With its scenic canals, little islands and untouched nature, Cape Coral is the perfect place for a trip on the water – no matter if you want to ride a boat or Jet Ski yourself or join a guided tour. In this article, you will learn everything about boats and Jet Skis in Cape Coral.
BOATS UND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: RENT A BOAT
Beautiful weather, idyllic coastlines and turquoise waters make Florida a prime destination for boaters. And the best thing: In the Sunshine State hobby skippers do not need a boat license. If you are 21 years or older, a driver’s license is enough. Guests under 21 can get their permit online – a straightforward process that rarely takes more than 4 hours.
There are reasons why Cape Coral is especially suited for boaters:
- Cape Coral is often called the “Venice of Florida” thanks to its many canals. Some of these waterways take boaters directly to the Gulf of Mexico and to open waters.
- Oftentimes, vacation houses in Cape Coral are equipped with boat docks, so you can start your trip from the comfort of your home.
- There are many boat rentals with German speaking owners in Cape Coral, so you can easily get your instruction in German.
Top 5 things you need to know before boating in Cape Coral, Florida
We like to present you a short video about the Top 5 things you need to know before you want to boating in Cape Coral Florida.
BOATS AND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: THE RIGHT BOAT FOR EVERYBODY
Guests who have never steered a boat before should opt for models with 115-140 HP engines. These beginner-friendly boats can carry 4-6 guests and are perfect for fishing trips on the canal. Of course, if you really want to feel the wind in your hair, a 360 HP jetboat should be your top-pick. These streamlined vessels by Yamaha, Chaparral and co. reach speeds of up to 62 mph. They also allow for fast turns and can operate in shallow waters thanks to their small draft.
With a capacity of 8 people, most rental boats in Cape Coral are big enough for your whole family. You can also rent boats for 10 people if you need more space. For your party on the water, you should get an extra-spacious pontoon boat with comfortable seats and a high-class sound system.
No matter which boat you choose – all professional boat rentals in Cape Coral offer the following services:
- Registration with SeaTow, a boat towing service that will assist you in case of an emergency
- proper boat maintenance
- comprehensive insurance and final cleaning included in the price
- swim vests and safety equipment
- A navigation system showing routes, speed limits, shoals and sand banks
- A detailed instruction explaining the handling of the boat and the characteristics of Cape Coral’s coastal waters.
Where can I rent a boat in Cape Coral?
For all those who do not know how and where they can rent a boat in Cape Coral, we would like to point out our partner boat-rental-in-Cape-Coral.net. Here you can choose from a lot of boats and providers and can easily get in touch with the owner.
BOATS AND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: THE BEST BOATING DESTINATIONS
Now that you have rented your boat, the question is: Where should you take it? Cape Coral’s canals lined with luxury mansions are a good start. Real adventures, however, cannot resist the open ocean. Here, untouched tropical islands and white, sandy beaches await you.
SANIBEL ISLAND
Just 9 miles south of Cape Coral lies a secluded island where no cars or big hotels disturb the peaceful atmosphere. Instead, Sanibel Island is famous for its white sandy beaches, colorful sea shells and untouched mangrove forests. Sanibel´s Marina has room for 65 boats. From here, you do not have to stroll far to relax on the beach or enjoy excellent seafood at the island’s restaurants.
CAPTIVA ISLAND
Caribbean vibes await you on this little island north of Sanibel – complete with colorful flowers and lush palm trees. The scenic beach stretches for 5 miles, so everybody can find a quiet spot on Captiva Island. Fishing enthusiasts will be amazed by the huge population of tarpons off the coast.
FORT MYERS BEACH
If you want to enjoy the good life at the beach before strolling down beautiful boardwalks, Fort Myers Beach south of Cape Coral is perfect for you. Thanks to a number of public and hotel-owned marinas, the city has no shortage of boat docks. The beach not only attracts visitors with its fine, white sand and excellent cleanliness. Here, even little children can splash around safely, as the water is relatively shallow. After your beach trip, it is time to check out the city’s many restaurants and shops.
