Overview

Fort Myers, Florida

About

GAEA Guides uses tandem kayaks that handle like a single if you are alone in one. We do this to limit the number of kayaks in the environment that may annoy the wildlife. We also do it because there is better communication between the guide and the clients if there are fewer kayaks. We only take a small group on each tour. The kayaks are sit-inside kayaks with comfortable seats and plenty of leg room.

• Take a trip to the home of some of the most beloved – and most vulnerable – creatures in the Florida wetlands! Our 3 hour guided Manatee Kayak Tour gives you a chance to get up close and personal with these gentle mammals in their natural environment, thanks to a Certified Florida Master Naturalist as your guide who can tell you about their habitat, habits and history. With no motor to make noise, harm the manatees or pollute the river, a kayak is the most manatee-friendly way to travel these waters! We also view birds and interesting plant life. We also delve into some history of this area and these rivers in particular.
• The Orange and Caloosahatchee Rivers are the setting for this adventure! You’ll soon discover that a kayak is a great way to explore the area, not just because its silent operation keeps the scene calm and tranquil, but because you can maneuver it adroitly through narrow passes and hard-to-reach places. It also keeps you extremely close to the water; all the better for seeing manatees! Like other aquatic mammals, these “sea cows” often exhibit curiosity about human visitors, and have been known to mosey up to our kayaks and even rub against the vessels.
• Bring a packed lunch as we will take a break midway during the tour to eat in our kayaks, often surrounded by manatees.
• The entire experience takes about 4 hours, and we'll be on the water for 2.5 to 3 hours. Upon meeting at the appointed time we will sign in, go over some safety information and then get the equipment in the water. This takes approximately ½ hour. At the completion of the tour we allow another ½ hour to get all the equipment put away and to give flexibility if we stay out a little longer staring at the manatees.
• Let your guide enlighten you about these peaceful swimmers, as well as identify any interesting birds, animals and plants you may see along the way. You will also learn about the estuary and the mangrove forest that this area is part of.

What to Wear

We ask that you dress for the Weather:

• Usually a t-shirt and shorts will do.
• Shoes that WILL get wet as you get in and out of your kayak (not flip flops, they are slippery and dangerous).
• Sunglasses.(polarized are best to see the manatees in the water)
• Sunscreen.
• A hat.
• Bug repellant may also be necessary if we are out in the evening.

What to Bring/What Not to Bring

What to Bring

• Water, or something, to drink.
• Your lunch or a snack, as we will stop to eat midway during the tour.
• Complete your electronic waiver beforehand

What NOT to Bring

Do NOT bring anything that you cannot afford to get wet, unless you have it in a dry bag.

Other Tips & Guidelines

• Please arrive on time to find parking, as tours start promptly.
• If you are not at the site by 15 minutes past the meeting time and have not made contact with the guide, the tour will start without you.

Driving Directions to meeting spot for Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve

We meet at the kayak launch at the far end of the parking lot. You must pay $1 per hour to park and we will be there about 3 hours. The address for the park Is:

17100 McDowell Dr., North Fort Myers

Directions:

From I-75 take exit #143, Bayshore Rd., also called State Road (S.R.) 78. Head west (left if coming from the South) and go to the first left turn, turning into the Love's gas station. Take the first left and follow that road (McDowell Dr.) straight on to the park, where it ends.

If you are coming on Bayshore Rd. (S.R.78) from the west, come east almost to I-75. Just before I-75 there is a Love's gas station on the right (south) side of the road. At the gas station turn right and then an immediate left onto McDowell Dr. Take McDowell Dr. to the end at the park.