This is the seventh installment of Top 10 Boating Destinations in Southwest Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

The Green Flash Waterfront Restaurant is one of Captiva Island’s finest restaurants, and another popular destination for boaters. This restaurant is situated on the waters of Roosevelt Channel, and overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, the tranquil waters of Pine Island Sound, and the pristine beauty of Buck Key.

The Green Flash is easy to navigate by boat. Where is it located exactly?

It is located southwest of Marker 38 on the Intracoastal Waterway. As you are enjoying a day out on the water, this is the perfect spot to stop by and check out the picturesque views and look for otters playing in the water. As you dine on the amazing culinary creations, you can also fantasize about seeing the elusive “green flash” at sunset! After all, the restaurant is named for this phenomenon!

If you are an avid boater, you have probably heard of the “green flash”. This is an optical phenomenon that is said to occur just after the sunsets, or immediately before the sun rises. If this occurs, a green spot is visible, usually for no more than a second or two, above the sun, or it may resemble a green ray shooting up from the sunset point. Some claim that the “green flash” is a myth, as it is so seldom seen.

It’s rarity has made the “green flash” a rich subject for debate over the years. However, scientists tell us that it does indeed occur. Those who have been fortunate enough to witness it, describe a brilliant green or emerald color. In uniform air, the dispersion is apparently so small that the separation of red and green images is not visible. However, with more unusual layering of the atmosphere, it enhances the separation and allows the human eye to see it. So, maybe on your next boating excursion, you’ll be lucky enough to witness a “green flash” at The Green Flash restaurant!

We love to see beautiful sunsets, but hate to see the harsh effects of the sun on boats that are constantly exposed. Make sure you cover your seats, Captains Chair, benches, and spotlights with quality canvas, such as Sunbrella, when you are not out on the water. Call (239) 349-2497 or contact us online today to prolong the life of your marine products. Also, don’t forget to “like” Sun-Protect Marine Canvas on Facebook

- Vinh

This is the sixth installment of Top 10 Boating Destinations in Southwest Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

When you arrive at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, you’ll feel as if you’ve fallen into the lap of luxury! You can sit back and bask in the warmth of the Southern Florida sun at this premier resort in Fort Myers, Florida. Sanibel Harbour Resort is located on 85 waterfront acres at the tip of Fort Myers, just before the bridge to Sanibel Island.

The Resort & Spa features captivating views of Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and provides a marina for you to dock your boat. If you are a guest at this beautiful beach resort, you will have the privilege of relaxing in elegant accommodations, that are virtually overflowing with amenities, such as 42-inch flat-screen plasma TVs, private balconies and high-speed wireless Internet access. Each of the guest rooms also feature beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, with breathtaking sunsets every night! Within the resort, there are a plethora of activities that guests can enjoy. Some of these include:

• A luxurious 40,000-square-foot spa
• Private fishing pier
• An array of water-sports
• The “Sanibel Princess”, 100-foot private yacht, available for sunset and dolphin cruises
• Five swimming options
• Family-friendly Kids Klub
• …and many more

The Sanibel Harbour Resort also has six amazing dining options, with everything from the casual atmosphere of “Charley’s Cabana Bar” to upscale dining at “Courtside Steakhouse”. The “Lighthouse Restaurant” at the marina is another popular dining destination for boaters who are stopping for a bite to eat or a few cocktails.

To keep your boat looking like how you feel after spending time at the spa, make sure to protect it with marine canvas and help keep your boat looking and working like new. At Sun-Protect Marine Canvas we use Sunbrella and other top quality canvas products that protect against the damages of harsh marine elements. Our products include seat covers, boat engine covers and much more! Call (239) 349-2497, contact us online, or follow on Twitter.

- Vinh

This is the fifth installment of Top 10 Boating Destinations in Southwest Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

Tween Waters Inn Island Resort is located on Captiva Island, FL, nested between the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound. In 1931, Tween Waters consisted of a charming collection of fishing cottages, which first welcomed guests. Today, it is a historic resort that welcomes guests with quality, comfort, and island hospitality.

