Paddling Festival: Full Schedule

Friday, October 23

Blueway Beach Bash - Sponsored by the Town of Fort Myers Beach & Lee County Parks & Recreation.
5:00 - 8:00 pm
Bay Oaks Rec Center & Fort Myers Beach Community Pool & Matanzas Pass Preserve on Fort Myers Beach.
Bay Oaks Craft Corner - 5:00 - 8:00 pm - Family games, crafts, snacks, community safety organizations, and others at the Bay Oaks Recreation Center. All ages welcome! Call 765-4222 for more information!
Kids' Kayaking Clinics at the FMB Community Pool - 5:00, 6:00 & 7:00 pm - FREE - Presented by Lynette Brown, ACA-certified beginning kayak instructor and member of Gulf Coast Backwater Paddlers. Limited space ... call 765-4222 for reservations!
"Visions Of The Past" - Guided walks through the Matanzas Pass Preserve - 5:00 - 7:00 pm - Enjoy the facts and folklore of years past while visiting with Calusa Indians, Pirates, Koreshans, early Settlers and Pioneers of Fort Myers Beach. Open to all ages with adult accompaniment. Call 463-3764 for more information!
Historic Cottage - open 5:00 to 7:00 pm for tours provided by the Estero Island Historic Society. Containing Calusa Indian artifacts, a collection of Estero Island sea shells, and other relics that depict the history of pioneer life on Estero Island.

Click here for Blueway Beach Bash flyer
Kayak to the site: Matansas Pass Preserve - GPS coordinates: (N26 28 34 W81 58 02) Between markers 47 south & 48 north

Friday Night Fish Fry - Sponsored by the City of Bonita Springs - "RiverFest"
5:30 pm
Down home southern fish fry with refreshments and live music on the Imperial River at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs.
$15 per person. Everyone welcome. For tickets call Bonita Springs City Hall at 239-949-6262.

Click here for RiverFest event flyer
Kayak to the site: Riverside Park in Bonita Springs - GPS Coordinates (N 26 20 30 W 81 46 46)

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS - Friday, October 23rd:

Frigate Bird Island 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Guided kayak nature tour with GAEA Guides. Meet at Punta Rassa. See many birds, in this area of shallow grass flats where the river meets the Gulf. Dolphins, manatees and more. Learn about the ecology of the estuary you will be in and the critters that live on the bottom - $50 per person - reservations a must. 239 694-5513.

Barefoot Beach 1:30 - 4:30 pm. Tour includes kayak rental, life jacket, beginning instruction, and Master Naturalist Guide.
$35 pp OR $10 pp if you use your own boat. Pictures of participants on the water sent afterwards via e-mail.
Meet and Launch from New Pass. For information and reservation contact Cynthia Gilbert at Chicago Kayak: chicagokayak@comcast.net

Imperial River/ Estero Bay – Sunset Tour 4:15 – 7:15 pm. Guided kayak nature tour with GAEA Guides. Visit this lovely river as it gently pours into Estero Bay through winding mangrove mazes, a very productive estuarine environment with up to 300 species of birds and a wide variety of aquatic species. $40 per person. Reservations needed. 239 694-5513

Saturday, October 24

Imperial River Challenge - Sponsored by the City of Bonita Springs - "RiverFest"
9:00 am
Riverside Park in Bonita Springs.

Click here to view the RiverFest 2009 video.

2-mile time trail race - 6 race catagories - single and tandem canoes and kayaks.
$100 First Place for each race.
$10 pre-registration $15 day of the race.
For information contact Arleen Sheehan, Special Events Coordinator - (239)-949-6260

Click here for the Imperial River Challenge Registration Form
Click here for RiverFest event flyer
Kayak to the site: Riverside Park in Bonita Springs - GPS Coordinates (N 26 20 30 W 81 46 46)

Blueway Festival Events Hub - Sponsored by the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival and the Mound House.
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mound House on Ft Myers Beach.
Join us for this first weekend of events including an on-going speaker/program tent, ethnobotany trail tours, guided walking tours of Mound Key for self kayakers, community organization exhibitors, picnic area, kayak demonstrations & much more! Check back often for details/updates!

Speakers Program - Under the presentation tent - FREE every hour on the hour!

10 am - Theresa Schober, Cultural Resources Director of the Mound House - “Paddling through the Past” - Between the high rises and golf course communities of southwest Florida, another landscape is revealed which expresses the complexities of a society that occupied this area for at least 2,000 years. Archaeologist Theresa Schober will compare the built landscape of the past and present and interpret these cultural symbols on the land in terms of the social history of the powerful Calusa Indians who controlled these waters through Spanish contact.
11 am - Gene Toncray, storyteller, A Pack of Great Tales - "Folklore and Legends of Florida's Wildlife" - An exploration of our flora and fauna through the oral tradition of storytelling. Enjoy tales of How Possum Got His Skinny Tail, Alligator's Rough Back, and much more.
12 noon - Don McCumer & Mike Devlin of 21st Century Kayaks - "Step forward in history with 21st century kayaks" - Building a 21st century kayak kit frame in less than one hour. The history of kayaks and the building process.
1 pm - Ed Engel, paddle maker - "Greenland paddles ... how to make and use" - Open discussion and demonstration on design, making, and using traditional kayak paddles.
2 pm - David Loger, kayak fishing guide with Adventure Kayak Fishing - "Kayak fly-fishing" - Focusing on fly-fishing including a casting seminar.
3 pm - Matt Keene, of the "Sunshine Expedition" - "Paddling around Florida" - A presentation on the first successful circumnavigation of Florida on the C.T., focusing on the successes and failures of the trip, lightweight gear and long-distance adventures.

Community Organization Exhibits - On-site between 10 and 4 with information on ways for "civic engagement" throughout the Southwest Florida community.

Community Business Exhibits - On-site between 10 and 4 with information on canoe/kayak equipment, travel needs and more.

Calusa Carts - Special, first appearance of these transportable exhibits to engage students and the public about the rich narrative of Calusa history. One cart resembles an archaeological excavation that interprets mound construction and a second cart provides a regional overview of the Calusa Indians combining graphics, text, and interactive audio visual components.

Ethnobotany Tours - FREE - The study of how people of a particular culture make use of indigenous plants for such things as food, shelter, medicine, clothing, hunting, and religious ceremonies. Join Terry Cain, Land Stewardship Coordinator for Lee County Parks & Recreation, on her guided ethnobotany walk, "Let's Go Shopping" around the Mound House and "shop" among the native plants. Meet at the dock, starting times are 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm.

Kayak Demos - FREE between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm - with guidance on life jacket use, paddling techniques, and general kayaking information by the Gulf Coast Backwater Paddlers. Try out your paddling skills on the water with 15 minute trial paddles.

Guided Paddles to Mound Key in the Estero Bay Aquatic Buffer Preserve will be provided by the following SW Florida Paddling Clubs. A limited number of participants will be accommodated on these trips which will be guided on a tour of Mound Key by Theresa Schober, Cultural Resources Director of the Mound House.

9:30 am leaving from the Mound House - sponsored by the Southwest Florida Paddling Club. FREE, bring your own boat! Arrive at Mound Key by 11:30 for a 45 minute guided tour of Mound Key by Theresa. Then paddle back to Mound House and enjoy the afternoon speakers and festivities there. Call for reservations and more information: Pat Owen 239-410-0167.
11:30 am leaving from Lovers Key area - sponsored by the Paradise Coast Paddling Club. FREE, bring your own gear -- boat, paddle and life jacket and especially snacks! A good-time will be had by all. Arrive at Mound Key by 12:30 for a 45 minute guided tour of Mound Key by Theresa. Call for reservations and information to: Bob Langbauer 239-571-8640.

Click here for driving directions and map to the Mound House
Kayak to the site: Mound House - GPS Coordinates (N 26 26 46 W 81 55 39) south of Marker 39

Paddlers Reception - Sponsored by Canoe & Kayak and Sea Kayaker magazines.
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Hosted at: "Coconuts" Gulf-front cabana bar at the Pink Shell Resort & Spa on Fort Myers Beach.
Relax and meet fellow paddlers. Share kayaking stories and swap paddling location details. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool. Appetizers and drinks, along with give-aways.
4:00 - 7:00 pm - Dinner Specials at Jo Jo's on the Beach at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa. (click here for menu specials)
5:45 pm - Sunset Gulf Cruise by Banana Bay Tour Company with part of the proceeds going to the Blueway Paddling Trail. Leaving from the bayside docks at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa this 1.5 hour tour will explore the Estero Bay and cruise out to the Gulf of Mexico to view the Sunset. Contact Banana Bay to reserve your space!

Door prizes given away throughout the event, including a stay at the Pink Shell Resort & Spa and a Suspenze Kayak Storage Rack.

Click here fo Pink Shell Resort map
Kayak to the site: Pink Shell Resort on Fort Myers Beach - GPS Coordinates (N 26 27 38 W81 56 54) south of Marker 45

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS - Saturday, October 24th :

Estero Bay 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Guided kayak nature tour with GAEA Guides. Leaves from Dog Beach. Learn about the ecology of the estuary. See herons, egrets, pelicans, osprey, dolphins, manatees and more. $40 per person - Reservations required. 239 694-5513.

Barefoot Beach 1:30 - 4:30 pm. Tour includes kayak rental, life jacket, beginning instruction, and Master Naturalist Guide.
$35 pp OR $10 pp if you use your own boat. Pictures of participants on the water sent afterwards via e-mail.
Meet and Launch from New Pass. For information and reservation contact Cynthia Gilbert at Chicago Kayak: chicagokayak@comcast.net

San Carlos Bay to Hurricane Bay Tour 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Guided tour provided by Kayak Excursions, launching at Bowditch Point Park at the northern end of Fort Myers Beach, we will follow the Great Calusa Blueway into Pelican Bay and Hurricane Bay, where frequent wildlife sightings include dolphins, manatee, and a wide variety of birds. We will return to Bowditch Point Park at 5:00 pm, just in time for the paddlers reception at the Pink Shell Resort, which is only a few hundred feet down the road. $50 per person.

Caloosahatchee River Sunset/Bird Rookery Tour 4:30 - 7:30 pm. Guided kayak nature tour with GAEA Guides. Leaving from Royal Palm Park. Paddle on the Caloosahatchee River with 1000's of birds. Paddle in the maze of wild creeks that are part of the preserve. $40 per person. Reservations a must. 239 694-5513.

Sunday, October 25

Monofilament Madness Cleanup - Sponsored by Keep Lee County Beautiful.
8:00 am - 12:00 noon
An annual event coordinated by Keep Lee County Beautiful during which volunteers go out in boats, kayaks, canoes, jet skis and anything else that floats, to remove monofilament fishing line and other harmful debris from the mangrove areas of Lee County. The boaters begin working at safe light (dawn) and continue until around noon at which time they are treated to a "Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue" by Sam Galloway Ford. Collection sites at the Mound House on Fort Myers Beach and Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral.

Trash pick-up with GAEA Guides - FREE – meet at The Mound House, 289 Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach. 8AM. We can only take a small group of people in our kayaks so call to save your spot for this good cause. 239-694-5513.

Tarpon Point Geo Paddle - Sponsored by SunStream Hotels & Resorts.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Hosted at: Resort at Marina Village at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral.
Event Competition:
9:00 am - 12:00 noon - Beginner/Novice Geo Caching Course to include maps.
12:00 - 3:00 pm - Intermediate/Advanced Geo Caching Course to include GPS navagation.
Click here for GeoPaddle Entry Form
Activity Information:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Free parking, food & beverage sales, music & entertainment, introduction to Geocaching workshop, kayak/canoe & outdoor sports vendor, canoe/kayak rentals and free launch site, outdoor gear clinic & demonstrations, fishing & fly fishing clinics and demonstrations, kayak & canoe clinic and demonstrations, open house and "sneak preview" tours of the Resort at MarinaVillage, complimentary chair massages from the Esterra Spa & Salon.

Click here for Marina Village GeoPaddle Flyer
Kayak to the site: Marina Village at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral - GPS Coordinates (N 26 32 21 W 82 00 01)

Paddlers Pig Roast Picnic - Sponsored by the Florida Paddling Trails Association.
2:00 - 6:00 pm
Hosted at: San Carlos RV Resort on Fort Myers Beach.
2:00 - 3:00 pm - Kayak Rescue Demonstration and Practice by Pat Owen, with the Southwest Florida Paddling Club and an ACA Level I Certified Instructor, will demonstrate/practice the paddle float rescue, stirrup rescue, 2-man and 3-man rescue.
3:00 - 4:00 pm - Kayak Rolling Demo by Rick Storsberg, an ACA open water sea-kayak instructor working for Sarasota County Parks.
3:00 - 6:00 pm - Live Bluegrass music by "The Tamiami Trail Blazers."
4:00 pm - Doug Alderson presentation: Paddling from Orlando to Lake Okeechobee through the Kissimmee Valley, highlighting the restoration of the Kissimmee River. To learn more, log onto: http://www.dougalderson.net/new-dawn-kissimmee-river.html also a presentation by Ed Schessel on ‘Paddle Surfing the Web.’
5:00 - 6:00 pm - Pig Roast Picnic: $19 per person - advance reservation only by calling 800-525-7275.

Door prizes and FPTA Raffle throughout the event. Limited parking.

Click here for FPTA Pig Roast Picnic flyer
Kayak to the site: San Carlos RV Resort on Fort Myers Beach - GPS Coordinates (N26 28 05 W 81 56 54) Marker 44

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS - Sunday, October 25th :

Lovers Key Area 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Tour includes kayak rental, life jacket, beginning instruction, and Master Naturalist Guide. $35 pp OR $10 pp if you use your own boat. Pictures of participants on the water sent afterwards via e-mail.
Meet and Launch from New Pass. For information and reservation contact Cynthia Gilbert at Chicago Kayak: chicagokayak@comcast.net

San Carlos Island Circumnavigation 12:00 - 3:00 pm. Guided tour provided by Kayak Excursions, launching from Bunche Beach, we will circumnavigate San Carlos Island. We paddle through mangrove lined bays, where we expect to see a wide variety of birds, including Herons, Ibis, Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, Osprey, and Bald Eagles. Dolphin and Manatee sightings are also likely. $50 per person.

Barefoot Beach 1:30 - 4:30 pm. Tour includes kayak rental, life jacket, beginning instruction, and Master Naturalist Guide.
$35 pp OR $10 pp if you use your own boat. Pictures of participants on the water sent afterwards via e-mail.
Meet and Launch from New Pass. For information and reservation contact Cynthia Gilbert at Chicago Kayak: chicagokayak@comcast.net

Monday, October 26

Continental Breakfast with the FPTA Board of Directors
7:30 - 8:30am. Free at the San Carlos RV Resort on Fort Myers Beach.
8:30 am FPTA Board of Directors Meeting - open to the public.

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS - Monday, October 26th:

Larry’s Lagoon 9:00 - 11:00 am. Follow our experienced Adventures in Paradise naturalist through one of the largest, most secluded mangrove trails in all of southwest Florida. Catch a glimpse of a wide variety of wading birds, fish, dolphins, and manatees! - Cost: $30 for each adult, $15 for each child, those with kayaks are $25 each person. For reservations: 239-472-8443 OR 239-437-1660

Lovers Key Area 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Tour includes kayak rental, life jacket, beginning instruction, and Master Naturalist Guide. $35 pp OR $10 pp if you use your own boat. Pictures of participants on the water sent afterwards via e-mail.
Meet and Launch from New Pass. For information and reservation contact Cynthia Gilbert at Chicago Kayak: chicagokayak@comcast.net

Matlacha Pass Tour 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Guided tour provided by Kayak Excursions, launching at Sirenia Vista Park (formerly Ceitus boat lift) on Ceitus Parkway in Cape Coral, from where we paddle through a maze of narrow creeks to Matlacha Pass. This area is ideal for birdwatching, and offers beautiful untouched scenery. $50 per person.

Tuesday, October 27

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS - Tuesday, October 27th:

Larry’s Lagoon 9:00 - 11:00 am. Follow our experienced Adventures in Paradise naturalist through one of the largest, most secluded mangrove trails in all of southwest Florida. Catch a glimpse of a wide variety of wading birds, fish, dolphins, and manatees! - Cost: $30 for each adult, $15 for each child, those with kayaks are $25 each person. For reservations: 239-472-8443 OR 239-437-1660

Yellow Fever Creek 1:00 - 3:30 pm. FREE paddle hosted by the Gulf Coast Backwater Paddlers. Bring Your Own Boat. Anyone desiring to participate needs to meet at Judd Creek Park launch ramp at 1PM, Tuesday October 27th. PFDs MUST be WORN, not carried, in order to participate. Length of paddle is approx. 4 miles, and takes about 2.5 hours. It is an easy but scenic paddle in protected waters that is suitable for kayakers or canoeists of any skill level.
Please RSVP to: RonKerlin@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 28

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS - Wednesday, October 28th :

Larry’s Lagoon 9:00 - 11:00 am. Follow our experienced Adventures in Paradise naturalist through one of the largest, most secluded mangrove trails in all of southwest Florida. Catch a glimpse of a wide variety of wading birds, fish, dolphins, and manatees! - Cost: $30 for each adult, $15 for each child, those with kayaks are $25 each person. For reservations: 239-472-8443 OR 239-437-1660

Lovers Key Kayak Tour 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. Guided tour provided by Kayak Excursions, launching at New Pass on Lovers Key (8600 Estero Blvd.), and explore the mangrove islands in Estero Bay. Dolphins and Manatee frequent this area, as do many species of birds. $50 per person.

Estuary Tour of the Inside Passage of Lover's Key State Park 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Guided kayak nature tour with GAEA Guides. Grass flats, fish, conchs and whelks, dolphin and manatees - a variety of birds and critters. Leaves from Dog Beach. $55 per person - reservations needed - 239 694-5513

Thursday, October 29

Paddlers Reception - Sponsored by Southwest Florida Paddling Groups.
Hosted at: Hilton Garden Inn in South Fort Myers.
Join your friends at a paddlers dinner special before the event ... click here for dinner special at the Hilton Garden Inn.
6:30 pm - Mix & mingle with like-minded paddlers and find out about paddling trips and group activities in SW Florida.
7:00 pm - Terri Krass with the SW Florida Paddling Club will present her hands-on "Camping from a Kayak" clinic.

Door prizes given away throughout the event, including a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites - Fort Myers/Estero.

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS - Thursday, October 29th:

Larry’s Lagoon 9:00 - 11:00 am. Follow our experienced Adventures in Paradise naturalist through one of the largest, most secluded mangrove trails in all of southwest Florida. Catch a glimpse of a wide variety of wading birds, fish, dolphins, and manatees! - Cost: $30 for each adult, $15 for each child, those with kayaks are $25 each person. For reservations: 239-472-8443 OR 239-437-1660

Mound Key: The capital of the Calusa Civilization 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Guided kayak nature tour with GAEA Guides, Florida Master Naturalist and local historian. Learn about the birds, bottom dwelling creatures and the Mangrove Forest…and about the Calusa who lived on Mound Key for over 1,000 years. Leave from Lover’s Key area. $60 per person, includes all equipment, $50 if you bring your own. Reservations needed. Call 239 694-5513.

Halloween Bat Tour 4:30 - 7:30 pm. Guided kayak nature tour with GAEA Guides. Leaves from Judd Creek Park. Paddle on this tributary of the Caloosahatchee River into the wilds of North Fort Myers. At dusk we will see the bats come out of their hiding places. Learn about these very interesting, important ancient animals. $40 per person. Reservations needed. 239 694-5513.

Friday, October 30

Speakers Series & Guided Tours - Sponsored by Upriver RV Resort in North Fort Myers.
8:00 am - Breakfast Bar
9:00 am - Speakers: Presentations on E.C.H.O., Manatee Park, Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve, and Paddle Creek Outfitters.
10:30 am - Guided Tours: Walking tour of Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve and an Oxbow Paddle on the Caloosahatchee RIver.
$1 per person - reserve your spot by calling Carol at 239.543.3330.
Upriver RV Resort in North Fort Myers.

Click here for flyer.
Kayak to the site: Upriver RV Resort in North Ft Myers - GPS Coordinates (N 26 42 29 W 81 47 06)

Fishing Tournament Captains Meeting - Sponsored by the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival.
6:00 pm
Hosted at: Prawnbroker Restaurant in South Fort Myers.
Mandatory meeting for all participants in the Calusa Blueway Fishing Tournament. Spouces and family are welcome to attend.

Calusa Costume Ball - Sponsored by Calusa Ghost Tours and RTM Kayak.
7:30 - 11:00 pm
Hosted at: Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island.
The Calusa Costume Ball is a one-of-a-kind event for those who want to get festive and dress in period costumes from the 1500's through the 1700's. We're talking conquistadors and queens, dukes and duchesses, Calusa Indians and pirates. Even sea wenches are welcome. The Calusa Costume Ball is held in Pineland, the site of the historic Calusa Indian mounds and the Randell Research Center. Festivities are at the Tarpon Lodge, a historic inn just across the street from Randell and situated along the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.

A $35 ticket to the Calusa Costume Ball includes a drink and appetizers at the Tarpon Lodge, story telling and re-enactments courtesy of Calusa Ghost Tours, plus music provided by live minstrels. There will be door prizes throughout the evening including a weekend stay for 2 at the Tarpon Lodge, along with a grand drawing for an RTM kayak. Two participants will be selected as king and queen of the ball before the festivities move across the street on a guided moonlight walk onto a Calusa mound at the Randell Research Center, where more story telling will take place to wrap up the evening.

A limited number of 60 - $35 tickets will be pre-sold for this event, which runs from 7:30 to 11:00 pm. NO at-the-door sales!!
To purchase your tickets, send a check payable to "Lee County BOCC" to Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival, 6490 South Pointe Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, 33919. The number of tickets you request will be mailed directly to you at the address you supply.
A portion of the ticket sales will go to the Randell Research Center.

Click here for a look at Pine Island and Calusa Ghost Tours via the WGCU Public TV show Connect!
Kayak to the site: Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island - GPS Coordinates (N 26 39 39 W 82 09 13)

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS - Friday, October 30th:

Matlacha the Blueway 8:45 - 11:00 am. Guided paddle along the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail with "Mel the Guide" at Gulf Coast Kayak. $45 per person plus tax, $30 if you bring your own boat, cash only please. Advanced reservations: 941-661- 8229 OR 239-283-1125.

Larry’s Lagoon 9:00 - 11:00 am. Follow our experienced Adventures in Paradise naturalist through one of the largest, most secluded mangrove trails in all of southwest Florida. Catch a glimpse of a wide variety of wading birds, fish, dolphins, and manatees! - Cost: $30 for each adult, $15 for each child, those with kayaks are $25 each person. For reservations: 239-472-8443 OR 239-437-1660

Matlacha Tour 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. Guided tour provided by Kayak Excursions, leaving from the Kayak launch at Matlacha Community Park. We will paddle north, along the eastern shore of little pine island, and explore some secluded bays which are often home to a nice variety of birds. $50 per person.

East Side of Estero Bay 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Guided kayak nature tour with GAEA Guides. Leaves from Hickory Bait, 23149 Weeks Fish Camp Rd., Bonita Springs. A great area to learn about Florida’s First Aquatic Preserve. This estuary is abundant with life - many birds and marine creatures. Wander around secluded mangrove lagoons and tunnels. Hear stories of the Calusa natives that lived in this area for 1000’s of years. $40 per person – reservations needed. 239 694-5513

Matlacha the Blueway 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Guided paddle along the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail with "Mel the Guide" at Gulf Coast Kayak. $45 per person plus tax, $30 if you bring your own boat, cash only please. Advanced reservations: 941-661- 8229 OR 239-283-1125.

Matlacha Sunset-Moonlite 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Guided paddle along the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail with "Mel the Guide" at Gulf Coast Kayak. $45 per person plus tax, $30 if you bring your own boat, cash only please. Advanced reservations: 941-661- 8229 OR 239-283-1125.

Full Moon Paddle (16 yrs & up) 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Paddle around the peaceful waters of the Eco Preserve by the light of the full moon. Meets at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve in Cape Coral; directions to exact launch site given upon registration. $25 per person includes kayak rental or $15 per person BYO kayak. Contact: 239-549-4606 Advance registration is required & there is limited space available.

Saturday, October 31

Fishing Tournament - Sponsored by the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival.
7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Waters around Lee County

1st prize - $500 2nd prize - $300 3rd prize - $200 (based on 50 participants)
+ additional prizes including hotel stays at the Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express - Bonita Springs, and SpringHill Suites by Marriott & “Bending Branches” paddles and Stickit Anchor Pins.

All tournament proceeds to go to: The Great Calusa Blueway and Randell Research Center.

All competitors must be 18 years of age or older or be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All fishing will be “catch & release” and will take place in Lee County, Florida. Fishing begins at first safe light. All participants must attend the Captains' meeting on Friday, Oct. 30 at the Prawnbroker Restaurant in South Fort Myers at 6:00 pm.

1:00 pm - Check-in will begin at the official tournament site at the Randell Research Center on Pine Island. All competitors must be in the check-in line with their cameras and measuring devices by 3 pm to be eligible for prizes and points.
4:00 pm - Awards Ceremonies will begin at the Randell Research Center.
4:30 - 5:30 pm - Captain's Get Together at the Tarpon Lodge with snacks and a cash bar.
5:00 pm - Dinner Special at the Tarpon Lodge. (click here for the menu specials)

Kayak Excursions will rent a rigged kayak for $50 per day, with $25 of each rental going to the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail The kayaks will be delivered to the captain’s meeting, and can be returned at the awards ceremony at the Randell Research Center in Pineland. Contact Stefan at Kayak Excursions; 239-297-7011 or Stefan@kayak-excursions.com

Calusa Ghost Tours will offer a rigged fishing kayak rental at the Randell Research Center on the 31st for $50 a day each (limited supply). To reserve in advance call 239-938-5342 or contact calusaghosttours@comcast.net.

Click here for the Fishing Tournament Registration Form

Click here for the Fishing Tournament Rules

Click here for the Fishing Tournament Flyer

Kayak to the site: Randell Research Center - GPS Coordinates (N 26 39 40 W 82 09 11)

Blueway Festival Events Hub - Sponsored by the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival & Randell Research Cntr.
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Randell Research Center on Pine Island.
Join us for this second weekend of events including an on-going speaker/program tent, Calusa Indian craft and skills exhibitors, guided walking tours of the Pineland Mounds, community organization exhibitors, picnic area, & much more! Check back often for details/updates!

Mote Marine "aquarium on wheels" a 1,200-gallon exhibit that includes tropical and subtropical fish. It also includes a traveling touch tank that offers visitors the chance to hold live animals including starfish, sea urchins, horshoe crabs and marine snails.

Speakers Program - In the Randell Research Center Classroom Building - FREE every hour on the hour!

10 am - Michael Wylde, Randell Research Center Manager - "Current Research at Mound 5" - Discussion on the current excavations and research on Mound 5 of the Brown's Mound Complex at the Pineland site.
11 am - Bill Richards, of Paddle Florida - "Go With The Flow" - A review of the recently completed paddle event on the Suwannee River and a look at next year's schedule of events for Paddle Florida here in SW Florida.
12 noon - Don McCumer & Mike Devlin of 21st Century Kayaks - "Step forward in history with 21st century kayaks" - Building a 21st century kayak kit frame in less than one hour. The history of kayaks and the building process.
1 pm - Morgan Palmer, NBC-2 Meteorologist - "Weather of Southwest Florida" - A look at the hurricane season, the winter forecast for Southwest Florida, and your weather questions answered.
2 pm - Scott Hoffman, writer/photographer/film maker - "Kayaking the World" - In pictures, film, and music, Scott will share his stories of kayaking in Alaska, China, South America, and Siberia's Lake Baikal among other locations.
3 pm - Dominick Greco, Pro Angler-Kayak Instructor-TV Host - Kayak Charters - "Kayak Fishing & Rigging" - Everything kayak fishing from advanced rigging to the most effective lures and retrieves used. New and innovative gear and how to use it. How to read water and find productive water for fishing.
4 pm - Fishing Tournament Awards

Community Organization Exhibits - On-site between 10 and 4 with information on ways for "civic engagement" throughout the Southwest Florida community.

Community Business Exhibits - On-site between 10 and 4 with information on canoe/kayak equipment, travel needs and more.

Calusa Blueway Outfitters
West Marine
Young Living For Life
21st Century Kayaks
Kayak Charters
Suspenz Kayak Storage Racks
Everglades Area Tours
Healing Works
Carmen's Kayak Adventures/Kayak Shak
Native Gems and Rock Shop
Xtreme Life Sports
Costco - Fort Myers

FREE tours along the Calusa Heritage Trail, a 3,700-foot interpretive walkway that leads visitors through the mounds, canals, and other features of the Pineland archaeological site. Leaving from the classroom building at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Calusa crafts shown by Dick Workman and Rick Tully.

Food vendors on site for lunch picnicking.

"Hub" Special: Calusa Ghost Tours will offer a rigged fishing kayak rental at the Randell Research Center on the 31st for $50 a day each (limited supply). To reserve in advance call 239-938-5342 or contact calusaghosttours@comcast.net.

Click here for driving directions and map to the Randell Research Center
Kayak to the site: Randell Research Center - GPS Coordinates (N 26 39 40 W 82 09 11)

Paddlers Reception & Bar-B-Que - Sponsored by COSTCO- Ft.Myers.
5:00 - 6:30 pm
Hosted at: The Sun & The Moon Inn in Matlacha.
No tricks ... just treats! Enjoy an "off the grill" dinner bar-b-que, a dip in the pool, a back bay paddle, or just a chance to sit, enjoy the sunset and some kayaking stories with other like minded paddlers. Bar-B-Que provided by Costco-Fort Myers. Refreshments provided by Bert's Bar.

Door prizes given away throughout the event, including a stay at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott and a Suspenz Kayak Storage Rack.

Kayak to the site: The Sun & The Moon Inn on Matlacha - GPS Coordinates (N 26 38 18 W 82 03 38) east of Marker 83

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS - Saturday, October 31st :

Pineland to Fosters Bayou 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. Guided tour provided by Kayak Excursions, launching from the Land Monument at 7620 Pineland Rd in Pineland, we paddle south along the mangrove shoreline to Fosters Bayou. This area is home to a great variety of wildlife, including tons of birds. This is one of the last places you can still experience that “old Florida” feel. $50 per person.

Pineland to Cabbage Key 9:30 am - 2:00 pm. FREE paddle hosted by the Southwest Florida Paddling Club. Bring Your
Own Boat. We'll paddle 3-4 miles each way through Pine Island Sound past Useppa Island to Cabbage Key for lunch, pay for your own lunch. Check lunch menu/prices "cabbagekey.com". Some paddling experience required. Call for reservations and more information: Pat Owen 239-410-0167.

Calusa Island 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Guided paddle to Calusa Island in Bokeelia by the Calusa Land Trust of Pine Island. We will depart from Jug Creek Cottages in Bokeelia and paddle about a mile and a half to the island that forms the northeast border of Jug Creek where you can then join us on a guided hiking tour of this beautiful island preserve. A donation of $20 per person is suggested. If you don’t have your own boat, kayaks will be available to rent from the Tropic Star for this trip. For reservations contact Brenda@CalusaLandTrust.org or call me at 239-283-1878.

