SWFL Boating Destinations

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Southwest Florida is notorious for its beautiful boating destinations. Taking the boat out on the water is a great way to relax, spend time with loved ones and enjoy the beautiful weather. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing getaway, Southwest Florida doesn’t disappoint. Boating destinations can range from overnight stays at marinas, seashell hunting, or snorkeling for wildlife. With so many choices, it can seem overwhelming. However, we don’t want you missing out on the beauty and adventure that Florida has to offer, so we took the liberty to compile a list of our top six boating destinations that you shouldn’t miss.

Big Hickory Island

If you’re looking for more action and people, the northern end of this island is the prime place to go. Visitors from Pelican Landing and the Hyatt tend to stay in this area that has more to offer. However, for a more serene getaway, the sound end of Big Hickory Island is ideal. Big Hickory Island has a picturesque look with its driftwood, seashells, and beautiful waters, and it’s also near Bonita Beach. Boaters can access the island by going through Hogue or Broadway Channel under the Little Carlos Bridge.

Keewaydin Island

Keewaydin Island is the ocean lover’s little taste of paradise. The beautiful island stretches for eight miles and is home to the largest nesting area in Southwest Florida for loggerhead turtles. Other animals such as snowy plovers and even panthers reside on the island. The island’s climate, like most beaches, has extra dry patches of land where cactus abundantly grow. Not to mention, the island also contains a hidden mangrove tunnel tucked away between the mangroves and opens up into a water court. So if you’re looking for an island to document and feel adventurous, look no further than Keewaydin Island.

Cabbage Key

Right along the coast, Cabbage Key is a small and intimate island for boaters. This area is more civilized and has a restaurant, rental cottages, and a historic inn for boaters. The restaurant is located on top of a 38-foot Indian shell mound and offers beautiful views to its guests. Docks are first come-first serve, so try to make an effort to arrive earlier in the day. The island contains 100 acres of tropical vegetation that have been untouched by cars or cement.

Captiva Island

If you’re looking for a less rustic and more luxurious boating experience, venture out to Captiva Island. With multiple marinas and resorts, you are likely to find a comfortable, luxurious stay on the island. The island features a tropical downtown area with a large variety of stores, bars, and restaurants. You’ll never be bored on this island with its numerous events and live music scene that happen year-round. At the famous, family-friendly South Seas Island Resort, there are varying restaurant options, a waterpark, and a golf course along the water. Transportation options for getting around at the South Seas Island Resort include cars, bicycles, or golf carts. South Seas Island Resort is a fantastic getaway for a trip with friends and family, or even by yourself!

Rookery Islands

Sadly, these islands are not ones that you can set foot on and explore. However, they still make our list for their interesting and captivating look. Birds love to migrate to these islands and reside there - probably for the lack of people. You can spot pelicans, cormorants, ibis, and various other birds all living on the branches at night. The islands are a bit complex and scattered. For first-time boaters, taking a guided tour is the wisest decision to make.

Cayo Costa

The first thing you should do is Google this island to get a glimpse of how beautiful it is. If you’re on the hunt for a place to “get away from it all,” look no further than Cayo Costa. With its long stretch of white, sandy beaches and beautiful clear water, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise. Cayo Costa is perfect for a private single boat experience or a getaway with close family and friends. Pack a dinner, grab the Bluetooth speaker, and have a small private party on the beach. It’s also reasonably close to Cabbage Key, so you could visit other islands afterwards as well if you so desired.

With the chaos that comes with life, it’s sometimes necessary to grab your essentials, gas up your boat, and go wherever the wind takes you. At Tropic Trailer, we understand the importance and need for travel - which is why we want to provide you with the necessary tools to help you get there. We offer a wide variety of trailer parts and trailers for your boating experience. The better you prepare now, the more fun you can have later. So which one of these boating locations will be your next adventure?