Hungry boaters should stop by at the Rumrunners Restaurant, a Cape Coral original with 12 mooring spots. Here, you can enjoy hearty Southern cuisine as well as Caribbean specialties and tender steaks before continuing your trip to the Gulf of Mexico.
BOATS AND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: GUIDED TOURS
You do not want to steer the boat yourself? No problem. Guests in Cape Coral have ample opportunity to discover the coastal waters on guided boat trips. No matter which company you choose – dolphin watching should be part of every tour. The playful animals can be found in huge numbers off Cape Coral´s coast, following in the boat’s wake and even jumping out of the water. Dolphins are not only sighted during the day, but also on romantic sunset tours. And there are more animals: Water birds like pelicans and fish eagles hunt for fish off the coast, while alligators and manatees can be spotted in flooded mangrove forests.
Although most boat trips in Cape Coral follow similar routes, some companies offer unique experiences that you should not miss:
BANANA BAY TOUR COMPANY
Boating and fine dining – if you always wanted to have lunch on a secluded tropical island, the Half Day Ecological Dolphin Tour offered by Banana Bay Tours is perfect for you. After your picnic sponsored by a deli in Cape Coral, you can splash around in the warm water, collect colorful shells and explore untouched mangrove forest. The tour costs 55 USD.
CAPTAIN JACK BOAT TOURS
Captain Jack Boat Tours offers trips onboard its Hawaiian Tiki Boat. Cruising along the coastline of Matlacha, guests enjoy ice-cold drinks and cool reggae music while watching dolphins in the water. And no Captain Jack tour would be complete without a romantic sunset. The boat trips last one hour and cost 35 USD per person.
NO PIER PRESSURE CHARTERS
Exclusive tours with small groups of up to 6 people are available at No Pier Pressure Charters. Paul, a skipper with 40 years of boating under his belt, knows the best spots to watch dolphins, collect sea shells and watch the sunset. The tours are priced around 197 USD.
SAIL CAPE CORAL CRUISES
Motor boats are not the only way to explore Cape Coral’s coastal waters. The company Sail Cape Coral Cruises takes guests on an eco-friendly sailboat trip. You can even go for a kayak ride straight from the boat. Full day, half day and sunset tours are available.
ADVENTURES IN PARADISE
This company offers a wide variety of tours that will keep you busy for hours. Activities include dolphin watching, shelling and fishing. Wedding cruises are available as well. A highlight for children is the Sea Life Encounter Excursion. On this tour, passengers explore an unpopulated island with a marine biologist. Little adventurers can even pet real seahorses, pufferfish and baby octopuses. The excursion costs 38 USD.
FISHING CHARTERS
If you want to try open water fishing with a professional guide, Cape Coral’s fishing charters are perfect for you. More than a dozen companies take guests to fishing grounds teeming with catfish, mackerels and redfish. If you are looking for a specific catch, Captain George Howell is your man. The knowledgeable skipper will not rest until you have caught the fish you were looking for. The positive reviews speak for themselves.
BOATS AND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: RENT JET SKIS
What could be more fun than racing across the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico on a Jet Ski? Luckily, there are many places in and around Cape Coral where you can rent these fast little boats. One of them is CCBoat, a German company with more than 20 years of experience. Proper boat maintenance is key at CCBoat, so you can ride their Jet Skis with top speed of 62 mph without worries. If you want to enjoy unlimited Jet Ski fun, you should head for Paradise Boat Rentals in Cape Coral – South Florida’s only rental that lets you ride Jet Skis without confining you to a certain area.
Alternatively, take a trip to Fort Myers Beach and rent your Jet Ski directly at the beach. This town has its fair share of rental companies, some of which have been in business since 1991. Here, you can always rent the newest Jet Skis – after receiving a detailed, beginner-friendly instruction, of course.
