Outdoor Recreation Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Collins Vacation Rentals Blog

March 28, 2018January 28, 2021

How to Upgrade Your Vacation: Amazing Journeys of St. George Island!

St. George Island has an abundance of outdoor activities to make your next family trip amazing! When you’re trying to choose the right excursion for your family, visit Journeys of St. George Island. It’s the perfect adventure tour company to help plan your daily treks across our stunning island. The friendly, knowledgeable staff are always ready to help you get the most out of your next trip to the Forgotten Coast!

Before you grab your sunglasses and head over to Journeys of St. George Island, make sure you check out our Things to Do page! It’s filled with fun ideas and local outings sure to excite everyone in your family!

Witness the Natural Beauty of the Forgotten Coast with Journeys of St. George Island
Journeys of St. George Island has everything you need to explore the natural, unblemished landscapes of St. George. Whether you prefer to sightsee by land or by water, the staff at Journeys will get you equipped for your day outdoors.
For those who want to see the island from the water, there are several options available. See the sunset and watch for dolphins on a guided powerboat tour, or sail over the Apalachicola Bay. If kayaking is more your speed, not to worry! Take a tour with an experienced professional, or have rentals delivered to the door of your Collins Vacation Home.

Those who prefer to look out onto the water from the shore can rent a golf cart to traverse St. George without leaving a heavy carbon footprint. Explore the natural beauty of the island, or visit boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. All golf carts are equipped with all-terrain tires for easy travel across beautiful St. George Island.

Sunset and Dolphin Cruises are perfect for the whole family. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Apalachicola Bay. Watch the dolphins frolic in the waves created by the waves created by the powerboats and learn interesting facts along the way. This fun adventure gives children an appreciation of nature, and indulges them in a few hours of unforgettable fun! Make sure your kids don’t miss out on these awesome excursions. Take them to Journeys of St. George Island the next time you visit!

Come Relax at a Collins Vacation Home
After you and your little ones have done a day of exploring with Journeys of St. George Island, come back to one of our gorgeous vacation homes to rest. All Collins Vacation Rentals are complete with the amenities you need to have a peaceful, carefree evening after a day of trekking across our beautiful landscape. Located throughout the island, all of our rentals are near some of the best activities, restaurants, and views available in St. George. Many are just steps away from the beautiful white sand beaches for which the island is known. Let us help you choose the perfect vacation home for you and your family – contact us today! We are looking forward to helping you plan a family trip everyone will love!
Get even more out of your trip to St. George Island. Check out our specials!

March 28, 2018January 28, 2021

This Is Why You Need to Visit the St. George Island Lighthouse

Every vacation destination has an attraction you can’t miss. On SGI, you won’t want to miss the St. George Island Lighthouse! An incredible history and great views combine for this must-see activity. Now located in the center of our island, it once illuminated the Gulf of Mexico. Come stand in the light of this honored island treasure and learn an important bit of St. George history on your next trip to the Forgotten Coast!

Are you thinking about coming to St. George Island for a vacation? Take a look at our Things to Do page for all of our most trusted businesses and activities! Collins Vacation Rentals has been on the island for more than 40 years, so we know the ins and outs of the Forgotten Coast. Here, you will find more spots like the St. George Island Lighthouse, outdoor activities, local restaurants, and more!

St. George Island Lighthouse History
The St. George Island Lighthouse has become a huge part of our island history . It has seen several reincarnations, making it clear that it has become a beloved symbol of the community over the ages. The first lighthouse was erected in 1833 on the western tip of the island. However, ships found it difficult to see when coming in from the eastern gulf. When storms damaged it in 1846, a new lighthouse was rebuilt on the southern cape. Unfortunately, that lighthouse lasted only three years after its completion.

The third St. George Island lighthouse, completed in 1852, was much more sturdy. Aside from a stint during the Civil War when the light was turned off to avoid guiding Northern ships, the light remained lit until 1994. Brutal storms attacked the lighthouse repeatedly, so a “Save the Light” campaign began to raise money for renovations. Unfortunately, it ended up collapsing into the Gulf of Mexico in 2005.

