15 Ways to Enjoy the Water in Naples

Naples is one of Florida's premier cities, known for its upscale shops, world-class dining, and gorgeous waterfront real estate. Located in southwest Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico, the warm summers, natural beauty, and fun outdoor activities also make Naples draw an international crowd. Are you looking forward to spending summers in your own Old Naples real estate on aquamarine Gulf waters, and digging your toes in its soft, sugar-white sand? Here are thirteen ways to push off from Naples' exciting onshore life, and enjoy a different view of our beautiful city.

Originally constructed in 1888 and rebuilt 5 times after fires and hurricanes, the iconic Naples Pier is the place to get 1000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico without a seaplane. Take a break from looking at Aqualane Shores homes for sale by having a bite at the picnic pavilion or concession stands along the pier.

It’s not uncommon for individuals and families to look at Old Naples homes for sale because they want year-round access to excellent fishing. Naples is home to the best sportfishing charters in the world. Pure Florida offers private or group charters, with deep-sea and bay fishing options. Their charter fishing fleet has boats that are tailored to the environments in which you'll pursue your catch, and their guides know where you'll have the best odds of landing Florida's best game fish.

Southern Gentlemen Fishing Charters is another fun local fishing charter company. They are a local favorite and also offer fishing experiences that are kid-friendly.

There are several top-notch spots for divers in the Naples area, such as the Black Hole sinkhole, sunken shipwrecks, and limestone ledges covered in soft corals and teeming with sea life. In fact, there’s so much to see under the sea in Naples that locals may be able to catch glimpses from the watery backyards of their Port Royal real estate. In addition to encountering 100s of species of fish, you’re likely to encounter dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Some of the waters around Naples are shallow enough to bring a mask and snorkel if you're not SCUBA certified.

You have your pick of several reputable dive shops, certification courses, and guides, but we recommend Scuba Outfitters of Naples.

Many beaches in Naples prohibit or discourage off-leash dogs, but at Bonita Beach, your canine companions can cavort in shallow waters and explore the shoreline freely. A scenic 30-minute drive from your Old Naples real estate, Bonita Beach is an ideal social club for pets, and for their people to make new friends as well. Amenities include free, RV-friendly parking and dog showers.

Of the many beautiful beaches of Naples, Barefoot Beach Preserve is the zenith of Collier County’s stunning coast. Residents of Aqualane real estate can take a 35-minute, scenic drive to this 342 acres of natural land. Join a nature walk or Saturday morning lecture sponsored by Friends of Barefoot Beach Preserve, and you might even meet a gopher tortoise—the beach's unofficial mascot.

Is there surfing in Naples? Indeed, there is. Just north and south of Naples Pier, the breaks are generally just right for beginners and experienced surfers looking for consistent waves. When the weather starts to misbehave, that's when things get a bit more exciting off Naples Beach; it's a popular spot during hurricane season. The local crowd is laid-back and welcoming to newcomers and surfers of all abilities and styles. If you are catching your first waves, you might want to bring along an instructor from Surf Naples. And if you’ve never surfed before or just want to up your game, surf lessons would be a great way to treat yourself while you’re shopping for an Old Naples home for sale.

It's nearly impossible to cruise around Naples Bay without seeing the local bottlenose dolphins, and many locals can often see dolphins from their Port Royal real estate. You’re also bound to see a pod while motoring to your sea-shelling destination, through mangrove forests and a quiet lagoon. Naples Water Tours offers excursions for up to 6 guests on their 25-foot boat—perfect for private parties—and a larger vessel is available for up to 10 passengers.

Soar over the water and capture phenomenal views of Naples with Bonita Jet Ski & Parasail. You don't have to go alone, as the company operates rigging designed for 2 or 3 people at a time, for flights lasting 8 to 12 minutes.

Unless you request a dip in the water before you land back on the deck of the boat, you can stay dry throughout the adventure. And parasailing is extra safe when you're in the hands of Bonita’s coast-guard certified crews, and 30 years of experience.

If you’re looking for Port Royal houses for sale with your own private dock, you’re in luck. The best way to experience the Gulf of Mexico is by chartering a private yacht and crew for the day. Choose from among a half-dozen yachts presented by Yachtlife for private touring or events. Most are available by the half-day and some for multi-day charters. Amenities such as catering and onboard chef are available upon request, or you can bring your own supplies. You can also find a Naples yacht broker or charter through the International Yacht Brokers Association.

If you're looking for a smaller vessel and you don't need a crew, you can rent a variety of smaller sport and leisure boats from Naples Bay Resort Boat Rentals. Spend the day exploring the intricate waterways of Royal Naples and scoping out opulent Port Royal houses for sale from the water, as you speed along the coastline with the wind in your hair. Short of having an Earls & Lappin real estate agent give you a personal tour, this is one of the best ways to view stunning waterfront Port Royal real estate.

For some good old-fashioned, island-style fun with a Naples twist, book a floating tiki bar at Cruisin' Tikis. You can bring your own snacks and libations for a very unique and surprisingly relaxing approach to sightseeing and viewing Old Naples real estate from the water.

As if there weren’t enough great reasons to invest in a waterfront home here, paddleboarding is another activity that many enjoy in Naples—often conveniently from their own Port Naples real estate. If you don’t have your own equipment yet, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards on your own or with a guided tour at Naples Bay Resort Boat Rentals.

You've heard of glass-bottomed boats, but you probably haven’t seen a 100% clear kayak. This will change if you book a tour with Get Up And Go, an award-winning kayak tour company that is the first to offer these unique boats for rent. Kayak during the day for a (literally) clear view of manatees and other aquatic wildlife, or opt to join their Bonita Springs Sunset and Glow Tour, for which your guides will outfit the kayaks with fish-attracting blue LEDs.

Ranked as the best kayaking tour in the United States by Tripadvisor, USA Today, and Gulfshore Life, Rising Tide Explorers is the only kayaking tour company in Naples hosted and owned by biologists. Together you'll spend the morning learning about the wildlife and ecosystem in the Rookery Bay Reserve. As a bonus, the company sends along photographers to capture complementary images of you enjoying the tour, so you can stay focused on the experience, and have a keepsake to take back to your Aqualane shores real estate.

If you're planning to spend some leisure time on our pristine beaches while looking at Old Naples homes for sale, why not leave your beach picnic in the capable and luxurious hands of Royal Naples Picnics? This service is perfect for a romantic sunset toast with your loved one. Royal Naples Picnics offers a 2-hour picnic experience with delicious wine and food, not to mention comfortable, Instagram-worthy furnishings. They will handle all the details including setting up, cleaning up, and removal, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy. They'll even recommend the best spots according to weather, season, and your plans for the rest of the day.

Whether you're looking for elegant Old Naples homes for sale or waterfront Port Royal real estate, Earls & Lappin Team will open the door to the area’s best and most exclusive opportunities. With more than 70 years of combined experience, you can trust their knowledge of the Southwest Florida luxury real estate market and their ability to assist you in finding and winning the Naples home of your dreams. Contact Earls & Lappin today at (239) 777-6622 for a complimentary consultation and get yourself one step closer to your gorgeous new home.