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.

 Please check on the latest pricing.