BOATS AND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: GUIDED JET SKI TOURS IN CAPE CORAL
Jet Skiing on your own can get boring after a while, so why not book a group tour near Cape Coral? Holiday Water Sports and Adventure Water Sports in Fort Myers Beach take their guests to a protected bay. Here, dolphins come close to the Jet Skis, sometimes even with their young.
If you want to watch the sunset while riding your Jet Ski, head for Suny Island Adventures on Captiva Island. Their tours provide the perfect opportunity to see dolphins, stingrays and even manatees, as the gentle ocean grazers visit Captiva´s coast in the winter months.
Are you tired of swimming at the beach or in the pool of your vacation home? Then you should head for the Sunsplash Family Waterpark. With its exciting slides and child-friendly attractions, the park is perfectly suited for visitors of all ages. Sunsplash is located in central Cape Coral, right next to State Road 78. Guests based in Fort Myers can reach the park in just 20 minutes by car.
SUNSPLASH FAMILY WATERPARK: ATTRACTIONS
With an area of 14 acres, Sunsplash is Southwest Florida’s biggest waterpark. A wide variety of attractions will keep you and your kids busy for hours. For a little warm-up, start with the relatively tame X-Celerator and the Drop Slides. Afterwards, it is time to brace yourself for the 30 feet tall Cape Fear where guests plunge down in total darkness. If you dare, try out the aptly named Terror Tube: Here, thrill-seekers slide down a dark tunnel before being dropped almost vertically into the water. 30 seconds of exciting fun and fast turns await you at the Electric Slide, one of Florida’s longest waterslides.
Children can test their balancing skills at the Sand Dollar Walk, an obstacle course with swimming platforms. If you want to relax, just float around in the lazy river, go for a swim in the pool or enjoy a gentle shower under the Rain Tree. Sunsplash also features a Family Pool complete with fine sand and beach chairs.
The park’s newest addition is Pirate’s Cove, a play area with slides, fountains and water guns for the little guests. Young children can train for the big slides at the Pro Racers, and if you want to stay fit during your vacation, the beach volleyball fields are perfect for you.
Safety standards can only be described as excellent. Life Guards patrol every part of the park – no wonder that Sunsplash has received the highest rating from Starfish Aquatics Institute, an independent auditor of waterparks. And even if you stub your toe on a slide – the park houses four first aid stations.
If you want to see the slides of Sunsplash Family Waterpark in action, watch this video:
SUNSPLASH FAMILY WATERPARK: DINING AND SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES
The food stalls at Sunsplash Family Waterpark sell fast food, ice cream, Mexican wraps and Caesar Chicken Salad. Soft drinks are available for the little guest, and parents can buy beer, wine and Pina Colada.
Forgot something at home? No problem. The park features a gift shop with swimwear, towels, sunglasses and toys.
SUNSPLASH FAMILY WATERPARK: TICKETS AND EVENTS
Tickets cost 15 USD for children (2-12 years) and senior citizens (60+ years). Guests 13 years or older are charged 17 USD, and non-residents pay 3 USD more. If you want to save money, you should look out for special events: Every Saturday from 5 to 8:30 pm, the Saturday Night Slide attracts guests with discount tickets and atmospheric lights. On Marvelous Mondays, parents and grandparents enter the park for 10 USD. For more events and coupons, visit the park’s official Facebook page.
If you want to host your kid’s birthday party, Sunsplash Family Waterpark will provide you with your own party area, gift bags for your guests, ice-cream vouchers and other surprises. The more people you bring, the less you pay at the entrance.
SUNSPLASH FAMILY WATERPARK – MAP UND ROUTE – PLAN YOUR TRIP NOW
Calculate your route to Sunsplash Family Waterpark
Type in this address: 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991, USA
At first, owner Jeff Gately was unsure about opening a restaurant directly by the water. Today, however, the Rumrunners ranks among the most popular dining options in Cape Coral. This should come as no surprise: Where else can you enjoy local and international specialties with such a splendid view of Cape Coral’s idyllic canals? Boaters in particular like to eat here, as the restaurant comes equipped with its own marina. 12 mooring spots make the Rumrunners a perfect stopover for skippers on their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Other guests come here to have a cold drink after their shopping trip to the boutiques and galleries of Cape Harbour.
