A Local Secret: Boating to Big Shell Island

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 explore. Navigating from your dock at Bay Pointe is a breeze. Head west down the river, passing under the Midpoint and Cape Coral bridges. As the river begins to widen, keep your eyes on the channel markers. Big Shell Island is a natural sandbar island tucked away between Markers 96 and 98.

True to its name, the island is a magnet for river-washed shells. Because it’s only accessible by boat, you’ll find treasures here that haven't made it to shore. This isn't a manicured beach; it’s a rugged, authentic Florida sandbar. It’s the perfect place to beach your boat, set up some chairs in the shallows, and enjoy a cold drink while watching the boats pass by the Intracoastal.

🐬Keep a lookout for dolphins—they love to play in the deep channels surrounding the island, and you’ll likely see them hunting for fish near the shoreline.