Lakes Near Cape Coral
Sometimes you just need to pack up and find a spot near the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Cape Coral there are some options for getting on, or in the water.
Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, get active with wakeboarding, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Cape Coral offer you plentiful beautiful locations for aquatic activities. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a cooler then make the trip on your next vacation to find your own favorite location on the water!
Lakes Near Cape Coral
Lake Activities
When you visit a lake near Cape Coral you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.
Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a Cape Coral lake:
Water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Cape Coral offer you several choices.
Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.
Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Cape Coral will provide tons of laughs and games for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach!
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of some of the most common lake necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.
General items
When you’re out on a lake near Cape Coral you will likely need to bring along some of the items below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.
- Radio or speaker
- Beach blanket
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- Something to dry off with
- UV protection
- Bathing suits
- Bug spray
- A sunhat or glasses
- A cooler and drinks
- Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
Specialty lake items
Consider your planned activities at the lake and your guests, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to departure.
- Books
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Tackle box and lures
- Worms or other bait
- Fishing gear
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Goggles or masks
Lake Safety Checklist
Of course a day on a lake in Cape Coral can provide ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Always swim with a buddy
More Ideas for Lake Fun
Few people get the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Cape Coral and might have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Of course, any body of water is going to possess their own character and trappings, but here are a couple key points to look into when making plans which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.
- Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Cape Coral can get exceptionally crowded. If you want a little more privacy, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!
- Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
- No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.