Fort Myers, Florida, is one of the Sunshine State’s most renowned boating destinations, boasting white sand beaches, unparalleled fishing, and secluded nature reserves. There’s a little something for every kind of boater once you know where to look.
Whether you’re new to the area, looking to buy your first boat, or just looking for more to do in Fort Myers, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about boating in the City of Palms.
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Popular Boating Activities in Fort Myers
Fort Myers is a boater’s paradise, offering something for every boater to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities in the area include:
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Fishing -The waters around Fort Myers are teeming with fish ready to be caught. Head to Boca Grande Pass for tarpon or Wulfert Flats off Sanibel Island for redfish and snook. The Sanibel Causeway and Matlacha Pass are also great spots for these species with plenty of trout to catch, too.
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Cruising - Fort Myers is also the perfect place to take it easy and cruise through tranquil waters. Kick back and take in stunning sunset views around Sanibel Lighthouse, or head to the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve to spot dolphins and manatees.
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Watersports - You can encounter sea turtles, sharks, and manatees while snorkeling around Sanibel and Captiva Islands or dive the USS Mohawk at Charlie’s Reef for whale sharks and barracuda. If you’d rather stay above water, the Sanibel Causeway is perfect for windsurfing, or you could go to the Caloosahatchee River for wakeboarding and waterskiing.
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Waterfront Dining - Fort Myers is the place to be for dining on the waterfront. Explore the area around Fort Myers Beach or up the Caloosahatchee River to find plenty of spots to dock and dine after a long day out on the water.
No matter what you’re after, you can get easy access to all of it from our full-service Fort Myers Marina on McGregor Boulevard. Fuel up, shop for boating and watersports accessories, or enjoy a seaside meal at Deep Lagoon Seafood all right on-site.
Must-See Boating Locations in Fort Myers
With so many sights to see, it can be hard to know where to start in Fort Myers. Here’s a rundown of the top spots you should know as a boater in the area to help you experience these waters to their fullest.
Fort Myers Beach
It’s impossible to talk about boating in Fort Myers and not mention Fort Myers Beach, a seven-mile stretch of white sand along the coast of Estero Island. Anchor up and enjoy the many restaurants and bars in the area, or take out to the water for parasailing and other watersports. If you’re looking for one spot to do it all, look no further.
Ideal For:
- Waterfront dining
- Parasailing
- Cruising
- Shopping
- Families or groups of friends
Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
Just behind Fort Myers Beach lies Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, Florida’s first aquatic nature preserve. These protected waters are home to 7,000 acres of mangrove forest, making Estero Bay a must for any nature lover. Come for fishing or the chance to see dolphins and manatees,
Ideal For:
- Fishing
- Dolphin and manatee watching
- Cruising
Nearby Islands
Fort Myers is within boating distance of many small islands, including Sanibel, Captiva, and Pine Island. These more secluded areas are the place to be to get away from the buzz of the coastline and enjoy nature. Watch a stunning sunset, snorkel with sea turtles, or fish without distractions.
Ideal For:
- Cruising
- Dining
- Snorkeling
- Fishing
Lover’s Key State Park
Once only accessible by boat, Lover’s Key State Park is a collection of islands just south of Fort Myers Beach and a must-see for nature lovers. You can spot dolphins along the shoreline, fish for redfish, trout, snook, and tarpon, or paddle through 2.5 miles of mangrove forest.
Ideal For:
- Fishing
- Cruising
- Nature watching
- Sunset views
Caloosahatchee River
Running between Fort Myers and Cape Coral is the Caloosahatchee River, a 67-mile stretch of water home to a wide range of fish species. The river itself is popular for its waterside attractions and watersports, while its hundreds of tributaries make for excellent fishing spots.
Ideal For:
- Fishing
- Cruising
- Waterskiing
- Wakeboarding
Blind Pass
If you want a secluded spot to go fishing or to watch the sun set, check out Blind Pass between Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The waters here are brimming with snook, redfish, and other species, and their biodiversity also makes the area perfect for shelling.
