When the Robinson Crusoe urge hits, my husband, Rob, and I put up no resistance. And it seems to hit more and more often when we spend time at ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa – so close to a number of islands accessible only by boat.

Luckily the crew at Beach Bums Boat Rentals in the ‘Tween Waters Marina make it easy to chase our fantasies and spend hours on islands unconnected to mainland mania.CABBAGEKEY2

A chart, a boat key, and we were headed first to North Captiva Island, just across Redfish Pass from Captiva’s north end. There we soaked up some sun on a gorgeous white-sand beach we had all to ourselves, then motored northward to Cayo Costa to take advantage of its legendary shelling.

We fished in the bay before docking and hiking across the skinny island to the beach. This particular day, bleached white sand dollars littered the shallows.

About then we were feeling hungry. And thirsty! Time to head to Cabbage Key. Its funky historic restaurant is known for cold beer, spicy bloody marys, and juicy cheeseburgers. Afterward, we walked off lunch on the nature trail and a climb up the water tower (where, if you’re lucky, you may get a cell phone signal.)

Beach Bums’ staff provides excellent instructions for those wishing to captain their own adventure. For those who’d rather kick back and enjoy, charter captains at the marina are happy to tailor excursions to your own Robinson Crusoe whims. CABBAGEK