Naples is located in southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. Canals meandering from the Gulf give tourists opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees and waterfowl. Boat tours are available to visitors, and each has its own special characteristics. Book a dinner cruise on the "Naples Princess'' or paddle through the waterways in a canoe with Naples Marina and Excursions.
Captains Rick Clouston and Rick Traver offer a unique tour of Naples that showcases the beauty of the city's homes as well as a glimpse of area sea life. Tours aboard pontoon-style boats start at the Charter Club Resort dock, which is located near the Tin City shopping district. Guests will first see the multimillion dollar homes in the prestigious Port Royal neighborhood as they make their way through the canals leading to the Gulf of Mexico. These canals are natural habitat for manatees, so keep your eyes peeled. The tour then makes its way to the Gulf for views of the sandy coastline, where dolphins play. The two-and-a-half hour tour is available all year.
The "Naples Princess'' is a three-story, 105-foot long luxury yacht docked at Port-o-Call Marina near Tin City. Sit outside on the deck or take advantage of the air-conditioned cabin during the two-hour voyage. Two full-service bars are on board plus a dining room for dinner cruises. Many cruises feature live entertainment. You can choose a calm trip through Naples Bay or a sunset cruise into the Gulf of Mexico. The "Naples Princess" can also be booked for private parties and weddings.
Bring your camera if you take a tour on the "Sweet Liberty.'' This 54-foot catamaran allows an open view of the water from the deck and air-conditioned comfort inside. Choose from a two hour narrated tour of Naples Bay and the Gulf of Mexico or a three-hour shelling trip that stops at secluded Keywaydin Island. This seven-mile stretch of beach is known for wonderful shells and is only accessible by boat. Because the catamaran uses the natural power of the wind, these tours offer an ecologically friendly tour of the area.
For a range of tour options, check out Naples Marina and Excursions. Board a pontoon boat at the visitors center just off U.S. Highway 41 for a nightly sunset cruise that meanders into the Gulf of Mexico. Rent one of the canoes or kayaks and go at your own pace. This will provide you with the opportunity to get close to the mangrove-covered banks and the dolphins or manatees. Private tours are also available.
