Ready to Get on the Water in Fort Myers Beach?
If your family’s idea of a perfect vacation day involves sun, saltwater, and a little bit of adrenaline, Fort Myers Beach delivers! From calm-water paddleboarding to full-throttle jet skiing, there’s a water sport for every member of the family — and most outfitters can get you set up within minutes of leaving your rental. Here’s our locals’ guide to the best family-friendly water sports and rentals on the island.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding for All Ages
Calm, shallow water along the back bays makes Fort Myers Beach a great spot for first-time paddlers and kids alike. Several outfitters, including Holiday Water Sports and Adventure Water Sports at Margaritaville Resort, rent single and tandem kayaks plus stand-up paddleboards right on the beach, so you can paddle out and watch for dolphins, manatees, and wading birds without ever leaving the island. Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina also offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, with complimentary access for resort guests.
Tip: mornings tend to bring the calmest water and the best wildlife sightings, so plan an early paddle if you can!
Jet Skis & Dolphin Tours
Looking for more speed? WaveRunner and jet ski rentals are easy to find up and down the beach, with several companies offering guided dolphin tours that combine the thrill of the ride with a good chance of spotting SWFL’s favorite locals. Adventure Water Sports and Wind and Water Sports both run jet ski dolphin tours, and most rental counters can pair you up with a guide if it’s your first time out.
Parasailing for the Whole Family
Want a bird’s-eye view of the Gulf? Parasailing is one of the most popular ways to see Fort Myers Beach from above, and it’s more family-friendly than it looks — many operators welcome kids and offer tandem or triple rides so everyone can go up together. Holiday Water Sports partners with a parasail operator right on the beach, making it an easy add-on to a beach day.
Beach Chairs, Umbrellas & Everything Else
Don’t forget the basics! Most water sports outfitters also rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and floats, so you can set up a comfortable home base for the day between paddle sessions and jet ski runs.
Make It Part of Your Stay
Staying with us at one of our Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals? Many of our properties are just steps from the beach and the rental counters mentioned above, so you can walk down, grab a paddleboard, and be on the water in minutes. Not sure where to start? Our concierge services team can help line up activities and rentals before you even arrive — just reach out and we’ll take care of the planning.
For more on planning your visit to the area, check out The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel‘s official visitor guide.
However you like to hit the water, Fort Myers Beach has a rental waiting for you. Grab your sunscreen and get out there!
Photo by James Tilden on Unsplash
