Golf As one of the main attractions of the area there is no shortage of golf courses. Within Rotonda there are enough courses to keep everyone happy with another planned for the near future. The existing ones are Long Marsh, a semi-private course, Rotonda Golf and Country Club (54 holes split over three separate courses) and Pinemoor. There are plenty more in the surrounding area – Lemon Bay, Bobcat Trail, Heron Creek and Riverwood to name a few.

Water Sports It goes without saying as you are literally surrounded by water that water sports feature highly in this area and the choice is yours. Parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, game fishing or just good old rod fishing from the end of one of the piers. All of this is available along with boat hire that can be skippered if needed - a skipper will be able to take you to the best locations to see dolphin and manatee or arrange a fishing trip (appropriate license required) where you are almost guaranteed to get a catch and of course by boat you can reach otherwise inaccessible islands such as Cabbage Key, Cayo Costa and Don Pedro Island.

Beaches There are too many to name them all but none will disappoint. Englewood Beach, Manasota Beach, Stump Pass, Venice Beach, Siesta Key and right up to Longboat Key or visit the lighthouse at Boca Grande and spot the iguanas in the sand dunes but go for the views as the waters here are too dangerous to swim in. Travel south to the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island where a great pastime is collecting shells and fossilized sharks teeth.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary south of Fort Myers on route 846 is America’s largest remaining unspoiled stand of bald cypress trees and is a unique natural wildlife habitat.
Tel: 941/348-9151

Everglades Wonder Gardens is one of Florida’s original attractions. Founded in 1936 it offers a selection of Everglades wonders that you could ever wish to see. Meet alligators, crocodiles, eagles, Florida panther and black bear, as well as deer, bobcat and wild boar.
Tel: 941/992-2591

The Shell Factory at North Fort Myers claims to offer the world’s largest collection of rare shells, corals, sponges and fossils. Outdoor entertainment includes miniature golf and bumper boat rides. Babcock Wilderness Adventures Punta Gorda is open 9-3 Nov to April and mornings only May to Oct. An exciting swamp buggy ride offers a unique look around the vast 90,000-acre Babcock Crescent B Ranch. There are usually sightings of the ranch’s herd of bison, crossbreed Senepol cattle and quarter horses. Booking is essential. Tel: 941/489-3911 or 1-800/500-5583

Pelican Pete’s At 3101 South McCall Road is a family entertainment center consisting of miniature golf, go-kart rides, batting cages train and arcades. There is also food concession stands.

Port Charlotte Bowlerama at 3192 Harbor Boulevard, Port Charlotte offers bowling and dining.

Peace River Wildlife Center at 3400 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda is an active wildlife rehabilitation center for indigenous animals and birds for viewing.

These are just a few of the attractions in this area but part of the fun is finding things of interest for yourself, so we hope that when you come to visit you will enjoy exploring the area as there is a multitude of things on offer for everyone.