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Trip Number: 13431A
Price: $895
Deposit: $100
Capacity: 12
Staff: Patrick Nichols
Highlights:
- Watch manatees and dolphins swim
- Relax on an isolated, undeveloped island
- Stroll along one of the best shell beaches in Florida
Includes:
- Kayak rental and instruction
- Rustic cabin accommodation
- Guided exploration of Gulf Coast barrier islands
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
Day 1: We meet the Tropic Star Marina at 1 p.m. at Pineland
on Pine Island. Fort Myers is the closest airport. I encourage you to get together
with other participants and 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 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
to just put our toes in the sand!
Day 2: After a morning stroll to the lee side of the island,
we start with a dry land introduction to kayaking. After some hands-on time
with our boats, we take a short paddle to a neighboring beach and bird sanctuary.
Be sure to bring your cameras and binoculars
Photo: Patrick Nichols
Day 3: In the morning we paddle to the north end of Cayo Costa.
This is the entrance to Port Charlotte and Boca Grande Pass. Friendly dolphins
often join us as we begin to circle the island.
Day 4: Today is your day off. Kick back and enjoy! Explore
and experience the island. Soak in the sun, read a book on the beach, and plan
on easing into the evening with a sizzling sunset paddle, followed by a secret
stroll on a moonlit beach.
Day 5: Today we 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 to a small restaurant on this "old Florida" resort
island. This relatively unknown place is famous for inspiring Jimmy Buffet’s
song "Cheeseburger 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 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 good-bye
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.
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.
Getting There
Photo: Patrick Nichols
Fort Myers is the closest airport. I encourage you to get together with other
participants and carpool. Detailed directions and a list of what to bring will
be given out to all participants joining the trip.
Accommodations and Food
The accommodations are rustic cabins with bunks. The camp has out buildings
with fresh water 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, beginning with dinner on the first
day and ending with lunch on the last day. 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. The trip leader is a certified ACA kayak instructor. This would be
an excellent trip for first-time kayakers and seasoned paddlers alike.
Equipment and Clothing
Photo: Patrick Nichols
A detailed equipment list will be provided to registered participants.
References
Books:
- 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
Leader:
It's not Patrick Nichols' 35 years of wilderness experience or his extensive background as an outdoor enthusiast and wilderness educator that distinguish his tours from the ordinary. It is the exquisite attention to detail: from gourmet cuisine to the intricacies of paddling on quiet waters propelled by kayak. He is an ACA instructor, has trained with Red Cross water safety and is a wilderness first responder. His calling is to use the quiet skills of his lifetime to benefit every traveler, to ensure his skills and knowledge are shared by every voyager with an open heart and a curious mind.
E-mail: flakayak@bellsouth.net
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips