Boat charters are the way to go

By BYRON STOUT
bstout@news-press.com

MANATEE CRUISE: Capt. Jerry Nappi greets passengers as they board the J.C. Cruises manatee tour, which leaves from the Fort Myers Yacht Basin at 10 a.m. The jungle cruise boat has been touring the river for about 40 years. (The News-Press file photos)

BE IT UP a lazy river or sailing along on moonlit bays, you can have it all in Southwest Florida. And perhaps the best news is you can have it without a monthly payment if you take a cruise or charter a boat. It's a great way to look before you buy, and someone else even cleans up after you.

Here are some of the boat tours available in Southwest Florida:

Charlotte County

KING FISHER CHARTER BOATS: A variety of cruises to Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa as well as sunset cruises, a harbor cruise and a Peace River cruise. Also offered: deep-sea fishing charter boats and back-country guide boats. Location: Fishermen's Village, Punta Gorda. Cruise costs: $5 to $18.95. Call (941) 639-0969.

Estero Bay

CALUSA COAST OUTFITTERS: Nature, history and ecological tours, including tours to the back bay, Mound Key, Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa. Location: Fish Tale Marina, Fort Myers Beach. Call 332-0709.

DOCKSIDE BOAT RENTALS: 33-foot pontoon boat with four-hour fishing and shelling trips, or 11/2-hour nature tours. Private trips available. Location: Pink Shell Resort, 275 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach; reservations preferred, 765-4433.

ESTERO BAY BOAT TOURS: Two-hour nature and history tours in Estero Bay. Location: end of Coconut Road in Weeks Fish Camp, Bonita Springs. Cost: $12. Call 992-2200.

FALCON FLEET: 110-foot supercruisers take day trips from Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island to Key West and back. Location: Palm Grove Marina, 2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach, $99. Snook Inn, Marco Island, $89; Call (941) 642-1166 or (888) KEY-BOAT.

GETAWAY MARINA: Half-day and all-day fishing and dive trips. Location: 18400 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Cost: $30 to $45 for fishing. Call 466-3600.

ISLAND WATER TOURS: Nature and fishing tours in Estero Bay and elsewhere. Location: Mid-Island Marina, 4765 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Cost: $12.50 to $25. Call 765-4354.

KEY WEST EXCURSIONS: Travels from Fort Myers Beach and Marco to Key West on 92-foot catamaran. Location: Gulf Star Marina, 706 Fishermen's Wharf, Fort Myers Beach; 1081 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island. Cost: $95. Call (941) 263-3900.

SAND DOLLAR CRUISES: 49-passenger pontoon boat offers 2-hour dolphin watch and sightseeing at noon; sunset cruises Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. Adults $17, younger than 12 $7.50. Location: M&M Marine, 18901 San Carlos Blvd. at the foot of the Hurricane Pass Bridge. Call 489-1626.

Everglades

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK BOAT TOURS: Daily 90-minute cruises through the Everglades. Location: National Park Ranger Station in Everglades City. Cost: $13 adults, $6.50 children 6-12. No reservations accepted. Call (941) 695-2591 or (800) 445-7724.

WOOTEN'S EVERGLADES AIRBOAT TOURS: Daily 30-minute tours on airboats or swamp buggies through mangroves, grasslands and cypress swamps. Location: U.S. 41 in Ochopee. Cost: $12.50. Call (800) 282-2781.

Fort Myers

J.C. CRUISES: Variety of cruises from manatee-watching tours to Okeechobee dinner cruises. Location: Fort Myers Yacht Basin, Edwards Drive, Fort Myers. Cost: From $12 to $74. Call 334-7474 or 334-2743.

MANATEE & ECO TOURS: Four trips daily cruising up the Orange River for manatee watching. Location: Coastal Marine Mart on State Route 80, east of Interstate 75. Cost: $12.75, $6.75 children less than 12. Call 693-1434.

Gambling boats

EUROPA SEAKRUZ: Day and evening gambling cruises from Fort Myers Beach to international waters. Location: 645 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Cost: $30; Saturday nights $35. Call 463-5000.

Naples area

FALCON FLEET: 110-foot supercruisers take day trips from Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island to Key West and back. Location: Palm Grove Marina, 2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach, $99. Snook Inn, Marco Island, $89; Call (941) 642-1166 or (888) KEY-BOAT.

KEY WEST EXCURSIONS: Travels from Fort Myers Beach and Marco to Key West on 92-foot catamaran. Location: Gulf Star Marina, 706 Fishermen's Wharf, Fort Myers Beach; 1081 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island. Cost: $95. Call (941) 263-3900.

LADY BRETT INC.: Half-day offshore fishing cruises and 90-minute dolphin-watching trips and sunset cruises in Naples Bay. Location: U.S. 41, Tin City, Naples. Cost: Fishing, $45; cruises, $20. Call (941) 263-4949.

MARCO ISLAND SEA EXCURSIONS: This operation is not a boat, but acts as a travel agent for many fishing, shelling, sight-seeing and dinner cruising boats in the Naples-Marco Island area. Location: Factory Bay Marina, 1079 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island. Cost: Sea Excursions charges the same prices as the boats do. Call (941) 642-6400.

Pine Island

GULF COAST KAYAK: Guided three- to four-hour nature tours with kayak paddling instructions, Matlacha Pass back county. $35 per person, single or double kayaks. Call for location: 283-1125.

TROPIC STAR CRUISE BOAT: Daylong tour to Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa State Park. Kayak rentals at Cayo Costa state dock and 8135 Main St., Bokeelia. Location: Four Winds Marina, 16501 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia. Cost: $20 adults, $12 children younger than 12. Call 283-0015.

Sanibel/Captiva area

CAPTIVA CRUISES: One- to 11/2-hour wildlife, natural history and sunset cruises off Captiva Island. Also island destination cruises to Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Cayo Costa. Location: South Seas Plantation, Captiva. Cost: $17.50 to $27.50. Reservations required. Call 472-5300.

SANIBEL HARBOUR RESORT: 90-minute dolphin-watching, half-day shelling tours to Cayo Costa, three-hour fishing trips in San Carlos Bay and two-hour sunset and hors d'oeuvres or dinner tours. Location: Sanibel Harbour Resort, on the mainland just before the Causeway. Cost: $15 to $35. Call 466-4000 and ask for Sunsports.

WaterFrontFortMyers.com-Pet Friendly-located on the Carolina Ave. canal with boat dock available and solar heated pool (Time Square area of Estero Island) and only 150 yards to the beautiful white sands of Estero Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Be in the Gulf of Mexico within 1 minute from our boat docks. WaterfrontFortMyers.com provides free bikes available upon request, free fishing on our docks, free wireless internet access, and laundry facility. We are located on the Carolina Ave. canal street facing Hooters Restaurant, and 300 yards away from the Beached Whale restaurant in theTime Square area of Fort Myers Beach . Our location is quiet and peaceful.

Estero Island bird watching fun in the sun boating Twins Spring Season manatee tours Indian mounds golf courses Big M casino boat Red Sox Spring Season dolphin tours Caloosahatchee river tours charter boats Key West shuttle Stars and Strips for charter everglade tours Hurricane Charlie '04 snorkeling Salty Sams Marina beach cruises Edison & Ford Estates Fort Myers world famous Tanger outlet stores FMB Time Square prehistoric sharks restaurants Disney World fishing butterflies Lover's Key Shell Factory restaurant reviews History of Estero Island Panoramic view Time Square area attractions Must see Eco-Archaeo Trail

CHECK-IN: Check-in time is after 3:00 P.M EASTERN TIME. During peak season some units may not be ready by 3:00 P.M. Your patience will be appreciated. Arrivals will find the lockbox combination on their front door knob. Please check-in at the Rental Unit you are assigned. If you discover any deficiencies in the inventory or damage to the property upon your arrival, it is your responsibility to immediately inform WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. so you are not held responsible for the cost of repairing and/or replacing same.

OCCUPANCY: WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. is very serious about maintaining a family atmosphere for the quiet enjoyment of all our guests. We will rent to families and RESPONSIBLE ADULTS over the age of 25, proof of age is required. The total number of persons allowed in the unit at any time is restricted to the stated limit for each property. Absolutely no house/pool parties allowed. Any violators will be ejected according to F. S. 509.141 and will be billed for any damages. Augustine suite max 6 people, 8 people with additional $100 fee per person per week, Aquinas suite max 4 people, Reagan suite max 3 people, and Schaeffer suite max 2 people.

