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

Mar 09, 2022 10:36AM ● 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.

Carmen’s Kayaks offers ecotours on the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail around Pine Island and the shallow waters and mangrove tunnels of Matlacha. “We offer birding, eco, historical, family (pet-friendly) kayak tours and rentals,” says owner/operator Carmen Driscoll. Both large and small groups are welcome. Plus, sunrise, sunset, and full moon tours are available. During early spring, tour guests 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 Old Florida charm of Pine Island makes for special memories.

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