Excursions - Charlotte Harbor

To participate in a trip, select an activity, complete the registration form and submit your request. You will receive a confirmation with meeting times and location from the Charlotte Harbor Visitor’s Bureau accordingly. Questions? Contact Jennifer Huber with the Visitor’s Bureau at (941) 743-1900 or e-mail Jennifer.huber@charlottefl.com.

Note: Excursions must be booked by Monday, August 25 unless otherwise indicated. Some activities cannot be booked online and the business must be contacted directly.

These activities may be booked online using the registration form.

Tuesday, September 9

Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area: Birding/Photography Excursion
FOWA Special - 6:30 a.m.
Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area is the last undeveloped expanse of wet pine flatwoods in Southwest Florida. Join a Peace River Audubon Society guide just before sunset to see an incredible sunrise over the forest then search out local feathered residents, such as the Red Cockaded Woodpecker and Sandhill Cranes.

Guided Hike Along Florida’s Newest Trail, the Footprints Trail
FOWA Special - 9 a.m.
Join a Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) guide for a 2-mile hike on the Footprints Trail at Babcock Ranch, Florida’s newest hiking trail. The trail traverses through pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks and cypress swamps. Wildlife viewing is possible and hikers have seen wood storks, bald eagles and wild hogs. Trail conditions will most likely be wet so plan accordingly.

Secret Recipes for Native Fish Cooking Demonstration
FOWA Special - 11 a.m.
Venture out to Palm Island Resort where the Chef has crafted some secret recipes to enhance the flavors of native fish. Learn how he prepares the fish and taste the scrumptious results. Palm Island Resort encompasses a two-mile portion of the northern end of Palm Island and is only accessible by boat or ferry. Advance reservations are required and must be made by August 22. This excursion requires a minimum of 10 participants and may be cancelled if the minimum is not met.

Sunday, September 14

Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area: Birding/Photography Excursion
FOWA Special - 6:30 a.m.
Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area is the last undeveloped expanse of wet pine flat woods in Southwest Florida. Join a Peace River Audubon Society guide just before sunset to see an incredible sunrise over the forest then search out local feathered residents, such as the Red Cockaded Woodpecker and Sandhill Cranes.

Meet Palm Island’s Nature
FOWA Special - 8 a.m.
Join Palm Island Resort’s resident naturalist for an educational walk on the pristine beaches of this seven mile long island. It’s common to encounter osprey, bald eagles, sandpipers and blue herons. Palm Island Resort encompasses a two-mile portion of the northern end of Palm Island and is only accessible by boat or ferry. Advance reservations are required and must be made by August 22. This nature walk requires a minimum of 10 participants and may be cancelled if the minimum is not met.

Registration Form

These activities are compliments of King Fisher Fleet and cannot be booked online. The business must be contacted directly. Advance reservations are required, contact King Fisher Fleet at (941) 639-0969 and identify yourself as a FOWA member.

Sunday, September 7

Afternoon Harbor Tour, 90-Minute Cruise
2 p.m.
This is the best tour to acquaint yourself with beautiful Charlotte Harbor. Nearly 300 fish species, 100 species of birds, sea turtles, alligators, manatees and Atlantic Bottlenosed Dolphins live in the waters of the 200-plus square miles of water. This one-and-a-half hour narrated cruise tours the waterfront of Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor, then circles the bay looking for dolphins.

Sunset Cruise, One Hour Cruise
7 p.m.
Join King Fisher Fleet for a glorious Florida sunset over Charlotte Harbor while touring the waterfront and relaxing at the end of another perfect day.

Tuesday, September 9

Cruise to Cabbage Key, All Day
9 a.m.
The 2.5 hour narrated cruise, compliments of King Fisher Fleet, begins on the Charlotte Harbor aquatic preserve form the mouth of the Peace River down the length of the harbor, onto the Intracoastal Waterway and among the islands of Pine Island Sound. Relax for lunch at the historic Cabbage Key Inn (former home of mystery writer Mary Roberts Reinhart). Lunch is not included in the tour. Return to the mainland around 4:30 p.m.

Cruise to Cayo Costa State Park, All Day
9 a.m.
Spend the day on the secluded beach at Cayo Costa State Park, only accessible by private boat or passenger ferry. The tour begins with a two hour narrated cruise taking you to the eight mile long barrier island. Essential facilities and minimal development are on the pristine beach and island. This trip is for those who enjoy sun, sand, shells and the sea. More than five miles of hiking and biking trails allow for exploring. Bring snorkeling gear and a cooler for lunch. Return to the mainland around 4:30 p.m.

Sunset Cruise, One Hour Cruise
7 p.m.
Join King Fisher Fleet for a glorious Florida sunset over Charlotte Harbor while touring the waterfront and relaxing at the end of another perfect day.

Sunday, September 14

Afternoon Harbor Tour, 90-Minute Cruise
2 p.m.
This is the best tour to acquaint yourself with beautiful Charlotte Harbor. Nearly 300 fish species, 100 species of birds, sea turtles, alligators, manatees and Atlantic Bottlenosed Dolphins live in the waters of the 200-plus square miles of water. This one-and-a-half hour narrated cruise tours the waterfront of Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor, then circles the bay looking for dolphins.

Sunset Cruise, One Hour Cruise
7 p.m.
Join King Fisher Fleet for a glorious Florida sunset over Charlotte Harbor while touring the waterfront and relaxing at the end of another perfect day.