Sanibel/Captive has its shelling and out-island charm, Ft. Myers has its history, North Ft. Myers has is diversity, but Ft. Myers Beach is where the action is. This is where you'll find a more typical beach lifestyle of sun tanning, Tee Shirt shops, great restaraunts, and wonderful shop browsing. Look to these sites for the action:
Sightseeing from the water is the ideal way to enjoy the nature and wildlife of Estero Island. Climb aboard the 40-foot pontoon boat "Pelican Queen" for a sightseeing nature cruise on Estero Bay, where you will almost always see a variety of local birds, dolphin and an occasional manatee. This $12.50 cruise departs at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. On Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $20 a person, the "Pelican Queen" also takes shellseekers on a voyage to Big Hickory Island, which is only accessible by boat. For sailors, Island Water Tours can arrange private, six-passenger, luxury sailing cruises. Half and full-day cruises on the Gulf of Mexico are also offered. Archeological tours are available and there is also a 4- hour bay fishing trip for $24.50 per adult, $20.50 per senior and child every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m. - noon. Location: Best Western Pink Shell Beach & Bay Resort, 275 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33931; (941) 765-4354.
The Gulf awaits you on a 6-hour, day or evening cruise aboard the SeaKruz. Your SeaKruz includes a full tableside meal, live entertainment, dancing, passenger games, contests, and the challenge of a Las Vegas-style casino. The full casino features blackjack, craps, roulette, Oasis Stud poker, slot machines and video poker. Location: Palm Grove Marina, 2500 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; (941) 463-5000.
"The Entertainer" offers casino only cruises twice daily for $15.95. Brunch is available for an additional $10. 50 per person. Dinner cruises depart at 6:45 p.m. daily. Location: Player's Landing, 2080 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; (941) 765-1111 for reservations and cruise schedules .
The 72-foot, 49-passenger topsail schooner "Island Rover" takes sightseers on a two-hour sailing adventure on the Gulf of Mexico. It is also available for private charters. Cruise times vary. Location: Snug Harbor Restaurant Marina, 645 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 3393 1; (941) 765-7447.
Enjoy Estero Bay from the water on this 45-foot pontoon boat that can take up to 49 passengers. Nature/dolphin watch cruises are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Saturday and cost $15. Call the marina for times and days of sunset cruises, which also cost $1 5 . Reservations required. Location: Getaway Marina, 18400 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; (941) 466-3600 in the daytime or (941) 489-1626 in the evening.
All day and half-day deep-sea fishing runs daily on a 90-foot party boat. Half-day fishing is $25, leaving at 9 a.m. and returning at 2 p.m. All day is $40, leaving at 8 a.m. and returning at 5 p.m. Rod, reel, bait, and tackle are included. Charter boats are also available. Location: Getaway Marina, 18400 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; (941) 466-3600.