As well as providing transport for a day trip to Key West, the ferry also offers one-way fares making it possible to take a vacation in two very different locations.

Although Fort Myers and Key West are contrasting, they both have a wide variety of things to see and do from museums to shopping, from sailing to scuba diving.

Fort Myers

Fort Myers is best known for the wonderful beaches of its islands, especially Sanibel and Captiva. As well as sunbathing, swimming and enjoying water sports, a popular pastime on either island is collecting an incredible selection of seashells.

Sanibel's main thoroughfare is called Periwinkle Way and is lush with foliage and Australian pines. Along the way are shops and restaurants - all the way from the Lighthouse to Tarpon Bay Road - which makes for a leisurely drive.

Captiva, to Sanibel's north, doesn't have any attractions, which is its main attraction. Here the pace of life slows down as people while away the time with various outdoor activities. It is here that Anne Morrow Lindbergh (wife of the aviator) wrote her best-selling book, "A Gift from the Sea".

Edison and Ford Winter Homes

On McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers three of America's greatest inventors had winter homes. At 2350 Thomas Alva Edison and Henry Ford lived side-by-side while across the road, Harvey Firestone had his winter home. Something else which tied these three friends together was that Edison created rubber from golden rod, Firestone made tires from it and Ford put them onto a Model T.

Both the Edison and Ford homes are open to the public and show what life was like in the early 20th century.

Edison built his home - actually two houses - in the late 19th century and Ford's house, which he purchased in 1916, was built in 1911. Both houses are elegant with rooms opening one from the other, all with doors to the wide verandahs (sometimes called outdoor rooms). This way with the doors open the air could circulate, which was the early version of air conditioning.

The Fords only spent about two weeks a year in their house but during that time they entertained. Some evenings the carpets would be rolled up and furniture moved to make room for square dancing. Not many people know that Henry Ford was an accomplished square dance caller.

Open hours: Daily 9.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. (last tour at 4.00 p.m.).

There are several guided tours at varying prices. The most popular is the Homes and Gardens Tour (including the laboratory and museum): Adult - $20/Child - $11.

The Key West Express

These fast, fun and comfortable ferries depart from Salty Sam's Marina at 2500 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach.

Schedule: Depart Fort Myers: 9.00 a.m. Arrive Key West: 12.30 p.m.

Depart Key West: 6.00 p.m. Arrive Fort Myers: 9.30 p.m.

Fares: Round Trip - Adults $128/Juniors (6-12) $68/Seniors (62+) $118

One Way - Adults $73/Juniors $53/Seniors $73

Key West

This small island lives up to its reputation of being laid-back and fun. Whether strolling around the shops, up and down Duval Street taking in the scene, or having a meal at one of the open-air restaurants the atmosphere is jumping.

Even the shops, bars and restaurants have funky names like the Green Parrot, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Lazy Gecko, Sloppy Joe's, Fast Buck Freddie's and Margaritaville. The owner of this one, Jimmy Buffett, sometimes joins the live band for a song or two.

Getting around Key West isn't a problem. Apart from walking, there are bicycles and small electric carts for hire. Alternatively take a sightseeing tour on either the Old Town Trolley or the Conch Tour Train.

Two places that just have to be visited are the Southernmost Point of the USA (Whitehead and South Street) - just 90 miles from Cuba - and Mallory Square at sunset. Here food, drink and entertainment abound while waiting for Mother Nature's daily show. Then, as the sun sinks slowly towards the horizon everyone turns to watch; maybe today they will see the green flash.

To find out more about Fort Myers, Key West and The Key West Express, click for their web sites.