Eco Tourism / Recreation

Eco tourism has been an established concept since the mid-1980’s. The popularity represents a change in tourist’s sensitivity and awareness of the environment and an increased desire to explore natural environments.

Typically, ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth and environmental sustainability. It also involves travel to places where flora and wildlife are the primary attractions and usually involves visiting fragile, pristine and relatively undisturbed natural areas. The City of Cape Coral is fortunate to have several nature parks and areas where people can observe a variety of creatures and plant life in their natural environments. The most popular locations for these types of activities include:

* Rotary Park & Environmental Center - This 97 acre park is included as part of "The Great Florida Birding Trail" and is home base for Cape Coral's environmental recreation program.

* Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve - This 365 acre park features a walking trail and boardwalk, seasonal kayak rentals (Nov-May), a visitor center, Veterans Memorial area and is home to a variety of birds and other species year round.

* Sirenia Vista Park - This park features an observation deck for viewing manatees at certain times of the year, a fishing area, and a kayak launch that provides public access to the Calusa Blueway thru Matlacha.
                ** Click here to view the Sirenia Vista Park brochure **

Some common forms of eco tourism and environmental recreation in Cape Coral include:

     * Birding
     * Fishing
     * Kayaking
     * Walking / Nature Trails
     * Wildlife Viewing

See the sub-pages in this section for more information on the activity of your choice or, for more information on environmental recreation programs and opportunities in Cape Coral, contact Rotary Park at (239) 549-4606.