River News Now Breaking News Travel

(NAPSI) - The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail in southwest Florida is a haven for wildlife and eco-tourists. The trail has been acclaimed as one of the best kayaking experiences in the United States. The Blueway stretches 190 miles through Lee County's coastal waters and can be paddled year-round.

Along the trail you can see the blush-colored roseate spoonbill, the reclusive yellow-crowned night herons, ospreys and bald eagles. Lee County is also home to one of the world's largest populations of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

You can also learn about the life of the native Calusa people, who used kayaklike boats on these waterways for centuries before the Spaniards arrived. Key historical information can be found at the Mound Key State Archaeological Site in Estero Bay and the Randell Research Center in the historic village of Pineland.

Along the Blueway are restaurants, campsites and marinas, parks and preserves. A yearly festival features kayak and canoe races, fishing tournaments and eco-events.

See www.GreatCalusaBlue way.com or www.CalusaBlueway PaddlingFestival.com.