Somewhere between the shoreline and the open water, everyday life starts to disappear. The schedules, the traffic, the constant noise all fade into the background, replaced by salt air, island music, and water so clear it hardly feels local. What begins as a simple boat ride quickly turns into something that feels far removed from everyday routines, even when you are still close to home.
For Captain Larry Sheehan and Sarah Bordin, owners of Island Paradise Charters LLC, those local waters offer something many people do not expect. Their shared passion is creating an experience that allows guests to truly relax, slow down, and enjoy time on the water together. “You get away from the hustle and bustle, but it’s just a short, forty-five-minute boat ride out to a real island paradise.” One of the most popular destinations is Anclote Key Preserve State Park, a secluded island known for shells, wildlife, and water that often resembles the Caribbean. “A lot of times the water’s so pristine, it’s like you’re in the Bahamas,” he said. “People feel like they just stepped out onto a postcard picture.”
Part of the appeal is how easy the experience can be. Instead of coordinating flights and hotel reservations, local island adventures focus on simplicity. “You’re literally going to the beach,” explained Captain Larry. Guests are encouraged to bring towels, sunscreen, beach chairs, and a cooler, much like any traditional beach day. Many families spend the day swimming, shelling, or simply relaxing along the shoreline.
The atmosphere on the island tends to develop naturally once everyone settles in for the day. “We have a lot of great island beach music that we play for all of our guests,” shared Captain Larry. “We’ll break out all the beach toys.” Floating mats, beach games, and music give people an excuse to slow down, spend time together, and enjoy an afternoon that rarely feels rushed.
Food naturally becomes part of the experience as well. “Everything tastes better when you’re eating on a boat,” said Captain Larry. Meals often include barbecue chicken, pulled pork, smoked sausage, homemade island coleslaw, potato salad, and cookies, giving the day a casual waterfront feel rather than a formal excursion. It becomes less about an itinerary and more about enjoying the kind of moments people rarely slow down enough to appreciate.
The ride out to the island also passes one of the area’s most recognizable sights: the historic stilt homes off the coast of Cotee River. “There were twenty-four that were initially built in the early nineteen hundreds. They’re glorified campsites today,” Captain Larry said.
Preparation is very important for those who are new to exploring local waterways. Paying attention to tides, weather conditions, and safety equipment is important before setting out on a boat. Florida weather changes rapidly, especially in the summer, so radar apps and the right boat equipment are key for a safe trip.
Still, the overall goal is not perfection. Captain Larry believes many people overthink local adventures when the best experiences are often the simplest. “Pack a lot of fun. That’s it,” he said.
That may be the real appeal of island time. It’s not about distance. It is about slowing down long enough to feel removed from routines and distractions. For those not looking for a full beach day, Island Paradise Charters offers shorter cruises along the Cotee River, including picturesque sunset experiences. Sometimes the best escape is not found across the world, but just beyond the shoreline, waiting to remind you that paradise may have been closer than you realized all along. Visit Island Paradise Charters to book your next island getaway.