Exploring the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail

The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, a 190-mile adventure, offers paddlers an unparalleled subtropical experience right on the U.S. mainland. Named in honor of Southwest Florida’s first indigenous water people, this trail winds through the scenic backwaters of Lee County, beginning at its southern border. While only a handful of paddlers have attempted to traverse the entire trail, most prefer to plan day trips using detailed maps, websites, or apps. With its lush jungle-like creeks, pristine beaches, uninhabited islands, mangrove tunnels, and diverse wildlife, the Calusa Blueway is truly a flatwater stand-up paddleboard (SUP) paradise.

Photo Provided by Mike Hammond

Seasons

Florida is a year-round destination, but for paddlers, timing can make all the difference. While winter draws the largest crowds seeking refuge from the cold, seasoned paddlers have discovered that late fall and early spring offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists. However, locals paddle year-round, adapting their outings to avoid the afternoon heat and summer storms, showcasing the versatility and charm of the Calusa Blueway in every season.

Photo Provided by Mike Hammond

Hotspots Along the Trail

List of Hotspots:

• San Carlos Bay – Bunche Beach Preserve
• Pine Island
• Estero River
• Lover’s Key
• Sanibel Island

San Carlos Bay – Bunche Beach Preserve

Bunche Beach is a gem for bird enthusiasts, often hailed as one of Florida’s premier birding beaches. Birdwatchers from around the globe flock here to tick species off their life lists. Beyond the avian wonders, this area is also home to dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and other marine life. Paddlers can launch from the beach or the paddlecraft launches along the creek behind the beach. Two mangrove tunnel trails at Bunche Beach provide an immersive experience, although the canopy is often too low to stand under. SUPers will find the slower pace allows for more wildlife sightings, from mangrove crabs to wading birds. A short paddle away lies the often-deserted Plover Island Beach, a serene spot even on busy weekends. Kayak Excursions offers on-site board and kayak rentals.

Photo Provided by Mike Hammond

Pine Island

As Florida’s longest island, Pine Island boasts numerous SUP opportunities. The Pineland Monument launch, located across from the remnants of a Calusa village, allows paddlers to tour the site, climb the ancient mounds, and gain insight into how Florida’s earliest inhabitants thrived. Further north, the Knights Landing and Jugg Creek Marina launches near Shell Cut offer paddlers access to the serene beaches of Calusa Island. A local dolphin, affectionately named “Uno,” often greets paddlers returning from a day on the water.

Estero River

The upper Estero River feels like a journey into a jungle creek, with large live oaks draped in air plants and exotic vegetation forming a canopy over the water. Paddlers can launch from Koreshan State Park, the former site of a utopian community, where several historic buildings still stand. Alternatively, Estero River Outfitters offers a free launch about half a mile upstream. Most paddlers stick to the shaded upper section of the river, where boat traffic is minimal, though some venture downriver to explore Mound Key Archaeological State Park. This 100-acre island, made entirely of shells by the Calusa, was once the capital of their kingdom.

Photo Provided by Mike Hammond

Lover’s Key

Lover’s Key is a versatile destination, offering access to beautiful beaches, Estero Bay, and sheltered backwaters. It’s also one of the best spots for encountering manatees, which are often curious and may approach paddlers near the launch inside Lover’s Key State Park. However, paddlers are advised to admire these gentle giants from a distance. SUPs and kayaks can be rented from Lover’s Key Adventures on-site. The protected No Motor Zone within Lover’s Key is perfect for beginners, while roadside launches provide easier access to the bay or beach. Mound Key is only a two-mile paddle from Lover’s Key, offering a unique historical and ecological experience.

Sanibel Island

World-renowned for its shelling beaches and wildlife, Sanibel Island is a paddler’s haven, with over 75% of its land preserved. Multiple launch points are available, with Tarpon Bay being a standout. Located within the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Tarpon Bay is a prime spot for manatee sightings and offers a shallow No Motor Zone ideal for wildlife observation. Paddlers with their own boards can also launch from Wildlife Drive within the refuge. For those looking for a mix of backwater paddling and beach access, Bowman’s Beach on the island’s northern end is a perfect spot, especially for sunset paddles.

Photo Provided by Mike Hammond

Community and Events

For those looking to connect with fellow paddlers, the Calusa Blueway offers a rich community experience. The trail’s website, maps, and app feature a list of outfitters located throughout Lee County, many of which organize meetups and tours. Paddling events and gatherings are regularly posted on the Calusa Blueway and SWFL Paddle Club Facebook pages, making it easy to find companions for your next adventure.

For more information and to plan your trip, visit the Great Calusa Blueway website and follow the Calusa Blueway Facebook page. Explore the beauty and history of Southwest Florida’s waters on the Calusa Blueway and discover why it’s a paddler’s dream.