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Parks & Recreation

Kayaking

kayak raceWith so much water located in and around Cape Coral, kayaking is a popular activity enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. For those individuals who are looking to get in on the excitement but don’t have a kayak of their own, the Parks & Recreation Department offers kayak rentals at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve seasonally on Saturdays from mid-October through late-May. During regular operating hours, the Kayak Shack Outpost offers single and tandem kayak rentals, however the trail is intricate in nature and includes an 800 foot portage, so is not intended for beginners or children under the age of six. For more information about the Kayak Shack and rental rates, click here.

In addition to kayak rentals at Four Mile Cove, the environmental recreation division of the Parks & Recreation Department offers various kayaking programs throughout the year for both beginner and advanced skill levels. To view a list of upcoming kayak programs and activities, see the current program guide by clicking on the green button in the top left corner of this page or contact Rotary Park Environmental Center at (239) 549-4606.

For those who have their own kayak (or canoe) and wish to explore the area on their own, there are several parks located in Cape Coral where people are permitted to launch their vessels from. These locations include:

  • BMX Boat Ramp – Launches into Shelburne Canal which connects with several freshwater canals as well as Alhambra Lake, Lake Kennedy and Saratoga Lake.
  • Burnt Store Boat Ramp – Launches into Rosemary Canal (saltwater) which connects with several canals and leads to Matlacha Pass
  • Chantry Canal / Rosen Park – Launches into Chantry Canal (saltwater) which connects with the Caloosahatchee River north of the mid-point bridge
  • Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve – This launch is located adjacent to the Kayak Shack and allows Kayakers to access the various creeks located within the preserve and Four Mile Cove located on the Caloosahatchee River (saltwater) just north of the mid-point bridge. Within Four Mile Cove, floating kayak docks have been constructed to provide people with places to rest or use as weather shelters.
  • Horton Park Boat Ramp – Launches into Everest Canal (saltwater) which connects with the Caloosahatchee River just south of the mid-point bridge
  • Seahawk Park – Kayakers and boaters are permitted to use the ramp located on the north side of Argosy Lake (freshwater)  
  • Sirenia Vista – Although this park is undeveloped, Kayakers can use the ramp to launch their vessels and access the Caloosa Blueway (saltwater)
  • Yacht Club Boat Ramp – Launches into Redfish Cove (saltwater), which is a part of the Caloosahatchee River
There is not a parking fee at any of these locations unless a boat trailer is used, in which case the Boat Trailer Parking Program fee applies.

Prior to Kayaking, canoeing or boating in Cape Coral, it is recommended that people familiarize themselves with boating safety and etiquette. This information can be obtained through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at (239) 549-1027. Some special rules apply to kayak fishing, so those who wish to enjoy this sport should visit the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website at www.MyFWC.com for current regulations.