Once upon a time, the idea of Southwest Florida adventures conjured up images of bloodthirsty pirates and intrepid explorers braving raging seas and treacherous swamps in search of new discoveries. Today’s outdoor adventures don’t require swords or submersion in swamp water, and the riches you discover are likely to be those of nature, but there’s still ample opportunity to raise your heartbeat. Our trails, waterways, and the occasional alligator or manatee are guaranteed to take your breath away in one manner or another. Some of our favorite adventures will test you physically, at least one requires nerves of steel, and we’ve also included a few that provide serene escapes from everyday stress. So grab your sneakers, sun hat and water bottles and venture out of the air conditioning and into our great outdoors.  

     Captain Rob Roberts operates one of only six or so offshore boat charters in Sarasota. He’s been fishing Sarasota’s waters for more than 20 years, so trust him when he says there are big game fish to be caught here. From his 31-foot Tiara, which docks at New Pass, you can travel as far as 50 miles offshore in search of sailfish, blackfin tuna, goliath grouper and snapper so pink they could upholster Bruce Springsteen’s famous Cadillac. His charter’s biggest catch was a 58-pound kingfish landed by a Swedish tourist.

“The folks back at New Pass were going crazy,” says Roberts. “But being Swedish, he [the fisherman] really had no idea what he’d caught.”

     Roberts says the boat is licensed for six but fits four more comfortably. In season, book at least one month in advance for one of Captain Rob’s charters. Half-day trips are the norm, and Roberts reports that half the sailfish he’s caught have been inside 30 miles. But for the ultimate charter experience, splurge for a 12- to 16-hour full-moon trip. “Fifty miles out, you’ll see a lot of neat things on a full moon,” says Roberts. When the moon casts its pale glow on a glassy sea, he says, “squid swim right up to the boat lights, and it gets kind of spooky.”

The majority of Roberts’ customers are men, but the Tiara’s fully equipped head is attracting more women. Bring the kids, too. As Roberts, who hosts a local cable show called Fishin’ Fever, loves to say, “If you’re too busy to take a kid fishing, you’re too busy.” Call (941) 922-1045. It’s $520-$1,800 for tours that run from four to 16 hours. The price includes filleting your catch.

       Many people canoe and kayak around the river at Myakka River State Park, but few know about the more adventurous trek down the southern portion. Only small, guided tours are encouraged to navigate this stretch, since the water narrows in certain sections to barely the width of a canoe or kayak. At these places, kayakers are lower in the water than the alligators on the bank, leaving paddlers looking up at the big reptiles.

     This is not a trip for the faint of heart. Guides will instruct you to make noise when rounding a bend in the river to warn the alligators of your impending arrival. Even so, don’t be surprised if you spook a few, who will dive right under your kayak on their way into the water. Eventually, the river opens into an expanse of clear, beautiful water, where exotic birds feed and clouds reflect back at you when you look down. Here you’ll see the few full-sized boats that are allowed into the area (each must register with park officials) gathered in a circle around an area known as the “deep hole.” Fishing lore claims this hole is so deep that even the alligators can’t find the bottom. Some of the largest reptiles in the park keep watch on the shore adjacent to this hole.

     If you do take this trip, be sure to stay with your tour guide. The sea grass grows high along the river’s channel and can confuse the casual kayaker. Also be aware that the current travels down toward the deep hole, so paddling back can be a challenge.  13208 S.R. 72 (Clark Road), Sarasota, (941) 361-6511. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. $5 per vehicle of 2-8 people. Bring your own boat or rent a kayak ($25-$50) or canoe ($15-$40).You must register to enter this part of the river—only 20 boats per day are allowed. Economy Tackle (941-922-9671) offers 2½-hour guided tours down the river’s southern portion for $65 a person.