Adventure and nature
Everglades Day Safari
Starting at 7:45 a.m., a knowledgeable guide leads adventurers on an Everglades Eco-Day Safari Tour. We offer daily service to Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach, and Naples. A riverboat ride into mangrove estuaries, a nature walk in a Cypress swamp, and native appetizers are included in this all-day adventure.
A trip to the saw grass prairie and a search for birds, alligators, snakes, and butterflies are also included in the experience.
Prices for children 5-11 are $104 for adults and $140 for children. Request for reservation. 239-472-1559.
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve
Listed as Cape Coral’s second-largest green space, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve protects over 230 acres of land. In Four Mile Cove, there is also a visitor center, Veterans Memorial Area, and a seasonal kayak rental area. Four Mile Cove is located just north of Veteran’s Parkway.
The kayak trail has an 800′ portage, so it is not for beginners, and children under six cannot use the kayaks. On the boardwalk, however, visitors of any age can explore the preserve. The area may be home to eagles, ibis, herons, raccoons, snakes, and other wading & migratory birds.
If you are interested in learning about programs, local wildlife, or trail maps, you should visit our visitor’s Center. Rental kayaks are available from October through May. Admission is free. S.E. is the end of the road where the park is located. Near the Midpoint Memorial Bridge, on 23rd Terrace in Cape Coral. Call 549-4606 for more information.
GAEA Guided Kayak Tours
Discover back bays, aquatic preserves, wildlife refuges, creeks, bayous, rivers, and mangrove forests by kayak with a naturalist: sea otters, bald eagles, alligators, manatees, and much more.
All locations can be found on their website. Full-day tours are $50 per person (shorter tours are also available). Reservation required. 694-5513 or visit their website.
Lovers Key State Park
The quaint town of Fort Lauderdale is nestled between Lover’s Key Beach and Fort Lauderdale. In Lovers Key state park, Myers Beach and Bonita Springs are located. Once slated for luxury high-rise condo development, the land was thankfully donated to the state and has since become Southwest Florida’s most visited attraction.
The state park of Lovers Key Beach has consistently ranked among the most popular in Florida. Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, paddles, and pedal boats can all be rented to explore the 2.5-mile estuary. Paddle peacefully through this mangrove trail and see manatees, dolphins, alligators, ospreys, and much more. Tours in kayaks, canoes and paddleboards can be obtained. Call (239) 765-7788; website: www.loverskeyadventures.com/
Manatee Park
The Florida Manatee has a refuge in Manatee Park, which is open to the public. It’s best to view the gulf when its temperature is lower than 68F in December, January, and February. During the warm summer months, manatees are generally not seen. A butterfly garden and Florida Friendly LandscapingTM (FFL) demonstration landscape are features of the park.
The park is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. Open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitor center with gift shop and kayak rentals. From 4 to 6 p.m. Each Saturday at 9 a.m., you can attend a free guided walk through the native plant community. Every 2nd and 4th Saturday, kayak clinics are held. Space limited; register/info: 432-2038.
The Orange River has fishing piers and canoe launches and picnic shelters, and a butterfly garden. Parking is 75 cents per hour, $3 maximum per day. Pets are not allowed. Interstate 75 (exit 141, former No. 25), 1 1/2 miles east of State Route 80. Information update line: 694-3537.
Ostego Bay Foundation
Discover and explore Southwest Florida’s natural beauty. Visit the Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center in Fort Myers Beach, FL, under the north side of Matanzas Pass Bridge to learn about the ecology of barrier islands and estuaries.
The Center is located at 718 Fisherman’s Wharf, just south of San Carlos Island. Through interactive exhibits, aquariums, touch tanks, unique collections, and unique displays, the Center has offered a Marine Science Experience for 25 years.
It’s the best time to see our rare marine species that emerge from hiding for mealtimes. See how a sea turtle hatches, touch a starfish, put your head in a shark’s mouth, and more. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. From 4 p.m. onwards. We offer guided tours as well as self-led tours. We suggest a donation of $5.00 per adult and $3.00 for children over six years old.
Call for detailed information and reservation 765-8101.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
An important part of the SCCF’s mission is environmental education. Approximately 6,900 sq. ft. of space. At the Sanibel and Captive Nature Center, visitors can interact with the touch tank, and view exhibits about ecology. In addition, they offer a variety of programs designed to increase the knowledge and appreciation of nature for the community and visitors.
The outdoors is used as a classroom for people of all ages to learn about the islands and waters surrounding them. Take a guided walk on the beach or through the nature center. Children under the age of 17 are admitted free. Adults must pay an admission fee of $3 to enter the Nature Center. Daily dolphin watch and natural history boat cruises are available. The cost of the cruise is $20 for adults and $10 for children. There is a reservation requirement. For daily cruise information, call: 472-5100. Location: 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road. Sanibel, FL 33957 ph. 472-2329.
