A Day on Boca Grande & Outer Islands

Jump on a rented boat, take a ferry or head out on an island-hopping tour – just get out on the water to experience the most unique aspect of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Hundreds of islands punctuate Pine Island Sound, Estero Bay and Charlotte Harbor, offering cultural and natural experiences not to be missed.

Useppa Island provides a nice stopover on a Captiva Cruises tour. Have lunch at the Collier Inn and step back in time at the Barbara Sumwalt Museum. Cabbage Key, with its inn, cottages and restaurant, is an alternative for lunch in a more casual atmosphere. Climb the water tower for a spectacular view of surrounding waters and islands.

North Captiva is popular for shelling and for dining at Barnacle Phil’s (famous for its black beans). Cayo Costa is an experience unto itself. The barrier island is mostly given over to a state park, which has sweeping beaches, tent campsites, picnic tables, primitive cabins (they’re not kidding – but the bunk mattresses are quite comfy), bathrooms, showers and rare, beachfront seclusion. The cost of admission to this piece of paradise? Only $2 per person for day use.