The Tween Waters Inn Island Resort features 137 highest-quality hotel and resort accommodations, including seaside cottages, resort suites, gulfview and bayview studios, and guest rooms.

Tween Waters Resort spreads across 13 beautiful, tropical acres. Guests can enjoy miles of Gulf of Mexico sugar-sand beaches, featuring extraordinary shelling, fishing and island fun. Tween Waters also provides their guests with amenities including…

…olympic size pool & children’s wading pool, hot tubs, luxury spa at marina for launch, dock and boat rental, fitness center, tennis center, fishing, kayaking, bicycling, nature trails, and eco-adventures.

Tween Waters also provides visiting boaters and guests with dining at the “Old Captiva House”, and nightly entertainment with live music at the “Crow’s Nest”. You can also check out the “NASCRAB Crab Races” here! If you decide to stay at Tween Waters, you’ll be able to walk onto the beach and experience the breathtaking Captiva Island sunsets every night. (Don’t forget to look for the legendary “Green Flash”!)

To reach Tween Waters by boat, take compass Heading 215 from Intercoastal Marker 38; one mile to Roosevelt Channel, Marker 2; follow to Green 19.

After a relaxing vacation to Tween Waters you will look and feel like new again, so keep your boat looking like new too by protecting it with marine canvas covers whenever it is not in use. At Sun-Protect Marine Canvas we use Sunbrella and other top quality canvas products that protect against the damages of harsh marine elements. Our products include seat covers, captain chair covers, boat engine covers and much more! Call (239) 349-2497 or contact us online today to prolong the life of your marine products. Also, don’t forget to “like” Sun-Protect Marine Canvas on Facebook

- Vinh

This is the fourth installment of Top 10 Boating Destinations in Southwest Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

Cayo Costa State Park is located on La Costa Island, directly south of Boca Grande, Florida. It is 12 miles west of Cape Coral and just north of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. This is another park that is only accessible by boat, so a perfect getaway for those who love to travel by sea!

Cayo Costa island is a jewel of the Gulf Coast, and is one of a chain of barrier islands that shelter Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. The park contains nine miles of soft, white, sandy beaches and over six miles of biking and hiking trails. The rest of the island contains 2,506 acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks, and mangrove swamps.

In addition to the beaches and hiking trails, Cayo Costa also features amenities such as…

…boat slips, picnic pavilions, camp sites, and bath house/restrooms.

The park also offers a small nature center and gift shop with nature exhibits as well as a variety of items for sale. Cayo Costa is, of course, brimming with beautiful Florida wildlife, such as dolphins, manatees, and hundreds of species of Birds.

This is a popular destination for camping, and features 12 primitive cabins and 30 tent sites. Each site has its own picnic table and fire pit/ground grill. Boat slips are also available for those who wish to camp aboard their boats.

Keep your boat in tip top shape so you can enjoy these beautiful boating destinations year round. Not only should your boat be covered with quality marine canvas, but also make sure that you have a proper engine cover to protect one of your boat’s greatest assets. At Sun-Protect Marine Canvas we use Sunbrella and other top quality canvas products to help keep your boat protected. Our products include seat covers, captain chair covers and much more! For more information call (239) 349-2497, contact us online, or follow on Twitter.

- Vinh

This is the third installment of Top 10 Boating Destinations in Southwest Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

Useppa Island is a gorgeous little island, situated within the famous tropical isles of the Southwest coast of Florida. Here, you will feel as if you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of life…

…even though you are only a fifteen minute boat ride from the mainland.

Useppa has been known for luxury resorts since the late 19th century. Currently, it is the home of the private “Useppa Island Club”, with beautiful homes that may only be purchased by club members. In May of 1996, Useppa Island was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, due to its archaeological significance.

History of the Island
Long before the Useppa Island Club was formed by a man named Barron Collier, the island itself had a rich history, which played an active role in the emerging “new world”.

