Bill, I took in a sea kayak symposium there a few years ago. Very nice spot. I do recall a local outfitter from Ft Myers and I believe the motel on Captiva rented kayaks. Derek Hutchinson took us for a trip through the mangroves for a very pleasant outing, and I would also recommend the bird sanctuary on Sanibel. :) Jim Meldrum Alberta, Canada ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:03:37 -0400 From: "Leonhardt, William J" <wjleonhardt_at_bnl.gov> Subject: [Paddlewise] Outfitter recommendations, Cape Coral, FL 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 abput paddling opportunities in this area. Thanks, Bill Leonhardt ------------------------------ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
"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. Bill, we rented a double there last year; used an outfitter in Naples; pretty sure this was the one: http://www.saltwatersportsflorida.com/ . Most outfitters rent plastic recreational boats. This guy in Naples has better boats. Bit of a drive from Naples to Captiva/Sanibel, but he does deliver boats, for a price, I believe. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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