The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is a gem for nature lovers traveling to the Fort Myers Area. This 200-mile canoe and kayak trail travels along the scenic shoreline of Southwest Florida, taking you through scenic back bays, rivers, creeks, and mangroves. Connect with nature and observe wildlife, including dolphins, birds, and manatees, in their natural habitat. Whether you are looking for a short, family-friendly paddle or a multi-day adventure, the kayaking trails in the Fort Myers Area offer the perfect outing. Bring your kayak or rent one during your stay with Edison Beach House in Fort Myers Beach and access the water trails nearby:
Get Ready for Your Paddling Adventure
Before you start paddling, make sure you have your route planned out. Download the mobile app for the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail to find information, maps, popular stops, and how to keep safe on the water. Select a route that suits your ability, and be aware of the tides, currents, and wind before you head out. If you need a kayak for your journey, you can find many rental options in the Fort Myers Area.
Great Calusa Blueway Access Points
With more than 80 access points, there are endless places to start your paddling adventure on the Great Calusa Blueway. The trail is split up into three sections: Estero Bay, Pine Island, and the Caloosahatchee River. If you want to start kayaking from Fort Myers Beach, there are several launch sites along the Estero Bay section to choose from:
Popular Stops and Sites to Paddle
Discover more places to launch your kayak nearby and visit the top stops along the Great Calusa Blueway:
- Launch your kayak from Korshan or Lovers Key State Park to access Mound Key, a fascinating archaeological park home to 2,000 years of history from the Calusa tribe.
- Located within the protected JN Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Tarpon Bay is a popular place to paddle and observe wildlife and mangrove ecosystems. Find launch points from Sanibel Island.
- Start paddling from Manatee Park to get to Orange River Preserve, a scenic slice of Old Florida with unique plants and wildlife.
- Launch your kayak from Tropical Point in Pine Island or Punta Russa in Fort Myers to access Picnic Island. Take a break on the island to picnic, swim, and watch wildlife.
Plan Your Kayaking Journey in the Fort Myers Area
Witness the beauty of Southwest Florida from the water and spend an afternoon kayaking the Fort Myers Area. After your exploration, return to Edison Beach House and unwind at our beachfront hotel. We are thrilled to announce that our pool is now open to the public after 2.5 years of rebuilding from the damage of Hurricane Ian. Relax in our pool after a day of adventures and soak in the scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Book one of our Fort Myers Beach hotel rooms and escape to paradise!
