Things To Do by Boat
Dolphins, shells, island beaches and lunch by the water: here's how guests of Paradise Boat Rentals spend a boat day.
Things To Do
Plan Your Days on the Water
Some of the best things to do in Cape Coral happen on the water. The city is laced with canals, and the Caloosahatchee River runs out to San Carlos Bay, with Pine Island Sound beyond. Rent a boat from Paradise Boat Rentals and the day is yours: watch for dolphins, look for shells on an island beach, or tie up for lunch. Every rental comes with a captain's orientation and a map marked with spots to stop, eat and relax. Start by picking a boat that fits your group.
Fun Things To Do in Cape Coral by Boat
Dolphin WatchingDolphins live in these waters and often turn up in the river, the bay and the sound. Your map shows good places to look.Plan It
Go ShellingReach Sanibel's shelling beaches and the boat-only islands to the north at your own pace.Plan It
Waterfront DiningPull up to a restaurant by the water for lunch, from the river to Cabbage Key.Plan It
FishingCenter consoles and deck boats with live wells, plus a Fishing Package you can add.Plan ItIslands Near Cape Coral You Can Reach by Boat
West of Cape Coral, a string of barrier islands lines the Gulf. Two have bridges and two don't, and a boat is the easiest way to see all of them.
Farther up Pine Island Sound, Cabbage Key is a small island reachable only by boat, with an old-Florida restaurant. Boca Grande sits at the north end of Gasparilla Island. Ask your captain at orientation which stops make sense for your boat and the day's tides.
Boating in Cape Coral: Plan Around Tides and Weather
Much of the water inside the islands is shallow, and the tide decides where you can go. Your captain goes over tides and the places not to go before you leave, and the boat's GPS and paper map help you stay in deeper water. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms, so start early and keep an eye on the sky. If the wind picks up, it's fine to stay in the river and the canals, which are calmer than open water.
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Pontoons are not approved for the Gulf, but the inside waters are fine: the river, San Carlos Bay and Pine Island Sound. Many island beaches face those inside waters. For Gulf runs, ask about a deck boat or center console.
Will you show me where to go?
Yes. At orientation a licensed captain goes over the GPS and a paper map with spots to stop, eat and relax, where not to go, and how the tides work.
What should I pack for a day on the boat?
Sunscreen, hats, water, snacks and a cooler of ice go a long way. Our marina store sells ice, sunblock and hats, and you can add beach chairs, umbrellas and other gear from our accessories list.
Book Now
Plan Your Boat Day
Paradise Boat Rentals rents self-drive boats from our Cape Coral marina for days on the water around Southwest Florida. Guests head out toward North Captiva and Cayo Costa, or stay down in Fort Myers Beach, and plenty spend an easy day around Pine Island. Book Now or call (239) 758-9512 to plan yours.
Open daily 9am–5pm