Florida's west coast is a place where pristine waterways, pleasant year-round weather, and an abundance of diverse local wildlife mix, so it's no surprise that spending time on the water is a favorite pastime for many residents. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile paddling trail developed by Lee County Parks and Recreation during the early 2000s that makes it easy for canoeists and kayakers to explore coastal waterways. Our real estate agents have all the details on the many activities that you can enjoy and sights that you'll see along Florida's Great Calusa Blueway.
- Why Paddlers Love the Great Calusa Blueway
While there are many great waterways to explore on Florida's west coast, the Great Calusa Blueway offers some unique benefits for canoeists and kayakers. It runs largely through shallow waters, which means that paddlers won't have to share space with larger, powered watercraft. The entire 190-mile trail is clearly marked with signs and is designed to showcase the area's natural beauty.
You'll experience a variety of coastal waters, including Estero Bay, Pine Island Sound, the Caloosahatchee River, and more, with tons of activities to enjoy along the way. There are convenient access points close to Naples homes for sale, near Sanibel homes for sale, and in many other communities. That mix of convenience, diverse activities, and sights to see makes the Great Calusa Blueway a popular destination for outdoor fun. - Explore Coastal Florida's Vast Natural Beauty and Local Wildlife
The Great Calusa Blueway is also a hot spot for nature enthusiasts of all types, allowing you to explore a variety of ecosystems from the mangroves to the bays and observe the diverse wildlife that calls coastal Florida home. Bird watchers will love coming back throughout the year to see seasonal species like white pelicans and frigate birds, along with the bald eagles and herons that call the area home year-round. You might also encounter a variety of sea-based wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and river otters. Many paddlers like to bring a water-resistant camera along for the journey in order to document all of the amazing wildlife that they encounter. - Get Young Family Members Involved with the Calusa Kids Race Team
One of the great things about the Calusa Blueway is that it's designed to be accessible for everyone, kids included. The Calusa Kids Race Team is a program created to get kids involved in fun, competitive paddling races. Kids will have the opportunity to participate in racing events throughout Southwest Florida, accruing points, earning prizes, and having a great time along the way. - Enjoy the Annual Battle on the Blueway
Held every year on the Great Calusa Blueway near Fort Myers homes for sale, the Battle on the Blueway is a professional paddling event sanctioned by the WPA, with multiple races for you to enjoy. Watch the pros race in the Ron Jon 7 Mile and the Body Glove 2 Mile races. Then stick around for the kids' race, the Special Olympics race, and so much more. There will be vendors offering the latest paddling merchandise, demo days where you can try out equipment, and booths where you can learn all about the history of the Great Calusa Blueway. Typically occurring in late spring, this family-friendly event benefits the Special Olympics and is a must-see for anyone who loves spending time on the water. - Fishing, Sightseeing, Geocaching, and More
There are so many different ways to enjoy the Great Calusa Blueway. Anglers will love the abundance of game fish, including redfish, tarpon, snook, and many more. Geocachers will enjoy searching for hidden treasures in many locations along the Blueway and seeing the sights along the way. For sightseeing, be sure to download the convenient maps that point out things to see and stops to make along each of the three extensive phases of the 190-mile trail.
You won't find a better place to call home if you love the great outdoors than Florida's west coast, and our team is here to help with all of your local real estate needs. Contact us to buy and sell homes in Naples, Sanibel, Fort Myers, and beyond.
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