By Kevin and Amanda Mims
There are endless ways to spend time outdoors on a trip to Port Charlotte, situated between Englewood and Punta Gorda on the Southwest coast of Florida. Spot rare birds in their natural habitats, go kayaking, ride a Jet Ski, and scuba dive—or get your scuba certification—following this itinerary for a few days of exploring Port Charlotte, both on and off the water.
Day One
The first stop on your agenda is Tippecanoe Environmental Park, a birding hotspot and home to the state’s only endemic bird species, the beloved Florida scrub-jay, as well as other protected animal species, including the Eastern Indigo snake, gopher tortoise, and gopher frog. The unspoiled 350-acre property has a seven-mile network of trails, with individual shorter paths that vary in distance. Walk the nature trails and have your birding journal ready to record sightings of moorhens, mottled ducks, black-necked stilts, ibis, prairie warblers, and bald eagles. The park is also rich in human history: Shell middens on the property date as far back as 2,500 years. Visitors can also kayak and paddleboard at Tippecanoe.
Grab some lunch in Port Charlotte, then head to Port Charlotte Beach Park to get out onto the water.
For a peaceful adventure, have user-friendly standup paddleboards from Black Flag Adventure Co. delivered and explore the area.
For the Jet Ski adventure, you will have already booked with Riptide Rentals, which will deliver your Jet Ski to Port Charlotte Beach and you’ll get an orientation and thorough safety briefing before you head out. Whether this is your first time on a Jet Ski or not, you’ll get to experience the excitement of riding the wide, open area of Charlotte Harbor.
Days Two and Three
The second day of your trip—and third, if you choose that option—will be spent with Gaspar’s Dive N Board, which offers a variety of dive trips in the area, including wrecks and artificial reefs.
To scuba dive, you have a few choices, depending on whether you’re already certified or not. If you’re already certified, you can complete this itinerary in two days and spend your second day diving. If you’re not certified yet, add on an extra day for a total of three days and two nights in Port Charlotte. Start with 8 to 10 hours of home study prior to your trip and then spend your second day in Port Charlotte learning with pool dives at either Centennial Park Aquatic Center or Ann & Chuck Dever Park pool. Later, you’ll go out into open water for certification.
Time Allowance
This trip can be for three days and two nights or two days and one night, depending on scuba certification.
Distance From Population Centers
Port Charlotte is 45 minutes north of Fort Myers, less than two hours south of Tampa, and just over an hour southeast of Sarasota.
Walking/Driving Distance Between Things to Do
There are eight miles between Tippecanoe Environmental Park and Port Charlotte Beach Park. The distance from Port Charlotte to Gaspar’s Dive N Board is 18 miles.
What to Bring
For outdoor activities, pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and drinking water. For birding, bring a camera if desired, cellphone, binoculars, and a birding journal and pen (or have a birding app on your phone). It’s a good idea to keep a light poncho or umbrella in your car in case of rain.
For paddling and/or Jet Skiing, you’ll need a towel, swimsuit, water shoes, and a change of clothes. For Jet Skiing, bring a valid driver’s license or photo.
For information about what to bring on your scuba trip, contact Gaspar’s Dive N Board.
What to Expect
On this trip, you’ll be immersed in the natural environments of Punta Gorda and nearby areas. If you want to become scuba-certified during this adventure, make sure you plan to add a third day to allow time for training and certification.
Download the ParkMobile app to pay for parking at Port Charlotte Beach.
Physical Demands
To participate in these activities, visitors should be able to walk fair distances and stand for long periods of time. For paddleboarding, Jet Skiing, and scuba diving, participants must be able to swim and use and operate the various gear and equipment for each activity.
Accessibility Enhancements/Inclusion Highlights
The Red Trail at Tippecanoe Environmental Park is an ADA trail, but be aware that it has an improved limerock surface and isn’t paved.
Trip Highlights
The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach area is on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. These are excellent birding locales that will help you add key species to your life list.
Paddling by the mangroves offers unforgettable experiences in a pristine natural environment.
The second-largest open-water estuary in Florida, Charlotte Harbor is teeming with wildlife, and exploring it by Jet Ski is exhilarating.
Scuba diving offers sights and an otherworldly atmosphere few people get to experience.
Awards and Recognition
Gaspar’s Dive N Board has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor.
Lodging and Accommodations
Port Charlotte offers a variety of places to stay. Suggested hotels include Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Port Charlotte; Days Inn by Wyndham Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda; Extended Stay America Premier Suites, Port Charlotte; Comfort Inn & Suites Port Charlotte-Punta Gorda; and Sleep Inn & Suites, Port Charlotte.
Culinary Adventures
For breakfast, try Sweet’s Diner or Spinnaker Cafe for some hearty classics. For lunch, check out The Twisted Fork for chef-inspired Florida cuisine with a twist or End Zone Sports Grille to watch the game on one of their 50 flat screen TVs — either inside the restaurant or outside in the tiki area.
At dinnertime, head to The Grill at 1951 for elegant, upscale dining or Paraiso Mexican Grille and Bar for some of the best Mexican food around.
When to Visit and Seasonal Differences
Expect higher temperatures and more humidity in summer. Thunderstorms and rain are also more frequent in summer, so keep that in mind when planning outdoor activities. Some outdoor activities might have to be rescheduled due to adverse weather or water conditions.
Surprises/Bonuses
There is much more to do in addition to kayaking at Port Charlotte Beach Park. An ideal stop for families with children, the park has a heated swimming pool, man-made beach, a boardwalk with a fishing pier, boat ramp, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground area, and picnic area.
Paddling within the Charlotte County Blueway Trails system offers excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. Spot dolphins, rays, birds, and fish, as well as occasional manatees.
Scuba trips are a chance for close-up encounters with sea life.
The cuisine here is marked by quality and creativity, and foodies won’t be disappointed.
Rules
Do not touch manatees or other wildlife, collect live shells, or violate no-wake zones on a Jet Ski. Jet Ski users born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must complete a quick online boater safety course before riding. Up to three people are allowed on one Jet Ski (one operator and two passengers), but there is a total weight limit of 350 pounds per Jet Ski.
Advice
Find more information about birding in the area on the Pure Florida website.
All activities except birding at Tippecanoe Environmental Park require advance reservations. Allow extra time between activities in case of traffic.
How to Book
To book your tour with Paddle Me Happy, call 941-699-6982. Call 941-229-3687 to make your reservation with Riptide Rentals. Call 941-698-0499 to make arrangements for scuba certification and/or diving trips with Gaspar’s Dive N Board.
