Although July's end is coming soon, the summer heat is still in full force. What better way to cool off than an aquatic adventure right in your own backyard. Whether you're looking to hit a waterpark for a leisurely day or something a bit more adventurous like jet skiing, there's plenty to do here in Southwest Florida.

Check out our guide to the best water fun you can have in the area this summer, including 11 spots across the islands, the greater Fort Myers area, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and more!

Sunny Island Adventures - 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva, FL

What to do: golf cart rentals, boat rentals, parasailing, bicycle rentals, wave runner rentals, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, eco-tours, and more.

When to go: paddleboard and kayak tours are held daily in 75-minute intervals (one or two may ride at a time); rental options are available daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information: sunnyislandadventures.com

Tarpon Bay Explorers - 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL

What to do: fun, low-impact, educational, and recreational opportunities to the public under contract with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, including guided nature tours, fishing, and rentals. After you're done, take a stroll through the gift and nature shop to bring home treasures to spark memories of your adventure.

When to go: nature tours are held daily and can be scheduled by calling ahead; fishing charters are held at a two-hour minimum, but three hours is recommended; rental and gift shop open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More information: tarponbayexplorers.com

Sanibel Sea School - 455 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL

What to do: Sanibel Sea School is dedicated to vibrantly teaching children and adults about marine ecosystems – animals, people, plants, land, ocean, and weather. The school gives students an opportunity to touch, feel and interact with natural surroundings. 
When to go: there are various courses, programs, and weekly camps that children and adults can enroll in throughout the year. Visit the website to view the schedule and to register.

More information: sanibelseaschool.org

Salty Sam's Marina - 2500 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL

What to do: A water-bound recreation destination for all ages, Salty Sam’s Marina offers everything including powerboat and kayak rentals, charter boats for fishing or sightseeing, unique gifts and souvenirs, boat services and repairs, wet slips, and dry storage.
When to go: open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fuel service available daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Marine Service Department hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information: saltysamsmarina.com

Sun Splash Family Waterpark - 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL

What to do: Enjoy 14-acres of water slides, pools, and fun at Southwest Florida’s largest waterpark. Relax on our gently drifting Main Stream River Tube Ride. Thrill at the high-speed excitement of such scream-worthy slides as the Cape Fear, Fun-L-Tunnel, Zoom Flume, and 457-foot Electric Slide & Power Surge. Free fall 5 1/2 stories down three distinctly different speed slides – the Thunder Bump, Terror Tube, and X-celerator.

Let the little ones frolic at our Pirate’s Cove, grab a summertime snack at the Calypso Café or simply soak up the sun in a lounge chair poolside—there’s fun for everyone! No matter what kind of water activities you enjoy, Sun Splash Family Waterpark is the perfect place to splash all summer long.

When to go: the park operates on a seasonal schedule, so check the website for the most up-to-date hours. From now until Aug. 9, 2021, the park will be open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the final Saturday Night Slide of the year on Aug. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

More information: sunsplashwaterpark.com

Sun-N-Fun Lagoon - 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, FL

What to do: One million gallons of water fun will thrill children, parents, and grandparents alike at Collier County's premier water park. Fun always starts at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, a key destination for all. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon includes four pools, a long lazy river, a lit splash playground or interactive water feature, five exciting water slides, a concession stand, and other typical amenities like restrooms and lockers.

When to go: the park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information: napleswaterpark.com

Bonita Jet Ski & Parasail - 27890 Hickory Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL

What to do: specializing in jet ski rentals and guided jet ski dolphin tours, as well as parasailing, stand-up paddleboard rentals, kayaks, sailboat rentals. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are also available.

When to go: open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More information: bonitajetski.com

Eco Paddlesportz - 21301 S Tamiami Trail, Estero, FL

What to do: offering kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals delivered to the various launch sites throughout Lee County including Estero, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, and Alva.

Selection of launch sites includes Telegraph Creek, Imperial River, Estero River, Orange River, Bunche Beach, and Lovers Key/Estero Bay. The kayak and/or SUP can be delivered to another location with prior arrangements. All rental pricing includes pickup and drop-off at one of the designated locations (no hidden fees).

When to go: open year-round. Call 239-671-9326 to schedule a delivery.

More information: fortmyers-sanibel.com/listing/eco-paddlesportz/53518

Revolution Cable Park - 17590 East St, North Fort Myers, FL

What to do: The cable system is a Ski Rixen Model, with 5 towers and runs in a normal counter-clockwise direction. The park encompasses approximately 20 acres and includes a 3/4 mile nature trail along one of the most pristine wetlands in the area with the addition of 270 recently planted native trees and 4,200 native plants.
When to go: as of June 3, 2021, and running through August, Revolution Cable will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. and closed on Monday with the exception of major holidays. Call in advance to confirm a Monday visit.

More information: revolutioncable.com

Fort Myers Aquatic Center - 1750 Matthew Drive, Fort Myers, FL

What to do: facility amenities include a 10-lane Junior Olympic competition pool that is heated/chilled year-round, a zero-entry kiddie pool, and a 30-foot tall slide tower.

When to go: The Fort Myers Aquatic Center is currently closed for construction. The $1.2 million facility upgrade will include pool resurfacing, tile replacement, and installation of modern filtration technologies. The Aquatic Center has been closed since April 12. The original timeline had it slated to reopen around August. More information to come.

• Leisure swim Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Lap swim Tuesday & Thursday: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Leisure swim Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information: cityftmyers.com/aquatics

Fellowship Park - 2110 Chiquita Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL