Making Waves: Up Close with Nature: Take an Ecotour for a Full Appreciation of the Area’s Natural Beauty

Mar 09, 2022 10:31AM ● By ANN MARIE O’PHELAN

Southwest Florida is blessed with amazing marine life, beautiful birds, and wild animals—all in a magnificent environment that many are working hard to preserve. Ecotours are a good way to witness the area’s natural beauty while learning about the importance of nurturing and maintaining it.

Get Up and Go Kayaking offers ecotours via clear kayaks where guests can paddle through mangrove tunnels and explore the white sandy beaches of Bonita Springs. The clear kayaks provide a chance to see and appreciate the sea below. Paddlers learn about the marine life and tropical birds that call the mangroves home. They also get a chance to explore the beach along Big Hickory Island, which has plenty of shells. During early spring, tour participants will likely see dolphins, manatees, many different types of shorebirds, wading birds, and nesting birds. They may also see sea turtles, sea crabs, oysters, sea snails, and starfish. Plus, the view of the Gulf of Mexico from Big Hickory Island is stunning.

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.