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Trip Number: 12428A
Price: $995
Deposit: $100
Capacity: 12
Staff: Patrick Nichols
Highlights:
- Kayak among blue-green waters, beautiful beaches, and mangrove swamps
- Look for manatees, dolphins, and birdlife
- Enjoy downtime swimming, snorkling, sunbathing, hiking, or bicycling
Includes:
- Rustic cabin accommodations
- All meals, reflecting local cuisine
The Trip
Photo: Patrick Nichols
With nine miles of beautiful beaches and acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks,
and mangrove swamps, this barrier island park is a Gulf Coast paradise. Cayo
Costa lies north of Sanibel and Captiva islands and is accessible only by private
boat or ferry. Shell-seekers will find treasures all around on this undeveloped
beach. We may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters around the park,
as well as a spectacular assortment of birds. On the island, we can kayak, swim,
or snorkel in the surf, enjoy the sun, and picnic in the shade. Shelling is
especially good this time of year. More than five miles of nature trails provide
opportunities for hiking and off-road bicycling. You can always skip the kayaking
if you want to kick back and relax.
Itinerary
The leaders will make every reasonable effort to meet the goals outlined in
the itinerary. Please keep in mind that weather or other conditions beyond our
control may cause us to modify the itinerary in order to ensure the safety and
well-being of the group.
Photo: Patrick Nichols
Day 1: We'll meet at the Jug Creek Marina at 1 p.m. on Pine
Island. Fort Myers is the closest airport. You're encouraged to collaborate
with other participants to carpool. Detailed directions and a list of what to
bring will be given out to all participants joining the trip. After greetings
and introductions, we'll load our gear onto the ferry and depart for our island.
Our cruise to the island hints at the sub-tropical adventure before us. Upon
arrival we will settle into cabins and head for the beach for a quick dip or
just to put our toes in the sand!
Day 2: After a morning stroll to the lee side of the island,
we will start with a dry land introduction to kayaking. After some hands-on
time with your boat, we'll take a short paddle to a neighboring beach and bird
sanctuary. Be sure to bring your cameras and binoculars.
Day 3: In the morning, we will paddle to the north-end of
Cayo Costa. This is the entrance to Port Charlotte and Boca Grande Pass. Friendly
dolphin and manatee often join up as we begin to circle the island.
Day 4: Today is your day off, so kick back and enjoy! You
can choose to explore and experience the island, soak in the sun, or read a
book on the beach. Plan to ease into the evening with a sizzling sunset paddle,
followed by a stroll on a moonlit beach.
Photo: Patrick Nichols
Day 5: Today we'll paddle by the infamous Useppa Island. The
blue-green water sparkles from the dazzling sun as we approach Cabbage Key.
This is the site of the world's best-known cheeseburger. We can step out and
stretch our legs at a small restaurant on this "old Florida" resort
island. This relatively unknown place is famous for inspiring Jimmy Buffet’s
song "Cheese Burger in Paradise." This optional lunch is in a unique
location with U.S. dollars papering the walls. If you are thinking of a burger,
this is the place.
Day 6: Captiva is our destination today. This gorgeous inhabited
island has no cars! On our way, we'll slip by mangrove islands and mysterious
mangrove tunnels. As the name implies, pirates left slaves here, knowing their
fear of the surrounding waters would keep them captive.
Day 7: Time to shake out the sand, pack up, and say goodbye
to our "Island in the Sun" paradise. The ferry leaves promptly at
1 p.m. We will arrive at the marina at approximately 2 p.m.
Accommodations and Food
Photo: Patrick Nichols
The accommodations are rustic cabins with bunks. The camp has out buildings
with freshwater showers and restrooms. The leaders will prepare all the meals,
but everyone is expected to help clean up. Meals are included with the trip
fee, and begin with dinner on day one and end with lunch on day seven. Meals
served on the trip will reflect local cuisine -- with a little luck, this will
include seafood. You can count on something chocolate for dessert.
Trip Difficulty
Kayaking experience is not needed, but participants should be good swimmers,
and fit and flexible enough to enter and exit a kayak. The trip leader is a
certified ACA kayak instructor. This would be an excellent trip for first-time
kayakers and seasoned paddlers alike. We'll spend three to five hours paddling
each day, and take breaks as frequently as needed.
Equipment and Clothing
A detailed equipment list will be provided to registered participants.
References
Books:
Photo: Patrick Nichols
- Smith, Patrick, A Land Remembered.
- Larson, Gary, There is a Hair in my Dirt.
- Hiaasen, Carl, Tourist Season.
- Hiaasen, Carl, Native Girl.
- Dorsey, Tim, Cadillac Beach.
Trip Price
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details
about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.
The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Staff
Patrick Nichols, an outdoor specialist by trade, is trained by the Red Cross and American Canoe Association in canoeing and coastal kayaking. He has taught kayaking, canoeing, and backpacking for 25 years and is a wilderness first responder.
E-mail: flakayak@bellsouth.net
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips