Many of the adventures in the paradise of Sanibel involve exploring the extensive wildlife refuges. A full half of this island is set aside as a national wildlife refuge. The most famous of these protected areas is the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Kayaking Sanibel and Captiva oftentimes means starting out in this area. There are several advantages to taking a quiet mode of transportation, such as a canoe or a kayak, though this and other areas. There is a huge population of birds in this area and numerous water-dwelling creatures. A quiet passage ensures the closest possible contact with them.

Kayaking Sanibel and Captiva Islands is best done with the assistance of a guide. Guides may be contracted privately or one may make use of the various organizations that offer educational excursions through the island’s various natural areas. Either way, one is ensured a much more substantial experience than would be had if one were to simply venture out on their own. Many individuals dedicate their lives to studying the various wildlife and plants that inhabit the island environs and are more than happy to share that knowledge with those who choose to vacation on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.

Fantastic ECO Adventures await you on Sanibel and Captiva!

Tarpon Bay Explorers on Sanibel offers several different Sanibel kayaking packages for getting out and exploring the natural environs and kayaking Sanibel. The company offers several different styles of watercraft for hire and, provided with proper safety training, adventurers can set out to explore some of the most wild and exciting environments to be found anywhere. The company has enough watercraft to ensure that just about everyone will be able to find something suitable for their needs. These quiet and easy to use crafts ensure that one can get into sensitive environments without disturbing the wildlife that calls it home. Of course, they also offer great guided tours of mangrove trails and Tarpon Bay. They even have a guided sunset Sanibel kayaking trip perfect for observing all the birds as they come to roost for the night.

The Adventure Sea Kayak & SUP takes adventurers out into both the interior waterways and the coastal waters to explore some of the fascinating life forms to be found in both. The population of bottlenose dolphins around Sanibel and Captiva is the largest anywhere and travelers will delight in getting up close and personal with these curious and astoundingly-intelligent mammals. Manatees also ply these waters and their peaceful and friendly nature makes them a favorite with tourists. Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding Captiva Island ensures that tourists leave the island with something far more precious than pictures: an appreciation for the environment.

Sanibel Island water sports start with getting the right equipment. For those who enjoy yachting and sailing, the Sanibel Marina and Port Sanibel Marina will both provide facilities for pleasure craft. For those who like a more personal relationship between themselves and the water, there are businesses on the islands that will rent equipment such as jet skis, waverunners and other small motor craft. Exploring the islands and Sanibel water sports from the ocean is one of the most popular and gratifying activities in the area. The island’s pristine waterways ensure that the experience is always the most exciting and beautiful possible.

Sanibel Marina is more welcoming than the average slip facility. While many such marinas are very exclusive affairs, the Sanibel Marina welcomes all, whether they arrive on a 50 foot yacht or a wave runner. Port Sanibel Marina is off-island but is a great starting point to make their way to the islands or to engage in water sports. The marinas monitor radio traffic on specific frequencies during certain hours so be sure to check ahead before making one’s way to any of the island’s docking facilities.

Water Sports Fun for the entire family on Sanibel and Captiva!

Captiva Island is famous for the environmental-consciousness of its residents. To that end, Yolo Watersports offers visitors modes of transportation that are both fun and friendly to the island environs. One can rent wave runners, paddle boards, sailboats, surfboards, skimboards, bodyboards to the excitement of parasailing adventures. The company devotes a lot of its time to keeping the island clean, volunteering for the various trash pick-ups and beautification projects that bring many of the islanders together. The company also rents land transportation including scooters and scooter coupes. The former require motorcycle experience on the part of the customer.

Anyone visiting the various Sanibel and Captiva marina facilities or renting water sports equipment on the island should be aware of local concerns and regulations. Harassing dolphins or manatees is specifically prohibited by the law and carries heavy penalties. There are areas of water where speed is limited by law. This is to protect the manatee population. These ocean herbivores graze in shallow waters, close to the surface. The local businesses and marinas will have information on how to enjoy Sanibel and Captiva water sports and the environment while helping to keep the wildlife safe and healthy.