How to Canoe on the Imperial River in Bonita Springs, Florida

Bonita Springs, Florida is situated near the Everglades just south of Fort Myers and is home to an outdoor paradise of interconnected rivers and swampland. The Imperial River is part of this river system in Florida and extremely popular with fishermen and canoe or kayak enthusiasts. The Imperial runs east into Estero Bay, which is a destination highlight and part of the Great Calusa Blueway, a 190-mile canoeing and kayaking water trail that skirts the southern Florida coast along the Gulf of Mexico.

Things You'll Need

  • Canoe
  • Water
  • Food
  • First aid supplies
  • PFD--Personal Flotation Device
  • River map
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plan your trip length. Paddle the Imperial River only, or continue on into Estero Bay and paddle a portion of the Great Calusa Blueway. Obtain a detailed map of the river and your specified trip at one of the numerous canoe outfitters in the South Florida area.

    • 2

      Select your drop-in point on the Imperial River. Depending on the length of your trip, plan ahead how you'll get back to your vehicle. If you use a tour guide or a rented canoe from an outfitter, they'll provide you with transportation back to your vehicle. If you're paddling the river in a small group, have a group member park a vehicle at your end destination. Drop-ins access the Imperial River at Riverside Park and the Imperial River boat ramp.

    • 3

      Launch your canoe early in the morning if you plan a lengthy trip. Pack all necessary supplies along with emergency and first aid equipment, such as a snakebite kit, bandages, skin disinfectant and sun screen. Bring lightweight camping supplies with you if you intend to camp on the shoreline or inland. Ensure all gear is waterproofed in plastic storage bags or watertight containers. Take plenty of food and water along with you on the trip, and pack a water filter, purification tablets or a small metal can for boiling water.

    • 4

      Paddle west from your launch point and avoid coves or large clusters of cypress trees. Explore open coves only if the canoe can be easily maneuvered around them. Paddle away from the trees and mangroves, as you most certainly will get your canoe stuck or become tangled in the mangroves. Keep a close eye out for wildlife. Alligators patrol the Imperial River frequently and should be avoided at all times.

    • 5

      Reach the end of the Imperial River at Intrepid Waters--near the Imperial River Preserve--part of Estero Bay just east of Bonita Beach. Continue on north into Estero Bay along the Great Calusa Blueway. Find trail maps detailing the entire length of the Great Calusa Blueway at local canoe outfitters or at GreatCalusaBlueway.com.