lumbering sea cows. You can also board Sweet Liberty, the largest and longest-running sailing catamaran in Naples, for an unforgettable shelling cruise to Keewaydin Island.
The Paradise Coast Blueway is a network of routes that lead kayakers and canoers on an exciting journey through mangroves out to the Gulf. Experienced guides will point out natural treasures as you paddle your way along the tranquil waters of the Cocohatchee River.
Reel Them In
Anglers are hooked on Naples and its array of reel excursions, from deep-sea trolling to flyfishing in tarpon-rich tidal rivers and backcountry creeks. Snook, flounder and jack thrive in the waters that surround the barrier islands; and you can imagine the thrill of landing a red grouper, mangrove snapper, kingfish or shark. Sheepshead and ladyfish congregate in the waters off the historic pier at Naples Municipal Beach, where you don’t need a license to drop your hook.
Novices and pros alike benefi t from a day aboard the new Sea Flight fl eet at Pure Florida. M/V Sea Flight is the public charter vessel that boasts the widest deck space, off ering plenty of space to reel in the fi sh. The vessel has covered and padded seating for the ride out and a full restroom. The experienced captain and crew will fi nd the right spots and can help get the fi sh biting. M/V Sea Flight II is the newest private fi shing vessel, off ering comfort and power for faster speeds to deeper waters. Choose from a four-, six- or eight-hour trip with plenty of fi shing time. Pure Florida provides everything, including licenses, rods, reels, bait and tackle. You only need to show up! At the end of the trip, all keeper fi sh are cleaned, fi lleted and put on ice to either take home or take to be prepared at one of the Tin City restaurants. How’s that for fresh seafood?
Backwater Calm Bay Fishing trips are a great option for people who want less turbulence than deep sea and for families with younger children who want to join in the fi shing fun. These three-and-a-half-hour fi shing trips take guests to fi sh along the coastal islands, where the views are gorgeous and the fi shing is just as fun! Be on the lookout for dolphins — they are fun to watch, but they will not hesitate to beat you to your catch. This option off ers an ideal combination of eco-cruising and fi shing excitement.
Bird’s-Eye Views
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views on a parasailing excursion over the pristine waters of the Gulf. Marco Island Watersports can make it happen. Strap on a jetpack or boot up on a water-propelled fl yboard and channel your inner superhero. Ask your concierge for details on booking a fl ight aboard a seaplane to take in majestic views of Mother Nature.
