Fort Myers Outdoor Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to take in Fort Myers, Florida’s amazing wildlife, and unique environment during a kayak trip along The Great Calusa Blueway. Start and stop almost anywhere you want along this 190-mile marked paddling trail that takes you through coastal waters, mangrove estuaries, and sheltered bays.

Cycling on Sanibel is a fun thing to do and a great way to get some exercise – and sightsee. More than 25 miles of easy-going bike paths crisscross Sanibel Island traveling along the canals, beaches, and preserves to the shops and restaurants.

Pick up an Island Bike Path Map at the Chamber of Commerce and plan your route. You can ride from the lighthouse and fishing pier through the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, and across Blind Pass Bridge onto Captiva. Captiva has no bike paths but welcomes cyclists. Keep your bike on the trails and off the beaches – bicycles are not permitted on either island’s beaches.

Fishing

Regardless of whether you choose to fish from the pier, shore, or aboard a charter, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for a big catch. Local inshore species include grouper, snook, sea trout, mackerel, amberjack, snapper, shark, and tarpon. In fact, tarpon migrate to the Sanibel-Captiva area from April through June making it the Tarpon capital of the world!

Florida Fishing Guidelines: Fishing varies by season, region and location. Fall, winter, and spring are generally better times to fish in Southwest Florida. Both residents and visitors must have a fishing license, although some exemptions may apply depending on the type of fishing. Anglers may also need special permits, tags or stamps if they want to keep species such as spiny lobster, tarpon or snook. Bag and size limits also apply. To learn more about Florida’s fishing regulations visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at MyFWC.com.

One thing is for sure; there are plenty of things to do in and around Fort Myers, Florida and opportunities to fill your day with non-stop action. A perfect way to cap a day filled with activities – sit back, relax and enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise.

See more things to do in Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, and Captiva Island and check out Sarasota and Naples.