Imagine a young 15-year-old girl in a wheelchair with a ventilator, oxygen, and all other sorts of emergency equipment. She is on a boat for the first time with a huge smile across her face. Her mother next to her is overwhelmed with joy as her daughter, who she thought could never experience being on the water, is now on a boat with the sun on her face and smiling with excitement. Image the same girl returning the following year for her “Sweet 16″ birthday being greeted by dolphins as soon as she is rolled to the railing. She glows with happiness and joy from all the wonderful sensations.

That is just one example of the many experiences Pure Naples has afforded local community members with special needs and their families by generously donating the use of their vessel, the Double Sunshine, and her crew, while partnering with Freedom Waters Foundation (FWF)! Freedom Waters Foundation is a local non-profit that provides boating opportunities and marine related activities for people with disabilities, life threatening illnesses, youth at risk and others with special needs. Pure Naples has made it extremely easy for Freedom Waters Foundation to carry out its mission in larger numbers by offering the use of the Double Sunshine since 2008.

Pure Naples has been a valued and exceptional partner of Freedom Waters Foundation for a number of years and, without hesitation, always says yes when asked if FWF can bring out a group; sometimes the groups are just a few and sometimes half the boat is filled. Groups served in partnership with Pure Naples and FWF have included: children and adults with cancer, schools for children with autism, therapeutic day camps, camps with hearing for the hearing impaired, visually impaired adults and children, developmentally delayed adults, disabled senior living residents, and individual families with special needs children.

From the owners, office staff, Captains and crew, Pure Naples offers pure joy giving from pure heart. Freedom Waters Foundation is immensely grateful for this incredible partnership in serving others in the community who may not otherwise have the opportunity to get out and enjoy the water and all the therapeutic affects that nature provides.

Gorgeous Naples Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Your wedding is a day that should create a memory that lasts a lifetime for you and your guests which is why Pure Naples offers a one of a kind wedding ceremony that we know is unmatched in southwest Florida.

Imagine you and your guests floating gently on the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, a soft breeze blowing gently as you look west towards the horizon. Whether you chose a daytime, sunset or evening cruise you will have nature as a backdrop.

A wedding aboard Pure Naples’ Double Sunshine is a memory waiting for you and those most important to you who wish to share in the bringing together of two lives with a backdrop that only nature can provide, sunset on the Gulf.

Get Off the Beach and On to the Water!
The M/V Double Sunshine cruise offers guests of all ages a relaxing cruise in Naples Bay with full commentary on Naples’ history & culture while seeing luxurious real estate from the water, an abundance of wildlife, and culture along Naples’ historic waterfront. Catch a glimpse of manatees, dolphins, bald eagles, coastal birds and more! Many have heard but never seen just how active and playful the dolphins of Naples Bay are. Now you can experience the excitement of dolphin sightings in Naples Bay as they play in the wild.

Amenities: Pure Naples’ Sunset Weddings offer many of the same amenities you would expect to find at a conventional wedding venue including: Passed Hors d’oeuvres or buffet style fare and open or cash bars. We are only limited by your imagination. Call us and see.

For Sunset Wedding planning and details, please contact Robin at 239-263-4949, email Robin@purenaples.com or fill out the form below the pictures.

Naples Sunset Wedding

Naples Weddings

Naples Wedding Ceremony

Naples Wedding

CRUISES

Many have heard but never seen just how active and playful the dolphins of Naples Bay are.  Now you can experience the excitement of dolphin sightings in Naples Bay as they play in the wild.   Don’t worry about missing the opportunity, Pure Naples runs up to 5 cruises daily.  The Double Sunshine cruise offers guests of all ages a relaxing cruise in Naples Bay with full commentary on Naples’ history & culture while seeing luxurious real estate from the water, an abundance of wildlife, and culture along Naples’ historic waterfront. Catch a glimpse of manatees, dolphins, bald eagles, coastal birds and more!

Looking for a romantic evening with a loved one?  You can enjoy twilight cruises with spectacular sunsets and glowing harbor lights.  Departs daily approximately 1-hour prior to sunset.  If you want to  take it up a notch, savor the flavor of delicious food and wine provided by TIN CITY waterside restaurants Pinchers and Riverwalk before or after your cruise on Naple Bay.   Pure Naples also offers cash wine, beer, soda, and snack bar on all our cruises.

