Water Recreation 101

Learn to Windsurf and Kiteboard

Learn to skim across the waves or fly with the wind. Ace Performer rents equipment and offers windsurfing and kiteboarding lessons next to the Sanibel Causeway. Instructors promise to have you windsurfing in one hour, kiteboarding in three.

Sailing Courses

Offshore Sailing operates schools out of Captiva Island and Fort Myers Beach. From three-day US SAILING courses to advanced racing, coastal navigation and passage making, Offshore appeals to all levels of sailors. Florida Sailing & Cruising School in North Fort Myers conducts yacht-sailing courses and yacht powerboat classes. For something less formal, gather your family for private lessons with Capt. Mick Gurley of New Moon Sailing on Captiva Island.

Learn to Kayak

Most kayak tour outfitters are geared to teaching beginners the simple basics of operating their vessels. They often include intriguing lessons about the environment as well. On Sanibel, contact Tarpon Bay Explorers; on Captiva, Captiva Kayak Company; on Pine Island, Gulf Coast Kayak.

Snorkel with the Fish

If you can swim, you can snorkel, but first-timers often feel more comfortable with a few pointers before they head out. For fun and learning in the same excursion, book with Adventures in Paradise’s shelling and snorkeling cruise of the outer islands, departing from Port Sanibel Marina.

Scuba Certification

Folks often travel to the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel for the express purpose of earning their scuba certification. Underwater Explorers is THE name in Fort Myers for NAUI courses. Learn to dive during six four-hour classes, with two hours of each lesson spent in the classroom and two in the pool.

Fishing Classes at Local Park

At Lovers Key State Park in Fort Myers Beach, rangers lead fishing and castnetting programs for people of all ages.

Bait Shops

Check in with local bait shops to learn what’s biting where and for information on fishing restrictions. At Big Hickory Fishing Nook on Bonita Beach, they’ll hook you up with bait, fishing charters, a spot on the dock – even a marina-side lunch. The Bait Box on Sanibel Island hosts a Cast Net Rodeo every November. At historic Whidden’s Marina in Boca Grande, a maritime museum takes you into the past. Other favorite bait shops: Shack Baits at the Sanibel Causeway and D&D Matlacha Bait & Tackle in Matlacha.