I spent the day exploring Naples by water shuttle for $20. It's the perfect way to see Florida.
India Amos
- I visited Naples, Florida, and spent the day exploring it by water shuttle.
- The water shuttle brought me all over Naples, and the views were great.
Florida's east and west coasts are only 100 or so miles apart, but they're worlds away from each other.
I live in Miami, which is known for its bustling cities and glitzy beaches. On the other side of the Everglades rests Naples, a city known for its breezy vibe and laid-back culture.
It's largely regarded as a retirement community, but I recently spent the day there and decided to explore it by water shuttle.
Here's how it went.
I'd been to Naples before, but I'd never ventured outside the beach.
Last year, I took a day trip to Naples so I could see the Gulf Coast. However, I didn't go beyond the beach and spent my time roaming around the streets near the pier.
This time, I wanted to see a different side of Naples, so I bought a spot on the Naples Bay Water Shuttle.
My day pass only cost $20, and I was excited to experience the city from the water.
Getting a water-shuttle ticket was a little confusing.
I prefer booking my travel plans before I arrive at my destination. However, I couldn't find an option to book the shuttle in advance on the website.
When I made it to Naples, I called the company, and an employee told me I could pay for my ticket in cash or with Venmo when I got on the boat.
Finding the boat and boarding area was easy, though.
Overall, the process of finding and getting on the boat was easy. There was even a comfortable waiting area on the pier where I could sit before it was time to hop on board.
I boarded the shuttle at City Dock, the first stop on the itinerary.
The shuttle has seven stops.
This shuttle transports riders to seven different locations around Naples Bay, including Naples City Hall, Naples Bay Resort, Hyatt House Hotel, Nosh, and The Dock.
It visits each stop every hour.
The water shuttle takes one hour to make it through a full circuit.
That means every hour on the hour from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., the shuttle stops at City Dock.
During the circuit, the shuttle stops every five or 10 minutes, depending on which dock it's heading toward.
With my ticket, I could ride all day.
When I paid for my ticket, I received a wristband that would be my ticket to hop on and off the shuttle all day.
I enjoyed being able to see various parts of Naples from the boat, especially since I didn't spend much time walking around it.
The ride was relaxing and enjoyable.
As someone who'd never taken the shuttle before, I appreciated how quickly it moved.
I didn't have anything I specifically wanted to see in Naples, so I stayed on the shuttle for a full circuit. It was pleasant to speak with my fellow passengers and the captain as we sailed around Naples Bay.
Plus, the quick, frequent stops made it so I always had some new scenery to enjoy.
Naples Bay is beautiful.
The shuttle helped me experience one of my favorite things about Florida: the gorgeous combination of city and nature.
For me, the highlight of the trip was seeing Naples shine from the water.
I'd happily ride the shuttle again.
After a full circuit on the shuttle, I got off at the same place I boarded. I was looking for a peaceful way to spend my Saturday, and the city delivered.
If I had many different attractions in Naples I wanted to see, this would be an affordable and convenient way to explore the city.
I had a beautiful ride, and I'd definitely take the water shuttle again.
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