Cruises offer the relaxation of a drive through the countryside without the interruptions of cattle crossings and stalled buggies. Enjoy an undisturbed excursion with today’s Groupon: for $35, you get two tickets to a Cabbage Key lunch cruise from Captiva Cruises (up to a $70 value). Tours depart at 10 a.m. from South Seas Island Resort and McCarthy’s Marina, and return at 3:00 p.m.
Captiva Cruises’ Cabbage Key lunch cruise ferries midday mariners to one of Florida’s oldest and most secluded cays. During the approximately one-hour voyage, the ship’s omniscient narrator entertains easily distracted ears with tales of the island’s supposed inspiration of Jimmy Buffet’s hit song Cheeseburger in Paradise, as well as the less popular Hot Dogs in the High Seas. After arriving at Cabbage Key or Useppa, guests get two hours to explore, during which they can navigate the short nature trail or climb atop a water tower to snap panoramic pictures of the seascape. The island’s inn and restaurant, built in the 1930s by the family of playwright and novelist Mary Roberts Rinehart, lets diners refuel and tempts tourists short on tip money with autographed dollar bills taped to the walls and ceiling. Due to its lack of beached berths, swimming and shelling are not permitted on Cabbage Key.
