Cruises along the historic Caloosahatchee begin Jan. 25
Tour the historic upriver Caloosahatchee on a 2 1/2-hour Caloosahatchee Oxbow & Riverlore Cruise Sunday, Jan. 25 departing from the W.P. Franklin Lock at 1 p.m. Explore the meanders of the Caloosahatchee back to a time when a waterfall served as the headwaters of the Caloosahatchee and settlers braved living amongst the wilderness.
The adventure begins by locking through the W.P. Franklin Lock in Olga. Heading east toward Alva, the tour group enters the historic bends of the river and revisit the activities of the pioneers who traveled the same river to find paradise. Stories of the settlements and their adventures are blended with an understanding of the river’s oxbows, the wild creatures that call it home and the challenges the river faces.
The tour is guided by Rae Ann Wessel, a river researcher, long-time river advocate, historian and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Natural Resource Policy Director.
The vessel is the stable and spacious 47-passenger Manatee Rover pontoon boat that features daily manatee tours. All seats have a great view for photographs and bird watching.
Cruises depart 1 at p.m. from the W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam off SR 80 in Olga. Upcoming cruises will be on Sunday, Feb. 8, March 8, April 12 and the last cruise of the season will be on Mother’s Day, May 10. Private group cruises can be scheduled by appointment.
Advance reservations required and payment is due at time of reservation. Cruises depart at 1 p.m. and return by 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person. Please note that reservations must be made by noon Friday, Jan. 23, for the Jan, 25 cruise. Please call the SCCF at 472-2329; space is limited.