Special Tours

Special Tours

To sight some manatees, hook up with Manatee & River Tours (16991 Rte. 31, Fort Myers, 33905. 239/693-1434. www.manateeandrivertours.com) Near Marco Island, Manatee Sightseeing Adventure (239/642-8818 or 800/379-7440. www.see-manatees.com) offers tours to sight these gentle creatures.

Captiva Cruises (McCarthy's Marina, Captiva, 33924. 239/472-5300. www.captivacruises.com) runs shelling, nature, luncheon, beach, and sunset cruises to and around the out islands of Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Cayo Costa, and Gasparilla Island. Excursions cost $20 to $45 each.

One of the best ways to see the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is by taking a canoe or kayak tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers (900 Tarpon Bay Rd., Sanibel, 33957. 239/472-8900. www.tarponbayexplorers.com). The knowledgeable naturalist guides can help you see so much more of what's there among the mangroves and under the water's surface.