Monday, July 27, 2009

Naples, Florida - The Best Sand-Box On The Gulf Of Mexico

By Deb Schwabe

Vacationers love beach vacations and in south-west Florida you will find Naples, a gorgeous beach. This city is regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Florida coastline. For all year round fun in the sun, golfing, first class shopping, fine dining and adventure, Naples cannot be beaten by the best of playgrounds.

Naples is a mere hop, skip and jump from the "Everglades" an untamed tropical wonderland. Or if it is island seclusion you are seeking, you will find it. This is one of the most famous sand-boxes in the US and it boasts the calmest seas as well as one of the best climates. Many water sports enthusiasts, beach lovers and enthusiastic vacationers love this city for its many recreational facilities.

The Everglades are wild, exciting and can add some much needed adventure to your beach holiday. While it is great to relax, eat well and play in the beach if you are on a sea-shore holiday, if there something special and extra on offer, this should also be taken advantage of. And take advantage of it you can with a visit to this unique area. You may see the panther, bison, alligator and many different species of bird.

The Everglades are made up of more than 10,000 islands, all of them uninhabited, as well as varied and unique ecosystems, so there is plenty to do, see and learn. Exploring these by kayak or canoe as a means of transport places the adventurer on and eye to eye level with the beauty of this tropical paradise. As they slide through mangrove tunnels and float over fields of saw grass. This kind of adventure makes meaningful memories and if you are lucky you may even come across a school of dolphins.

If you prefer your animal life a little less out in the open, the Naples Zoo at the Caribbean Gardens is a must-see. This is a nationally accredited facility and you are able to experience the beauty of a historic botanical garden blended together with a zoological collection which is second to none. All day long the zoo presents exciting wildlife exhibits and you are even able to take a cruise past a tiger forest, panther glade and African oasis and see islands filled with gallivanting monkeys.

With all the water sports this city has on offer, it would be remiss not to cater for the fisherman. Everyone has a little bit of fisherman in them. It is that old hunter-gatherer instinct coming to the fore. So either inland or off-shore fishing is available and there are many different varieties of game fishy on offer, from shark to the humble yet tasty and elusive trout.

Speaking of elusive, a trip to the Everglades and Naples would not be complete with a visit to see the gentle manatee. Tours out to see these sea animals are available, so try to make sure you put this on your itinerary.

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