Re: [Paddlewise] Captiva - Sanibel Islands

Depending on how you're getting there, you can stop in Nokomis at Silent Sport Outfitters (http://www.silentsportsoutfitters.com/).  I have not seen their boats in about two years, so can't vouch for more than they are "good folks" who are very knowledgeable about their area, even able to give me advice about kid-friendly day trips that were as far south as Captiva/Sanibel.

Of course, you'd then have to haul the boats an hour or so south (though they might deliver).  That'll end up being about the same distance as Naples, depending on where in Cape Coral you're staying.

Paddling locations - Check out Don Pedro island, the area behind Gasparilla Island, Cayo Costa State Park, or head up to Stump Pass Beach/Port Charlotte Beach State Parks.  All have plenty of lightly used mangrove and flats habitat that is great to paddle, full of water birds, manatees, and fish.

I've also wanted to paddle in Charlotte Harbor, but never had the chance.

All the waters behind the islands are fine paddles in pretty much any kind of boat, so having livery paddles/PFDs/boats won't be as miserable as if you were making a major open water crossing.

I've found several online trip reports and suggestions for the area, but am at work and don't have those bookmarks available.

Hope this helps.

Wynne Eden
Americus, GA
"Leonhardt, William J" <wjleonhardt_at_bnl.gov> wrote:

>  I will be visiting the area around Cape Coral, Florida in early May.
> Captiva and Sanibel Island, among others, are nearby.  I would
> appreciate any recommendations for local outfitters where I can rent a
> proper boat and general comments about paddling opportunities in this
> area.
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