FAQs

How long is the Great Calusa Blueway?

The meandering trail is 190 miles (306 kilometers) along back bays, rivers, creeks, flats and mangrove shores. It’s rare for someone to paddle the whole thing in one trip. You can experience much of what the Great Calusa Blueway has to offer in an hour or two.

Why are there three maps?

The trail is divided into three segments:
Phase 1/Estero Bay (blue); Fort Myers Beach, south Fort Myers, Bonita Beach, Estero, San Carlos
Phase 2/Pine Island Sound (maroon); south Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, Useppa, Cabbage Key, Cayo Costa, Pine Island, Matlacha, Cape Coral
Phase 3/Caloosahatchee River and tributaries (yellow); Cape Coral, Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Buckingham, Alva

How do I get a map?

Locally, you can find them at parks, outfitters, welcome centers, some government offices, marinas and other attractions. Maps can be mailed to those who request them online at Order a Trail Map Maps also are in downloadable PDF versions at Download Trail Maps

GPS coordinates are available at Trail Marker GPS Coordinates

How do I know where to launch?

More than 40 marked launch sites are identified on the Great Calusa Blueway maps, and many more sites exist. Check out “highlights” on your trail maps or read Put-In Spots.

How long will it take to paddle from one point to another?

Tick marks on the maps indicate an approximate mile wherever possible. An average paddler travels 3 mph.

Are trail markers visible from one to the next?

Markers are intermittent and not always visible within your line of sight. Marker numbers and letters do not necessarily run in consecutive order because of forks in the trail.

Are there markers on all three legs of the trail?

Phase 1/Estero Bay and Phase 2/Pine Island Sound have markers on the water. Phase 3/Caloosahatchee follows the linear river and has GPS coordinates for the mouth of each tributary noted on its map; there are no markers on the water.

How do I report a damaged or missing marker?

E-mail the marker number or letter, location, condition, date and your name and contact information to MHammond@leegov.com Or download a marker check form at www.leeparks.org; click on “maps/downloads.”

What’s the difference between a paddlecraft launch site and a paddlecraft landing?

Launch sites are indicated with an icon on the trail maps and show places where you can put in your canoe or kayak. Paddlecraft landings are indicated with text in the highlights on the trail maps and show where you can pull in to get out of your boat for rests or hikes. Examples include Phase 1’s Matanzas Pass Preserve on Estero Island, Phase 2’s Andy Rossi Lane on Captiva and Phase 3’s Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park in east Fort Myers.

Caloosahatchee Regional Park’s kayak launch site is a distance from the parking lot. Why do I have to walk that far with my boat?

You don’t. Call ahead to (239) 694-0398, and park staff can assist by opening a gate at a closer entrance so you can launch at the site

How can I access the Orange River canoe park?

This site, which is on Phase 3/Caloosahatchee map, is a gated green space on the Orange River just east of Buckingham Road. Parking is available at Buckingham Community Center. The gate is not open, and you cannot drive in to launch. Lee County’s Manatee Park often schedules guided group tours that depart from this site; call (239) 690-5030 for details or go to www.leeparks.org.

Is the trail ok for beginners, kids and the elderly?

Yes. Lee County’s waterways are an average of 4 feet deep; most of the Great Calusa Blueway is protected from wind, and none of it is in the Gulf.

Will I need to know how to roll over in my kayak like you see on tv?

Eskimo rolls are not a necessary skill in Lee County’s calm waters.

Aren’t kayaks tippy?

Kayaks are made to keep your center of gravity low in the boat. Today’s kayaks are manufactured to be very stable.

Will I feel trapped in a kayak?

In addition to “sit-in” kayaks, many outfitters and parks offer “sit-on-top” kayaks that alleviate such feelings. Kayak anglers in particular like sit-on-tops so they can readily access their gear and easily get in and out to wade fish.

What if I capsize?

Stand up. Average water depth is 4 feet. It’s easy to get back into a canoe or kayak. Please always paddle with shoes on to avoid injuries from oyster bars or shells.

What are some safety recommendations?

State law requires you have aboard a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device; it must be readily accessible. Life vests must be worn by all paddlers under age 6. The Great Calusa Blueway and Lee County Parks & Recreation recommend paddlers always wear life vests.

Take along water, an extra paddle if available, line for the bow or stern, first-aid kit, whistle, flashlight, insect repellant, sunglasses, sunscreen, cell phone, water shoes and a map or chart.

Safety and navigation tips can be found on the inside flap of your trail maps. Among them are:

• Select a route that suits your ability.
• Check tides and wind; paddle with them.
• Keep an eye to the sky and be aware of changing weather.
• Leave a note with family, friends or your hotel about where you’re going and when you expect to return. Avoid paddling alone.
• Be cautious of changing currents around passes.
• Wear a life vest and carry a whistle and cell phone.
• Bring a flashlight for moonlight/sunset paddles. Point your bow into approaching powerboat wakes. Don’t assume powerboaters can see you.
• Don’t drink alcohol and paddle.
• Avoid inadvertently harassing wildlife; stay a distance away from nests and don’t chase sea mammals; listen and watch for signs of distress.