July 6th - 12th any tips? Events? Ideas?

Going to Fort Myers Beach with my wife and wanted to gather a “things to do list”. Please forgive the randomness of the post (as there are several questions). We are early 30’s and want to RELAX, but would like to see a little night life too. We were thinking about doing the Captiva Cruises %26#39; Sunset Serenade, has anyone done this? Is it a “to do”? I hear the manatees will be out of season… has anyone been lately that has spotted a rogue that might still be hanging around that we might be able to spot? We were also thinking about doing one of the jet ski/dolphin combo trips… any one done this? Any advice? I have heard about a reggae party on the bridge on Sundays… is this worth while? Any other to dos?

Thanks!

TJ

July 6th - 12th any tips? Events? Ideas?

After the 4th of July celebration, there are few organized events (if any). You will definitely be able to relax, as it is quiet here with not much traffic and no crowds. I haven%26#39;t personally done the Captiva Cruise, there are several dinner/sunset cruises available that seem popular. Sanibel Resort has a dinner cruise, and there is also one out of Naples, although I don%26#39;t know the exact name. Also there are several charters, large to small.

If you do a jet ski back bay tour, you will most likely see dolphins. These are fun, and if there are any manatees or sea turtles about you will see them too. You can call Fish Tale marina and ask if they have seen any lately as they are frequently spotted there.

The reggae party you refer to is at the Bridge Restaurant, which is just over the bridge on San Carlos Island (leaving the beach, cross the bridge, take the first left and then left again immediately, go under the bridge to get there). Very popular.

There is an interesting eco-cruise out of Salty Sam%26#39;s Marina, if you want to consider an alternative to the jet skis (although that would be fun too). Take a flat-bottom boat out on the back bay, and you are given the choice of getting off at Lover%26#39;s Key to go shelling or staying on the boat while they scoop up some marine life and fill the live well. Then the operator will tell you about whatever has been scooped up. If you choose to go shelling, take WATER! Actually, taking water is good advice no matter what you choose to do.

When you get here, get copies of the three local weekly (free) papers: The Beach Observer, the Beach Bulletin, and the Sand Paper. These are available at businesses and in boxes all over the island. You will find listings of events and who%26#39;s playing where as far as live entertainment goes. Call first, as these can be outdated from time to time. If you like jazz, don%26#39;t miss Liquid Jazz at the Orpheus Cafe on Monday night beginning at 9 p.m. There is a core group of musicians each Monday, but others show up and you never know who will be there. In my opinion, Orpheus also has the best pizza on the beach :-)

Finally, there is a new website: www.ourfortmyersbeach.com This site has announcements, specials, coupons, and reviews of local businesses and happenings. Check it out.

July 6th - 12th any tips? Events? Ideas?

Thanks so much for the info... it was exactly what we were looking for!

Hello, We go to the Bridge Reggae party every so often and have a lot of fun. Also, the Lani Kai on Sunday afternoons can be fun. They also have a reggae band start up around 2pm til around 6. It is not for everyone I guess but me and my husband are early 30%26#39;s and we enjoy it. We dance, watch the limbo and hot buns contest. People watching there can be quite entertaining. I have been seeing lots of manatee around the docks at Fish Tale Marina. Maybe check out the tour boat out of there for a dolphin/manatee sunset cruise? Haven%26#39;t done the Captiva Cruise either. We also enjoy the Beached Whale for live music, they usually have a great band start up around 9 or 10. Also, Vintage Vinyl will be playing at the Cottage on Monday nights and they are a lot of fun. Those two bars are across the street from each other so you can hop around between sets.