Pure Naples also offers that little something extra to make your next private event something to remember, call us to book your next private event afloat and for our special wine and cheese cruise.

CALL for departure times and special events.

Kids & Parents! Come aboard for a scavenger hunt adventure; spot endangered species, hidden treasures, wildlife and more! Kids 12 and under cruise free with paying adult every Saturday at 10AM.

Mention this post and receive 10% off of your next Cruise with Pure Naples

FISHING

No matter what type of fishing you enjoy, calm bay or deep sea, Pure Naples allows the avid fisherman or the weekend angler the best fishing on the Gulf Coast! With several trips running daily, Pure Naples has the finest fleet of Head Boats sure to exceed you and your party’s needs!

Adventure off shore for Grouper, Snapper, King Fish and more on the M/V Lady Brett! Rigged for complete fishing comfort for up to 20-passengers. Half, 3/4 & full day charters are available. Refreshments are welcome on board!

Fish for Redfish, Snook, Sea Trout and others aboard the M/V Naples Explorer. This comfortable 17-passenger craft is the perfect family fun fishing adventure with light tackle. Half, 3/4, full & evening charters available daily. Specialty family fishing and shelling trips also available!

Speed and comfort to the fishing grounds is aboard the M/V KUDU! Deep sea fishing trips for the seasoned fisherman ready for up to 6 passengers. For near coastal fishing enjoy the M/V KUDU II. Perfect for up to 6 passengers! Catch Snook, Redfish, Grouper, Mackerel, King Fish and more.

Top of the line fishing tackle, bait & licenses provided. We even clean, ice and bag your catch!

Join us for a sunset fishing adventure the whole family will enjoy! Experience Naples’ spectacular sunset while you and your family or friends fish for Grouper, Snook, Red Fish, Trout & more. Fish the calm bay, go off shore or charter your own private sunset fishing excursion!

Mention this post and receive 10% off of your next fishing trip with Pure Naples!

JET BOAT ODIN!

There is no attraction in Naples like a ride on Jet Boat Odin.  Pure Naples’ new jet boat, ODIN, has brought eco-thrill and excitement from New Zealand to Southwest Florida. The launch of Jet Boat Naples and ODIN might be an unfamiliar concept to North American eco-thrill seekers but to native New Zealanders, or “Kiwis,” jet boating is exceptionally popular and sought after by local and international tourists alike.

Pure Naples hasn’t just built a jet boat; We’ve built a jet boat with some of the most sophisticated engineering and highest quality components in the world. The ‘ODIN’ is a New Zealand designed, American built, 25-foot, 23-person plus 1 driver jet boat featuring lightweight all-aluminum construction, and two massive GM Vortec V8 engines. The highly sophisticated design, engineered for speed and agility, allows the ODIN to travel at speeds in excess of 50 MPH and perform some very exciting maneuvers! However, the vessel will not travel in excess of 39 MPH due to U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

Mention this post and receive 10% off your next Jet Boat Ride with Pure Naples!

BOAT RENTALS

Like to take the tour into your own hands?  Pure Naples allows you to explore Naples’ waterways at your own pace in a new model Hurricane deck boat! Experience nature at its best in an easy operation rental boat equipped with life jackets, safety equipment and bimini top for added sun protection. Relax on Keewaydin Island, go swimming, go shelling or fishing. See luxurious real estate from the water or make your way to Marco Island for lunch! Hourly, half and full day rentals available 7AM to 1 hour before sunset!

Mention this post and receive 10% off of your next boat rental with Pure Naples!

JET SKI RENTALS

Feel the fun and excitement as you explore Naples Bay on your own with a Jet Ski Rental from Pure Naples.  You’ll encounter dolphins up close as you adventure through the inland waterways! Hourly, half and full day rentals available 7AM to 1 hour before sunset.

You can also experience freedom on the water with a guided Jet Ski adventure tour! Journey through a vast mangrove jungle. See Naples’ Inner Coastal and Northern 10,000 Islands with an experienced guide! 2 & 3 hour guided tours available 7AM to 1 hour before sunset.

