Cruising the Caloosahatchee: A Boater’s Guide to the River

For many of our guests, the ultimate North Fort Myers experience starts at the dock. The Caloosahatchee River is more than just a body of water; it’s a sprawling liquid highway that connects the heart of Florida to the Gulf. Whether you’re captaining a pontoon or a center console, The River offers a diverse landscape of urban skylines and wild mangrove forests.

Cruising west will take you toward the historic Edison & Ford Winter Estates, where the massive banyan trees spill right down to the water’s edge. If you continue west, the river opens into San Carlos Bay, giving you direct access to the white sands of Sanibel and Captiva.

For a truly unique experience, head east to the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam. As part of the Okeechobee Waterway, this lock is a fascinating engineering marvel that allows boats to travel all the way across the state. Watching your boat rise or lower in the lock chamber is a thrill for any boater.

The best part of boating here is the "dock-and-dine" culture. You haven't truly lived like a local until you’ve pulled your boat into a slip for a meal. Pull up to hot spots both up-river and down-river, like the Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill and The Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina.