On Oct. 3, 2013, there were no hot bodies in bikinis, but there were many warm bodies wearing fishing shirts, hats, sunglasses and holding their water bottles on a boat cruise to Cabbage Key. Examiner.com, also on the cruise, spoke with the Baldwin family who was enjoying Florida waters and wildlife.
Turned out Courtney Baldwin was born in Naples, Fla. and raised in Fort Myers. This year she and her husband decided to return to her roots in Southwest Florida for their vacation!
Courtney shared what Florida means to her.
"I was born in this area, and did not move away until I married and settled, first in Miss. and later we moved to North Alabama where we currently live. I miss my family, friends, the weather and the beaches the most. On this trip we planned to only visit family, so today's cruise is icing on the cake!"
This tour was not a long one, but still long enough to enjoy a variety of natural attractions along the way.
"We walked up and down on Sanibel this week too, but we also chose this boat tour due to the length of it (half a day). The price was also right, and everyone in our small group agreed to take it. My parents have lived here over 40 years, but they have never been on this tour. Captiva Cruises offers other trips, but we decided on this one, and we're glad we did."
Other guests on the tour had similar reasons for choosing it. Most of them were from out of state. The majority of them learned about the cruise either because they had previously taken it, were recommended to take it or discovered it online. The Baldwins chose Captiva Cruises due to all the above.
"I use the internet quite a bit, and that is how I learned about this particular tour."
The Baldwin group arrived at South Seas Plantation at 9:30 a.m. By 10 a.m. they boarded with about 30 others. Two men operated the boat, and Captain Keith Smith was "in charge" of the catamaran and its passengers.
Apparently Captiva Cruises offers a variety of boat tours, but this one takes its guests to a true "Old Florida" island hideaway on Cabbage Key.
When the Baldwins and other guests docked at Cabbage Key, they were ushered to the main house which is where they ate lunch. Courtney's husband, Kyle, had this to say about his experience.
"I had a good time. There was much to see, even inside the restaurant."
The early 20th century house, now an inn and restaurant, displayed several framed old photos and mounted fish. It had a homey environment, and dollar bills were taped all over the walls and ceiling. Courtney shared more.
"This tour was nice, as it included stops to and from the restaurant, nature paths, a tall water tower one could climb and a quaint little gift shop. We saw a lot of nature that included birds, dolphin, fish, a gopher tortoise and more. We would take this cruise again, or at least another one like it in other areas of this part of Florida."
For those who want to learn even more about this cruise, and others like it, go to Captiva Cruises.
The Baldwins did not take all the photos in the slideshow. Those they did not take are representations of some of the wildlife they saw. Enjoy the video clip on "Beach Resorts for Families." One of the resorts mentioned includes Captiva Island.
