4 Fun and Exciting Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Day Trips

By Laurén Ettinger

You may plan a visit to the Fort Myers, Florida area because of the warm sunshine and beaches, but so many fantastic things to do are close by. Here are four fun and exciting day trip options. 

4 Fun and Exciting Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Day Trips. Must Do Visitor Guides | MustDo.com

Key West

Take the Key West Express for the ultimate Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel vacation day trip! A cruise on the Key West Express ferry is the fast and fun way to visit the southernmost point in the United States. 

From lazy lounging on the beach to exhilarating activities on the water, there’s always something fun happening in Key West, Florida. Passengers leave in the morning and are in Key West for lunch when traveling aboard the jet-powered vessels of Key West Express

Ferry’s depart from the port in Fort Myers Beach early each morning and return in the early evening the same day. With sundecks, flat-screen TVs and complete bar & food service available, your journey will be more enjoyable than ever. 

Stay for just a day or extend your stay to explore all that Key West has to offer and make the return trip on your specified date. The Key West Express ferry cruises from Fort Myers Beach, Florida year-round. 

Peace River Charters in Arcadia

Immerse yourself in the nature and beauty of wild Florida with one of the many experiences offered by Peace River Charters, just a short drive from Fort Myers at the Peace River Campgrounds in Arcadia, Florida. 

Zip along on a family-friendly airboat tour or charter, or for an exhilarating good time, try out a swap buggy ride, the ultimate off-road vehicle allowing you a 12-foot vantage point from its oversized tires and elevated platform. 

Rather take it easy? Try out a horseback tour or canoe rental. Book a cruise on the Calusa Queen departing from the Nav-a-Gator Bar and Grill for a one-of-a-kind party. 

Visit the country store, hold a baby alligator, and meet Dale, the largest gator in southwest Florida. Peace River Charters also offers lots of combined packages to make a full day of your journey!

Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda

Located on pristine Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda, Fishermen’s Village is just a drive away from Fort Myers, and Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida making it an easy day trip. 

You can enjoy an array of boutique and specialty shopping, waterfront restaurants, and a variety of recreational activities including fishing charters, out island sightseeing tours, sunset cruises, boat and kayak rentals from the marina, as well as tours of the nearby Military Heritage Museum.

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary 

About an hour north of Fort Myers in Sarasota, Florida, Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to get up-close to a range of big cats including Royal Bengal Tigers, Siberian Tigers, lions, rare white tigers, and cross-bred ligers. 

All animals at Big Cat Habitat are rescue animals, unlike a zoo, your visit helps educate visitors about the threat to these amazing exotic creatures and other environmental topics. 

Young children will enjoy the petting zoo’s goats, birds, tortoises, and other animals. Visitors can also watch the animals at work with their trainers and learn their background stories. 

4 Fun and Exciting Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Day Trips. Must Do Visitor Guides | MustDo.com

Written by: Laurén Ettinger | Author Website

Laurén Ettinger runs the travel and vanlife blog Flit Float Fly Away where she shares travel tips and stories from life on the road with her dog. She is the Assistant Editor at Siesta Publications for Must Do Visitor Guides where she manages social media, writes blog articles, and assists in editing print and online copy. Laurén also works as a freelance copy editor and proofreader. She holds a M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University's School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution and a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.A. in Global Studies from Appalachian State University. Follow her adventures on instagram or her blog www.flitfloatflyaway.com