The Rumrunners is not only known for spectacular vistas of the Caloosahatchee River, but also for its excellent service and the extensive menu: Seafood specialties are particularly popular here: Maine Lobster from colder regions is served with a sherry-wine-sauce, and fans of the Southern Cuisine will love the “New Orleans Style” littleneck clams with garlic, shallots and fresh herbs. For a taste of the Caribbean cuisine, try the Bahamian Conch Fritters. Delicacies like steamed mussels and coconut shrimps with homemade sauce make the seafood menu complete.
The restaurant chef is more than happy to prepare fish and seafood specialties just the way you want them. And if you like it extra fresh, ask for the catch of the day straight from Cape Coral’s coast. For those who prefer meat, the Rumrunners offers hearty burgers, tender chicken and high-quality steaks grilled to perfection. French Fries are a popular side for little guests, and vegetarians can choose from a wide range of healthy salads. The dessert menu is ripe with chocolaty delights almost too beautiful to eat. When it comes to drinks, many long-term customers recommend the Sam Adams beer from the tap. And if you are thirsting for a strong, but fruity cocktail, you should order the restaurant’s signature drink: a “Rumrunner” with white rum, lime juice and grenadine.
The food is served in a spacious, air-conditioned dining hall – perfect if you want to escape the South Florida heat. In the evening, the restaurant’s patio lends itself to romantic dinners, and those who want to enjoy oysters and shrimps with a discount will love the happy hour between 3 and 6:30 pm. In addition, there is a new special menu every day. With its delicious food and the fast, friendly service, the Rumrunners has conquered the hearts of visitors and locals alike. Therefore, you are well advised to make a reservation, especially on the weekend.
Directions
The Rumrunners Restaurant is located at the southern end of Cape Coral.
If you want to dine with an amazing view of Cape Coral’s fishing pier and white sandy beach, the Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill is your ideal choice. This restaurant at the Caloosahatchee River catches the eye with its authentic wood design reminiscent of Hawaiian tiki huts. In the evening, colorful lights create the perfect ambience for romantic dinners. With so much visual splendor, only one question remains: Are the food and the customer service equally satisfying?
The Boathouse serves a wide variety of South Florida dishes at fair prices. Like you would expect from a restaurant directly at the water, seafood specialties rank high on the menu. Start with delicious appetizers like coconut-crusted shrimps and golden conch fritters. Afterwards, it is time to dig into the epic-sized Seafood Baskets with Mahi Mahi filet, shrimps and oysters. Meat lovers should try the Cuban Sandwich with crispy bread, ham and cheese, as well as the Caribbean Tacos with irresistible mango-pineapple-sauce.
The Boat House is also a perfect breakfast destination: French Toast, golden pancakes, burritos and buttermilk biscuits with homemade gravy will give you plenty of energy for your sightseeing day. Little guests will love the kid’s menu featuring favorites like cheeseburgers, pizza, hotdogs and chicken fingers. As delicious as the entrees are, you should definitely leave some room for the restaurant’s Key Lime Pie. At the Boat House, this Florida specialty comes garnished with chocolate, making it even more tempting.
Tasty food and a family-friendly atmosphere are not the only reasons to visit this restaurant. Thanks to their own marina and fuel supply, the Boat House is also a prime destination for hungry skippers. Do not forget to bring your swimsuit, though: The restaurant overlooks a scenic beach with fine sand, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Customers not only love the restaurant’s varied menu, but also its perfect location: If you want to experience the true beauty of South Florida, you should come here in the evening and watch the sunset while listening to live guitar music. As if all this was not enough, the Boat House also amazes with its fast, super-friendly service. You do not have time to visit this restaurant in Cape Coral? No problem. Thanks to the webcam on the official Boat House website, you can check out the amazing view from the comfort of your own home.
