Call us at 239-410-0064 to plan your trip or email us today!

If the sun is shining, and the gulf waters are rippling, Capt. Louise Alt and her first mate Darla couldn’t be happier. Neither’s a land lubbers — and Darla is a true salty dog - a salty cocker spaniel that is.
Alt and Darla have become a popular local attraction to visitors and tourists looking for a taste of the islands. The local island pair love the water so much that they run a boat tour company—Waterwoman Adventures —in order to share their passion for the sea.
At any given moment, Alt’s cell phone will ring with possible customers wanting a tour of the area islands, including Captiva, North Captiva which
is only accessible by boat or plane and Cayo Costa State Park — known for
its shelling.
During a recent jaunt across the aquamarine-hued waters Alt and Darla
demonstrated their seaman skills and knowledge of the area in a fun and
relaxed way. Think Jimmy Buffett — only prettier and with a canine sidekick.
Once aboard the six-passenger boat, Alt and Darla work to ensure total comfort. The creature comforts include, an Oriental-style rug, iced
cooler, soft towels, sunscreen for those who forget it and lots of sea toys and snorkeling gear. And there’s motion sickness products for those who feel a bit green on the blue.
"It’s boating with a woman’s touch," Alt said. "I learned early on how to take care of people on the water."
But the comforts are not all you will find. A quiet confidence and intimate knowledge of the waters she cruises is apparent. A look of calm never rolls away from her face even as the boat tussles a bit in some choppy water. She just guides the craft through the rough patches. Even Darla — the sea worthy pooch — doesn’t flinch from her first mate seat.
The bubbly sea-woman has spent most of her 55 years on the water since her
granddaddy bought her and four younger sisters a 17-foot canoe when they were children living in Whiskey Creek in Fort Myers. Her parents also owned a cabin cruiser which led to many water adventures and camping trips.
"I grew up on these waters," she said.
She as lived on a boat for years as well as worked in local watercraft businesses, including Sweetwater Boat Rentals at the ‘Tween Waters Inn
on Captiva. All of these experiences have helped groom her into the water-woman she is today. This is one of the reasons she knows that a flock of white pelicans that just flew in from the west can be spotted on North Captiva. where a pod of dolphins is most likely to emerge or where two eagle nests are nestled between the islands.
"Right now the birdwatching is beyond compare," she said eyeing a flock of
seagulls. (continued)

Like most sea folks, Alt can rattle off the dates of every major hurricane and point out, in detail. their effects on the beaches and neighboring islands.
It’s this intimate relationship she has crafted with the sea that keeps Alt afloat. Being one of few local all-women boating businesses, Alt must depend on her good senses, knowledge of the sea, friendly personality and of course Darla to thrive among the larger outfits.
Though she has had some personal struggles to overcome in order to stay afloat — a bout with breast cancer a few years ago, losing her beloved father and mentor and a series of devastating hurricanes — apparently you can’t keep a good woman off the water.
"I love all of this," she said while steering the boat towards the pass
between Captiva and North Captiva. On a recent trip in the Gulf she pointed to rows of swirling waves and described it as a "washing machine."
She laughed as Darla’s blonde fur ruffled in the breeze. Then suddenly a pod of dolphins popped out of the water. Like a schoolgirl, Alt squealed in delight and shut down the motor. The slick gray mammals frolicked and leapt near the boat.
"Everyday is a different day," Alt said. "You never know what you are going to see."
This, along with Alt’s personal service, has drawn repeat business from Paul Doyle and his family.
The six-member Doyle family, who are visiting the island from Iowa, took a cruise earlier in the week. Paul said he and his wife Joan and their children adore going out with Alt. The children love Darla who will lay still for a belly rub. And
Paul Doyle is grateful to work with Alt who will accommodate last minute trips and be prepared in a jiffy for an active family.
"It’s just a real personal experience," Paul Doyle said. "It’s like having your own personal guide. It just feels like your part of the family."
During their last excursion, the family got a chance to see dolphins up close as they swam right near the boat. And for Alt, helping people enjoy the sea that has nurtured her since her youth is vital.
"I like to share stories about growing up out here," she said. "It’s a gift that my father gave me since I was a child." She wants this gift to be a legacy of her late father, so she became a captain to honorhim.Waterwoman Adventures is designed to take people out for smaller, intimate trips. The cost is $65 an hour.
"It’s an aqua limousine," she said. "It’s whatever you want to do, whenever you like, for as long as you like." -reprinted with permission by breezenewspapers.com