To start off, take note that Cape Coral includes both saltwater and freshwater canals. ‘Saltwater canals’ refers to those with Gulf access. Freshwater canals do not have any such open water access. Note that this in no way is actually referring to the true salinity of the canals– many if tested, would technically be a brackish mix of water, though abundant aquatic life can be found throughout both type of waterways. It’s just a quick, slang way to say which offer the access to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Although you won’t have Gulf Access in the NW and NE Cape Coral, you can still have tons of fun in the freshwater canals. Here are some ideas!
1- Jet Skiing
Cape Coral Police Marine Unit say there isn’t any speed limit in fresh water canals, and it’s perfectly legal. In saltwater canals, however, and in parts of the Caloosahatchee River, ‘no-wake zones’ are enforced to protect manatees. § 10-12 – Water skiing/personal watercraft restrictions.
Water skiing in the waterways of the city shall be subject to the following restrictions.
(1) Water skiing shall be permitted only in freshwater basins, lakes, harbors or bays that are not posted as idle or slow speed zones.
(2) Water skiing shall be permitted only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and dusk.
Use of personal watercraft in the waterways of the city shall be subject to the following restrictions.
(1) Use of personal watercraft shall be permitted only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and dusk.
(2) Operators must comply with any designated or posted idle-slow speed zones.
(3) Operators are subject to the speed restrictions contained in § 10-10 (b) and(c) above.
(4) No personal watercraft shall be operated on any stormwater retention-detention basin.
(Ord. 17-00, 3-27-2000)
So what are you waiting for? Go Jet Ski in your own backyard!
2- Electric Body Board
With an electric bodyboard you ride across the surface of the water with a motor. The board can be operated in inches of water. At cruising speed, it’s an alternative to kayaks or canoes. At top speed (around 20 mph), it can race across the top of the water, catch air off breakers or surf the wakes of a jet ski.
3- Motorized Bumper Boats/Pool Floats
Many are coming up with creative ways to have fun in the sun. Water-friendly activities and fun beach toys such as water guns, water slides, loungers and tubes are still all the rage. However, there’s a new hot item in town that pool-goers have been dying to try: motorized pool floats. As a relatively new item, motorized pool floats have become a major topic of conversation with only a few options available.
4- Kayak or Canoe
With so much water located in and around Cape Coral, kayaking is a popular activity enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. For those who have their own kayak (or canoe) and wish to get out of the backyard and really explore the area on their own, there are several parks located in Cape Coral where people are permitted to launch their vessels from. These locations include:
BMX Boat Ramp – Launches into Shelburne Canal which connects with several freshwater canals as well as Alhambra Lake, Lake Kennedy and Saratoga Lake.
Burnt Store Boat Ramp – Launches into Rosemary Canal (saltwater) which connects with several canals and leads to Matlacha Pass
Chantry Canal / Rosen Park – Launches into Chantry Canal (saltwater) which connects with the Caloosahatchee River north of the mid-point bridge
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve – This launch is located adjacent to the Kayak Shack and allows Kayakers to access the various creeks located within the preserve and Four Mile Cove located on the Caloosahatchee River (saltwater) just north of the mid-point bridge. Within Four Mile Cove, floating kayak docks have been constructed to provide people with places to rest or use as weather shelters.
Horton Park Boat Ramp – Launches into Everest Canal (saltwater) which connects with the Caloosahatchee River just south of the mid-point bridge
Seahawk Park – Kayakers and boaters are permitted to use the ramp located on the north side of Argosy Lake (freshwater)
Sirenia Vista – Although this park is undeveloped, Kayakers can use the ramp to launch their vessels and access the Caloosa Blueway (saltwater)
Yacht Club Boat Ramp – Launches into Redfish Cove (saltwater), which is a part of the Caloosahatchee River
5- Stand up paddle board (SUP)
Care for a workout? Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) offers a fun way to play on the water, with the added benefit of a full-body workout. And, since you stand at full height on your board, it gives you a unique vantage point for viewing what’s down under the water and out on the horizon.
6- Paddle Boat
These boats can be great for fishing, or a relaxing ride down canal. There is no motor, only the quiet sound of the paddles on the water. Be ready to be addicted to a paddle boat and the peaceful sounds of nature.
7- Fishing
Generally speaking, the best time to fish from a pier is either early morning or sundown. Some fish you may find in the Freshwater canals of Cape Coral include Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegills, Alligator Garr, several species of sunfish, and occasionally a stray Snook. Note: Florida Residents and Visitors need a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license unless they are a member of a group that is exempted from the license requirements. Here’s a link to FWC’s freshwater fish (although they may not all be in Cape Coral). Their site also has licensing requirements. FWC Freshwater Fish.