If you do not have time to run all the way to Ft. Myers Beach or the barrier islands to go to the beach. Go to Picnic Island. This is a great place to take the family and friends and it is an easy run. The kids love it here as do the adults. In the last several years, mother nature has created a neat lagoon on the NW side of the island. I would only suggest smaller boat anchor on this side of the island. It gets shallow when the tide goes out and I have seen many, many people stuck until the next high tide. I would suggest anchoring on the NE side if the Island. There is plenty of water there. I bring My 28 footer right up to the beach and kick up both motors, remember to mind the tides. This Island is a great place to have family cookouts and meet friends in there boats. The kids have a blast playing in the sand and the adults can relax and watch the kids play.

If you are really outdoorsy and like to camp. Camp on the island. There are many places to pitch a tent and have a camp fire( use common sense with the camp fire.) and fish off the beach at night, you will be amazed at what you can catch right off the beach at night. Please remember this, not everyone picks up after themselves, please if you are ever at Picnic Island and you see trash on the ground or in the water, please do not be afraid to pick it up and put it in your trash bag. I know we all want to keep this place a beautiful place to visit. As we all know most people follow by example. Have a great time and boat smart!!

This is easy. Coming from Cape Coral Yacht Club, get into the ICW and head towards the mouth of the river. Go through the slow zone, when it says to resume normal speed, go almost straight ahead, you will see a green marker, should be Green marker #3 this is the opening of the miserable mile as some people call it. Proceed staying in the channel do not go out side the channel or you will run aground. When you get to Green Marker #7, you will see Picnic Island up on your left.