Learning to Sail in Sanibel and Captiva

Sanibel and Captiva Islands, just to the south of Fort Myers, offer some of the best sailing waters around. These islands are surrounded by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The seas here tend to be tranquil and inviting and, since the 1960s, literally hundreds of thousands of people have obtained their sailing license on these islands. The main schools can be found on the island of Sanibel. Sanibel is the larger of the two islands and the home of most of its commercial and tourist development.

Not only does Sanibel offer sailing instruction from various providers, it also represents one of the best places to go sailing. Whether one is a novice or an old salt, there are truly wondrous places to explore near these islands. Tarpon Bay is situated on the northeastern section of the island. This bay is home to both bottlenose dolphins and manatees. Both of these creatures are renowned for their intelligence and their gentle nature. One may ply the bay in search of these mammals and, if one wishes, one may take a swim with the mammals, as well. Be certain to obey any speed restrictions to protect the manatees.

While eco tourism may be a huge draw on this island, those who have learned to sail can take advantage of another huge draw: fishing. There are great numbers of game fish in this area, including shark and redfish. Of course, should the spirit overcome one, one may take off for lands further offshore. Sanibel and Captiva both enjoy proximity to all that Fort Myers has to offer in addition to being close to other islands. New sailors can test their skills by heading to more distant destinations and enjoying the island view as they sail!