Next, grab a quick lunch and, if you’ve pre-booked a charter fishing excursion, head to Silver Lining Charters for a fishing trip — they offer inshore, fly, tarpon, nearshore, and “extreme” trips that range from half-day to full day. If not, head straight to Englewood Beach for some relaxation in the sun. Use the ParkMobile app to pay the parking fee. There are five laid-back restaurants within walking distance of the beach: Magnolias on the Bay, The Waverly, Lock ‘N Key, SandBar Tiki & Grille, and White Elephant Pub.
Time Allowance
This itinerary takes three days and two nights to complete.
Distance from Population Centers
Englewood is less than an hour south of Sarasota, an hour and 15 minutes northwest of Fort Myers, and less than two hours south of Tampa.
Walking/Driving Distance Between Things to Do
The distance between things to do on this itinerary varies from short walking distance to up to 14 miles. Most are within a few miles or less.
What to Bring
Wear clothes that are appropriate for each activity and the weather. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and drinking water for outdoor activities. For hanging out at the beach, also bring sand toys for children and a bag for your trash. Bring a blanket or jacket for Lemon Bay Dolphin Tours. Along with snacks, guests are welcome to bring their own beer or wine.
You’ll need to bring a cash donation of at least $5 for beach yoga. Also bring cash for parking at Don Pedro Island State Park.
What to Expect
This is an action-packed adventure with lots of time spent outdoors. Be prepared in case of inclement weather. If your tour can’t be briefly delayed or rescheduled, you will receive a refund.
With the exception of beach yoga, reservations are required or highly recommended for all other activities.
There is a $6 toll to use the Boca Grande Causeway (round trip).
Physical Demands
For paddleboarding, participants must be able to balance on a paddleboard, either kneeling or standing, paddle, swim, and walk a quarter of a mile to the launch area.
For kayaking, participants must be able to swim, paddle a kayak, and get in and out of one.
For fishing, guests must be able to cast and reel.
Accessibility Enhancements/Inclusion Highlights
Wheelchairs are available at Englewood Beach to use free of charge every day starting at 7:30 a.m. Wheelchairs must be returned by 3:30 p.m.
Trip Highlights
Beginning your trip with the views and relaxation that beach yoga offers is a feeling like no other.
You’ll get some of the best views possible from 500 feet in the air with Englewood Parasailing.
When you paddleboard with SUP Englewood, you’ll see some of the most pristine and beautiful shoreline in Florida with wildlife sightings you won’t forget.
You’ll see amazing views of what’s under the surface when you paddle a clear-bottom kayak at Glass Bottom Rentals.
Lodging and Accommodations
Englewood offers a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals, from large homes to cozy condos. For a small, family-friendly, pet-friendly place to stay near the beach, check out The Sun Life Beach Hotel. The clean and cozy Sun Coast Inn is just over a mile from Englewood Beach with a pier in walking distance.
Culinary Adventures
Visitors have plenty of dining choices in Englewood. For breakfast, check out Lock ‘n Key Restaurant & Pub or Zarate’s Family Restaurant. For lunch, try Landy’s Restaurant, Ken & Barb’s Grove City Kitchen, or Lighthouse Grill at Stump Pass. At dinnertime, head to Farlow’s on the Water or Ephesus Mediterranean Grill. To dine close to the beach, check out Magnolias on the Bay, The Waverly, Lock ‘N Key, SandBar Tiki & Grille, or White Elephant Pub.
Required Certifications or Licenses
Boat operators must present a state-issued ID. If under 18 but at least 14 years old, boat operators must have a safe boating card. All boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Florida-issued safe boating card or other NASBLA-approved safe boating card. Any guest who needs to obtain a safe boating card can do so by taking a course online prior to arrival.
When to Visit and Seasonal Differences
The fishing is great here year-round, but for Tarpon, visit between April and October. Visit in June for peak Tarpon fishing. The Pure Florida website has more information on when to fish for particular species.
Expect higher temperatures and humidity during the summer months. Adverse weather conditions and water conditions can affect outdoor activities, which may have to be rescheduled.
Surprises/Bonuses
Find beautiful shells and fossilized shark teeth on the beach.
Encountering sea life and other wildlife up close on the various tours will surprise and delight. Most tours are led by Florida Master Naturalists who are happy to share their knowledge with visitors.
The fun of learning to pilot a two-person catamaran is enhanced by the sense of accomplishment you’ll have when you’re done.
If you go fishing with Silver Lining Charters, you don’t need your own fishing license, and you’ll be taken to the best (and often secret) fishing spots.
Rules
All boat operators must be at least 18 years of age or 14 years of age with a boater safety card and a parent riding in the same boat.
Silver Lining Charters does not allow spray-on sunscreen or GPS on fishing trips.
Catamarans are limited to two people per boat. If there is an odd number of people in your party, one will have to go solo.
Visitors must fill any holes they dig on the beach and flatten any sandcastles before leaving the beach during sea turtle nesting season from March 1 through Oct. 1.
Touching manatees or other wildlife is prohibited, as is collecting live shells.
Advice
Download the free ParkMobile app to pay for beach parking.
For tips on how to get your family beach-ready, check out this post from Pure Florida.
When traveling to and from Boca Grande, be sure to add plenty of time to reach your destination in case you have to wait for the Boca Grande Causeway Swing Bridge. See the bridge schedule online.
How to Book
Book your Don Pedro Island paddleboard tour, and Lemon Bay Dolphin Tours,
Reserve your spot at Englewood Parasailing by calling 833-359-1200. Sign the waiver, which is available on their website, in advance.
Make your guided eco-tour reservation with Glass Bottom Rentals by calling 941-237-1756.
To book your fishing trip with Silver Lining Charters, call 941-204-5229.