DIRECTIONS TO THE BOAT HOUSE
The Boat House is located in southern Cape Coral, directly at the Caloosahatchee River.
Some people might have trouble getting into Christmas mood with outside temperatures of 25 degrees and no snow. In Cape Coral, however, this is no hindrance. While many home-owners decorate their houses in the festive season, few of them take it as far as Neil Monkman, creator of the “Planet Monkman” Christmas Village. Most Americans start decorating a few days before Christmas. Neil, however, needs a whole 5 to 6 weeks to prepare his extravagant show.
Amateur decorators might be satisfied to put a few lights on their roofs – but not Monkman. Every year, the native Floridian spends hours in front of the computer to plan his Christmas Village. Afterwards, he gets out the tools to turn his home into a dream world with colorfully lit reindeers and super-sized candy canes. Like many hobbyists, Neil started small. In 1999 he and his wife bought a string of holiday lights to decorate their trailer. Piece by piece, the collection grew, and in 2007 Neil first created the Planet Monkman on his new property in Cape Coral.
160.000 lights not only illuminate the house, but also the extensive yard. The tech-freak needs 30 control panels and a whopping 3–4.000 cable ties. With such a high-tech display, many visitors ask how he is able to pay the electric bill. Surprisingly, the costs are moderate, as each LED light is only active for a short amount of time.
One thing is certain: Assembling the Christmas decoration helps Neil stay fit. Walking from light to light, the 56-year-old often covers 6 miles on a single day. And Planet Monkman is not just a feast for the eyes, but also for the ears: In the evening, the colorful lights are flickering to the rhythm of Christmas songs and Rock tunes. This precise syncing of light and music is called “Sequencing” – painstaking work that can take up to 2 weeks. Neil says he got the idea when he was watching a beer commercial with Christmas lights dancing to the sound of music.
Of course, such perfectionism does not come without frustrations – and blown fuses. But these setbacks do not deter Neil. And he does not display the Planet Monkman for his own gains, either. The money he receives from visitors is donated to charity: In 2018, for example, the donations were used to equip K9 police units with much needed bulletproof vests.
If you want to see the Planet Monkman for yourself, you have to drive to 1938 NE 20th Street in northeastern Cape Coral. Note, however, that this attraction is very popular. On some days, up to 200 cars stop by at the Monkmans to see the Christmas Village – and to hear it, as the Planet Monkman has its own radio station. The show lasts from 6 to 10 pm. Afterwards, both the Monkmans and their neighbors take a well-deserved break from all the guests. If you want to know how the Planet Monkman is created, you should visit Neil Monkman´s Facebook page. There, Neil posts technical updates as well as pictures and videos of Cape Coral’s most sophisticated Christmas decoration.
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Four times a year, Cape Coral turns into an El Dorado for motorcycle fans. The Cape Coral Bike Night takes place on the second Saturday in February, April, October and December. And not only active bikers are among the 12.000 people who visit this event every year. The Bike Night is also perfect if you just want to admire polished choppers, for example on SE 47th Terrace. During the event, this street is partially closed, except for motorcycles. Here you can see them all: Harleys, Indians, Ducatis, Yamahas – often custom-made and polished to perfection for this special date. The bikes of JBA Custom Cycles are particularly popular with fans and have already won many prizes at the Daytona Bike Week: the original event that inspired Cape Coral’s Bike Night.
All the renowned manufacturers have stalls where hobby-mechanics can find the newest motorcycle gadgets. More than 50 shops offer accessories and leather clothing, while food stalls take care of hungry bikers. If you are lucky, you might even win prizes such as Harley-Davidson gift cards at prize games. No matter where you look: Extravagant vehicles are displayed everywhere: among them transparent bike trailers and good old Skanky, a car that is often seen on Cape Coral’s streets.
