Estero, FL Outdoor Activities

A 3,614-square-foot glass greenhouse dominates the landscape at The Butterfly Estates, where hundreds of butterflies flutter about. Monarchs, swallowtails, and rarer breeds flash their prismatic wings as they sip from tropical-nectar plants, alight on tree branches, and play proboscis patty-cake with their neighbors. Visitors soothe their souls with the peaceful sound of rushing waterfalls within the space, which is also punctuated with signs describing the insect residents and promoting environmental conservation. When sitting in the front yard dressed like a giant butterfly fails, the center can advise guests on how to attract butterflies to their gardens at home.

The Estates comprises more than just the glass conservatory, however; in adjacent refurbished homes from the early 20th century, the caretakers have installed a café, a gift shop, and a sweets shop serving ice cream and fudge. At Flutterby's Café](http://thebutterflyestates.com/public/cafe.asp), patrons recline on a covered wraparound porch to nibble paninis and salads or sip from cups of shade-grown organic coffee. Fresh breezes waft through the outdoor area as diners empty their cups and plates, all made from natural compostable materials in keeping with the center’s eco-conscious philosophies.

Nestled on 40 sprawling acres, 5 Star Stables & Tack’s knowledgeable staff welcomes tender-footed riders and experienced equestrians alike with English and Western lessons, myriad trail rides, and summer camps for kids. Roomy stables house resident steeds and boarding horses inside stalls equipped with air-circulating fans, automatic watering systems, and secret compartments where they can stash their Mr. Ed fan fiction. With two indoor arenas—one for hunter/jumper riders and one for riders wishing to simply practice the basics—equestrians can hone horse-top techniques year-round. Outside, a sprawling cross-country course, round pen, and access to more than 1,000 acres of trails provide seemingly endless options for mounted exploration, as well as new challenges for more advanced riders. The facility also offers clinics and in-house training for all skill levels and ages, and keeps riders and their mounts properly outfitted with an onsite tack shop.

Manatee Guides' conservation-minded experts escort kayakers throughout Southwestern Florida's waterways to observe manatees and other native species in their natural environments. During nature tours, guides lead guests throughout Estero Bay and the Orange River, scouring the crystalline waters for a sight of the peaceful animals. Guides point out local flora and fauna along the way, sharing interesting facts about their life cycles, social patterns, and affinity for fast food cheese-barnacles. Manatee Guides' owners and operators adhere to a strict conservation policy, leaving no trace of their journey in the wild. Up to 12 people venture out on each tour, and the guides encourage ample sunscreen and protective apparel such as a hat, shoes, and clothes that can get wet without melting.

Mid Island Watersports set up shop along the aqua shorelines of Ostego Bay to give everyone easy access to the Gulf, while also giving them enough room to ride free. From two locations, the crew hooks up aquatic adventurers with WaveRunners for freestyle rides along sandy beaches in one of the largest riding areas in the Gulf. Longtime locals lead tours via WaveRunner to spot dolphins breaking the sea's surface and manatees playing with sea kittens. To give locals and visitors an exhilarating new way to take in the Gulf's scenic vistas, the shop's US Coast Guard–certified captain sends them soaring behind him during parasail rides tethered to his high-tech, winch-style parasail boat for an adventuresome trip along the south end of Fort Myers Beach.