Things to Do in Villas

For more than 10 years, Germain Arena's certified hockey and figure-skating coaches have nurtured athletes on the ice of the facility's 200'x85' twin rinks. During eight-week programs, the coaching staff helps groups of up to 10 students grow comfortable standing, falling, and gliding on skates before tackling fundamentals in U.S. figure skating, synchronized skating, or ice dancing. For hockey hopefuls, they teach passing, stick handling, and backhand sweep passes, and each student receives a jersey and a pass that may be redeemed for public skate admission.

Inside the 7,100-seat main arena, advanced skaters and players face off in figure-skating competitions, hockey tournaments, and Florida Everblades matches. Leisurely skating commences at weekly open skates––where a disco ball and laser show cast the rink aglow against the thumping beats of Top 20 songs––and at birthday parties, not in the main arena, which include admission, skate rental, pizza, popcorn, private-room rental, and a free skate admission for every child.

During guided tours, captains transport passengers between the coasts and along waterways of the barrier islands. They may embark on explorations of Cayo Costa State Park, a natural wildlife preserve, or take guests shelling and swimming off Sanibel Island beaches. Powerboats, jet skis, and sea kayaks are also available for rent, allowing customers to explore the bay and islands on their own. Many perfectly seaworthy crafts begin their departure from the company's hexagonal wooden pagoda, which huddles on a sandy shore separated from the surrounding hotels by gently waving palm trees.

Captain Nate Maynard may just as well have been born on a boat. Growing up in South Florida, he spent much of his youth studying the waters off Pine Island Sound, Charlotte Harbor, and Matlacha and San Carlos Passes, learning the patterns of the prized catches lurking beneath. As he got older, Maynard tested his expertise by entering the tournament scene, refining his approach for fishing the area’s expansive shallow flats, bays, and outer-island passes.

With Lip’em N Grip’em Fishing Charters, Maynard imparts his knowledge to all levels of anglers during guided outings. Supplying all equipment and preferring live bait such as pinfish and shrimp—but willing to use artificial lures based on the availability of live bait and clients’ preferences—the captain leads parties on fishing excursions for hauls of South Florida’s many species, including redfish, snook, and trout. For fisherman seeking bigger trophies, Maynard motors his 22-foot, 225 horse-power Sterling boat toward waters home to tarpon, shark, and flounder shaped like Academy Awards.

Captain Maynard operates by a “no fish, no pay” policy to demonstrate his integrity toward clients. In addition to guiding, he also takes guests on sunset cruises and wildlife excursions such as dolphin and manatee tours.:m]]

From catching a 5-pound largemouth bass at age 5 to spending his summers competing in offshore fishing tournaments in the Bahamas, Captain Sean Adler's proudest moments have played out aboard a boat. Now the licensed captain strives to share the thrill of a taut line with passengers of all fishing-experience levels. To that end, he and his crew monitor the tides, barometric pressure, and moon phases to inform departure times for their fishing trips. They stock their boats with ample bait, ice, and fishing equipment for all guests. Once passengers reel in their catches, the crew snaps photos which anglers can proudly display at the office or threaten ungrateful pet goldfish at home.

Though Adventures Kayaking founder Glenn has fly-fished the Arctic Circle and helmed charter boats across Lake Michigan, the seasoned captain likes kayaking best. That’s because the small, sleek vessels grant Glenn access to Florida’s secluded backwaters and estuaries, which are inaccessible by boat. Now, Glenn and his guides impart not only their expertise on kayaking technique, but lead tour groups to the best spots on the Calusa Blueway for spotting wildlife or nabbing fish. Guides happily tailor tours to suit each group's skill levels and furnish kayaks with storage bags, coolers, and bottled water to ensure the tour remains a comfortable experience. En route, they’ll even snap pictures of groups as they glide across waterways and attempt to dodge photo-bombing manatees.

Sprawling alongside the historic Caloosahatchee River, Riverbend Golf and River Club's 18-hole executive course pairs picture-perfect drives with equally impeccable surroundings. Winding waterways, native woodlands, and crisp river breezes follow players across the course's 212 acres, and overhead, eagles soar gracefully while muttering swing critiques under their breath. After rounds, groups can celebrate new low scores at the club's 19th hole, Marker 34, which caps off pleasant days on the links with quaint waterfront views and eats from an onsite restaurant.