Kayaking never ends in Southwestern Florida. This time we’re looking at Fort Myers for amazing paddling opportunities that wait those who like to explore new wonders of this vast sub-tropical wonderland. For this trip, let’s take a look at Mound Key which can be found south of Fort Myers beach. This is an isolated park dedicated for kayak lovers and nature lovers. The Mound Key has a bit of a history, this used to be an important point of interaction between the Calusa Indians and Spanish explorers in the 1500’s. Today, there are no more people, aside from other vacationers while birds, fishes, and the majestic mangrove trees now rule this beautiful kingdom.
The Mound Key was the home of the Calusa people and it was where their chief resided. This was also important for the Jesuits as this place was where Ponce De Leon went to in order to establish his missionary work for the New World. There are mounds of shells and fish bones as high as 30 feet that can be found in the Key, an indication of the place’s significance. The structures of settlements that were here before did not survive the passage of time, so those mounds or hills are those that remain as the mute witnesses to this former thriving settlement.
The kayaking trip lasts for five miles and it’s a round trip to Lovers Key Park. It’s a guaranteed peaceful paddle that will enrich both body and soul. There will be thick mangrove forests and other wildlife. The ever-playful dolphins may show up and would certainly want to join your fun trip. The manatees will be there too, munching away sea grass. Birds like herons, osprey, pelicans and egrets will be there on the sidelines as well enjoying the scenery like you would.
You can rent a kayak if you don’t have one at Lover’s Key Park and start your journey to Mound Key from there. It takes you about an hour and if you do it during the day, you may want to take a dip in the cool waters after you’ve arrived. Then, you can go do your picnic and some hiking around the island together with the local herd of goats. There are no rangers in the island but we’re sure the goats will suffice. However, during the kayak trip there will be board signs all over the water to make sure you don’t lose your way. Overall, it’s always a fun and private kayaking trip as well as a nice trip down in history, when you do it in Mound Key.
For more fun and excitement or just some relaxation and chill times, head on to our Articles section and see what opportunities Southwestern Florida has in store for kayakers, both beginners and experienced ones. Then, check out our Tourist Guide section for the latest happenings in and around Naples, Florida. And if you want to connect to the small local businesses around Naples downtown in case you need local products and services, check out the Business Directory page.
