— Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
— Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
You don’t have to be an advanced paddler to experience nearly 200 miles of marked paddling trailsknown as the Great Calusa Blueway. The well-marked trail takes you through protected coastal waterways and inland tributaries to backwaters and mangrove estuaries. Rent your vessel for a few hours, a day or more, then set off to watch manatees float at the surface and smell the warm, salty sea air.
— Local Tip
You don't have to hire a boat to hook many of the signature species that populate the greater Fort Myers waters. Anglers have flocked to the Sanibel City Pier for decades, casting off from the boardwalk and T-dock for redfish, black drum, and snapper among many types of local catches. Keep your eyes peeled beyond your lure to see dolphins, stingrays, and numerous bird species, including the osprey that shares your passion for fishing.
for your best chance to see a dolphin jump in the boat’s wake
Our Neighborhoods
Collecting seashells is best during the hour before and after low tide, especially after storms.
— Local Tip
We are home to spectacular sunset views - a must see!
— Local Tip
The natural maze of mangrove tunnels in Matlacha reveals a treasure trove full of wildlife sightings like the endangered wood stork. Paddlers often see dolphins as well as dozens of bird species who inhabit the red and black mangrove trees that dot the coastal waterways.
Discover
Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches
and Neighborhoods
Paddle the Great Calusa Blueway
You don’t have to be an advanced paddler to experience one of the great aquatic byways in America, the 190-mile canoe and kayak trail known as the Great Calusa Blueway. The well-marked trail takes you through protected coastal waterways and inland tributaries from backwaters to shorelines and rivers. Rent your vessel for a few hours, a day or more, then set off to watch the birds, discover local plants, and explore this way and that from a unique perspective.
See manatees from a kayak on the Estero River
Part of the Great Calusa Blueway, the Estero River is widely considered one of the best places to see endangered manatees in Florida. The 6.5-mile-long Estero River feeds into Estero Bay. Florida’s first aquatic reserve provides habitat for several colorful heron species and many other birds. Manatees are often seen in Lovers Key State Park as well as other locations along the river.
Explore the mangrove tunnels near Matlacha
The natural maze of mangrove tunnels in Matlacha Pass reveals a treasure trove full of wildlife sightings that may include the endangered wood stork and manatee. Paddlers often see dolphins as well as dozens of bird species who inhabit the red, black, and white mangrove trees and surrounding environs. Exploring Matlacha Pass provides a unique view into this incredible coastal ecosystem.
Paddleboard on Fort Meyers Beach
The calm, tranquil Gulf of Mexico is an ideal location to see what all the SUPing is about. Standup Paddleboarding is not only great exercise, it's an excellent way to travel among the mangroves, surf a few gentle waves, and explore barrier islands like Boca Grande and Lovers Key. If you're new to the sport or want a refresher course, Fort Myers Beach is a great launch point.
Paddling Paradise
Fish from Sanibel Island Pier
You don't have to hire a boat to hook many of the signature species that populate the greater Fort Myers waters. Anglers have flocked to the Sanibel Fishing Pier for decades, casting off from the boardwalk and T-dock for redfish, black drum, and snapper among many other species. Keep your eyes peeled beyond your lure to see dolphins, stingrays, flying fish and numerous bird species, including the osprey that shares your passion for fishing.
Hunt for seashells at Cayo Costa State Park
Florida may be famous for seashells, but Cayo Costa State Park is famous in Florida. Widely considered among the finest shell depositories in the world, a trip to the barrier island is a must if you love discovering sand dollars, whelks, nautica, and other brilliantly shaped and colored shells. Recent conservation efforts mean they’re more shells than ever to find and examine.
Take a cruise in Pine Island Sound
Citizen-science is an important trend in travel and sightings aboard Captiva’s New Wave Charters are collected in the New Wave Marine Foundation database. A naturalist will guide the boat throughout Pine Island Sound and other coastal waters, habitat for bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and other key marine species. A full-day cruise includes snorkeling, shelling, and other interactive opportunities to get out and explore.
Island Adventures Just A Hop Away
Sanibel Island
Among the scores of islands to explore, Sanibel Island remains a must-visit. Home to fifteen miles of pristine beaches, their pure white sand is consistently listed among the premier waterfront stretches in North America. 25 miles of paths invite multigenerational cruiser bike expeditions as well as perfect walking routes.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Even among America's fantastic national wildlife refuge system, the J.N. "Ding" Darling ecosystem stands out. Site of the largest undeveloped mangrove habitat in the U.S., you can spend days wandering the trails here with your binoculars and camera at the ready. The Darling NWR is also the stopover site for one of the most species diverse migratory bird populations in North America.
Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve
Stroll the boardwalk beside the Caloosahatchee River where you can survey wetlands and manatee habitat in Four Mile Ecological Preserve for well over a mile. You might also choose to walk the 2.5-mile East River Loop too. Launch your canoe or kayak, there are boat rentals nearby, into Popash Creek to gain another perspective on this complex ecosystem.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
The opportunity to explore a 3,400-acre undisturbed wetland is rare these days. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve will take nature lovers’ breath away as they stroll the Boardwalk trail in search of nesting herons, rare American alligators, countless birds species, and butterflies. Guided walks leave from the Interpretive Center.
Cape Coral
Over 90 miles of interconnected cycling routes await the avid and casual bike rider on Cape Coral. Ride at your own pace along the bike lanes, paths and other protected byways as you pedal beside 400 miles of canals and among 40 different parks. Cape Coral's interactive bike map takes all the guesswork out of an hour, day, or several days of two-wheeled exploration.
The Outdoors Awaits
Mound House
An interactive exhibit is always the best way to learn about past cultures. Mound House features hands-on activities atop a 2,000-year-old Calusa native shell mound. Guided tours also take visitors into Estero Bay via kayak or boat.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford both wintered in Fort Myers. Today visitors can tour their compounds and meander among the grounds and 20-acre botanical garden. Research is still being conducted inside the botany research lab, which is also open to the public.
IMAG History and Science Center
The IMAG History & Science Center provides an excellent option when the day calls for an inside activity. Get up close to science and with hands-on exhibits and also learn about the surrounding ecology through encounters with many local species including sea turtles, snakes, and tropical fish.
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
Beyond their natural beauty, seashells present fascinating studies in design, evolution, and even mathematics. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum houses America’s largest collection of shells, with permanent exhibits that contain over 500,000 individual shells. Here families learn how these shells provide protection for a vast array of marine animals, often in fascinating ways.
Culture Abounds
— “Discover Fort Meyers by Water, Trail and
Culture”
Paddling Paradise
Paddle the Great Calusa Blueway
The Estero River is widely considered one of the best places to see manatees in the Fort Myers area. The 6.5-mile-long river feeds into Estero Bay, Florida’s first aquatic reserve and habitat for colorful heron species and other migratory birds.
See manatees from a kayak on the Estero River
Explore the mangrove tunnels near Matlacha
The calm, tranquil Gulf of Mexico is an ideal location to see what standup paddleboarding is about. SUPing is not only great exercise, it's an excellent way to travel among the mangroves, coast over gentle waves, and explore hidden gems like Lovers Key State Park. If you're new to the sport or want a refresher course, Fort Myers Beach is a great launch point.
Paddleboard on Fort Myers Beach
Island Adventures Just A Hop Away
Cast a line from the Sanibel City Pier
Widely considered among the finest shell depositories in the world, a trip to Cayo Costa State Park is a must if you love discovering sand dollars, whelks, Florida conchs, and other brilliantly shaped and colored shells. This barrier island is only available by boat and they are more shells than ever to find.
Hunt for seashells at Cayo Costa State Park
The Fort Myers area offers many guided and eco-cruises to coastal areas like Pine Island Sound. A naturalist guides the boat throughout the marine environment, the habitat for bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and other key marine species. A full-day cruise may include shell collecting and other interactive opportunities to get out and explore. Sit in the back of the boat for the best chance to see a dolphin surf the boat’s wake.
Take a guided cruise in the Pine Island Sound
Among the scores of islands to explore, Sanibel Island remains a must-visit. Home to fifteen miles of pristine beaches, their pure white sand is consistently listed among the premier waterfront stretches in North America. Sanibel is home to 25 miles of paved, multi-use paths that invite multigenerational cyclists and beaches cruisers alike to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Sanibel Island
J.N. "Ding" Darling is the site of the largest undeveloped mangrove habitat in the U.S. You can spend hours wandering the trails here with your binoculars and camera at the ready. The Refuge is also the stopover site for one of the most species diverse migratory bird populations in North America.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The Outdoors Awaits
Stroll the boardwalk beside the Caloosahatchee River where you can survey wetlands and enjoy a quiet escape. You might also choose to walk the 2.5-mile East River Loop too. Launch your canoe or kayak into Popash Creek to gain another perspective on this complex ecosystem.
Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve
The opportunity to explore a 3,400-acre undisturbed wetland is rare these days. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve will take nature lovers’ breath away as they stroll the Boardwalk trail in search of nesting herons, American alligators, countless birds species, and butterflies. Guided walks leave from the Interpretive Center.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Over 90 miles of interconnected cycling routes traverse Cape Coral. Ride at your own pace along the bike lanes, paths and other protected byways as you pedal beside 400 miles of canals and among 40 different parks. Cape Coral's interactive bike map takes all the guesswork out two-wheeled exploration.
Cape Coral
An interactive exhibit is always the best way to learn about an area’s past. Mound House features hands-on activities atop a 2,000-year-old Calusa native shell mound. Guided tours also take visitors into Estero Bay via kayak.
Mound House
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford both wintered in Fort Myers. Today visitors can tour their estates and explore the grounds that include the 20-acre botanical garden and botany research lab.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
History Lessons
The IMAG History & Science Center provides an excellent option when the day calls for an inside activity. Get up close to science and with hands-on exhibits and also learn about the surrounding ecology through encounters with many local species including sea turtles, snakes, and tropical fish.
IMAG History and Science Center
Beyond their natural beauty, seashells present fascinating studies in design, evolution, and even mathematics. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum houses America’s largest collection of shells, with permanent exhibits that contain over 500,000 individual shells. Here families learn how these shells provide protection for a vast array of marine animals, often in fascinating ways.
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
Discover Fort Meyers by Water, Trail
and Culture
Discover Fort Meyers by Water, Trail
and Culture
Discover Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches
and Neighborhoods
Sit in the back of the boat
Paddling Trail
Islands
The Outdoors
Neighborhoods
Culture
Be sure not to take any live shells from the beach, so you don’t take away a home from a sea creature!
Many island communities/resorts host sunset celebrations, which often include live music & drinks.
Sit in the back of the boat
Be sure not to take any live shells from the beach, so you don’t take away a home from a sea creature!
Many island communities/resorts host sunset celebrations, which often include live music & drinks.