Caloosahatchee Oxbow & Riverlore Cruise

SCCF offers an Oxbow and Riverlore Cruise to experience the historic Caloosahatchee. These guided trips provide a relaxing opportunity to gain a personal perspective on the river, its history, folklore, issues and solutions, as we explore the meanders of the historic upriver Caloosahatchee. We follow the river back to a time when a waterfall served as the headwaters of the Caloosahatchee and settlers braved living amongst the wilderness.

Cruises are offered monthly from November through May. Private group trips can be arranged by contacting Rae Ann Wessel, rawessel@sccf.org. The 2.5 hour adventure begins by locking through the W.P. Franklin Lock in Olga. Heading east toward Alva, we enter the historic bends of the river and revisit the activities of the pioneers who traveled the same river to find paradise. Stories of the settlements and their adventures are blended with an understanding of the river’s oxbows, the wild creatures that call it home and the challenges the river faces.

Tours are guided by Rae Ann Wessel, a river researcher, long-time river advocate, historian and SCCF Natural Resource Policy Director. All seats have a great view for photographs and wildlife viewing.

Tickets are available during season through our Eventrbite page here.