Guided Kayak/Canoe Tours:
 
Four Mile Cove Eco Preserve Kayak Tour
Oct 25
Sponsored by Cape Coral Parks & Recreation
This 3 hour tour (9:00-12:00) will take you through extensive mangrove tunnels and brackish water marshes to the Caloosahatchee River. Our guide will discuss the various plants and animals of this unique part of the estuary.
$35.00 per person. Kayaks and all equipment provided. Space is limited, call 239-549-4606 for info/reservations.
Sunset Tour at Bunche Beach
Oct 25
Sponsored by Kayak Excursions
Sunset kayak eco tour at Bunche Beach in Fort Myers. Paddle along the beach to Pelican and Hurricane bays, where wildlife abounds and serenity takes on a whole new meaning. The trip rounds out with a beautiful Southwest Florida sunset.
$45.00 per person. Call 239-297-7011 to reserve your spot.
Sunset Tour along the Caloosahatchee River
Oct 26
Sponsored by Kayak Excursions
Sunset Kayak Tour on the Caloosahatchee followed by dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. We depart at 5PM for a 2 hour sunset tour, and enjoy a great dinner and drinks immediately following at Joe's on the water.
$45.00 per person (includes a $15.00 voucher to Joe's for dinner). Call 239-297-7011 to reserve your spot.
Commodore Creek Paddles on Sanibel
Oct 27 through 31
Sponsored by Tarpon Bay Explorers
A great introduction to Tarpon Bay and the coastal environment.  Kayak with a naturalist through the mangrove forest along the Commodore Creek water trail.  Learn about the rich back-bay ecosystem and the wildlife that lives there.  You’ll be surrounded by red mangroves, wading birds, and unsurpassed peace and quiet. All ages and skill levels welcome. (1 ½  hrs)
Adults $30 and children $20. Mention the Paddling Festival for 25% discount. Call 239-472-8900 for reservations.
Sunset Rookery Paddles on Sanibel
Oct 27, 29, and 31
Sponsored by Tarpon Bay Explorers
A bird watchers dream!  Get ready for a truly unique tour experience.  Join us as the sun goes down on a kayak paddle to the Rookery Islands.  Be there as hundreds of birds-egrets, herons, ibis, cormorants, and pelicans-come in to roost for the night.  Witness the sunset that Sanibel is famous for. (2 hours)
Adults $40 and children $25. Mention the Paddling Festival for 25% discount. Call 239-472-8900 for reservations.  

Yellow Fever Creek/ Hancock Creek Paddle
Oct 27
Sponsored by the Gulf Coast Backwater Paddlers
This FREE trip departs from Judd Park in North Fort Myers at 2PM. All participants MUST have and WEAR a PFD
and sign our standard club waiver sheet. As it is an easy paddle, any type of Kayak or Canoe would be appropriate. Participants need to RSVP to Ron Kerlin at ronkerlin@gmail.com

Robert's Refuge Canoe/Kayak Tours
Oct 27 through Nov 2
Sponsored by the Adventures in Paradise
Join our naturalist led tour by canoe or kayak while paddling thru a mangrove forest where natural beauty abounds. Enjoy discovering & learning about the back bay ecosystem unique to Southwest Florida. Our trails will lead you around Connie Mack Island, out by Larry's Lagoon, through Gator Creek, to Stingray Bay and Sharks Bay. Paddle on your own or reserve a spot in the guides 4 passenger canoe & leave the paddling to him! 9:00 - 11:00 am, Adults $30, Children $15
Call 239-472-8443 for more info and reservations.
Calusa Indian Exploration Kayak Tours
Oct 28 and 30
Sponsored by Grande Tours
Guided by Anthropologist and Florida Master Naturalist Bill Godek, this 2 1/2 hr. easy, back water paddle will take you back in time to a remote Calusa Indian mound.  Learn how the vast estuary of Charlotte Harbor made the Calusa a powerful chiefdom that held influence in all South Florida, from prehistoric times to the Spanish period.  Special Blueway Paddling Festival price of $40.00 per person includes all equipment.  This guided paddle leaves at 1:00 P.M. on Oct. 28th and 30th from Grande Tours in Placida.  Phone for reservations: 941-697-8825
Jug Creek History/Eco Tours
Oct 31 through Nov 2
Sponsored by Calusa Ghost Tours & Backwater Outfitters
Enjoy the scenic Jug Creek area while learning about the history.  $ 50.00 p/person
 For information and/or reservations call John Paeno at 239-938-5342 or Steve Catron at 239-541-2532
Calusa Indian Mounds Ghost Tours & Paddles
Oct 31 through Nov 2
Sponsored by Calusa Ghost Tours & Backwater Outfitters
Walk the mounds and listen to interesting facts about the area and the mounds. $ 60.00 p/person
For information and/or reservations call John Paeno at 239-938-5342 or Steve Catron at 239-541-2532
Jug Creek Kayak/Wade Fishing Tours
Oct 31 through Nov 2
Sponsored by Calusa Ghost Tours & Backwater Outfitters
Fish the waters and wade with the Snook Cowboy while enjoying the peaceful, scenic area.
For information and/or reservations call John Paeno at 239-938-5342 or Steve Catron at 239-541-2532
Matlacha History/Eco Tours
Oct 31 through Nov 2
Sponsored by Calusa Ghost Tours & Backwater Outfitters
Paddle the Matlacha area enjoying the wildlife and learn abit of history of the area. $50.00 p/person
For information and/or reservations call John Paeno at 239-938-5342 or Steve Catron at 239-541-2532
Matlacha Blue Way Tours
Oct 31 through Nov 2
Sponsored by Gulf Coast Kayak
Join us on a kayak adventure as we explore the back bays of Matlacha and go deep into the mangrove forest for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. You may be amoung the first to see the return of the gentle giants (manatees) as they seek out our warm streams and rivers in the Matlacha Aquatic Preserve. Come and find out why Canoe and Kayak Magazine says we are one of the top 10 places in the nation to paddle. Tours begin at our base camp right in Matlacha, the heart of the Great Calusa Blueway. Call early as tours fill up quickly. First timers welcome! $45 per person - cash only.
Call 239-283-1125 Base Camp or 941-661-8229 Cell Phone for more information and reservations.
Mel's article in the Pine Island Eagle and The Nautical Mile
Annie's Creek Kayak Tour
Nov 1
Sponsored by Cape Coral Parks & Recreation
Bring your kayak or canoe and paddle with our guide through this beautiful but little known passage through Charlotte Harbor State Park. Abundant wildlife and beautiful views. 9:00 to 12:00 noon. $35.00 per person.
Space is limited, call 239-549-4606 for info/reservations.
Orange River Paddle and/or Hickeys Creek Paddle & Hike
Oct 25 through Nov 2
Sponsored by Lee County Parks & Recreation
Plan a trip for your own group ... any day, any time!
"Guided Paddling Trips for Groups"
Minimum of 6 participants required. Ten (10) days notice requested.
For reservations and more information, please call (239) 690-5030.
 
Guided Tours for the Disabled:
Backwater Outfitters and Calusa Ghost Tours click here for info
 
Guided Walking Tours:
An Evening Guided Walk through Four Mile Cove Eco Preserve
Oct 29
Sponsored by Cape Coral Parks & Recreation
Enjoy this 1&1/2 mile handicap accessible trail through the mangrove forest as the sun goes down and night time creatures wake up. Learn about the different plants & animals along the way on this family friendly hike. $5.00/person 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Space is limited, call 239-549-4606 for info/reservations.
 
 
 
© 2008 Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival - Photographs courtesy of Lee County Visitor & Convention Buearu and Lee County Parks & Recreation Department
The Great Calusa BluewayLee County Department of Parks & Recreation Lee County Offical Website
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