Things to Do in Villas

With more than 31,000 nautical miles of sailing under his boat shoes, Captain David Richardson is more than capable of navigating his sailboat, Sundance, on the leisure cruises for which he has become known. The half-day charters he leads out of Bonita Bill's Waterfront Café take in the many moods of the Gulf of Mexico, from its tranquil disposition in the sun to the turbulent waters it experiences when it realizes it'll never be a full-grown ocean. The Sundance itself boasts comfy accommodations, from cushy seats to an on-board bathroom, and many passengers bring their own food on board to eat while ogling jumping dolphins.

To say that Captain Peter Williamson has been a scuba fanatic his whole life is somewhat untrue—he lived six whole years before even discovering what scuba diving was. A fan of the sport since the ripe old age of six and an avid diver since the age of 12, Captain Pete has attained three teaching certifications and a USCG 50-ton master’s license to captain a dive boat. When he’s not exploring coral or unpopular Atari game cartridges at the bottom of the ocean, he slings gear from all the major producers of scuba equipment in his dive shop.

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.

Oasis Yacht Club and Boat Rentals employs friendly staffers who contribute to their community by getting friends, neighbors, and tourists to explore the local waterways via pontoons, kayaks, and fishing charters. The staff can accommodate almost any request, such as customizing cruises to stop along the beach for some shelling. All their charter vessels boast stereos with CD players, and upon request, the crew can load up the boat with refreshments, sunblock, and whale repellent. Oasis Yacht Club also replaces their boats once every year and a half to ensure their equipment is in top shape. On fishing trips, they rent out rods and reels and teach guests basic fishing and boating skills while dishing out information on secluded fishing spots. At the onsite ship store, boaters can stock up on hats, tackle, and gear to prepare for any tours or voyages.

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.

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.