Mangroves, Manatees, and Morning Light: Paddling San Carlos Bay at Bunche Beach Preserve
Paddle through mangrove tunnels and glide past feeding manatees on a wildlife-rich stretch of San Carlos Bay
You push off from a narrow sand ramp as the tide pulls the water into the bay. The paddle feels steady, deliberate—each stroke a clean slash through glassy water—and the world reduces to the rhythm of breath and the whisper of wind through mangrove leaves. In front of you, a tunnel of red mangroves frames a channel that drops into green shade; behind you, the broad mouth of San Carlos Bay opens to the Gulf, its horizon a thin, brilliant line. A dolphin breaks the surface to your left, a curved fin like a punctuation mark. Above, a roseate spoonbill stalks with improbable pink legs, its beak sweeping shallow water like a specialist searching for meaning.
Trail Wisdom
Time your tide
Check local tide charts and aim for near-high tide for easier access through mangrove tunnels and shallower bays.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The Florida sun reflects off the water—apply reef-safe sunscreen liberally and bring a hat with a strap.
Protect your phone and camera
Use a small dry bag or water-resistant case—waves are gentle but gear gets wet during launches and turns.
Respect wildlife distances
Give manatees and nesting shorebirds plenty of space; let them choose proximity to your boat.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The narrow mangrove tunnels on outgoing tide reveal small tidal pools teeming with crabs and juvenile fish
- •Nearby Lovers Key State Park offers longer paddling loops and shelling beaches if you want to extend your day
Wildlife
West Indian manatee, Roseate spoonbill
Conservation Note
Stay in marked channels, use biodegradable sunscreen, and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance to seagrass beds and nesting birds.
The San Carlos Bay shoreline has long been a productive estuary for Indigenous peoples and later settlers; Bunche Beach's preservation helps protect a remnant of this coastal ecosystem.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: birdwatching, calm paddling, mild temperatures
Challenges: increasing insect activity, spring tides revealing flats
Spring brings migratory birds and comfortable temps—expect good paddling conditions and active shorebirds, with more bugs in marshy areas.
summer
Best for: lush foliage, warm water, frequent marine life sightings
Challenges: heat, humidity, afternoon thunderstorms
Summer is hot and quick-to-storm; mornings are best for paddling before afternoon showers and stronger winds develop.
fall
Best for: lower humidity, still-warm water for swims, fewer crowds
Challenges: hurricane season remnants early fall, variable weather
Fall offers warm water and thinning crowds, but keep an eye on storm forecasts during hurricane season's tail end.
winter
Best for: cooler temps, reliable wildlife viewing, less humidity
Challenges: colder early mornings for some visitors, more boat traffic on calm days
Winter is prime for pleasant paddling and steady wildlife viewing; mornings are especially crisp and clear.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)Essential
A properly fitted life jacket is required and provided by most outfitters; bring your own if you prefer a personal fit.
Water shoesEssential
Protect feet during launches over shell and sand and provide traction on slippery launch ramps.
Dry bag (small)Essential
Keep phone, keys, and snacks dry during inevitable splashes and brief capsizes.
Binoculars or zoom lens
A small pair of binoculars or a telephoto lens lets you see shorebirds and distant dolphins without disturbing them.
Common Questions
How long are guided tours at Bunche Beach Preserve?
Options vary—there are 1-hour SUP/kayak tours from Pelican Bay and longer guided kayak eco-tours that typically run 2–3 hours depending on route and tide.
Do I need prior paddling experience?
No—beginner-friendly tours provide brief instruction and stable kayaks or SUPs; choose a guided trip for tighter mangrove navigation.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes—professional outfitters supply PFDs and safety briefings as part of tour pricing.
What wildlife might I see?
Common sightings include dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, rays, roseate spoonbills, egrets, herons, osprey, and bald eagles.
Is there parking at Bunche Beach Preserve?
Yes—there is a modest parking area and a short boardwalk to the beach and launch points; outfitters may meet elsewhere for specific tours.
When is the best time of day to paddle?
Morning is best—winds are lighter, temperatures cooler, and wildlife is often more active during early hours.
What to Pack
Reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, small dry bag — for hydration, sun protection, safe launches, and keeping gear dry
Did You Know
Bunche Beach Preserve protects important mangrove habitat that serves as a nursery for many Gulf species and is a regular feeding area for West Indian manatees.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book morning tours for calmer water; 2) Use reef-safe sunscreen; 3) Wear water shoes for launches; 4) Bring a small tip cash for attentive local guides
Local Flavor
Fort Myers is a working waterfront with fresh-caught seafood, Cuban and Floridian flavor on menus, and seasonal farmers markets—pair a morning paddle with a lunch of grouper or a tropical ceviche.
Logistics Snapshot
Launch: Bunche Beach Preserve (short boardwalk, limited parking). Tours: 1-hour SUP/kayak and longer eco kayak tours. What to bring: water, sunscreen, water shoes. Best time: morning. Guides provide PFDs and equipment.
Sustainability Note
Choose outfitters that follow ‘leave no trace’ on water—avoid chasing wildlife, use reef-safe products, and pack out trash to keep the estuary healthy.