FALSIFIED RESERVATION: Any reservation obtained under false pretense will be subject to forfeiture of any rental prepayments. Guests will not be permitted to check-in.

ABSOLUTELY NO PETS are allowed unless you receive permission (those units that do allow pets, which must be specifically requested in advance). The number of pets must be declared and no unit is to exceed one dog or one cat- pet breed must be identified. Exceptions are made on an individual basis for two dogs but this must be requested in advance. Additional refundable pet fee have been waived on those units that do permit pets for one dog. A $100.00 non-refundable pet fee is required before occupancy for those people who have been given permission for two dogs, plus an 11% tax will be added to the cleaning and administrative fees. At all times, pet owners are required to clean up after their pets. If any evidence of a pet (s) is found in your unit or on the premises without prior permission, you will be asked to vacate immediately with no refund of any payments.

UNIT ASSIGNMENTS: We reserve the right to change unit assignments at our sole discretion without prior written notice and without any refund, this clause rarely happening. When you confirm a reservation, a unit will be assigned, however, no request or a specific unit is guaranteed. If a unit change becomes necessary, every attempt will be made to contact you by mail with a new confirmation and/or by a telephone call.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: All on-line or phone bookings require an initial pre-payment of $300 - $500 via paypal or check. The final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival by paypal, cash, check, traveler's checks or bank money orders. All rates are subject to Florida state and local taxes. Should your personal check be returned for any reason, there will be a $35.00 returned check fee added to your balance.

HOUSEKEEPING: NO DAILY MAID SERVICE! Rates include housekeeping service only upon arrival/departure. Linens and bath towels are provided and are not to be taken from the unit. We suggest you bring beach towels. Housekeeping provides initial set-ups of paper towels, bathroom tissue, bath soap, trash can liners and may include single use dishwashing soap. The property is equipped with coin laundry located in the front of the complex facing Carolina Ave. If you wish to have additional service through your stay, we can accommodate this request for an additional charge.

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURE: CHECK-OUT time is prior to 10:00 A.M. DO NOT LEAVE KEYS IN THE PROPERTY!

All keys must be returned to the Lockbox that is located on your front door knob, there is a $50.00 fee for each unreturned key. We ask that you leave the property neat and orderly. All units are inspected before and after each occupancy.

CLEAN-UP AT CHECK-OUT: Place all debris, garbage and discards outside in proper containers located on the left side of the parking lot if you are facing the complex from Carolina Ave. Soiled dishes must be placed in dishwasher and cleaned. Up to three loads of laundry are o.k. Don't make your bed (.you are on vacation until you get home). Unit must be left in a neat and orderly condition (there is a minimum $50.00 charge if extra cleaning and rearranging of the furniture is required).

All windows/doors must be closed and locked.

PLEASE NOTE: IF EXPENSES ARE INCURRED TO REPAIR DAMAGE, REPLACE MISSING ITEMS, PAY FOR EXTRA CLEANING OR ANY OTHER VIOLATIONS OF THE RENTAL POLICY AS A RESULT OF YOUR STAY, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD TO OFFSET EXPENSES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.

LOCKOUTS: If you lock yourself out of your property after office hours, you can call our emergency phone number 239-826-6460 . Our emergency service will either allow you back in for a cash fee of $50.00 or contact a local Locksmith to allow you back in the property. You will be responsible for paying any applicable fees directly to the emergency service or the locksmith at the time they come out.

CANCELLATIONS: Reservation prepayments will NOT be refunded unless the unit is re-rented for the same rental payment and time period reserved. If refunded WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. will retain $100.00 plus 11% taxes for a service fee. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance for your protection.

CANCELLATIONS OR EARLY DEPARTURES FOR ANY REASON (EXCLUDING MANDATORY EVACUATION) DO NOT WARRANT ANY REFUND OF PREPAYMENTS OR RENT. Room changes are considered the same as a cancellation since the properties are individually owned.