The Current Lighthouse
Because the St. George Island Lighthouse was so important to the community, the newly-established St. George Lighthouse Association worked with the State of Florida DEP to painstakingly salvage the fallen light piece by piece. Volunteers cleaned the old mortar off more than 20,000 of the original bricks so that they could be reused in the reconstruction of the lighthouse!

Visiting the St. George Island Lighthouse
Every time someone asks us what to do when visiting our island, we tell them they have to climb the St. George Island Lighthouse. Such a simple activity has so much to offer! Begin your visit in the replica of the original Keeper’s House, located right next to the lighthouse. Here, you can purchase your ticket to climb the light, plus explore the small museum inside. There are artifacts from the original lighthouse and the lightkeepers that once lived there.
Once you have gotten your ticket, it’s time for the St. George Island Lighthouse climb. 92 steps will take you to the top where you will have to scale a small ladder. Once you are up, you will have a 360-degree view of the island around you! You’ll see everything from your favorite island restaurants to the blue ocean.

St. George Island Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
If you’re looking for something extra special, consider a Full Moon Climb. Full Moon Climbs are held monthly, and admission includes hors d’oeuvres and sparkling cider. The climb costs just $10 for the general public, but reservations are recommended as space is limited. You’ll get to see the entire island in the moonlight!

Start Planning Today
It’s time to start planning the vacation of a lifetime on our secluded island. Start by booking your stay at one of our gorgeous homes at Collins Vacation Rentals! Stocked with top-of-the-line amenities and located within convenient drives to many of the area’s top attractions like the St. George Island Lighthouse, our homes are the perfect place for a tranquil island getaway. When you stay with us on beautiful St. George, you can leave your worries at the door knowing that we have thoroughly considered and planned for all of your needs. Have fun and relax without a care in the world! Book your stay today!

March 28, 2018January 28, 2021

3 Reasons to Love the Beautiful C-Quarters Marina

The C-Quarters Marina is located on the east end of the Florida Panhandle. It’s a beautiful, full-service marina with 67 boat slips for your convenience when visiting Carrabelle, FL. This gorgeous coastal city has a history as a quaint fishing town where people have always been genuine and friendly. These simple, timeless roots come across clearly when you visit the C-Quarters Marina. Come dock, charter a boat, or stop in for a tournament to enjoy the enduring beauty and atmosphere of this gem of the Forgotten Coast!

As you get ready to enjoy a trip to the gorgeous C-Quarters Marina, make sure to take a look at our Things to Do page. It’s a wonderful way to learn about all that St. George and the Forgotten Coast have to offer. Full of the information you need, it includes local attractions, great restaurants, shopping venues, and more! It contains everything you need to plan an amazing vacation to beautiful St. George!

C-Quarters Marina Fishing Charters
There are fishing charter services to suit every need at C-Quarters Marina. When you contact one of them, you can expect a customized experience based on your requests. For general information about the charter services available, call the marina at 850-697-8400. You can also contact several of the charters directly:

Renegade Charters (Captain Scott Luke): 850-251-0784
Sideline Fishing Charters (Tim Edwards): 850-251-9705
Seawolf Charters (Randy Jossey): 850-508-2819

C-Quarters Marina Tournaments
Get into the spirit of friendly competition when you visit the C-Quarters Marina for one of their amazing fishing tournaments! The marina generally sponsors two major tournaments a year, The Kingfish Shootout and a Youth Fishing Tournament. Both are long-standing Carrabelle traditions, having been held for 11 and 12 years, respectively. Proceeds benefit The Leukemia Research Foundation, and to date, over $805,000 have been raised.
The Youth Fishing Tournament is an event for those 16 years old or younger. Participants come from across the Southeast to try out their skills amongst their peers in a fun, competitive environment. Registration is required on site, and there is no fee to participate. If you have a young fishing enthusiast in your midst, make sure to bring them to C-Quarters Marina for the next tournament!

C-Quarters Marina: Convenience and Serenity on the Water
C-Quarters Marina has everything you need to enjoy a day out on the water. It can accommodate boats up to 53’ long with a 20’ beam. It has diesel and non-ethanol fuel at-the-ready for your convenience. There are also showers and a laundromat on site. Finally, the C-Quarters Marina features a store that is stocked with bait, tackle, ice, hunting supplies and various other necessities for your fishing trip. It’s open seven days a week from 7 am to 7 pm. (Winter hours are different, and are announced in November.)

