Get Ready for the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival

The Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival, an emerging eco-event on Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a perfect way to blend two things on travelers’ minds today—how to take an eco-friendly vacation that doesn’t break their budget.

The festival spans nine days with more than 50 events from October 25 through November 2. Events, most of which are free, happen in the communities such as Fort Myers and Sanibel along the stunning scenery of Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.

The 190-mile marked trail is perfect for both the adventurous kayaker for life and the timid newbie.  It was created to help people experience the natural magic of southwest Florida’s waterways, with leggy mangrove forests, more than 300 species of birds and slivers of sugar-sand beaches. Forget The Discovery Channel. Come paddle yourself, one-on-one with nature.

The festival and trail are within driving distance of many major airports, making it realistic for travelers to fly into Orlando, for example, and arrive there on one tank of gas. Or travelers can tack on a trip to the festival from Atlanta, which is a day’s drive away. They also have the option to fly directly into Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.

The festival is held during the off-season, meaning attendees won’t have to deal with heavy traffic or high prices. This year, Lee County launched its first “Islands FallFest” to entice fall visitation to the destination. Offered at more than 30 properties, Islands FallFest vacation packages range from an extra night for free to discounts of up to 40 percent and room rates as low as $89 per night.

Some attractions and retailers are also offering buy-one, get-one-free specials during Islands FallFest. Many area hotels, lodges, and campgrounds with prime locations along the paddling trail have joined in to offer exclusive packages for Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival participants.

For travelers interested in leaving the least carbon footprint, camping is an option, both at primitive tent sites and via participating RV parks. Lee County also has an increasing number of Florida Certified Green Lodging accommodations. Many of the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival’s partners are in the process of reaching certification.  

“The Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival has been established as the premier ecotourism festival here in SW Florida,” said John Kiseda, Chairperson of the Society for Ethical Ecotourism of Southwest Florida, “because it helps visitors with responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people.”

Many of the organizations that host events at the festival are also members of SEE SW Fla. Events include things to do that will help attendants achieve a “carbon neutral” vacation experience, with tips to bring home.  Several waterway and beach cleanups are planned, as well as a catch-and-release, pro-am kayak fishing tournament, clinics and seminars, and family eco-tours.

“With Americans everywhere becoming more environmentally conscious while also watching their household spending, it’s a win-win experience,” says Betsy Clayton, festival coordinator and Lee County Parks and Recreation’s Waterways Coordinator.  

“It’s a visit to paradise without a passport that will leave them with memories of mysterious mangrove mazes, schools of silver-hued fish darting beneath their paddlecraft and lumbering manatees feeding on sea grasses,” she said.