Back in Cape Coral we saw our final week looming ahead of us. We still hadn’t done any stand up paddling. We checked out a different location and called. We were a bit late in getting started, so it was noontime when we arrived at the Port Sanibel Marina. We booked our boards with YOLO Board Adventures. The Florida weather put a dent in a beautiful start. Mesmerized by the multitude of pelicans we tried to ignore the dark clouds brewing. Unfortunately it started thundering and shortly after it started raining. We were on the water for 20 minutes so we headed back to the pier and promised to be there bright and early the next morning. Good choice.

We were at the pier at 9:15 and started off. First stop was at an area where there were supposed to be manatees. We saw bubbles and movement but not much more. So we continued our paddle tour. Paddling in the morning is nice as it isn’t that hot yet. We paddled on open water and through mangroves. It was a self-guided tour which was great as we go in our own tempo and just enjoy the nature for ourselves. On the way back after nearly two hours we saw some manatees again. It’s amazing to watch these giants glide through the water. We paddled around and were rewarded with some nice sightings of manatees not only gliding underwater but also coming up for air.

As we were close to Sanibel we decided to also visit the J.N. Ding Darling Refuge and spend the afternoon at the beach. Once again the weather wasn’t cooperating. We got halfway through the park when the skies open up and flooded everything. No more animals to see and also no beach for us. So we headed back home and decided what to do the rest of the day.