Come Relax at a Gorgeous Collins Vacation Home
After a full day of fishing, boating, or just enjoying the water at the C-Quarters Marina, come put your feet up surrounded by the luxury of a Collins Vacation Home. Our homes are just a short drive from the marina and filled with the top-tier amenities you need to guarantee the vacation you deserve. With easy access to restaurants, beaches, and more, our rentals are beautiful, comfortable, and convenient. When you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve taken care of all of the details. Arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!

March 28, 2018January 28, 2021

Your Guide to the Best St. George Island Boat Rentals

From freshwater creeks and rivers to the sparkling Gulf of Mexico, Florida’s Forgotten Coast is a boater’s paradise! Whether you’re planning a fishing trip or a day out with family, you’ll love navigating the waterways of St. George Island. Cruise along the Intracoastal, sink a line into Apalachicola Bay, and enjoy a relaxing day on the water. Are you searching for the best boat rentals near St. George Island? You’re in luck! Here are some of our top suggestions.

If you’re looking for St. George Island boat rentals, you may also want to check out the local fishing charters, guided boat tours, and kayak rentals. Head over to our Things to Do page to see more recommendations about things to see and do along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. It contains everything you need to plan an amazing vacation to beautiful St. George!
Where to Find the Best Boat Rentals Near St. George Island

1. Wefings Marine
When it comes to boat rental companies near St. George Island, we highly recommend Wefings Marine in Apalachicola, FL. These well-appointed boat rentals are equipped with everything you need for a day at sea! Choose from single-day or multi-day rentals and explore the Florida Panhandle at your own pace. Their rental fleet includes a great selection of Carolina Skiffs, Sea Pro Bay boats, Sundance Skiffs, and pontoons. Wefings Marine is known for their exceptional customer service and they are happy to accommodate most special requests. Give them a call at 850-670-8100 to inquire about services and pricing.

2. Gunner Pontoon Rentals
Located in the nearby town of Carrabelle, Gunner Pontoon Rentals is another great option. This local company offers fishing boat, pontoon, paddleboard, and kayak rentals. Choose either a full-day or half-day rental and enjoy being the captain of your own vessel! Explore the islands, swim with dolphins, or cast a line right from the water. Gunner Pontoon Rentals also offer weekly rentals on select watercrafts. Call 850-570-3122 for rental details and pricing.

Guided Boat Tours With Journeys of SGI: Great for Your First Time on the Water
Not quite comfortable venturing out on your own? No worries! Journeys of St. George Island offers some of the best guided tours on the island. Climb aboard a comfortable powerboat and enjoy a customized tour based on your interests. Excursions may include dolphin encounters, sunset cruises, historical tours, birding adventures, or shelling trips to Little St. George Island. You and your family can get familiar with the area and enjoy the water with an experienced professional manning the wheel.
In addition to powerboat tours, Journeys of SGI also offers exceptional fishing and sailing charters. Set sail along Apalachicola Bay or embark on the deep sea fishing trip of a lifetime. The possibilities are endless!

Looking for a Workout? Try Paddling Instead!
If you’re looking for a trip that’s a little more active, rent a kayak or paddleboard instead. This is an activity that the whole family can enjoy together, and the staff at Journeys of SGI can guide you to some of the best adventure routes. You can keep their rentals for an extended period of up to seven days.

Did you know that it’s possible to enjoy complimentary kayak rentals with Journeys of SGI? Through our partnership with Xplorie, Collins Vacation Rentals is happy to offer complimentary kayak rentals at select, participating properties. Check out our website for more details and paddle your way to a better vacation!

Collins Vacation Rentals Are the Best Place to Drop Anchor
Once you and your family have enjoyed a day on the water, come settle in for the night at one of our Collins Vacation Homes. We offer a variety of gorgeous rentals within a short drive from the beaches, restaurants, family activities, and more. Your family deserves a great place to rest during your beach vacation, and our rentals are beautiful, comfortable, and convenient. When you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest assured knowing that we’ve taken care of all of the details. Arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island. Bon voyage!