Tarpon Lodge, Calusa mound excursions resume
Tours of Pine Island and other area landmarks conducted by Captiva Cruises
Captiva Cruises’ tour about the centuries of local fishing cultures is returning for the season.
Offered from November through April, with the first on Nov. 17, the “Cruise to Historic Tarpon Lodge & Calusa Indian Mounds on Pine Island” will be held on select Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“The cruise focuses on the fishing cultures of the Pine Island Sound and covers 1,000 years of fishing,” Captiva Cruises educator Richard Finkel said. “From the indigenous Calusa, through to the Spanish-Cuban fishing era, commercial fishing with the Punta Gorda Fish and Ice Company, on up to today and the incredible sport fishing of the area.”
Departing from McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva, the tour travels to Pineland on Pine Island.
“We’ll get an up-close look at the historic fish shacks,” he said.
“Also, we’ll discuss the importance of the back bay estuary, which is the common denominator throughout time,” Finkel added. “Whether it’s cultural history or present-day living or the wildlife of the area, everything ties into the waters around the islands.”
Participants are likely to spot some of that local wildlife, like dolphins and birds.
“There’s always a chance for wildlife sightings along the way,” he said.
On Pine Island, they will embark for lunch at the Tarpon Lodge and Restaurant. Participants will learn about the family business’ storied tradition of fishing in the Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor.
“The Tarpon Lodge is a historic home that was converted into an inn and a restaurant,” Finkel said, noting that it dates back to the 1920s. “They do an excellent job of maintaining the old Florida charm.”
Afterward, the group will head across the street to the Randell Research Center. A program of the Florida Museum of Natural History, the facility is dedicated to learning and teaching the archeology, history and ecology of Southwest Florida through the Pineland archeological and historical site.
Participants can take part in a walking tour of the Calusa Heritage Trail to one of the pre-Columbian mounds of the ancient Calusa with a center guide, who will elaborate on the indigenous culture.
“There’s the opportunity for passengers to go on a guided tour of the Calusa Heritage Trail to learn more about the indigenous fishing culture of the Pine Island Sound,” he said.
Finkel noted that a portion of the cruise price supports the site.
“It’s donated to the Randell Research Center to help them maintain the trail,” he said.
Participants then will reboard and head back to Captiva.
The company utilizes the Santiva, named after the old Captiva mailboat, for this tour.
Residents and visitors are invited to reserve a spot on the seasonal expedition.
“Explore the fishing cultures of the Pine Island Sound and some of the shoreline of the barrier islands, and go to a premier destination in Southwest Florida, the Tarpon Lodge and Calusa Heritage Trail,” Finkel said. “And, the cruise is always a great opportunity to view and learn more about the wildlife.”
The cost is $50 for adults and seniors and $35 for ages 12 and under.
Reservations are required; lunch is not included with the cost.
Other tour dates are Dec. 1 and 15, Jan. 12, Feb. 9 and 16, March 2, 16 and 30, and April 6 and 13.
Captiva Cruises also offers trips to Cabbage Key, Useppa Island and Boca Grande, along with beach and shelling excursions to Cayo Costa State Park, sailing adventures, sunset cruises, and dolphin watch and wildlife adventures organized in partnership with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
For more information or reservations, call 239-472-5300 or visit www.captivacruises.com.