Activities in Naples Florida
Beside beach, golf and tennis, there are many great activities to choose from in Naples Florida. Here's a few to think about.
Biking in Naples
The Naples area is not particularly "biker friendly." Many people choose to bike within their own communities and neighborhoods. Some of the main roads have designated bike lanes, but traffic can be heavy on these roads and caution is needed. The Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization publishes a Naples Area Bike Map that lists all the bike lanes, sidewalks, paved shoulders and off-road pathways.
(large PDF file)
Bikers wanting to do some distance peddling should think about a trip through the everglades at Big Cypress National Preserve. The Bear Island section of the preserve offers miles of old logging roads and abundant wildlife. The entrance to Big Cypress is just west of the city of Ochopee which is about 35 miles south of Naples on US 41 (Tamiami Trail). Call Big Cypress National Preserve at 239.695.4111 for information.
Boating
If you are an experienced boaters their are several location where you can rent a boat or pontoon and enjoy the day. There are several boat rental operations on the Naples Bay. Renting from the Naples Bay you can easily boat down to Marco Island and beyond to the 10,000 Island area by way of back bays.
You can also rent out of the Venetians Bay, to cruise along Naples beaches.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are plentiful in Naples and the surrounding
waters. With the proper license, you can fish bays, the gulf, lakes
and ponds. Locations accessible to fishing are abundant. A boat is
not necessary to enjoy fishing in the area. Great fishing can be had
from piers, shores and area ponds. A fishing license is not required
when fishing from the shore or piers.
- Just Learning and Curious? Head down to the Naples Pier and talk to the fishermen. Watch and learn. The fisherman will be happy to answer any questions you ask . Some days it slow fishing, and on other days they're pulling them in fast and furious. From the pier they catch sheepshead, pompano, flounders and sometimes snook. All of which make a good meal.
- Give Fishing a Try. Just want to give it a try? Then I recommend one of the half day fishing trips out of Tin City; choose mornings or afternoons. It's about $50 to go out, but call to reserve a spot (239.263.4949). You will have a choice of the Naples Bay or Gulf fishing. I've preferred the bay option. At a minimum you're guaranteed great views of the Naples Bay area. Bring a cooler with snacks and refreshments along. The captains and mates are very knowledgeable and helpful.
- Guided Fishing. There are many great guides in Naples. The guides generally vary by the types of fishing they offer. Their specialties could range from deep sea, back bays, 10,000 Island, live bait or artificial bait fishing. I am unable to provide specific recommendation online here, but I can say that the Naples area has a group of excellent guides. If you chat with a guide for a few minutes, you can get a quick a sense if they're right for you.
- More Advice and Gear. Head down to Sunshine Hardware, which is just five blocks north of Fifth Avenue South on Tamiami. They have an extensive selection of fishing gear and the employees are very knowledgeable on the area and local fishing guides.
Fitness
If you need something besides beach activities, golfing, tennis or your communities' workout facility, then try one of the local health clubs.
The YMCA has plenty to offer, including a gym,
lap pool, tennis, fitness rooms, weights, workout equipment and many
programs for adults and children. The YMCA building is a little
dated but the fitness facilities are modern. They provide many
different membership options or you can buy a day pass or a block of
passes.
The YMCA also offers the most extensive group fitness schedule in the area. They offer aerobics, spin, yoga and other fitness programs daily. For further information on class descriptions and to confirm class times call 239.597.3148. The YMCA in Naples is centrally located on the north side of Pine Ridge road, one traffic signal east of the Pine Ridge, Airport Road intersection. Naples YMCA.
The Wellness Center is also a good option. Loads of workout equipment and many different group fitness classes to choose from. Here you can also buy a day pass or a block of passes. NCH Wellness Centers
Excursions
There are many attractions around the Naples area to have fun with; from zoos, swamp buggy rides, alligator farms and casinos. Here are a few excursions that I believe merit special mention.
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary If you are at all into tree-hugging then Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a must. Corkscrew is a preserve in the Big Cypress Swamp area consisting of pine uplands, wet prairie, cypress forest and marshes. A 2-mile interpretive trail consisting of a boardwalk meanders through the area with benches and shelters along the way. Birds, reptiles, mammals, insects, and a variety of native plants including wild orchids can be seen from the boardwalk. Naturalists are available to answer questions and to provide tours. The sanctuary is located in an area northeast of Naples. Take the Immokalee Road exit off of I-75 (Exit 111) Rd and head east on Highway 856 for about 15 miles, signs mark the way.
- Everglades National Park.
Boat tours leave hourly from the
Everglades National Park's ranger station in Everglade City. The
boats take waterway routes through heart of Ten Thousand Island
everglade areas. The tours range from 1-1/2 to 2 hours. A sunset
tour is also available at times. The larger boats have restroom
facilities and are handicap assessable. There's also canoes for
rent, but they rent out early in the mornings. The hours and
number of departures change between season. Call for exact
times. 239.695.2591 The ranger station is located in Everglades
City at the end of State Route 29. Approximately 1/2 hour drive
south of Naples on Hwy 41. - Ferries to Key West In you are in the area for a period a time then you might want to check into a short day or overnight trip to Key West. Ferries leave each morning in the season and return in the evening. It takes about 4 hours each way and the trips run around $120. If you like spending time on the water then this is a pretty good value. Plus you can enjoy the sights and activities of Key West for a day or more. For current prices, reservations and departure times you can call: Key West Ferry - 239.765.0808 Key West Shuttle - 239.394.9700
- Naples Bay Cruise. Several companies provide cruise of the Naples bay. You can go for sightseeing and dolphin watching opportunities or grab a lunch or dinner cruise. For more information check out: Naples Bay Tour: 2 hours, multiple times daily, approx $25. 239.263.4949 Daily dinner, lunch and sight seeing tours. 649.2275