Nothing like living on an island and having your own boat! Especially when it’s low-maintenance and good for your health! Yes, I am talking about a kayak! After extensive research, I, #pearltheblogger, purchased this green, fiberglass beauty in 2020 that met all my requirements. I wanted a sit-upon kayak that would fit in my SUV and was easy to lift. You can see how the dovetail joints slide together for easy assembly. A little water may get through the cracks, but it’s not a big problem.
There are many places to launch a kayak on our islands, including Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Dixie Beach and Bowman’s Beach. If you need to rent a kayak, stop at Tarpon Bay Explorers who will fit you with the perfect vessel for your paddle through Commodore Trail. While you are there, stop in the gift shop and buy a waterproof case for your keys and phone. Caution! It’s a great gift shop and you may be tempted to pick up additional treasures!
My personal favorite kayaking spot on Sanibel is Bowman’s Beach bayous, named after an early homesteader. After Hurricane Ian damaged the kayak dock, Lee County and the City of Sanibel installed this amazing handicap-accessible launch system. Plan your paddle at the conveniently located map next to the dock. And there is still space next to the metal system to set sail the old-fashioned way by pulling your kayak into the water, jumping onboard and paddling away.
And off you go to commune with nature, up close and personal! There have been many times when we do not see any other kayakers but we do see fish jumping (snook? and why do fish jump anyway??) eagles, seagulls, ibis and cormorants. But it would be hard to top the experience of having a small herd of manatees play around our kayaks for at least 10 minutes. Once we saw them in the distance, we stopped paddling and stayed quiet as they approached to investigate our presence. One of them raised their head above the water and tried to bite the short rope handle dangling on the side of my friend’s kayak! I found myself yelling “Down! Down!” like it was a Golden Retriever! And it worked! They swam away and the kayak stayed upright. We have an incredibly special memory of that day and our close encounter with the manatees!
You never know what you are going to see in or around the beautiful islands of Sanibel and Captiva! Have I mentioned the dolphin we saw “scratching its back” on a seawall when we launched our kayaks at Dixie Beach Park? Come to this island paradise and experience it for yourself! This is no theme park! It’s the real deal! Warning: You may fall in love with the islands and decide to live here like I did! Stop in and visit the #1 Realtor on the islands, VIP Realty Group, 1560 Periwinkle Way. These experienced and knowledgeable professionals can answer all your questions about island life!
VIP Realty Group, 1560 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 239-472-5187
#VIPrealtygroupsanibel #sanibelvacationrentals #StillParadiseSanibelCaptiva #SanibelShells #TarponBayExplorers #BowmansBeach #DingDarlingWildlifeRefuge #Pearlthe blogger