Try out a canoe on the Estero River while staying at Koreshan State Park. I lived a few miles (a 5 minute dirt-bike ride) from there while in High School, back in the early 80's when Route 41 was a two-lane surrounded by farms and Orange groves. I've canoed that River many, many times. Awesome wildlife! If you keep an eye out, you might see a rope swing. There's a great canoe shop right on Route 41 where it crosses the Estero River, in the town of Estero (don't get confused with Estero Island, often called Ft. Myers Beach).
CLICKY They'll set you up if you can't get a canoe at the park. If you get a boat at Route 41, go upstream (East), which takes you under a train trussle and then you come to the little bridge at Sandy Lane. It starts to get rather narrow after the Sandy Lane bridge, but it's possible to paddle up to the split, if you're curious enough to go that far. If you get a canoe and put-in at the park, also consider going upstream, first. Route 41 isn't far from the Koreshan boat ramp. Look for gators catching some rays on the bank. Downstream from the park, the river widens, but I think the narrow bits are more interesting. Kids of all ages will find it unforgettable.
You'll enjoy the Red Coconut. They've been there forever. Fantastic Sunsets! Keep an eye on your woman-folk. I'm sure some things haven't changed since I frequented that beach (more than 10,000 Sunsets ago).
Estero River Outfitters:
http://www.esteroriveroutfitters.com/index.cfm
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