Calusa Ghost Tours

Ride in the comfort of Estero Bay Express to Mound Key and the ruins of the lost civilization of the Calusa. This tour boat can seat 49 passengers.

Calusa Ghost Tours and the Estero Bay Express team up to bring Calusa Ghost Tours to Mound Key. Hear the horse conch horn, see the ancient capital of a lost civilization. Listen to their story and how they disappeared and see demonstrations of their technologies and artifacts. All aboard the new and beautiful Estero Bay Express. The maiden voyage of the Calusa Ghost Tour to Mound Key on the Estero Bay Express will be February 20, at 10am, leaving from Fish Tale Marina. The adventure is about 2 hours long. For reservations call 239-463-3600

We are sponsored by and endorse RTM Kayaks and canoes .

The Pine Island Kiwanis put on their annual “Taste of Pine Island” with a chowder cook off and a fish drop. The Perfect Cup from Matlacha won the cook off. Our Craig Timbes (Snook Cowboy) was MC for the event and I got a 15 minute spot to tell some of my stories to the large crowds. We had a great time at a great event again this year! You never realize how many different businesses there are on our little island.  This is a must attend event in my book. Pine Island at it’s best. Below are some pictures from this year’s “Taste”

Please enjoy the pictures

Our new logo and t-shirt art were developed and distributed from the Bokeelia Trading Company

Below our MC,  Snook Cowboy (Craig Timbes on the right) and our local airport owner Wayne Reed

Survey Cafe “Frontier’s Day” storytelling 1/30/10 – entertainment from 4:30-9pm

Big Boy Tech and Toy Show 2/13-14/10 at the Germain Arena

Calusa Ghost Tours and the Estero Bay Express team up to bring Calusa Ghost Tours to Mound Key. Hear the horse conch horn, see the ancient capital of a lost civilization. Listen to their story and how they disappeared and see demonstrations of their technologies and artifacts. All aboard the new and beautiful Estero Bay Express. The maiden voyage of the Calusa Ghost Tour to Mound Key on the Estero Bay Express will be February 20, at 10am, leaving from Fish Tale Marina. The adventure is about 2 hours long. For reservations call 239-463-3600

Valentine Day Special at Miromar Lake and the Big Boy Tech and Toy Show starting with a single kayak 2 hours for $21.20 tax included. Canoes and Tandems 2hours for $31.80 tax included, February 13 and 14 at the Germain Arena just off 75 and Corkscrew Road.   www.calusaghosttours.com

Calusa John and Snook Cowboy will be doing a free seminar at Bass Pro on Feb 28 – 2-3pm and then tank demo from 3-4pm www.calusaghosttours.com

Visitors from the North

February, 2010

By, John Paeno

I recently had the opportunity to work with the VCB (Visitors and Convention Bureau) when they asked if I would like to take a popular radio talk show host, Benoit Legault from Quebec for a paddle of the area. He works in Mauricie/Centre-du-Quebec Region on the French Canadian Broadcasting Corporation network and does a travel report. Benoit had brought another journalist with him — Christine Lee. Christine writes some travel and destination articles for different publications. It had rained a lot the past couple of days and they were hoping for a good day with us, but they came on one of the coldest mornings so far this year.  I decided to take them to Bonita and go down the Imperial River. Benoit had a little difficulty finding us because the Riverside Park is a couple a blocks long he was at the band stand and could not find us. For future reference we are across the street from the Lile Hotel in what is now called the Bamboo Park. Anyway we got together and the four of us hopped in the blazer and drove to Kent Road where we had boats waiting for us. Benoit is an experienced paddler and Christine was a beginner. We put them in a 14 foot canoe and my son Nick and I were in kayaks. The Kent Road access point brings you into one of the most beautiful old cypress forests that you will encounter. Fort a moment you go back in time and think of what it was like for the native civilization that once thrived here. Christine asked about alligators and I told her yes it was possible that we might encounter one. As a matter of fact my son, Nick had encountered them a several times on this part of the river. I told her about a conversation I had with the state alligator expert from FWC. He told me that if left alone and not fed they would maintain a healthy respect of humans. He also told me that I should report any threatening behavior they might exhibit and if they were determined to be a nuisance they would be relocated if under 4 foot and harvested if over that. He also told me that they had dens or caves in the river banks and they would spend more time in them during the cold months. The entrance to these dens or caves is usually in the bottom of the river. She was impressed but expressed little interest in actually encountering one. Because of the cold I felt we had very little chance of an encounter and in fact we did not see any. Manatee had moved up into the river but none were around that day either. But because of the sheltered nature of the river we did not have a problem with the wind (15 – 20 mph in the open) and the temperature was warm enough for me to take off my sweatshirt. The sun was nice filtering through the cypress and live oaks. Spanish moss dripped from the branches of the trees and the suns dappling affect was a beauty for the eye to experience. We paddled by large cypress knees and I identified resurrection fern clinging to the trees and explained that when the weather is dry these plants shrivel up and look dead. Then when it rains they seem to instantly come alive again. As we paddled down river I pointed out the transition from fresh water river to saltwater estuary as the plants and habitat changed. Benoit handled the canoe like a pro and Christine had it down pretty good by the time we finished. We pulled up under the bridge by the park and got out of the boats. We exchanged contact info and they told me that they had one of the best times of their visit paddling down the river.

