Looking for a fun boating destination on Florida’s west coast? Have a boatload of hard-to-please passengers and crew? A cruise to Fort Myers Beach can solve a lot of problems. The island has something for everyone.  Just tie up at Salty Sam’s Marina. Take the trolley over the bridge. And, you are all set for fun in the sun. 

The list of activities available for visitors is practically endless. Here are a few of the things you can do on Fort Myers Beach: go to the movies, take an estuary nature tour, rent a jet ski or boat, play golf, play miniature golf, explore an Indian mound island, hit a tennis ball, pedal a bike, zip around on a scooter, cruise on a pirate ship, parasail, gamble on a casino boat, kayak, fish, swim, and, of course, go to the beach.

Plus, during season (November-April) yearly festivals occur on a regular basis. Wander through the sand sculpture contest and you’ll be amazed at the work of world-class artists. Take part in the blessing of the shrimp boat fleet and get a taste of local shrimp, so prized they’re referred to as “Pink Gold.” There’s even an annual Pirate Festival that will shiver your timbers. The point is, on Fort Myers Beach the fun is non-stop.

Fort Myers Beach has almost a hundred places to eat—from inexpensive take-out and fast food to the finest gourmet dining. Fresh local seafood still abounds, especially grouper, snapper, blue crab, pink Gulf shrimp, and stone crab claws, when in season (Oct. 15 - Mar. 15). Glance to the south at the top of the bridge and you’ll spot the fishing fleet docked off San Carlos Island. The trip isn’t far from the boat to your plate. And, restaurants waste no time serving it up.

When mulling mealtime options you’ll have no shortage of diversity. In addition to outrageous seafood, you may want to sample the grilled burgers, tender steaks, down-home barbeque, Italian, Asian, Latin, Greek, or German fare that fill local menus. You name it and you’ll probably find it on one of the islands. Just be sure to save room for dessert. Key Lime Pie and home-made ice cream are local specialties.

You might prefer to cook your own meals. No problem. You can find the same fresh seafood that the restaurants buy. One popular place is the Farmers Market on Friday mornings under the bridge on the beachside during the fall and winter months. Select from fish and shellfish straight off the boat. You’ll even find homegrown vegetables for sale by local farmers.

Nearby grocery stores will provide all the other ingredients for your favorite recipes without even leaving the island.

Of course, after all that food, a sunset walk along the beach is highly recommended to burn off a few extra calories.