Helm a 23’ RipTide off Fort Myers Beach — run Estero Island to North Captiva and Lovers Key

FORT MYERS BEACH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Helm a 23’ RipTide off Fort Myers Beach — run Estero Island to North Captiva and Lovers Key

Rent a 23’ RipTide from Salty Sam’s Marina for half‑ or full‑day runs (up to 14 passengers) — this guide explains where you can go, timing rules, rates, and what to bring.

Check availabilitySee guide details

Helm a 23’ RipTide off Fort Myers Beach — run Estero Island to North Captiva and Lovers Key.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Fort Myers Beach
Operator
Salty Sam’s Marina
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The 23’ RipTide is a purpose‑built dayboat that puts Fort Myers Beach’s low, luminous horizon within reach. From the protection of Estero Island’s bay side to the open sweep toward North Captiva and the southern point of Lovers Key, the boat is sized for social outings and daylong exploration — a straightforward way to trade crowded sand for wide water and a steady breeze.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

A 23’ RipTide fitted for groups
THE BOAT

A 23’ RipTide fitted for groups

The vessel is a 23’ RipTide powered by a Yamaha 115 and rated for up to 14 passengers, making it a compact but capacious option for a group day on the water.

Range from Estero Island to North Captiva
THE ROUTE

Range from Estero Island to North Captiva

Renters can cruise around Estero Island on either the Gulf or bay side, run north to North Captiva, or head south to the southern point of Lovers Key — flexible routing for a single‑day outing.

Half‑ and full‑day options, and a note on music
THE PRACTICALS

Half‑ and full‑day options, and a note on music

Rates list a half day and a full day rental, and while vessels may or may not be equipped with stereos, customers are advised to bring a portable or Bluetooth speaker or purchase one at the Ship Store when they arrive.

What the day feels like

How the day flows

You pick a departure time and take the RipTide out of Salty Sam’s Marina for a single day of open water and islands: choose shallow bays for calmer cruising or point the bow toward open Gulf channels and barrier islands. The boat’s capacity and engine let a mixed party keep pace with a varied itinerary — a mix of exploration, relaxation, and unstructured time to make the day your own.

A 23’ RipTide fitted for groups

THE BOAT

A 23’ RipTide fitted for groups

The vessel is a 23’ RipTide powered by a Yamaha 115 and rated for up to 14 passengers, making it a compact but capacious option for a group day on the water.

Range from Estero Island to North Captiva

THE ROUTE

Range from Estero Island to North Captiva

Renters can cruise around Estero Island on either the Gulf or bay side, run north to North Captiva, or head south to the southern point of Lovers Key — flexible routing for a single‑day outing.

Half‑ and full‑day options, and a note on music

THE PRACTICALS

Half‑ and full‑day options, and a note on music

Rates list a half day and a full day rental, and while vessels may or may not be equipped with stereos, customers are advised to bring a portable or Bluetooth speaker or purchase one at the Ship Store when they arrive.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental suits — and the constraints to plan around.

1
Large groups or partiesWith capacity for up to 14 passengers, the RipTide accommodates larger friend or family groups who want a single boat for the day.
2
Day‑trip plannersThis is a dayboat rather than an overnight platform; all vessels must be back at the marina by 4:30 p.m., so plan itineraries that fit the operator’s return windows.
3
Groups expecting flexibilityThe boat’s passenger limit and fixed return deadline mean you’ll want to preplan stops and timing so the group can make the most of the available hours.
4
Social outings with gearThe RipTide suits social outings where passengers bring their own gear and provisioning for a day on the water — keep the 14‑passenger limit and marina return in mind when loading supplies.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Vessels may or may not be equipped with stereos. If you want music, bring a portable or Bluetooth speaker, or purchase one at the Ship Store when you arrive for your rental.

On‑board gear and provisioning

Pack sun protection, water, and anything your party needs for a day on the water; boats have a passenger capacity of up to 14, so plan provisioning accordingly.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How many people fit on the 23’ RipTide?

The 23’ RipTide accommodates up to 14 passengers.

What are the rental rates?

Half Day rentals are $260 and Full Day rentals are $360. Use promo code VAL-SMSF to save $20 on Full Day rentals.

What are the return times?

9 a.m. departures should be returned at 4:00 p.m.; departures at 10 a.m. or later should be returned at 4:30 p.m. All boats must be returned to the marina by 4:30 p.m.

Are stereos provided on board?

These vessels may or may not be equipped with stereos. Customers are recommended to bring a portable or Bluetooth speaker or purchase one at the Ship Store upon arrival.

Where can I go from Fort Myers Beach with this rental?

You can boat around Estero Island on the Gulf or bay side, head north to North Captiva, or go south to the southern point of Lovers Key.

What is the boat’s engine?

The 23’ RipTide is equipped with a Yamaha 115.