Useppa has actually been inhabited for about ten thousand years. It was estimated to have separated from the coastline around 6500 – 5000 BC. Prior to that, it was inhabited by the Paleo- Indians since at least 8000 BC.

About ten thousand years ago, Useppa was inhabited by the Calusa civilization, who arose to become one of the most sophisticated native societies to have evolved in North America. Even today, on the island, you will find many artifacts and sites of archaeological value, including a burial mound. The body of a Calusa who died in about AD 600, was discovered at the island’s high point in 1989 (known as “Useppa Man”). Several archeological digs have been conducted on the island, with researchers from the University of Florida. Some of the findings are on display in the Useppa Island Historical Society’s museum.

To visit Useppa Island Marina, you would go to the Useppa Entry Channel marker, between Intra-coastal Waterway markers 64 and 65. Coordinates for Useppa Marina are (26° 39.975 N) and (82° 12.720 W).

Bocilla Marina is Useppa Island Club’s Shoreport located in Bokeelia on the north end of Pine Island. Guests must check in at the marina before parking to acquire a parking pass for a nominal fee.

We know that you take great pride in your boat, so why not keep it protected with the best once you return home from this beautiful island! Our company, Sun-Protect Marine Canvas, offers many great marine canvas products including seat covers, captain chair covers, boat engine covers and much more! If you would like more information or have and questions please call (239) 349-2497, contact us online, or connect with Sun-Protect Marine Canvas on Facebook.

- Vinh

This is the second installment of Top 10 Boating Destinations in Southwest Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

Whether you are “lovers” or just a lover of serene beaches and nature,this island has been a popular boating destination for years. Why is that?…

In the past, it was a remote, solitary beach, only accessible by boat. Today, it is one of four barrier islands that make up a beautiful State Park. Lover’s Key is a haven for all types of Florida wildlife, including West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles…just to name a few!

Lover’s Key also features a two mile long beach, which is accessible by a
boardwalk or tram. Many visitors enjoy shelling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing on the beaches of Lover’s Key. If you are a lover of nature, you may want to visit “Black Island”, which features over five miles of multi-use trails for hiking and bicycling. In addition to a boat ramp, the park also features canoe and kayak rentals and tours.

If you are arriving by boat, you may want try out at a great little waterfront restaurant at “Lover’s Key Resort” called “Flippers on the Bay”. You can pull your boat right up to the beach and stop in for delicious, casual dining and spectacular views of Estero Bay. Enjoy tropical drinks, such as the “Bucket o’ Fun” cocktail, as you watch for dolphins playing just outside.

Upon your return home from a beautiful day at Lover’s Key or any other boating destination, make sure to protect your boat with marine canvas to help keep your boat looking and working like new. At Sun-Protect Marine Canvas we use Sunbrella and other top quality canvas products that protect against the damages of harsh marine elements. Our products include seat covers, boat engine covers and much more! Call (239) 349-2497, contact us online, or follow on Twitter.

- Vinh

This is the first installment of Top 10 Boating Destinations in Southwest Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

Cabbage Key is an amazing little getaway that you have to see to believe. It is a remote island, only accessible by boat. Here, you get to take a step back in time, take in the cypress trees and wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of a Florida long ago. Why is cabbage key such a peaceful and fun destination?

Because Cabbage Key is only accessible by boat, there are no roads, and no cars driving around. The only sounds you’ll hear are the gentle rocking of the boats at the docks, the abundance of wildlife, and maybe the occasional sound of laughter from the world famous bar and restaurant.

The Cabbage Key Bar and Restaurant, located in the Old House, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 365 days a year. It has become world famous, as it was actually the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet’s song, “Cheeseburger in Paradise”! The atmosphere is very unique, with one dollar bills taped all over the walls, creating a wallpaper of money. In fact, the current total sum of the dollar bills that don the walls is actually higher than the amount the building was purchased for! Make sure you ask your server for a black marker and tape to add your dollar bill to the collection.

