Wildlife

If you want to experience the true heart of Southwest Florida, you have to get off the pavement and onto the water. The Great Calusa Blueway  is a 190-mile marked paddling trail that meanders through the coastal waters and inland tributaries of Lee County, and some of its most enchanting stretches are right here in North Fort Myers . Named after the Calusa Indians who once dominated these shorelines, the trail offers a serene escape for kayakers and paddleboarders of all ski

For anglers, the Caloosahatchee River  isn't just a scenic backdrop; it is a legendary battleground where world-class sportfishing meets a unique ecological phenomenon. Because the river is brackish —a perfect cocktail of salt and fresh water—it serves as a rare crossroads for some of the most coveted species on the planet. This is one of the few places in the world where the boundaries of "freshwater" and "saltwater" fishing completely blur. It is entirely possible to hook a

Charlie Creek is a favorite destination of amateur paleontologists, who scour the creek bed for fossils. If you’re looking for a real-life treasure hunt, look no further than the Peace River . Just a short drive north of Bay Pointe, this "blackwater" river is one of the premier spots in the world for finding fossils. Millions of years ago, Florida was underwater and teeming with massive marine life; today, the river’s current slowly erodes the banks, revealing secrets from th

If you are staying at Bay Pointe in North Fort Myers, you have a front-row seat to one of the river's best-kept secrets. While most tourists head straight for the Gulf, local boaters know that a short, scenic cruise west on the Caloosahatchee leads to a hidden gem: Big Shell Island . The Route from Bay Pointe Check the tides before you leave Bay Pointe! The island is best enjoyed at low to mid-tide  when the sandy spits are fully exposed, giving you plenty of room to walk and

While staying at our Bay Pointe vacation rentals, you are just a 30-mile scenic drive away from a true bucket-list destination: Sanibel Island . Famed globally as the "Shelling Capital of the World," this unique barrier island is geographically blessed. Unlike most islands that run north-to-south, Sanibel runs east-to-west, acting as a giant "scoop" that catches millions of seashells traveling across the Gulf of Mexico. The seashell diversity here is unmatched. On a single wa

For nature enthusiasts staying at our rentals, you are perfectly positioned to explore a piece of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail . This statewide network of over 500 premier sites is designed to showcase Florida's incredible biodiversity, and Lee County hosts some of its brightest stars. Rather than a single path, the trail is a collection of protected stops where bird populations are known to thrive. In the North Fort Myers area, this means moving from the salt

The highlight of the preserve is its stunning 1.2-mile elevated boardwalk . Fully accessible and shaded by a canopy of ancient cypress trees, the trail meanders through swamps and ponds, providing a safe and dry way to view Florida’s diverse wildlife. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into the wild heart of Florida, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve  is an absolute local gem. Located 14-miles from Bay Pointe, this 3,500-acre wetland ecosystem offers a shaded retreat that

When you visit our North Fort Myers vacation rentals, you’ll find that some of our most famous neighbors are only ten inches tall. Cape Coral is home to the largest population of Burrowing Owls  in the world, and these quirky, yellow-eyed birds have become the official city mascot. Unlike most owls that nest high in trees, these "ground owls" prefer to dig their homes right into the soft Florida soil. You’ll spot them standing guard outside their burrows in vacant lots, parks

Enjoy seeing manatees from elevated boardwalks and observation decks that provide a crystal-clear view of the manatees as they lounge, play, and come up for air. Located just a short drive away from Bay Pointe,   Manatee Park  is a local must-do. This non-captive refuge is the best place in Southwest Florida to see our famous "sea cows" up close in their natural habitat.  Unlike a zoo, these manatees are wild. From December through March , you can often count dozens of manate

There is a reason North Fort Myers is known for more than just its sunsets. Just five miles  from our vacation rentals at Bay Pointe sits a local landmark that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide: the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam . Since 2012, the Pritchett family has provided a 24/7 window into the lives of the bald eagles nesting on their property. This isn't just a nature documentary; it’s a local "soap opera" that brings the community together. Whether it’s the l