Florida Gulf Discovery LLC

06/20/2026

🐬 HE CAME BACK!

One of the most memorable moments I've experienced on the water happened at Boca Grande Sandbar. After spending the afternoon swimming and riding my e-foil, a curious dolphin returned to visit my boat and began playing around the anchor rode.

For several minutes, he stayed close, swimming beside the boat and investigating the anchor line. Encounters like this are a reminder of how special Southwest Florida's waters truly are.

Every trip is different. Some days it's dolphins, some days it's manatees, sea turtles, stunning sunsets, or hidden sandbars. This day was all about an incredible dolphin encounter that I'll never forget.

📍 Boca Grande Sandbar
⚓ Florida Gulf Discovery LLC
🌐 FloridaGulfDiscovery.com

06/20/2026

🐬☀️ Friday was an awesome day at Boca Grande Sandbar!

We headed out with a great group for a day of relaxation, swimming, and dolphin watching, and Boca Grande did not disappoint. Crystal-clear water, beautiful weather, and playful dolphins made this one of those Southwest Florida days that everyone will remember.

Our guests enjoyed time at the sandbar, explored the shallow Gulf waters, and watched dolphins swimming nearby. Moments like these are why we love sharing the waters of Boca Grande, Gasparilla Sound, and the surrounding islands with our guests.

Thank you to everyone who joined us aboard Florida Gulf Discovery LLC. We look forward to seeing you again for another private adventure on the water.

🚤 Private Boat Tours
🐬 Dolphin Watching
🏝️ Sandbar Adventures
🌅 Sunset Cruises
📍 Departing from Placida, Florida

Book your next adventure at FloridaGulfDiscovery.com

06/19/2026

Friday Leisure and the Boca Grande Sandbar

06/19/2026

🏝️ PADILLA CEMETERY – A HIDDEN CHAPTER OF CAYO COSTA HISTORY

Most visitors to Cayo Costa State Park know about the Pioneer Cemetery, but few realize there is a second historic burial ground on the island—the mysterious Padilla Cemetery.

Located on the northeast side of Cayo Costa, Padilla Cemetery is closely connected to Captain Juan Toribio "Pappy" Padilla and his family, pioneers of the island's fishing community during the late 1800s. Historical records suggest the cemetery may also be the final resting place of Cuban fishermen who lost their lives during the devastating 1910 hurricane that struck Southwest Florida.

Today, shoreline erosion, lost markers, and more than a century of storms have obscured much of the cemetery's original layout. As a result, historians continue to debate the relationship between Padilla Cemetery and the nearby Pioneer Cemetery. What remains certain is that both sites preserve the memory of the families and fishermen who helped shape the history of Cayo Costa.

In this article, we explore the documented history, local traditions, and unanswered questions surrounding one of Southwest Florida's most fascinating historic sites.

Read the full story:
https://floridagulfdiscovery.com/pioneer-cemetery-cayo-costa/

🚤 Explore Cayo Costa with Florida Gulf Discovery LLC and discover the history, wildlife, beaches, and hidden places that make this island so special.



https://floridagulfdiscovery.com/padilla-cemetery-cayo-costa/

Pioneer Cemetery on Cayo Costa preserves the story of the island’s early fishing families, settlers, and vanished community. Discover the history behind this quiet landmark.

06/16/2026

🏝️ After enjoying lunch at historic Cabbage Key, our next stop was the beautiful Cayo Costa Lagoon.

This hidden gem along the coast of Cayo Costa Island offers shallow emerald waters, sandy beaches, and a perfect place to relax and cool off on a warm Florida day. My guests enjoyed swimming, exploring the lagoon, and taking in the natural beauty that makes Southwest Florida such a special destination.

Cayo Costa Lagoon is one of those places that can only truly be appreciated from the water. Whether you're looking for wildlife, beach time, or simply a peaceful escape, this is a stop worth adding to your Southwest Florida adventure.

🚤 Private & Exclusive Boat Tours
📍 Departing from Placida, Florida

Book your next adventure at FloridaGulfDiscovery.com



https://youtube.com/shorts/ZdkqbM3o4PA

🏝️ Discover Cayo Costa Lagoon with Florida Gulf Discovery LLC!Aft...

06/15/2026

🌴 Discover Sanibel Island by Boat with Florida Gulf Discovery LLC

Experience one of Southwest Florida's most beautiful coastal destinations from the best seat in the house — on the water.

Our private boat tours around Sanibel Island offer unforgettable opportunities to explore historic Lighthouse Beach, hidden sandbars, scenic shorelines, waterfront restaurants, and the area's incredible wildlife. Dolphins frequently swim alongside the boat, manatees can often be spotted in calm backwaters, and coastal birds fill the skies above the mangroves.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing day on the water, a family adventure, shelling excursions, paddleboarding, wildlife viewing, or a romantic sunset cruise, every trip is customized to your interests.

