Boating On Sanibel, rental boats and charter-fishing excursions are available from the Boat House, at the Sanibel Marina, North Yachtsman Drive (tel. 239 472-2531), off Periwinkle Way east of Causeway Road. Tarpon Bay Explorers, at the north end of Tarpon Bay Road (tel. 239 472-8900), rents boats with electric trolling motors and tackle for fishing.

On Captiva, check with Sweet Water Rentals, at the 'Tween Waters Inn Marina (tel. 239/472-6376); Jensen's Twin Palms Marina (tel. 239 472-5800); and McCarthy's Marina (tel. 239 472-5200), all on Captiva Road. Rental boats cost about $125 for a half-day, $200 for a full day.

Many charter-fishing captains are docked at these marinas. Half-day rates are about $300 for up to four people. The skippers leave free brochures at the chamber of commerce's visitor center, and they're also listed in the free tourist publications found there.