Ca?loo?sa?hatch?ee
About 120 km (75 mi) long, flowing west from south-central Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. It is connected to Lake Okeechobee by the Caloosahatchee Canal and forms the western part of the Cross-Florida Waterway. The Caloosahatchee River Estuary is a large system where the waters of the Gulf of Mexico mix with the freshwater inflows from the river, sloughs and overland sheet flows in the basin. The lower reaches are characterized by a shallow bay, extensive sea grass beds and sand flats. Extensive mangrove forests dominate undeveloped areas of the shoreline. Southwest Florida estuaries are habitat to more than 40 percent of Florida's rare, endangered and threatened species.
Boca Grande, Florida
Although Boca Grande is worth the extra effort to get there. Located on Gasparilla Island, with an extended drive around the north side of Charlotte Harbor or a boat ride will take you to this paradise. The miles of beautiful beaches provide enjoyment for all ages.
Bonita Springs, Florida
The ?Gateway to the Gulf? charm of small town living with upscale communities and businesses. Residents of all ages enjoy the down-to-earth lifestyle filled with values and getting to know your neighbor. The downtown welcomes visitors with historical buildings, playgrounds and walkways with the familiar banyan tree stands proudly as the monarch of his kingdom.
Cape Coral, Florida
The city of Cape Coral, Florida emerged in Southwest Florida during the late 50's and 60's, mostly as wetlands and has now grown into Lee County's fastest growing cities. During the 80's and 90's, more people discovered Southwest Florida, particularly Cape Coral. Properties of simple homes and rentals to multi-million dollar waterfront estates. Cape Coral has more canals than Venice, Italy, with 400+ miles of canals. Many of these canals provide direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Cape Coral offers golf courses, parks and beaches, no wonder so many residents refer to Cape Coral as Paradise.
Captiva, Florida
Captiva Island, a secluded island filled with natural beauty, groomed beaches, areas of tropical plants and wildlife. The beach is well known for the abundance of seashells that wash ashore from the Gulf of Mexico which has made Captive Island one of the most prominent areas for shelling.
Estero, Florida
Estero another fast growing community in Lee County, which is retaining a small town community that still cares. Estero's Vision Statement, their goal is ?to establish a community that embraces its historic heritage, while carefully planning for future growth?? to ?...allow Estero to emerge as a vibrant Lee County Village.? Founded in 1894 with the intentions of creating a new Utopian society, it is now become an area of business and community growth. In Estero you will find a variety of nature, arts, shopping and dining. It also has many golf courses, tennis courts, bike paths, canoe and nature trails, and of course the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
Fort Myers, Florida
Incorporated in 1886, Fort Lee County's oldest city. Historically known for its past residents, Mr. Thomas Edison, Mr. Henry Ford and Mr. Harvey Firestone, this area is filled with colorful history and old style ambience. Thomas Edison planted palm trees along McGregor Boulevard in the early 1900s. Other residents followed and now the street is lined with palms thus forever giving Fort Myers the ?City of Palms? moniker. Fort Myers is on the Caloosahatchee River and the community was named after Col. Abraham C. Myers Federal troops built a fort here after an attack by the Seminole in 1839.
Fort Myers Yacht Basin Located at Mile Marker 135 on the Okeechobee Waterway, 15 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers Yacht Basin is a well designed and protected marina. It is owned and operated by the City of Fort Myers. The marina is located in historic downtown Fort Myers. Many restaurants and historical sites are nearby and worthy of a visit. Many festivals and other family oriented activities frequently are held at Centennial Park located next to the Marina. The marina has the distinction of being the friendliest on the waterway. The Marina's water location is on the south side of the Caloosahatchee River. The city of Fort Myers is under going a revival and the area is now referred to as "The River District".
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
You arrive on Fort Myers Beach over the Matanzas Pass Bridge. Once there you realize you have entered a fun and exciting place for those of any age with miles of gentle sloping shorelines into the Gulf. The G