Calusa Blueway Challenge
Expiration: Feb 28th 2025
Join us in celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail by signing up for the Calusa Blueway Challenge! Earn points as you paddle and check in at attractions, restaurants, parks, and nature spots along the trail. Points can be redeemed for exclusive Calusa Blueway prizes! Paddle on your own, experience a guided tour, shop at a local business or grab a bite to eat as you explore the 200-mile marked trail that meanders through the back-bay estuaries, rivers, and shorelines of Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods. Complete a certain number of check-ins on the pass to be entered to win a Body Glove iSUP Performer 11’ or a 2-night stay at Tarpon Lodge!
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Bay Park
Located on North Hickory Blvd. on the right before going over the bridge crossing Big Hickory Pass if driving north.
Bayside Park
Bayside Park is in the Downtown District at the corner of Old San Carlos Boulevard and First Street in the shadow of Matanzas Pass Bridge. The park has a small stage for events and concerts, and an area for portable seating that looks out over Matanzas Harbor.
Bonita Bills Waterfront Cafe
Hopping eatery featuring seafood, drinks, live music, boat access, and water vistas in an informal space.
Bowditch Point Park
This 17 acre park is located at the northern tip of Estero Island and is a destination for paddlers launching at Bunche Beach. Seven acres are a developed park for passive recreational use and the remaining 10 acres are a restoration/preserve area. Trails through the uplands may still be closed due to hurricane damage, but there is a picnic area and access to the beach. Parking fee.
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Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve West
On the east side, visitors can enjoy a 1.5-mile boardwalk and paved trail that meanders through wetland, hammock, and pine flatwood ecosystems, as well as three miles of additional primitive hiking trails. On the west side, visitors can access a canoe/kayak launch into Popash Creek, which eventually flows into the Caloosahatchee River. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a short hiking trail and boardwalk that includes an observation deck. Parking fee.
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Carmen's Kayaks
Carmen’s Kayaks paddles all around Pine Island and Matlacha, on the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, finding the perfect locations for your paddling needs! We offer kayak fishing trips, eco-friendly kayak tours, kayak rentals, moonlit tours, sunrise/sunset tours, and custom guided trips.
What's Included
- Purchase A Guided Kayak Tour Or Rent A Kayak To Earn Points
Dixie Fish Company
We've taken the same classic feel of those Florida Fishhouses, added our award winning flavors and incredible ambience. Enjoy waterfront dining directly overlooking Matanzas Pass.
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille - Ft. Myers Beach
Doc Ford’s Fort Myers Beach sits on the back of beautiful Estero Bay on San Carlos Island and offers the best waterfront dining on Ft. Myers Beach. Feel free to come by car or boat and experience live music with seating inside and out, it’s a view you will never forget!
Estero River Outfitters
Free paddling launch for all paddle crafts, on the Estero River, 7 days a week; With staff to provide assistance. Gear and bait store also available at trail head.
What's Included
- Free Upgraded Rental Paddle Or Seat
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve
At 365 acres, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is the second-largest preserved green space in Cape Coral. This “Eco Park” is a brackish water wetland area with a walking trail, visitor center, and Veterans Memorial Area. Visitors of any age can walk through the preserve on the boardwalk. Possible wildlife sightings include eagles, ibis, herons, other wading & migratory birds, raccoons, snakes, etc. Be sure to stop at the visitor’s center for additional information.
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Franklin Locks Park
This day use area has a visitor center, kayak/boat ramp access to Caloosahatchee RIver, volleyball and horseshoe courts, a playground and several covered picnic sites. Restrooms and drinking water are also available. There are two group picnic shelters available for reservation. Each shelter has water and electricity, six picnic tables, a large charcoal BBQ grill and can accommodate up to 50 people.
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GAEA Guides - Guided Kayak Nature Tours
Guided Kayak Nature Tours on all the waterways in Lee County. Some specific tours are Manatee, Sunset, Bird Rookery, Bat, Mangrove Mazes, Full Moon. These tours are all on the Great Calusa Blueway.
What's Included
- 10% Off When Presenting Passport
Gasparilla Island 19th Street launch
Paddlecraft launch.
Gulf Coast Kayak
Located at the the Tarpon Point Westin Inn, Gulf Coast Kayak offers rentals and tours into the mangrove lined Jewfish Creek. Guides are Florida Master Naturalist and American Canoe Association Certified.