DAMAGES: Damages must not be the result of willful, wanton or grossly negligent behavior, or damages by a pet. WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. has the final judgment in all instances. You must furnish a credit card to be used as a line of credit in case damages are deemed intentional. PLEASE NOTE: IF EXPENSES ARE INCURRED TO REPAIR DAMAGE, REPLACE MISSING ITEMS, PAY FOR EXTRA CLEANING OR ANY OTHER VIOLATION OF THE RENTAL POLICY AS A RESULT OF YOUR STAY, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD TO OFFSET EXPENSES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DAMAGES: By taking occupancy of the property, you agree to WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. to have an equitable lien on your personal and real property, wherever located, to secure payment of costs relating to damages. Your further agree that WaterfrontFortMyers Inc.. may enforce its claim of lien against you by foreclosing on your real property and/0r obtaining a judgment against you. You acknowledge and agree that WaterfrontFortMyers Inc.. right to enforce such lien is not an unreasonable penalty or forfeiture.

UTILITIES: No compensation will be given for temporary outage of electricity, gas, water, cable or telephone service. Outages should be reported immediately and all efforts will be made to have them restored as soon as possible. The operation and maintenance of these utilities is out of the control of the owner/ WaterfrontFortMyers.

PHONE SERVICE: There is no charge for local calls. All units have a party line and long distance phone calls are blocked, No International calls allowed unless charged to your phone card. The phone number for all units is 239-463-2583 .

ITEMS LEFT IN UNIT: WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. is not responsible for personal items left in a unit. If items are found and you wish them returned, there will be a $ 35.00 service charge plus shipping costs.

FURNISHINGS: Our vacation rentals are individually owned and furnished.

· Please do not rearrange the furniture, take any items outside that are part of the interior décor, move any furnishings or kitchen items to another unit.

· You will be charged if we have to rearrange the furniture after your stay. The unit descriptions were correct at the time of printing, but subsequent owner renovations may have resulted in changes. Although every effort has been made for accuracy, WaterfrontFortMyers is not responsible for errors, for property changes made by the owners, or for any conditions beyond our control upon arrival.

· NOTE: Rental agent represents property to the best of his/her ability and assumes no liability for errors or omissions. Since the premises are privately owned, WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. shall be responsible for any additional furnishings not presently in the property.

· Renter expressly agrees to indemnify owner for any damages or costs to the premises, furnishings, equipment and household items therein, which occur during renter's occupancy excluding normal wear and tear.

· PLEASE NOTE: IF EXPENSES ARE INCURRED TO REPAIR DAMAGE, REPLACE MISSING ITEMS, PAY FOR EXTRA CLEANING OR ANY OTHER VIOLATION OF THE RENTAL POLICY AS A RESULT OF YOUR STAY, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD TO OFFSET EXPENSES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.

PARKING: Please park in designated areas only. Parking regulations are as follows.

· Augustine unit has 2 parking spots allocated located on the furthest most left side on the parking lot (facing from Carolina Ave. towards the complex. These cars are to be parked back to back to each other.

· Reagan, Aquinas, and Schaeffer units all are allocated 1 parking spot

· No guest cars are ever allowed on our parking lot and will be towed at owner's expense

· $100 fine will be assessed against any guest who violated the parking agreement for guest cars parked in our parking lot.

· R.V.'s, Boats, motor homes, travel trailers, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, etc., are not permitted without prior approval and will be subject to towing. We do not have room in our parking lot for any of these items.

RULES AND REGULATIONS: All guests, as well as Owners, are required to conform to all rules and regulations. Violators are subject to ejection, according to Florida Statute 509.141.

REPAIRS: Our staff is here to make sure your vacation home is in the best condition that it can be. If you should discover otherwise, please report it to us immediately and we will correct it as quickly as possible; however no refunds will be given for appliance failure or other circumstances beyond our control. Please do not wait until you are checking-out to let us know about problems, as we no longer have the opportunity to rectify the situation. At times we must wait for parts or service. Please bear with us during these times.

NON-SMOKING UNITS: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside ALL rental units. You will incur any charges for carpet cleaning and deodorizing if any evidence of smoking is found in your non-smoking unit.

AGENCY DISCLOSURE: WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. is the agent of the property owner and is acting at all times, in and for the best interest of the owners. Agent will not be held responsible for acts of theft or vandalism or damages to the guest's personal property.

Please call for details or to reserve your dates. We are pet friendly, family friendly property. Free bikes provided upon request, two boat docks for fishing right at the property, pool, two boat docks

http://rentalo.com/108760/waterfrontpetfriendly.html

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