The Bike Night would not be complete without its exciting competitions. Motorcycle patriots will love the Harley-Davidson Race. And if you want to see true skills in action, the Slow Bike Race is a must. Here, the slowest driver to reach the finish line wins – a remarkable balancing act.
There are not only biking competitions, though: The Big Kahuna Bed Race and Parade is a fun event for the whole family: Participants race against each other in double beds that have been turned into makeshift cars manned by teams of four. Afterwards, the prize money is donated to charity. The Dixie Road House organizes rodeo contests, and the roaring of engines is accompanied by the sound of live-music. Starting at 6 pm, Rock ´n Roll, Heavy Metal and Country bands are playing on the main stage. In the past, the event has already attracted famous groups like Quiet Riot and Candlebox.
You missed the Cape Coral Bike Night? No problem. Just drive across the Caloosahatchee River. Here, the Fort Myers Bike Night is held in November, January, March and May, giving you ample opportunity to admire beautiful motorcycles. Harley-Davidson is the official sponsor, but owners of all brands are welcome. Like in Cape Coral, live-music is blasting from three stages in Downtown Fort Myers, starting at 6 pm. So far, the Bike Nights in Cape Coral and Fort Myers have been an amazing success. With ever-growing visitor numbers, there will be even more attractions in the years to come.
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Cape Coral Information & Travel Tipps – learn what makes Cape Coral the ideal place for your next vacation.
Tourist Spots in and around Cape Coral
Whether you are looking for rest and relaxation, fun things to do with your children or exciting outdoor-activities – Cape Coral has something to offer for all types of visitors. One of the top destinations for families is Sun Splash Family Waterpark, the biggest of its kind in Southwest Florida. Sun Splash is known for its variety of slides, including the X-Celerator with a top speed of 40 mph.
The nearby excavation sites are a top destination for little adventurers. Digging in the sand for alligator bones and shark teeth, children can feel like real archeologists. Thanks to the pleasant weather, outdoor sports are popular in Cape Coral. Whether you want to go sailing or fishing, play volleyball, football, ride a bike or a skateboard – there is a place for every sports lover in Cape Coral. Golfers will enjoy the Coral Oaks Golf Course designed by the legendary Arthur Hills.
If you want to enjoy high-class evening entertainment, the Culture Park Theatre is for you. Southwest Florida´s oldest theatre hosts performances from September to May, accompanied by art exhibitions. Speaking of art: The Cape Coral Festival of the Arts takes place in January, giving up and coming artists the chance to present their work. More contemporary pieces can be seen in the Harbour View Gallery.
If you want to explore Cape Coral´s past, there is no better place than the Historical Museum. Next door stretches an idyllic rose garden, and at the Indian excavation site you can learn more about Florida´s native people. All those interested in the history of warfare should visit the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library with its huge collection of uniforms, weapons and vehicles from different eras.
Top Beaches
Cape Coral is not only one of the fastest growing cities in the USA. It also attracts vacationers with its beautiful beaches. You do not have to stroll far from your rental home to enjoy white sand under palm trees: Close to the city center with its many canals lies the family-friendly Yacht Club Beach, sporting picnic tables, playgrounds and a fishing pier. Another beach stretches in the Four Freedoms Park among scenic and quiet surroundings. The beach offers clean, white sand and grassy areas in the shade – perfect for relaxing and playing frisbee. Families love the Lynn Hall Memorial park in close proximity to the shopping areas of Fort Myers and the romantic Fort Myers Beach Pier.
In the old days, Lover´s Key State Park was only accessibly by boat, making it an ideal place for young couples looking for a remote spot. But even now, Lover´s Key is a peaceful, quiet beach in the midst of scenic vegetation. Another romantic spot for couples is Captiva Beach – known for its many colorful shells. Deep water makes this beach ideal for swimming.
