Page 67 - Life in Naples November 2018

When the breeze is light by Chris Burkard - President of Burkard Yacht Sales, Vice President of
and Gulf waters calm . . . . the Marine Industries Association of Collier County and Owner of
Naples Waterway and Wildlife Tours

aples, Florida is an amazing place. The locals call it our The best way to experience our amazing coastal waters is by
“little slice of heaven” or “our paradise.” Much of the boat. Many enjoy cruising our beautiful waterfront communities
architecture is of Italian inspiration, as our namesake to take in the beautiful architecture. Others enjoy visiting our
N city across the pond would certainly imply. Our weather local waterfront restaurants. Keewaydin Island is unique in that
is subtropical with only the rare cold front able to drop the its southern end has a beach that faces the Gulf of Mexico and a
temperatures into the “cold zone” and even then, the cold beach that faces towards the mainland. When the breeze is light
temperatures rarely survive past midday. Our shopping and dining and Gulf waters calm, anchoring on the Gulf side is a great way to
are world class, yet quaint. We have managed to keep the heavy spend a day swimming, shelling and relaxing. If the conditions are
commercialization out of Naples that has overtaken many of our a bit too choppy on the Gulf side, you have the option of anchoring
larger coastal neighbors. We are also home to one of the nicest or beaching on the inland side. Others just want to enjoy the
beaches in the entire world due to our white powdery sand, warm wildlife. There is no shortage of eagles, hawks, bottlenose dolphins
waters, amazing coastal wildlife and spectacular Gulf sunsets. Most and manatees to observe. The Ten Thousand Islands are also home
people that live and visit already know this and our best-kept little to whitetail deer, panthers, bobcats and raccoons. Although these
secrets are not so best kept. animals are more reclusive than the birds and dolphins, sightings
What you may not know, and is truly a kept secret, is that are rather frequent. There are several areas inshore and near shore
Naples is home to one of the largest Mangrove Forests in the where water skiing and knee-boarding can be fun and a great source
world, “The Ten Thousand Islands.” This mangrove forest is home of exercise. Offshore, deep blue holes offer scuba diving and spear
to some of the most spectacular coastal birds, marine mammals fishing opportunities. Fishing in our area is world class and anglers
and fish found anywhere on our planet. The mangrove forest acts from around the world come here to ply their skills against snook,
as a nursery, attracting breeding adults, and is home to millions tarpon, red fish, grouper, snapper and many other species.
of juveniles. We are a mecca for boaters, anglers, bird watchers, Naples is home to a robust assortment of marine related
nature enthusiasts, shelling enthusiasts, adventure seekers, sun businesses. There are numerous tour boat operations that offer
worshipers and beach goers. Our waters and coastal areas teem sightseeing, fishing and wildlife tours. If you are a bit more
with life. It is not unusual to spot bottlenose dolphins frolicking adventurous, and you have boating experience, there are also many
in the surf while a bald eagle or osprey circles overhead searching boats available for rent. Naples is also home to a booming boat and
for a meal of fresh fish. I have encountered deer swimming across yacht sales industry if you are so inclined to enjoy our waters on a
from the mainland to Keewaydin Island, our coastal barrier much more frequent basis. I highly suggest taking advantage of our
island that runs from Gordon Pass almost to Marco Island. Our resources and getting out on our waters. You’ll see Naples in a whole
waterfront is truly a beautiful and spectacular thing to behold. new way while creating enjoyable memories that will last a lifetime.

NAPLES WATERWAY & WILDLIFE TOURS

Life in Naples | November 2018 67