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2 0 1 7 | P A R A D I S E C O A S T . C O M 2 5 Diving & Spearfishing Below the surface there's even more to see! KrakONoon Fish & Dive Charters and Scuba Marco will take you where you need to go, with all the gear and exper tise necessary to get the most out of your underwater adventure. There's a hard-bottom reef to explore just off the shore at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. Recently, 36 new artificial reefs, each comprised of 500 tons of concrete, were deployed in six offshore locations near Naples and Marco Island. Kayaking & Canoeing If shelling and bird watching are just your speed, then choose a route along the popular Paradise Coast Blueway and paddle your way to happiness. Discover the beauty of the majestic mangrove tunnels with Eco Everglades. For exploration once the sun goes down, check out Kayak Marco Island's selection of moonlight and dark night bioluminescent paddle tours. Nature Spotting Pack up your camera and snap some incredible shots of local land and sea critters. Everglades Area Tours features a Grand Heritage Birding Tour that will take you into some of the most remote areas of the park. As their names suggest, helping you track down the gentle, curious sea cow is a specialty for Manatee Sightseeing Adventure. WaveRunning When you have the need for speed, head to Marco Island Watersports or Capt. Ron's Awesome Everglades Adventures. Guided excursions to explore the waters and encounter native wildlife from atop a WaveRunner are designed to delight. If you're feeling adventurous and plan to head out on your own, Pure Florida and JetSki Naples offer both guided tours and personal watercraft rentals. Airboating Traverse the river of grass with ease and speed in a shallow-draft airboat. To check out the grasslands and mangroves, contact Captain Mitch for a private tour, try Corey Billie's Airboat Rides or call "The Original" Everglades City Airboat Tours. Visit the Lake Trafford wildlife up close and personally with Airboats & Alligators of Immokalee. One of the perks of visiting a coastal town is the emphasis on fine, fresh seafood. And they take the day's catch very seriously in these parts! Several local dining establishments offer to COOK WHAT YOU'VE CAUGHT and turn it into a delicious meal. The Oyster House Restaurant and the Snook Inn are popular destinations for fishing enthusiasts in Everglades City and on Marco Island. In Naples, you can find accommodating chefs to prepare your fish at Pinchers, Riverwalk and the romantic Chez Boet. Visit the THIRD STREET SOUTH FARMER'S MARKET to score some delicious, fresh-baked bread at BAM German Bakery. While you're saying hello, pick up a few of their authentic German desser ts and pastries as well—who doesn't love a good homemade apple strudel? While the Shark Valley Tram Tours are a great means of transporting yourself through the wonders of Everglades National Park, you can travel at your own pace if you RENT A BICYCLE and conduct a SELF- GUIDED ECO-TOUR. The 15 miles of paved surface that wend their way through the park offer smooth terrain for riders, as well as the chance to stop and explore when you come across wildlife and other intriguing nature sightings. LOCAL SECRETS Eco-Cruising From January through April, you can reserve a seat on the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's Good Fortune II pontoon boat for a unique and memorable experience. Settle in and enjoy a "Leisurely Lunch" or a "Classic Sunset" eco-tour. Specialty cruise topics include the magic of mangroves, sea turtles and their habitat, and the history of the Rookery Bay area. Learn more about the Conservancy's work and how to support the quality of life in Southwest Florida by visiting conservancy.org.

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