Nature & Wildlife at Cabbage Key
The nature trails at Cabbage Key allow you to meet the Florida wildlife the way that nature intended. There are signs to identify the variety of plant life as you meander down the shady trails. You can leave the stress at home while immersing yourself in the beauty of Cabbage Key. Watch for an osprey eating a fish or an eagle soaring overhead. Anhinga and Cormorants dive for dinner, and Pelicans fill their beaks in loud splashes.

After a day of fun at Cabbage Key or other boating destinations, make sure you keep your boat looking nice for the next time by protecting it with marine canvas covers whenever it is not in use. At Sun-Protect Marine Canvas we use Sunbrella and other top quality canvas products that protect against the damages of harsh marine elements. Our products include seat covers, captain chair covers, boat engine covers and much more! Call (239) 349-2497 or contact us online today to prolong the life of your marine products. Also, don’t forget to “like” Sun-Protect Marine Canvas on Facebook

- Vinh

We have many fine customers like yourself that have kept us in business for years by purchasing our custom fitted marine canvas covers. As a token of our appreciation, we wanted to give you this free eBook called:

…Top 10 Boating Destinations in Southwest Florida. We’ve included popular waterfront restaurants and resorts in Fort Myers, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, and Cape Coral as well as the sparsely populated islands of:

• Cabbage Key
• Useppa Island
• Cayo Costa
• Lover’s Key

You can download this eBook 24/7/365 by clicking the icon to your right or simply stay tuned MarineBoatCanvasCovers.com for the next few months as we will share tips with you from this eBook.

We look forward to hearing about your adventures. You can share them with us on Facebook. In the mean time, don’t forget to protect your boat from the winter elements (especially for our northern friends). We have plenty of canvas to cover your boat engine, hatch, captain’s chair, benches, and more.

Hit us up online or call us at (239) 349-2497.

Happy boating!

-Vinh

The winter season can be a stressful time for you as a boat owner. The barrage of water freezing and thawing is one of the most destructive forces on earth because if water gets into a small crevice and then freezes, the force of the ice (as it expands) usually forces the crevice to become even larger. We know that you don’t want your boat to be damaged when the damage could be avoided. That is why I am dedicated to protecting your boat with high quality marine canvas.

With winter just around the corner, are you starting to think about ways to protect your boat from the elements? Throughout all of the seasons, especially winter, don’t let your…

• Leather or cloth captain’s chair become cracked and brittle from exposure to snow and ice
• Boat engine fall victim to the elements, decreasing it’s longevity
• Flag become tattered and worn from high winds, rain and ice
• Spotlight become yellowish and cloudy, causing visibility impairments especially during those nighttime trips

I know that you take great pride in your boat and want to ensure the quality and integrity of it during every season. My company, Sun-Protect Marine Canvas, uses Sunbrella canvas that protects against the damages of harsh elements.

If you are ready to protect your boat with the best marine canvas around we are ready to help! If you would like more information contact us online or call (239) 349-2497 ext. 101. Also don’t forget to LIKE Sun-Protect Marine Canvas on Facebook!

I look forward to working with you soon!

- Vinh

You’ve just picked up your new boat and want to make sure that it stays in tip top shape. How can you do this?

It’s easy! All you have to do is get marine canvas to protect your boat.

1. Advantages of Using a Boat Engine Cover
2. Different Types of Boat Engine Covers
3. Boat Engine Covers – Types of Boat Motors
   
4. Caring for Your Boat Engine with Sunbrella Marine Canvas
5. The Do’s & Don’ts of Boat Engine Covers

With these 5 things you will be well on your way to protecting your new investment. Not only can you protect your boat engine, but you can protect your captain chair, benches and seats!

Make sure that you take good care of your new boat engine cover. With proper canvas use and care you can protect your boat engine for it’s lifetime.

Sun-Protect Marine Canvas has got you covered! If you’re interested in great Sun-Protect gear, like boat engine covers, seat covers or even a boat hatch cover, feel free to contact us online or give us a call at (239) 349-2497 ext. 101.

- Vinh