With the current charge for marine fuel at about $3.50 per gallon, it is prudent for many of us to think about boating locally. Rather than taking your boat to distant destinations such as the Keys or north to Sarasota, perhaps it is practical to try to keep our trips closer to home. The Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding barrier islands and their beaches offer a perfect gateway. Most of these places are inaccessible by car.

• Lovers Key: Between Bonita and Fort Myers beaches, Lovers Key has miles of great beaches. There are mangroves where you can see an array of fish and diverse aquatic animals. The park has picnic shelters, hiking and beautiful remote beaches. Just anchor your boat in the shallow water, and you are certain to have a good time without burning too much fuel.

• Sanibel: Amid 14 miles of shell-laden white sand beaches where you also can observe the sea life. Enjoy sumptuous dining at many fine restaurants.

• Picnic Island: Just stay on the Intracoastal Waterway west past the Shell Island area. When you get to Marker 99/101, the marker numbers start over, but the second island you see on your port will be Picnic Island. Be sure to check your charts and depth finder — even though there is 10 feet of water into the island, there are areas of 2 feet or less. This spot is always loaded with boats and tents for camping. Bring a picnic basket and your favorite beverage, but remember that boating under the influence is treated by the courts the same as driving under the influence.

• Cabbage Key: At Marker 60 in the ICW, accessible only by boat lies Cabbage Key, a tiny island built atop an ancient Calusa Indian mound. Try the Cabbage Key Restaurant with a dining room that is wallpapered with thousands of autographed $1 bills. There also is an excellent nature trail. This area has overnight dock rental.

• Useppa Island: Across from Cabbage Key, on your starboard side. This is a great anchorage spot if you want to spend the night and enjoy the beautiful sunrise. If you make reservations, you could go to the museum, which tells the story of man being on the island for 11,000 years. By visiting Cabbage Key and Useppa Island, you have now made your trip into a two-day getaway.

• Cayo Costa State Park: This is one of the largest uninhabited barrier islands in Florida and contains unique vegetation that has gone unspoiled for the past 500 years. There are miles of beaches, acres of pine forest, oak palm hammocks, mangrove swamps and a spectacular display of bird life. This island is ideal for camping, swimming, shelling and fishing. The protected cove has dockage, but it's on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan on getting there early.

• North Captiva Island: Just south of Cayo Costa. On the way back, you can cross over to the Gulf side and go shelling on Upper Captiva Island and come home via the Gulf rather than following the ICW. If you follow the ICW back you can have lunch at the Green Flash on the island.

• Matlacha Pass: Matlacha is the gateway to Pine Island. St. James City is at the southern tip of the island, and Bokeelia is at the northern tip. There are many very good restaurants where you also can get a taste of the colorful community.

Going north on the Caloosahatchee River, you will come to the Franklin Locks. Beyond the locks you will find you are in fresh water and an excellent place to water ski since there are no speed restrictions.

— Wayne and Joan Church are Cape Coral Power Squadron members.