Why You Put Fort Myers Beach on Your Vacation Short List!

Located on the southwest coast of the Sunshine State offer a laid-back alternative to an action-packed, thrill-ride vacation. Families return here year after year for the sunsets, the seashells and the seclusion. Read on to discover why your family should get in on the fun. Florida's west coast borders the Gulf of Mexico, calmer than the Atlantic side. Warm water plus smaller waves creates great beaches for families and a wonderful spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving. In 2012, the USS Mohawk was purposely sunk 30 miles offshore from Redfish Pass, which separates Captiva Island from North Captiva Island. The ship is now a reef and diving attraction. It's the first military vessel dedicated as a planned memorial reef to all U.S. veterans.

There are 190 miles of paddling trails The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail meanders through 190 miles of back bay waters and inland tributaries of the Fort Myers and Sanibel area and is navigable for beginners or more experienced paddlers. This marked canoe and kayak trail ranges from the southern end of Estero Bay all the way to the northern end of Pine Island.t's an angler's paradiseFrom March through June, fishermen arrive in Boca Grande Pass, the opening between Cayo Costa and Gasparilla Island, for the tarpon, a game fish prized because it puts up a good fight. This is where tarpon fishing got its start in the 1880s, and this area is still considered the Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World.Don't expect to see tarpon on the menus here though -- according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, tarpon are not eaten, but rather caught and then released.

Again, I always strongly recommend checking the reviews on TripAdvisor about Cottages of Paradise Point - your launch pad for Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel.  You can find ours at Read reviews.