A recent trip had me traveling Florida’s Gulf Coast between Naples and Tampa. A stop in Cape Coral led to a paddle in the Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. I able to access the water at a shop located along Pine Island Road called Gulf Coast Kayak. The staff was very helpful. You can put on the water just behind the shop for a $5 fee, and the signing of a waiver. There is a generous parking area adjacent to the shop.

Gulf Coast Kayak provides tours of the area, if you are looking for a guided experience. You can rent and go on your own. SUPs are also available.  If you have your own boat you can access the parking via the $5 fee mentioned previously. The shop is well stocked with everything you might need. As I was getting ready to launch one of the guides gave me a quick overview of the area.

I set out from the shop heading North, skirting to the inside of the islands avoiding the choppier open water. Eventually, I ran across a creek with a decent current emerging from the mangroves ahead. Following this creek brings one to Thirsting Lake. I did not have the opportunity to paddle further on and access the creek feeding into the lake from the North East. I would suggest completing the paddle, it is not much further, once you look at a map. The current provides a gentle pace back to the open water, one hardly needs to paddle. The solitude drifting back through the mangrove was delightful. Plan on 3-4 hours to complete the tour.

Upon my return, I was able to talk to some folks who were just getting off of the water from their guided tour in a different area of the Preserve. They thoroughly enjoyed their tour and had nothing but compliments for their guide. It being late October, there were not a large amount of birds in the area, but we all saw a variety of species. I did have the opportunity to observe a number of Eagles harassing Osprey for their catch, some amazing flying was going on.

The Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail runs throughout the area as well. The trail system looks well worth exploring.