Rent a Boat - Salty Sam's Marina (2500 Main Street - 463-7333) and Fort Myers Beach Marina (703 Fisherman's Wharf - 463-9552) are two places we have rented from. A pontoon boat, which holds about eight, is about $100 for a half a day. No experience necessary. Travel in the back bay and stop for a picnic and shelling.

Bike Rental - There are a few places to rent bikes from on the island. The best is probably Fun Rentals (463-8844) at Ohio Street (one block South of Miramar). Bike on the beach or go down to Lover's Key about six miles South. They also rent mopeds, motorcycles,in-line skates, baby joggers, wheelchairs, tandem bikes, and Cobra ("Razor") scooters. Baby cribs and other equipment are available as well.

Movie Rental - Two tenths of a mile South of Miramar is Pirate Pete's Movie Rental (765-5522). To set up an account they'll need a credit card and ID. There's a VCR in the house (that plays but does not record) for your convenience.

Wave Runner - Many places on the beach rent wave runners. These are a blast if you're into speed. The price and horsepower vary from place to place. When you get to the beach turn right and start asking. You will only be allowed to go into the gulf between the pier and the cellular phone tower (by law). No going in the bay unless you do a dolphin tour.

Dolphin Tour - Most of the folks who rent wave runners also offer guided dolphin tours. They lead you into the back bay where chances of seeing dolphins up close are very high. These are great for kids and adults.

Parasailing - The best view possible! Several outfits on the beach offer this service. Just turn right when you get to the beach. In addition to price, some good questions include how long is the rope and how long you are up for.

Lover's Key State Park - Located about six miles south on Estero Blvd is Lover's Key State Park. Drive or bike down here for great shelling on the fairly crowded beach. $4 entrance fee for cars. Check out their website at www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/district4/loverskey/index.asp. (463-4588)

Canoe/Kayak Rental - At Lover's Key canoes and kayaks are available for rent. Take one out on your own for $10 for one hour or $20 for up to four hours. Guided eco-tours of the back bay or of Mound Key are also available (765-1880).

Sailing - Join Captain David Richardson on his 42' yacht The Sundance. David is a native of New England and has over 31,000 miles of sailing experience. He offers half day trips for $30, full day for $80 and sunset cruises for $30. Also available are overnight and week charters. (565-5690).

Estero Island Historic Society - In 1991 a small group of residents realized the value of documenting the development of the island and founded the Estero Island Historic Society. The one room exhibit area is staffed by very enthusiastic volunteers who will give you as much or as little detail as you want about the pictures and text on display. Hours are Wednesday and Saturday 10am to 2pm. (161 Bay Road, 463-0435)

Matanzas Pass Preserve - Located next to the Estero Island Historic Society on Bay Street, this wildlife area has about one and a half miles of groomed walking trails. Open dawn to dusk every day. For some information go to www.leeparks.org.

Ft. Myers Beach Pool - A fun pool with slides for the kids and a wading area for toddlers. Open seven days a week in the summer. Closed Tuesday and Thursday other times of the year. Hours are 10am to 7pm. Cost is $3 for 12 years and older, $1 for 2 - 11 years, free for under two years. No outside food or drink allowed. (Behind Topps Supermarket 463-5759)

Library - About six tenths of a mile south of Miramar is the public library. The internet access is free and fast but you have to sign up in advance in person or by phone (765-8163).

Casino Boats - Two companies offer gambling cruises: the Big-M Casino and Leisure Lady Casino. Twice a day each casino boat sails into international waters and opens its slots and gaming tables. They each cost $10-$20 for about 6 hour trip with 3 hours of gambling. Check out their websites for more info.

Key West Cruises - The Key West Ferry and the Key West Express run boats to Key West. A one way trip takes a long 4 hours leaving another 4 hours to spend in Key West. Friends have said that it's too much to do in one day and recommend spending the night there if you're going to go.