Ideal For:
- Fishing
- Shelling
- Nature watching
- Sunset views
Cayo Costa State Park
Boaters wanting to get away from the crowds should head north of Captiva Island to Cayo Costa State Park. This nine-mile stretch of untouched shoreline is only accessible by boat and offers pristine, secluded nature to immerse yourself in.
Ideal For:
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Nature watching
- Shelling
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Fishing
What Types of Boats are Best in Fort Myers?
Fort Myers has a lot to offer boaters, so you can enjoy the area in virtually any kind of craft. Still, if you’re in the market for a new boat, you should look for one that best suits the types of activities you hope to do around the City of Palms.
Fishing Boats
Some of the best types of boats for Fort Myers are fishing boats, considering the wealth of top-notch fishing spots in the area. While fresh and brackish water, like the Caloosahatchee River and its tributaries, offer some of the best fishing in the area, you’ll want a saltwater craft so you can also take it out into the Gulf.
Cabin Cruisers
All of the stunning beaches, nature reserves, and dock-and-dine locations around Fort Myers make it the perfect place for a cabin cruiser, too. These boats’ versatility makes them a great fit for all the many things there are to do around these waters, and having extra amenities makes it easier to spend all day out on the sea.
Sports Cruisers
If watersports are more your speed, a sports cruiser may be the best way for you to enjoy Fort Myers. The hybrid nature of these boats means you have the comfort you need to relax in the still waters at Blind Pass while having enough power to waterski and wakeboard through the Caloosahatchee River.
Fort Myers Boating FAQs
What is the Weather Like in Fort Myers?
Like much of Florida, Fort Myers has long, hot summers and relatively mild winters. Watch out for the wind if you’re heading out on the water in the winter months, and remember to pack plenty of sunscreen in the summer.
Late fall to early winter is one of the best times to take your boat out in Fort Myers. Conditions tend to be milder, the local wildlife is more active, and you’ll encounter fewer crowds, thanks to the seasonal nature of Fort Myers’ residences.
How Far is Fort Myers to Key West by Boat?
Fort Myers is roughly 130 to 140 nautical miles from Key West, depending on where exactly you’re departing from. That means you can make the trip in around seven hours going 20 knots, but you may want to give yourself more time to make a few stops and enjoy the Gulf along the way.
When is the Fort Myers Boat Show?
The annual Fort Myers Boat Show takes place every November in downtown Fort Myers. You can check out Go Boating Florida for more information, including specific dates and times.
There are plenty of other boating events in the area worth your attention, too. You can check out the Shipwrecked Yacht Rock Party in Captiva every April for live music, great food, and a great cause or participate in one of Fort Myers’ many fishing tournaments throughout the year. Holidays like Veterans Day and the Fourth of July typically bring boat parades, so there’s something for everyone at any time of the year.
Where Can I Buy a Boat in Fort Myers?
You can buy boats of all types at MarineMax Fort Myers, located right in our marina. We have been serving the City of Palms for over 25 years and carry top brands like Aquila, Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, and more. Whether you know what you’re after or need help finding the right boat for you, we have the inventory and the expertise you need to get out on the water the way you want to.
MarineMax: Your Stop for All Things Fort Myers Boating
If you’re ready to experience all Fort Myers has in store, MarineMax is here to help. You can find the right boat to enjoy these waters at our local Fort Myers store or dock and service your boat at our state-of-the-art marina.
We also regularly hold boating events in Fort Myers, from brand meetups to weekend getaways. If your boat needs servicing or repairs, we’ve got you covered, and you’re free to stop by our shop or grab a bite at Deep Lagoon Seafood, whether you’re here to stay or just stopping by.
You can call us at (239) 481-8200 or visit us at 14030 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida 33919 to learn more about all we have to offer. Whatever you’re after, MarineMax is your one-stop shop for all things boating in Fort Myers.