Mention this post and receive 10% off of your next Jet Ski rental with Pure Naples!

Naples Wildlife: The Manatee

Of all the wildlife you might see aboard your Double Sunshine cruise, the manatee is perhaps the most unique. Let’s take a moment and look deeper into the life and love of what many call “Cutest Mammal” in Southwest Florida.

The Basics
The manatee or “Sea Cow”, can grow to over 9 feet in length and weigh up to 1200 pounds! The manatee are great swimmers that can reach speeds up to 19 mph for short distances and spend a predominate amount of time under water, only coming up for air every 20 minutes. It is believed that the manatee evolved from a four-legged land mammal over 60 million years ago. It’s closest living relative today is the Elephant.

Habitat
Water temperature is the most important aspect of the habitat forthe manatee. Due to it’s physiology, the manatee cannot survive in water temperatures that are less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why manatees so prefer the shallower rivers that surround power plants and warm spring-fed rivers. The water they tend to favor is usually brackish and while they must swim in salt water, they can easily move between waters that have different levels of salinity.

Diet
Manatees are considered herbivores due to their diet which consists of more than 60 different plant species, including mangrove leaves and turtle grass.

A manatee eating lettuce

However, they have been known to show some elements of carnivorous traits in their eating behaviors because manatees have been observed eating small fish from nets. It should be noted that this behavior has not been noted in all manatees and does not take into account primary food source availability or nearness to starvation.

Mating and Life Span
Manatees are typically solitary creatures except when raising young, they mate for reproduction purposes and then move on. The female manatee will breed once every two years with a gestation period of about 18 months and only have one calf at a time. Calves are generally about 120 cm long and weigh about 66 pounds and will stay with their mothers for between one and two years depending on it’s rate of maturity. The manatee can live up to 60 years and it is believed that the oldest Manatee currently lives in captivity Snooty lives at the South Florida Museum and he was born in July 1948 making him 64 years old!

Conservation
Sadly, the West Indian Manatee is an endangered species. While sharks and alligators have been known to attack manatees, their two largest hazards are red tide and man.

Manatee Mom and Calf

From Wikipedia: “In 1996, a red tide was responsible for 151 manatee deaths. The epidemic began on March 5 and continued through April 28, wiping out approximately 15% of the known population of manatees along South Florida’s western coast. In 1982, another outbreak resulted in 37 deaths, in 2005, 44 more deaths were attributed to the blooms. “

While red tide hazards to manatees is important to note, red tide doesn’t come close to doing as much damage to the manatee population as man has. Some of the more subtle negative ways that man affects manatee life negatively is through destruction of manatee habitat and with it’s waste. Manatees have been known to ingest fishing gear including hooks, weights and mono-filament string which get’s caught in the digestive system of the manatee and slowly kills it.

The number one most damaging thing to manatee survival is boat strikes. Again from Wikipedia, “In the absence of any new management action, that is, if boat mortality rates continue to increase at the rates observed since 1992, the situation in the Atlantic and Southwest regions is dire, with no chance of meeting recovery criteria within 100 years.”

This is just one of the reasons Pure Naples takes it’s adherence to all speed and wake laws very seriously in Naples Bay.

So the next time you come out, if you’re in luck, look towards the bridge and you just might see a manatee or two enjoying the warm waters and sunshine that falls on Naples Bay.

Habitat

While a great many birds of prey tend to prefer mountainous regions of the country, the Bald Eagle is considered a sea eagle due to its frequent nesting in and around large bodies of water. The adult Bald Eagle will nest in large stands of coniferous and hardwood trees around bodies of water that are larger than seven miles across, this gives them a better perspective to view the terrain and prospective prey. Naples Bay, with its proximity to the Gulf Coast, offers all of the above for the Bald Eagle, large trees in which to roost and nest, easy access to prey and wide open spaces in which to hunt. While it is believed that the Bald Eagle avoids areas where there are an abundance of humans, this does appear to be somewhat of a generality since they can be seen perching on high rooftops of buildings and hunting in yards located near the water’s edge.

