Things to do in Southwest Florida: Jet Boat with Pure Naples

This Jet Boat Docked at Tin City in Naples Looks Innocent
This Jet Boat Docked at Tin City in Naples Looks Innocent

There’s just something special about being on the open water basking in the Florida sunshine and gripping on for dear life as a wall of Gulf of Mexico’s salty water bathes over you. That something special is called pure fun and last month I shared this experience with my parents during a Jet Boat Tour operated by Pure Naples based out of Tin City.

The Jet Boat Tour with Pure Naples Ain't Your Ordinary Boat Cruise
The Jet Boat Tour with Pure Naples Ain’t Your Ordinary Boat Cruise

Find a Southwest Florida Thrill with Pure Naples

Sure, the one-hour tour begins at a leisurely pace, with the captain reviewing hand signals indicating which way the boat will turn and when to hang on for dear life. Once out in deeper water, the captain revved up the sexy red boat – which has a gnarly name of “Odin” – to speeds of up to 35 mph and rode the wakes of other boats.

His head on a swivel looking off to the right then to the left, he raised his arm and indicated we’re turning which means hang on tight for a thrilling adrenaline rush. Racing at 35 mph, within seconds the boat smoothly turned a full 360-degrees. The back of the boat rose and kicked up an amazing wave that found me.

Jet Boat "Odin" Speeds through a Naples Waterway
Jet Boat “Odin” Speeds through a Naples Waterway

Splash! Sitting at the very back of the boat on the captain’s side I probably soaked up most of the salty sea water and it didn’t take long to realize after that, when he indicated a 360 degree turn, I was going to be drenched. Again.

When the Jet Boat Turns, You Better Hang On
When the Jet Boat Turns, You Better Hang On

The tour wasn’t all about white-knuckle turns and screams of laughter. We watched a small pod of dolphins feeding off in the distance and dreamed of living in the homes of multi-bajillionairs as our captain shared stories of some of homeowners as we floated by Florida mansions. During our morning tour we saw a variety of birds and our captain, who trained as a naturalist in Everglades National Park, rattled off their names as they flew by including osprey, great blue heron and great white egret.

Nuts & Bolts About Pure Naples

In addition to jet boat tours Pure Naples offers fishing, a variety of cruises including a sunset cruise, and jet ski and boat rentals. Reservations are recommended especially since the jet boat accommodates up 23 passengers. Contact them for current rates and don’t forget to tip your captain.

Since Pure Naples is located at Tin City there are several restaurants to choose for lunch or dinner. We opted for Riverwalk which offers seating by the water and decent seafood, although a little pricey for the portions. I can personally say the sangria was refreshing. Next door to Riverwalk Restaurant is Docks by Jen with fun handcrafted dock scenes.

While at Tin City, Visit Docks by Jen, Located Next to Rivewalk Restaurant, Naples, Fla.
While at Tin City, Visit Docks by Jen, Located Next to Rivewalk Restaurant, Naples, Fla.

I learned about Pure Naples because I attended a holiday party in December sponsored by TravelHost Southwest Florida and won a gift certificate to the tour company.

Pure Naples
1200 Fifth Ave. South (U.S. 41 E)
Naples, FL 34102
Tel: 239-263-4949
www.purenaples.com

Enjoy the video below shot with my iPhone 4 securely encased in my Aqua Box Waterproof Case.

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link to support maintenance of this blog and my traveling habit.

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Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

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