⚓ Private & Exclusive Boat Tours
🐬 Dolphin Watching
🏝️ Island Hopping Adventures
🏄 Paddleboarding & Water Activities
🌅 Sunset Cruises
📸 Wildlife & Nature Photography
📍 Departing from Placida, Florida

Let Florida Gulf Discovery show you the natural beauty, wildlife, and waterfront charm that make Sanibel Island one of Florida's most treasured destinations.

🌐 Book Your Adventure:
FloridaGulfDiscovery.com



https://floridagulfdiscovery.com/sanibel-island-private-boat-tours/

Explore Sanibel Island Private Boat Tours with Florida Gulf Discovery. See dolphins, manatees, ospreys, visit waterfront restaurants, hidden sandbars

06/13/2026

🏝️ Discover Historic Cabbage Key, Florida!

Join me on a journey to one of Southwest Florida's most unique island destinations. In this video, we explore the fascinating history of Cabbage Key, climb the iconic 1936 Water Tower, encounter manatees and island wildlife, enjoy lunch at the famous Dollar Bill Restaurant, and capture breathtaking aerial views with my drone.

From Old Florida charm and waterfront dining to panoramic views of Pine Island Sound, Cabbage Key remains one of the most memorable places to visit by boat.

Have you ever visited Cabbage Key? Let me know your favorite part in the comments!

⚓ Captain Pavel
🚤 Florida Gulf Discovery LLC
📍 Departing from Placida, Florida

🌐 FloridaGulfDiscovery.com









https://youtu.be/5PmYyLsTZco

Join Captain Pavel and Florida Gulf Discovery LLC on a journey to h...

06/10/2026

🚁 NEW VIDEO: Boca Grande Pass by Drone | Hidden History of Gasparilla Island

Take a quick aerial journey over Boca Grande Pass and historic Gasparilla Island in Southwest Florida.

This drone video features the famous Boca Grande Pass, the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890, the iconic Phosphate Dock, the southern tip of Gasparilla Island, and beautiful waterfront views from above.

From world-famous tarpon fishing waters to historic landmarks and stunning Gulf Coast scenery, Boca Grande remains one of Florida's most fascinating destinations.

Many visitors know Boca Grande for fishing and beaches, but few realize how much history is hidden along these shores.

Watch the video and discover Boca Grande from a completely different perspective.

🚤 Florida Gulf Discovery LLC

Private Boat Tours • Dolphin Watching • Sunset Cruises • Island Adventures

🌐 FloridaGulfDiscovery.com

See You on the Next Discovery!



https://youtube.com/shorts/GBpB-u5EZ0Q

Take a quick aerial journey over Boca Grande Pass and historic Gasp...

06/09/2026

🚤 NEW BLOG: Exploring Boca Grande Pass & Historic Gasparilla Island

Some adventures are about more than beautiful scenery—they're about discovering the stories behind the places we visit.

On this journey, we stopped at Boca Grande Pass to watch giant tarpon rolling in the water, explored the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890, visited the Gasparilla Island Rear Range Light, enjoyed lunch at South Beach Bar & Grille, and stepped back in time at historic Whidden's Marina.

Along the way, I captured the experience from the air with my drone, revealing breathtaking views of Boca Grande Pass, Gasparilla Island, and Florida's Gulf Coast.

Boca Grande is more than a destination. It's a place filled with maritime history, hidden stories, spectacular scenery, and unforgettable experiences.

If you've never explored Boca Grande Pass by boat, you may be surprised by how much history and beauty can be found just beyond the shoreline.

Read the full story on FloridaGulfDiscovery.com and discover why Boca Grande Pass remains one of Southwest Florida's most fascinating destinations.

🚤 Private Boat Tours
🐬 Dolphin Watching
🌅 Sunset Cruises
🏝️ Island Adventures

Departing from Placida, Florida.

Book your next adventure and discover places and stories you never knew existed.



https://floridagulfdiscovery.com/exploring-boca-grande-pass-gasparilla-island-boat/

Join Florida Gulf Discovery on an unforgettable adventure to Boca Grande Pass and historic Gasparilla Island. Watch giant tarpon, visit two historic lighthouses, explore by bicycle, enjoy aerial drone views, and discover fascinating stories hidden along Florida's Gulf Coast.

06/07/2026

Taking part in one of Cabbage Key's most famous traditions.

Visitors from around the world leave signed dollar bills behind, becoming part of a unique island tradition that has helped make Cabbage Key one of Southwest Florida's most recognizable destinations. Thousands of signed bills cover the walls and ceilings, each with its own story.

A visit to Cabbage Key is more than a lunch stop—it's a chance to experience a piece of Old Florida history.

🚤 Private & Exclusive Boat Tours
🏝️ Island Hopping Adventures
🐬 Dolphin Watching Excursions
🌅 Sunset Cruises

📍 Departing from Placida, Florida

Book your next adventure at FloridaGulfDiscovery.com