provided to Santiva Chronicle
Captiva Cruises’ newest expedition in its “Discover Southwest Florida History” tours will focus on the fishing cultures in Pine Island Sound; a story of fascinating characters and traditions. Along the way to Pineland on Pine Island, there will be an up-close look at historic fish houses of Pine Island Sound and a discussion of the area’s diverse fishing cultures from the indigenous Calusa, to Spanish Cuban Ranchos, to the Punta Gorda Fish Company and to the spectacular Tarpon and sport fishing of today.
The cruise will depart from McCarthy’s Marina at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays from Nov. 19 to April 2020. Passengers will be greeted at the historic Tarpon Lodge and oriented to this spectacular location, the family-run business and its storied tradition of fishing within Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. Passengers will then relax while enjoying “old Florida” charm of the 1926 Tarpon Lodge where lunch will be savored with waterfront views of Pine Island Sound and mangrove islands.
Following lunch, passengers will walk across the street to The Randell Research Center. The RRC, a program of the Florida Museum of Natural History, aims to establish and maintain, at the internationally significant Pineland archaeological and historical site, a permanent facility dedicated to learning and teaching the archaeology, history and ecology of Southwest Florida. An RRC educator will give a guided tour of The Calusa Heritage Trail to one of the pre-Columbian Mounds of the ancient Calusa while elaborating on this unique fishing culture.
These are excellent opportunities for friends, families and whole neighborhoods to get together and learn about the natural and cultural history of Southwest Florida while enjoying a day out on the water. Captiva Cruises also offers cruises to Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Boca Grande, Beach & Shelling excursions to Cayo Costa State Park, Sailing Adventures, Sunset Cruises and Dolphin Watch & Wildlife Adventures with The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
Additional information and reservations for the cruise to historic Tarpon Lodge & Calusa Indian mounds of Pine Island or any of Captiva Cruises programs and tours may be obtained by calling Captiva Cruises at 239-472-5300 or online at captivacruises.com.
Leave a Comment