The “Lo-Down”: Bonita Springs & Estero
Looking into what makes this area great, Gulf Coast Scuttlebutt sat down with the team at Salty Sam’s Marina, a top-rated Fort Myers marina and Florida staple, to get the Local’s perspective on this set of Florida neighborhoods.
For boaters who may not be familiar with Bonita Springs/Estero, how would you describe the area and its relationship with the water?
Bonita Springs and Estero are very much shaped by the water — it’s not just something you look at here, it’s how you experience the area. You’ve got Estero Bay, which is one of the most beautiful and ecologically rich estuaries in Florida, surrounded by mangroves, back bays, and winding waterways that all eventually lead you out to the Gulf.
You can spend a day cruising through calm inland waters, watching dolphins and manatees, then be out in the Gulf in minutes. Though wild and beautiful, Estero Bay is generally quite shallow. Stay in the channels or you could run aground easily if you don't have some local knowledge. I love it.
What makes these towns stand out from other Gulf Coast boating destinations?
What really stands out is the balance. You get easy access to the Gulf, great fishing, and beautiful cruising waters, but without the constant congestion you’ll find in places like Naples or Cape Coral during peak times.
There’s also a strong “Old Florida” feel here. A lot of the shoreline is still preserved, with mangroves and wildlife instead of wall-to-wall development. It feels more like you’re exploring than just navigating from one crowded stop to another.
What first-time impressions do visiting boaters usually have when they arrive by water?
Most first-time boaters are surprised by how peaceful it is. They expect Southwest Florida to be busy everywhere, but when you get into Estero Bay and the surrounding waterways, it opens up.
You hear it all the time — “I didn’t know this was here.” The water is calm, the scenery is natural, and it feels like you’ve found a hidden pocket of Florida.
Is this area more of a cruising hub, a fishing destination, a family-friendly stop, or a mix of all three?
It’s definitely a mix, and that’s what makes it so appealing.
You’ve got excellent inshore and nearshore fishing, especially around the passes and mangroves. At the same time, the calm backwaters make it ideal for cruising and family boating. It’s one of those places where you can fish in the morning, cruise to lunch, and end the day anchored up watching the sunset.
Are there traditions, events, or informal gatherings that really define the boating or fishing culture?
A lot of it is informal, which is part of the charm. Sandbar days, sunset raft-ups, and weekend cruising are big here. Boaters tend to follow the seasons — tarpon runs, snook season, or just that perfect weather window when everyone heads out.
It’s less about big organized events and more about those shared, repeat experiences that locals look forward to year after year.
What types of boating are most popular in this area?
Inshore cruising and fishing are probably the most popular, especially with center consoles, pontoons and deck boats.
You also see a lot of paddleboarding and kayaking in Estero Bay because of how protected it is. Offshore fishing is big too, since you’ve got quick Gulf access. It’s a very versatile area, you don’t need one specific type of boat to enjoy it.
What are some must-see or must-visit spots for boaters once they’re on the water?
Estero Bay itself is the star — it’s beautiful in every direction. New Pass is a favorite for getting out to the Gulf and fishing. New Pass is also a great overnight anchorage and sand bar spot just inside the pass, including the famous Dog Beach.
Heading north or south opens up great day trips, whether that’s toward Fort Myers Beach with "Must See" spots like Lovers Key, Salty Sam's Marina, and Sanibel Island; or down toward Naples where stunning beaches and big homes await. Great boating surrounds Bonita Springs.
How does boating here change with the seasons, if at all?
Winter and spring bring more traffic with seasonal residents, but also some of the best boating weather of the year.
Summer is quieter, hotter, but honestly great if you’re a local. You get more space, afternoon storms cool things off, and the water is beautiful. Fishing patterns shift throughout the year, so there’s always something in season.
Are there nearby anchorages, coves, or day-trip destinations that visitors love?
Absolutely—there are plenty of quiet spots tucked into the mangroves where you can anchor and feel completely removed from everything.
Lovers Key is probably the most well-known nearby destination, but part of the fun here is exploring and finding your own little spot. That’s something this area still offers that’s getting harder to find in Florida.
Once docked, what are the best ways for boaters to spend a day or evening here?
Dock and dine is a big part of the experience. Boaters love pulling up, grabbing lunch or dinner, and making a day of it.
Beyond that, you have great spots like Doc's Beach House and the Fish House right on the water. The area is full of live music, sunset views, walking along the water, or just relaxing after a day on the boat.
What are the best walkable waterfront restaurants, breweries, or shops that boaters visit?
There are some great waterfront dining options throughout Bonita Springs and Estero, especially along the Imperial River and nearby coastal spots. It’s a very boatable area, so part of the fun is planning a dock-and-dine day and hitting a few places along the way.
One destination I always recommend — especially for boaters willing to venture just a bit north — is Salty Sam’s Marina on Fort Myers Beach. It’s more than just a marina, it’s a true waterfront village. You can dock the boat and have everything right there: two waterfront restaurants, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill and Marina Cantina Tin Tiki, plus retail shops, live music, and a full lineup of on-the-water experiences like pirate cruises, dolphin tours, fishing charters, and rental boats.
It’s the kind of place where you can pull in for lunch and end up staying all afternoon, or even planning your whole day around it.
Beyond that, the entire stretch from Bonita up through Fort Myers Beach and down toward Naples is incredibly connected by water, so you’re never limited to just one stop. That flexibility is a big part of what makes boating in this area so enjoyable.
Are there future marina or waterfront developments boaters should be excited about?
Like much of Southwest Florida, the area continues to evolve, especially after Hurricane Ian. There’s been a strong focus on rebuilding and improving waterfront access.
That’s a positive for boaters — better facilities, updated marinas, and more opportunities to enjoy the water while still preserving what makes the area special.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give a boater planning their first trip to Bonita Springs?
Take your time.
This isn’t a place to rush from point A to point B. Slow down, explore the backwaters, watch the tides, and enjoy the scenery. That’s when you really start to appreciate what makes this area unique.
Aerial view of Bonita Springs - Photo by Josh Sorenson on Unsplash
Any of the Salty Sam’s images - Photos courtesy Ryan from Salty Sam’s Marina.