St. James Creek 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Guided kayak nature tour with GAEA Guides. Leaves from Monroe Canal Marina, 3105 Stringfellow Rd., St. James City. Visit the Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge with a Master Naturalist as your guide. This estuary area off of Pine Island has many uninhabited islands to wind through...(they are uninhabited by man, but are inhabited by many birds, raccoons and otters). $45 per person. reservations needed. 239 694-5513.

In the Shadow of Cushing 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. Paddle the path famous explorer and archeologist Frank Cushing did in 1895 taken from his “Lost Manuscripts”. Hear a horse conch horn and listen to the stories of the lost civilization of the Calusa. Stop on a deserted tropical island for a break half way through your trip (bring your own, snack, water, sunscreen, insect repellent) and paddle in the “Hidden Lagoon”. We provide, guide, kayaks/canoes, paddle, and vest for $55 each. As always a portion of this will be donated to the Randell Research Center. Sign up in advance contact calusaghosttours@comcast.net or 239-938-5342.

Matlacha the Blueway 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Guided paddle along the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail with "Mel the Guide" at Gulf Coast Kayak. $45 per person plus tax, $30 if you bring your own boat, cash only please. Advanced reservations: 941-661- 8229 OR 239-283-1125.

Sunday, November 1

Paddle of the Pass Race - Sponsored by Lee County Parks & Recreation.
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Matlacha Community Park on Pine Island.
This annual race features a 4 mile recreational course and a 10 mile competitive course through beautiful Matlacha Pass.
Ideal for sea kayaks, surf skis, and outriggers.
It is offered as a Florida Competition Paddlers Association points race. www.fcpacanoe.org
Awards to the top finishers in each of over 20 categories.

Pre race energy snacks (bananas and granola bars) provided by Winn-Dixie #726 - PINE ISLAND CENTER

Pre-registration by October 27, guarantees you a tee shirt and post race lunch.
$25.00 per paddler.
Rentals may be made by contacting: Gulf Coast Kayak or Kayak Excursions

9:00 am - Race check-in
10:00 am - Race start

Click here for the Paddle of the Pass Registration Form
Kayak to the site: Matlacha Community Park - GPS Coordinates (N 26 37 38 W 82 04 11) north of Marker 81

Bluegrass for the Blueway & Taste of Matlacha - Sponsored by the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival.
11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Matlacha Community Park on Pine Island.

12 to 2 - Enjoy the live Bluegrass music of "The McIltrot Brothers" - outside, on-the-green, under the blue skys!
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy this FREE program. No alcohol allowed.

Purchase your favorite foods to snack on as the Matlacha Civic Association host "The Taste of Matlacha."
Featuring: Bert's Bar, Miceli's, Moretti's, Olde Fish House, Sandy Hook, and The Perfect Cup Restaurants. Proceeds to help fund the Pine Island Food Pantry.

Kayak to the site: Matlacha Community Park - GPS Coordinates (N 26 37 38 W 82 04 11) north of Marker 81

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS - Sunday, November 1st :

Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve 10:00 am -1:00 pm. Guided kayak nature tour with GAEA Guides. Leave from 17100 McDowell Dr., North Fort Myers. Learn from a Master Naturalist about the variety of plants and animals that live in this maze of wilderness creeks - giant leather ferns, oak trees, palms, birds, manatees and fish. $40 per person. Reservations needed. 239 694-5513.

Saint Jude Trail 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Guided paddle to the Saint Jude Trail in Saint James City by the Calusa Land Trust of Pine Island. We will depart from Tropical Point in Saint James City and paddle through Saint James Creek for about 2 ½ miles to the landing at the Saint Jude Trail where we can enjoy a leisurely walk on this half-mile long nature trail. A donation of $20 per person is suggested. If you don’t have your own boat, we have kayaks available for another suggested donation of $20 for this trip. For reservations contact Brenda@CalusaLandTrust.org or call me at 239-283-1878.

San Carlos Island Circumnavigation 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Guided tour provided by Kayak Excursions, launching from Bunche Beach in Fort Myers, we will circumnavigate San Carlos Island. We paddle through mangrove lined bays, where we expect to see a wide variety of birds, including Herons, Ibis, Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, Osprey, and Bald Eagles. Dolphin and Manatee sightings are also likely. $50 per person.

Caloosahatchee River Full Moon/Sunset/Bird Rookery Tour 3:15 - 6:15 pm. Guided kayak nature tour with GAEA Guides. Leave from the Royal Palm Park, 299 Royal Palm Park Rd. Paddle on the Caloosahatchee and wild creeks with 1000's of birds. See many birds that are roosting for the evening. See sunset and moonrise. $40 per person. Reservations a must. 239 694-5513.