Prey

While it was noted above that the Bald Eagle lives close to the coast to ensure that it has an abundance of food available, there are times when the primary diet of fish is not plentiful enough to sustain life. In these times, the Bald Eagle will eat other mammals, like rabbits, hares, raccoons, muskrats, beaver, and even deer fawns before they grow too large. The Bald Eagle has also been found to be an opportunistic eater, feeding in garbage dumps and on carrion that can be as large as a whale.

The preferred method of catching their prey is to soar high above the water until it finds the right prey. It will then swoop down, clutch the prey in its claws and carry it to a place where it can eat undisturbed using one claw to pin its prey down and another to tear it into pieces it can eat.

Mating and Life Span

When the Bald Eagle reaches maturity, usually between the ages of four or five, it will return to the place of its birth in order to find its mate for life. However, if a Bald Eagle is widowed, it will seek out a new mate. The mating habits of the Bald Eagle are nothing less than stunning. Usually the male will try to catch the eye of its prospective mate through a series of amazing acrobatic maneuvers. If he is successful in gaining her favor, the two will lock talons and begin a spiral down toward the earth breaking apart at the last minute.

The Bald Eagle’s nest is the biggest of all nesting birds as it can be up to four meters in circumference. The female Bald Eagle will lay up to three eggs in a year although rarely do all three hatch.

The American Bald Eagle has an average life span of twenty years with the oldest living to near 30 years. It should be noted that in captivity the eagle has been known to live up to 50 years with medical care, a consistent food supply, and no predatory activity.

A Bald Eagle sighting aboard the M/V Double Sunshine is enough to get all the passengers on their feet and running to the rails, so the next time you are out be sure to keep a keen eye on the tree tops and you just might see the living embodiment of the American Spirit. The American Bald Eagle.

The M/V Lady Brett

For the experienced anglers reading this, you know fishing is different depending on the time of year it is. Right now, we’re in the spring season and enjoying a bountiful amount of fish in the Gulf of Mexico and inland waters of Southwest Florida.

Our fleet has many vessels designed just for fishing. For a stellar deep-sea experience, we have the M/V KUDU and M/V KUDU II, which are available for groups or charters. There’s also the M/V Lady Brett, a deep-sea head boat with on-board facilities and the ability to go up to 12 miles offshore. Guests on the M/V Lady Brett have been bringing in Grouper, Snapper, Grunts, Porgies and Triggerfish recently.

The M/V KUDU

The M/V KUDU is a 34-foot Fino deep-sea charter fishing vessel with on-board facilities the latest in technology and fishing equipment to help you land the big one. With a cruising speed of 20 knots and great sea keeping capabilities the M/V KUDU will get guests up to 20 miles offshore quickly and comfortably. Half, three quarter and full day trips are available.

M/V KUDU Captains are reporting big grouper catches along with Grunt, Snapper, Kings, Porgies, Black Sea Bass, Jacks, Cobia, Bonita, Triggerfish and even sharks.

The M/V KUDU II

The M/V KUDU II is a 25-foot Parker center console coastal fishing vessel with on-board facilities. With a top speed in excess of 40 knots the KUDU II is designed for the serious fishermen who wants to spend less time travelling and more time fishing on bay, near coastal and offshore waters. KUDU II is a perfect private fishing boat for Back Bay and coastal fishing up to 7 miles offshore.

M/V KUDU II is also bringing in a bounty of fish including Snook, Hogfish, Snapper, Grunts, Cobia, Grouper, Kings, Mackerel, Shark, Trout, Sheepshead, Redfish and Triggerfish.

For Back Bay fishing, we also have the M/V Naples Explorer, one of the newer vessels in the fleet, she’s a Back Bay and near coastal head boat design for fishing in calm waters. Our M/V Naples Explorer Captains are reporting catches of Sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper, Lady Fish, Whitings, Sea Trout, Pompano and Flounder.

Our Captains are reporting a lot of fishing activity these days, so book your next trip! You need only bring sunscreen, drinks and a snack if desired. The crew handles the rods, reels, baiting and transportation! To coordinate a fishing trip, please call (239) 263-4949 or visit http://www.CruiseNaplesFlorida.com.

