SUNNY ISLAND ADVENTURES
Gateway to the wonders of Southwest Florida’s water world
Situated at the northern tip of Captiva, Sunny Island Adventures is the perfect launching point to explore the wonders of the seas surrounding Captiva. As the only authorized water-sport rental company at South Seas Island Resort, it offers endless possibilities for anyone ready to ride with the dolphins, soar high above the waters, explore secluded shores or cruise at leisure in the Gulf or bay.
“We are unique, because we can operate with ease on the Gulf or bay,” Sunny Island Adventures owner Jimi Batchelor said. “We check the wind direction and speed and then determine the best route for our customers.”
The mission of Sunny Island Adventures is “to make memories,” Batchelor added. “We want to make people happy—to put smiles on their faces.”
Sunny Island Adventures, catering to both resort guests and the general public, offers one-stop shopping to speed you toward your close encounters of the waterworld kind. Its professional staffers keep your experience safe, fun and carefree. To begin your sea and sky adventure, contact Sunny Island Adventures at 239-472-2938, or visit their website, sunnyislandadventures.com.
BOAT RENTALS
Available to rent at Sunny Island Adventures are a variety of vessels, from leisurely pontoons to speedy, centerconsole boats and Hurricane Fun-deck and Sun-deck boats that offer the ultimate in cruising and sightseeing enjoyment. “Be your own captain and sightsee, fish or swim,” Batchelor said. “We can show you the coolest places to visit—and the places to avoid.”
Seating accommodates up to 12 people. All boats are equipped with standard Coast Guard equipment, and include such amenities and safety features as Bimini or T-tops, ice chests, charts, PFDS and VHF radios. Some boating experience and minimum age requirements apply.
WAVERUNNER RENTALS
Sunny Island Adventures’ Waverunners provide the thrill seeker with countless opportunities for excitement. “Waverunners can cover a lot of territory in a short period of time,” Batchelor said. “They are easy to navigate, and they can put you face-to-face with abundant marine life—dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and osprey, to name just a few.”
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD RENTALS
For canoers or kayakers, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is an easy alternative, and Sunny Island Adventures has available to its customers the latest in paddleboarding technology—the Hobie Eclipse. “It’s like a Stairmaster on the water, but with pedals and a steering column that make navigation easy,” Batchelor said. “It’s maximum power with minimal effort.” An excellent workout, the Hobie Eclipse also places you in close communion with sea and sky. Drift or cruise in solitude along the calmer waters of the Gulf, bayou or bay. SUP is great for kids and adults alike; it can be fun and relaxing or an intense workout.
WAVERUNNER, PADDLEBOARD AND KAYAK TOURS
Pick your transport of choice, and let Sunny Island Adventures take you island hopping. Paddleboard and kayak tours lead you to the stiller waters of the bayou. Waverunner trips head to North Captiva, around Useppa and Cabbage Key, and all the way across Pine Island
Sound. Most tours are scheduled daily and last for an hour and 20 minutes. “These trips are superb,” Batchelor said. “Our tour guides are experts in island history. They share tales of piracy from past centuries, recount the history of the sound’s restored fish houses, and recall the calamitous hurricanes that have laid waste to the region over the decades.”
GOLF CART AND BICYCLE RENTALS
For a more relaxed exploration of Captiva’s local haunts and hidden beauties, grab a golf cart or bike and go. “Golf carts and bicycles are great for getting around the island,” Batchelor said. “They make your vacation relaxing, they are fun for the kids, and they give you the opportunity to live like the locals.”
PARASAILING
Enjoy the serenity of being up, up and away in the skies high above the Gulf of Mexico and Red Fish Pass. Sunny Island Adventures has a state-of-the-art parasail boat with a seasoned captain and crew. You’ll soar high above and see all of Captiva Island, North Captiva Island and Pine Island. There is no wading in the water or transfers from boats, just step onto the parasail boat from a secure dock and begin your adventure. Chutes carry one to three passengers aloft for a bird’s-eye view of nature’s tropical wonders—dolphins, turtles, osprey and pelicans. Supervised by an expert staff, the trip is safe and fun—no training required. Some age and weight restrictions apply. Dry departures and landings are guaranteed, but be sure to bring sunscreen and a towel.
Jan Holly has written extensively about Captiva and Sanibel islands and is a regular contributor to TOTI Media.