E: Charlotte Harbor

Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor, with their rich bird and marine life and numerous barrier islands, are highlights of this region. Interior trails include the wild Myakka River and fossil-rich Peace River.

10: Manatee

Along the coast, this segment provides paddlers with an opportunity to view a wide variety of animal and plant life, scenic beaches and local parks. On the journey through Sarasota Bay and numerous other smaller bays, be sure to look for bottlenose dolphins and manatee.

The circumnavigational trail portion of the segment begins at the canoe/kayak launch at South Lido Beach Park or at Lido Beach on the Gulf side, depending on winds, weather and personal preference. Eight miles to the south lay Turtle Beach Park, which has boat ramps, picnic shelters and camping sites.

36 miles of circumnavigational trail

1 river trail

Florida Cities: Anna Maria, Bradenton, Sarasota, Siesta Key, Osprey

Contact: Contact our Region E Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.

Launch Sites

Day Paddles and Overnight Camping Trip Maps

Areas

Multiday Trail Maps

Environmental Considerations

The long stretch of 23 miles from Oscar Scherer State Park to Weston's Resort has limited camping opportunities
As with most South Florida segments, boat traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends
Give alligators their space along the Myakka River. Do not bring canine companions.

Emergency Contacts

Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
Sarasota County Sheriff: 941-861-5800
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

11: Venice / Charlotte Harbor

For the circumnavigational paddlers in this segment, developed and pristine barrier islands contrast each other and paddlers have the option of cruising the bay side or the Gulf side, depending on weather and individual preference.

The wild Myakka River through Myakka River State Park has long thrilled paddlers, being one of only two federally designated wild and scenic rivers in Florida. The river is not for the squeamish as monstrous alligators exceeding ten feet in length are commonly seen. Roseate spoonbills and sandhill cranes are among the more than 250 species of birds found in the park

Traveling on the bay side, the first camping south of Stumps Pass State Park is Dog Island at nine miles. A permit is no longer required to camp on Dog Island. If time permits you can paddle on about 3 miles farther to Hoagens Key now a campsite of FPTA, no permit required. Along the way, be sure to stop at Don Pedro Island to rest. Paddle behind the docks and beach in a small area near the walk over. A short walk from the landing area you will find drinking water, a place to take a cold shower and a toilet. The beach is a great place to go for a swim. The Snake Island campsite, near Venice Inlet, is currently being used as a repository for an ongoing dredging project, so it is federally posted and unavailable. You can however camp on Turner Key, just to the north.

After staying the night at Dog Island, paddle through Gasparilla Sound along scenic Gasparilla Island. A must see is Gasparilla Island State Park, located just before Boca Grande Pass. Land along the bay side and stroll scenic beaches or visit the historic lighthouse before setting off for Cayo Costa.

Boca Grande Pass can be challenging to cross and you should only do so under optimum weather conditions. After making the mile crossing, follow the bay side of Cayo Costa Island for roughly another mile and you'll see the park's boat dock. A small inlet to the right of the dock leads to a kayak and canoe landing.

For other trails, the Charlotte County Blueways highlights 57 trails for canoes and kayaks on the rivers, creeks, bays and estuaries throughout Charlotte County. For river paddling, you can't beat the Peace River where fossil hunting is a favorite pastime.

18.5 miles of circumnavigational trail

1 county blueways system

1 state designated river trail

Florida Cities: Port Charlotte, Venice, Nokomis, Northport, Englewood, Boca Grande