A Shopping Paradise
Cape Coral might not be as big as Miami, Orlando or Tampa. This does not mean, however, that the city lacks shopping opportunities. Outlets like Miromar and Sanibel are a hotspot for brand-name clothing, offering a multitude of sales and discounts. Centers like the Coconut Mall house a huge number of stores, from supermarkets and fashion boutiques to electronic stores and state of the art cinemas.
If you are looking for a traditional shopping experience, look no further than the Farmers Market. Here you can buy locally produced fruits, cheese, flowers, hand-crafted jewelry and many other products. Italian delicacies await you at Paesano´s Market, known for its exquisite wines. Seafood lovers should visit Merrick Seafood, a market that has been selling fish, crabs and lobsters for 20 years.
Beautiful Nature
In addition to idyllic beaches, Cape Coral also features a unique coastline with rivers and untouched mangrove forests. In fact, tours to these protected landscapes are a backbone of the city’s tourism industry. If you want to go for a walk, we can recommend Four Mile Cove: This 900 acres area of swampland harbors many bird species, among them eagles, ibises and heron. Visitors can explore the park on wooden boardwalks or observe the animals on a kayak ride.
Another protected area is Rotary Park, a wetland that is dominated by fresh and saltwater alike. Countless fish species, but also turtles and water birds are home here. In the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House, guests can admire colorful butterflies and exotic plants. And if you want to see Florida’s most famous marine animals, you should visit Sirenia Vista Park: There, manatees are spotted frequently. You can either observe the gentle mammals from an elevated platform or on a boat tour. Sirenia Vista Park takes conservation efforts seriously, so feeding and touching the animals is forbidden.
Restaurants
Hungry visitors in Cape Coral can choose from a wide range of restaurants with local and international cuisine. Thanks to the city´s location on the coast, excellent seafood is available everywhere, no matter if you want to dine upscale or in family-friendly surroundings. One of Cape Coral´s most treasured restaurants is the Boathouse, a Tiki Bar that can easily be reached by boat. Here, hobby skippers launge under umbrellas while enjoying delicious cocktails and specialties from the grill.
A hotspot for fresh sea food is the Rumrunners, and Foster´s Grille attracts families with its laid-back atmosphere and signature dishes like hamburgers, freshly made french fries and milkshakes. Mouth-watering Italian pizza and pasta await you in the Ciao Wood Fired Pizza and Trattoria. And if you want to taste Southwest Florida´s Carribean influences, you should tour the factory Wicked Dolphin Artisan Rum. There, you can sample rum that is still made from sugar cane in the traditional fashion.
A Paradise for Hobby Skippers
Thanks to its many canals, Cape Coral is a prime destination for guests who come with their own boat. In many places you can moor your vessel directly at your vacation home, providing it has access to the Gulf of Mexiko. But even if you do not own a boat, renting one is not difficult in Cape Coral.
A big plus for beginners: You do not need a boat licence in Cape Coral. A regular driver’s license is sufficient if you are at least 21 years old. Cape Coral´s rentals are more than happyto teach you the art of boating. Setting off from your vacation home, you can view luxurious mansions on the banks of the canal before you reach open waters. Small islands like North Captiva and Cayo Costa with their pristine beaches are an ideal destination for boat trips. If you are lucky, you will even spot playful dolphins off the coast.
Climate and Weather
Thanks to its location in South West Florida, Cape Coral features a subtropical climate with warm conditions and a distinct shift between dry and wet season. The highest temperatures are felt in the summer months when humidity is soaring. July and August see the most rainfall. However, the showers are often strong, but quick, and followed immediately by bright sunshine. Temperatures remain high. All in all, Cape Coral is worth a visit year-round. However, during Hurricane Season between May and November, guests should account for storms and prolonged rainfall that can potentially last days.
Thanks to moderate temperatures of around 25° C, little rainfall and pleasant levels of humidity, the winter months make for the best travel time in Cape Coral. During this peak season, vacationers enjoy almost unlimited sunshine. Another selling point: Due to cooler temperatures off the coast, iconic manatees seek shelter in shallow waters and can be observed in rivers and canals.