The M/V Naples Explorer

The new Jet Skis are all 2012 Yamaha VX Deluxe models with inboard engines, driving a water pump jet that creates a thrust for propulsion and steering. According to the manufacturer, the Jet Skis offer “a generous re-boarding step and the largest stern area in its class, climbing aboard is now easier than ever.” Plus, these new 2012 models have “highly-comfortable precision-stitched three-person saddle sits atop a stunning all-new metallic deck.”

Since they don’t have external propellers, they are safer for swimmers and wildlife. Safety for the rider is also important. We require each rider to where a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device and also give instructions on how to safely operate the Jet Ski, ensuring a fun and safe exploration of the waterways.

For more Jet Ski safety resources, visit SafetyResource.org.

Individuals or groups can rent the Jet Skis and take them out on their own through Naples’ inner coastal and northern 10,000 islands or participate in a Cruise Naples guided adventure tour. You can enjoy quiet time on a beach, gathering beautiful shells or if lucky enough, experience a one-to-one encounter with a dolphin!

To book a Jet Ski adventure tour or for rental information, call (239) 263-4949. We look forward to seeing you!

Capable of carrying up to 128 people, the Double Sunshine sightseeing experience is one of the most unique and exciting features that Naples has to offer. Many riders can boast seeing manatees, dolphins, bald eagles, coastal birds and more during one boat ride! The Double Sunshine is an open air boat which allows visitors an intimacy with nature that other air conditioned boats cannot give. Riders can relax while they sneak a peek at lavish real estate on the Gordon River, learn about Naples’ historic waterfront culture, all while enjoying an abundance of wildlife. Pure Naples – It doesn’t get better than this!

Dolphins are numerous in our area and are one of the friendliest mammals of the sea. They are familiar with our boat and frequently ride in the Double Sunshine’s wake, much to our travelers delight!  Most recently, we’ve been fortunate to spot three baby dolphin, or calf, and their mothers in Naples Bay. The calves stays close to their mother but is known for their playful personality and is seen quite frequently.

Peak calving times for dolphins occur between April and August. Female dolphins usually give birth every 3 years so this is a sight you don’t want to miss!

If you’re looking for adventure, culture and a bit of education on what Naples has to offer, give us a call – 239.263.4949! Book your sightseeing excursion on the Double Sunshine today.

The Double Sunshine makes 5 trips daily departing at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for a 1.5-hour narrated cruise.

As the water warms up and the baitfish make their comeback, April brings promises of great fishing to the Gulf Coast. From practically baby gator-sized Grouper, to other fantastic fish, there’s nowhere else you would want to cast your line other than the Gulf Coast.

So, since the season for fishing is right around the corner, let’s start planning what to go after! The popular fish – Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, Spanish & King Mackerel, Pompano, Sheep Head, Red Fish and Shark – yes, you can catch Tarpon and Snook, but sadly they have to go back.

With the winter cold fronts behind us, we can finally look forward to the return of some of our favorite species. April marks the beginning of grouper season and the return of great catches like trout.

Grouper
On reefs and mounds you’ll find plenty of snapper and grouper. They prefer to stay around older, more established reefs. Spanish Mackerel and Cobia are other species making their way to the Gulf during this time as well.

Other Species to Look For
In addition to the staple fish like Tarpon and Snook, there are many others to look for while out fishing in the springtime. White Snapper, Grey Snapper, Triggerfish, and Redfish will move closer in to shore as the water temperature rise. This will cut down the run time for charter boats.

If the water continues to warm-up through April, the fish will move even closer to the coast. This includes the big migration of King Mackerel as they follow the bait into that more shallow water.

If you’re ready to get fishing, contact Cruise Naples today. Our skilled captains know where all the sweet spots are so you’re sure to get the catch you’re looking for. We offer calm bay, deep sea and charter fishing for all your angling needs.

To book your next deep-sea, calm bay, private or head fishing trip or to make reservations on the LADY BRETT, NAPLES EXPLORER, KUDU or KUDU II, call us at 239-263-4949 today. We look forward to seeing you!

P.S. Stay tuned for more fishing details and mark your calendar for June 1 when the infamous red snapper season kicks off!