What's Included
- Purchase A Guided Kayak Tour Or Rent A Kayak To Earn Points
Hickey Creek Wildlife and Environmental Area
Hickey Creek Mitigation Park is co-managed by the Lee County Department of Parks & Recreation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Great hiking through a variety of habitats including palmetto-oak scrub, pine flatwoods, and seasonal wetlands. Views of scenic Hickey Creek can be enjoyed from the trail and overlook areas. The ecosystem presently supports the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay and gopher tortoises. Parking fee, or access the park by paddling up Hickey's Creek. Kayak access used as landing, not convenient for launching.
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Imperial River Boat Ramp
This facility has a small wooden walking path to a fishing pier and restrooms. All vehicles must pay a parking fee of $5/day per vehicle. Lee County Parking Stickers are accepted at this location. Paddle craft landing/ launch.
Judd Community Park
Paddlecraft launch onto Hancock Creek/Yellowfever Creek, picnic area, playground and dog park.
Kayak Excursions - Big Hickory Island
Kayak Excursions' Big Hickory location is near the southern end of Phase 1 of the Great Calusa Blueway. From here you can explore the Mangroves and shallow waters of southern Estero Bay, or the white sandy Gulf Beaches and connecting creeks.
What's Included
- 10% Off Any Kayak Or Paddleboard Rental Or Guided Tour
Kayak Excursions - Bunche Beach
Kayak Excursions' Bunche Beach location is located at the convergence of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Great Calusa Blueway. Paddling East takes you in to the Estero Bay section of the Blueway, paddling west takes you in to the Pine Island Sound section. Additionally there is a whole maze of Mangrove trails and Tunnels in the Bunche Beach San Carlos Bay preserve for you to explore. Plover Island with its pristine sandy beach is a short paddle away, and a hidden gem with very few if any other people. Parking fee.
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What's Included
- 10% Off Any Kayak Rental Or Guided Tour
Kayak Excursions - Pelican Bay
Kayak Excursions' Pelican Bay location is located near the northern end of the Estero Bay section of the Great Calusa Blueway. With easy access from Pelican Bay in to San Carlos Bay, Hurricane Bay, and Hell Peckney Bay, this is an ideal beginning point to get off the beaten track and explore these protected waters.
What's Included
- 10% Off Any Kayak Rental Or Guided Tour
Koreshan State Park
The park is home to 11 restored and nationally registered historic buildings built by the Koreshans between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A quiet and peaceful refuge the park's interpretive and natural resources provide great opportunities to learn and to enjoy nature. Entrance fee from Corkscrew Road, or access from the Estero River.
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Manatee Park
Manatee Park is a non-captive warm water refuge for the Florida Manatee. Optimum viewing months are late December, January, and February when the gulf temperature is below 68F. Manatees are generally not present during the warm summer months. Kayak rentals and public kayak launch available during park hours. Parking fee.
Matlacha Park
Open amenities at the park include the boat ramp, kayak launch, playground and large pavilion. The small pavilions, fishing pier, and buildings remain closed for repairs. Parking fee for cars with boat trailers.
Mound House
Mound House offers guided eco- kayak tours, sunset and moonrise kayak tours and more! It is located on Estero Bay which features free public parking, kayak launch, boat dock, restrooms, and observation pier.
What's Included
- Purchase A Guided Kayak Tour To Earn Points
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Mound Key is believed to have been the ceremonial center of the Calusa Indians in the early 1500s. Located in Estero Bay, visitors typically launch from Koreshan State Park or Lovers key State Park. The park is only accessible by boat or kayak and has a hiking trail that takes you to over the mound.
North Shore Park
Sandy beach access to Caloosahatchee River and Hancock Creek. Edison Sailing Center is located here, picnic area and fishing pier.
Sirenia Vista Park
This 8 acre environmental park is a great place to enjoy viewing manatees, especially in the cooler months, as well as fishing throughout the year.
Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant
Fresh local seafood directly on the waterfront.
Tarpon Bay Explorers
Recreational equipment rentals, educational tours, public kayak launch with fee, and nature gift shop all within the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
What's Included
- 10% Off Kayak Or Paddleboard Rentals Or Tours
Telegraph Creek Paddle Launch
This paddle craft launch provides non-motorized access to Telegraph Creek, north through Conservation 20/20's Telegraph Creek Preserve and south to the Caloosahatchee River. This ramp is exclusively for launching non-motorized paddle craft vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Motorized watercraft are not permitted to use this launch.
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The Picnic Island
A great place to rest and camp along the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. It is one of the only locations you can make a campfire, it is fantastic for camping and sunsets. Access by boat and paddlecraft only.
Wahoo Willie's
Fort Myers Beach Ultimate Tiki + Bar Experience. Enjoy live entertainment, great food and an even better time!
What's Included
- Free Alcoholic Beverage (Up To $8) With Purchase Of Food