FLORIDA PLACE TO EXPLORE
Great Calusa Blueway
Lee County · Gulf Coast
A marked paddling trail of a hundred and ninety miles through the coastal waters and rivers of Lee County.
ABOUT THIS PLACE
It was built in three phases: the Estero Bay section opened in 2003, Pine Island Sound followed in 2005, and the Caloosahatchee River and its creeks were added in 2007. The route is marked with brown and white signs that keep canoes and kayaks in shallow water and away from powerboat channels, which is the practical value of it, because much of this coast is open bay where a small boat can get into trouble. It is named for the Calusa, who moved along these same waters in dugout canoes and built the shell mounds still standing on the islands. Paddlers see wading birds, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and river otters, and the fishing is good along most of it. Maps and coordinates are published by the county and are available by post, by telephone, or from the outfitters and marinas along the route, and launch sites, rentals and guided trips are listed with them. A kayak fishing tournament has run on the trail for more than twenty years
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