You can read more of our stories in the, Nautical Mile Magazine and Kayak Angler Online. You can visit us at www.calusaghosttours.com email us at calusaghosttours@comcast.net and phone us for reservations at 239-938-5342 our main office in Bonita 239-949-9156

The Bonita Springs Grand Opening

January 1 2010

The weather forecast was not good for the day of of opening and I was skeptical as to the turnout. But the day before turned nice and we got a chance for some fun paddling. Some folks decided to book boats for the day before and we had a full day of rentals and tours on New Years Eve. You can see by the pictures below some great cypress trees and old Florida forest.  On one of the tours I took out we came across an adult green iguana in a tree sunning himself. He was kind enough to pose over one of the paddlers for a picture.

As adults the green iguana loses the bright green of it’s youth and turns greenish brown to orange. He is on the tree branch just above the paddlers head in the picture below.

The morning of opening was beautiful but the forecast said it would be raining by 1pm. We were having our free kayak drawing at 2pm. Many folks got to paddle and try out boats in the morning but just like a noon whistle thunder put and end the trips out on the water.

Then the rain came and everyone huddled under the canopy waiting for 2pm. We had the drawing at 2 and gave away a new kayak and paddle. I was surprised and pleased and thanked everyone for coming. We even had Bev Citron the travel writer from Miami stop over for a visit. Calusa Ghost Tours would like to send our thanks to everyone that helped make this possible.

Grand Opening Bonita January 1, 2010

Kayak, give away, tryouts, and more

We are proud to announce our expansion to Bonita Springs Florida. We have a contract with the City of Bonita Springs to provide kayak, sales, rentals, tours, and accessories in Riverside Park. Located on Old 41 across the street from Riverside Park and the Historic Liles Hotel. Across from the Survey Cafe on the river.

Kayak Rentals

Single 1 ½ hr – $25

Double 1 ½ – $40

½ Day Rentals (4 hr)

Single – $35

Double – $50

Full Day Rentals

Single – $50

Double – $60

Down River Guided Tours

1 ½ hr $40

Free story telling at booth

Coming soon, box lunch tours and rentals, Calusa Ghost Tour to Mound Key, the Canoe Fairy, Historic combo, walk, lunch, and paddle – Also coming soon the Calusa Backwater Adventures Paddlers Club (CBAPC), why buy and maintain a kayak when as a member you can use ours – Yearly, Monthly, Weekly, or in 5 and 10 day punch coupons

We provide, Paddle, Vest, Kayak/canoe, and whistle. You will need to supply your own sunscreen, bug repellent, snack and beverage. We provide experienced guides for our tours.

All renters must sign a waiver and rental agreement and present drivers license, no child under 18 without parental approval (signed waiver), 6% sales tax not included or 239-938-5342

You can purchase new and used RTM Kayaks from us. We also have a large selection of used kayaks to choose from on site. Prices start around $300

We would like to take this time to thank one of our sponsors, RTM Kayak and Canoes. We completely endorse and carry their products.

October 30 at the Tarpon Lodge we are partnered with the Tarpon Lodge and the Great Calusa Blueway Festival to bring you the Calusa Costume Ball with mistrals, a skit, food, drink, prizes, and giving away a new RTM Kayak. Contact www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com for details

Take a walk of the Calusa pyramids (mounds) with our guide and see demonstrations in making cording (basis for fishing line, netting, clothing and much more), shell tools, and latex paint production. Hear the sound of the horse conch horn as it sounded hundreds of years ago over Pine Island Sound. Listen to the stories I have collected from famous archaeologists, scientists, and local residents about first contact with Ponce de León or what happened to the once most powerful civilization in southwest Florida (the Calusa). We will tell the tragic story of the Calusa and how the Seminole got to be here. Did you know the Seminoles went to war three times against the U.S. and they have never surrendered and that is why they are called the Unconquered People? Hear about the Calusa’s religion (as we know it) and rituals. See artifacts and replica artifacts. About 1 1/2 hours $30 per person. These are custom adventures call or email us today to plan your walk of the ancient city of Tampo and learn about it’s lost people.

Reservations, calusaghosttour@comcast.net or 239-938-5342 but be patient if trying to call us reception is bad on the water and we are on the water most of the time.

We also offer the “In the Shadow of Cushing Adventure”. Paddle to the “Hidden Lagoon” from famous explorer and archeologist Frank Cushing’s “Lost Manucripts” and hear about how he and the Calusa are locked in history together. Stop on a remote deserted island for a break before paddling back. As always on these waters you have a chance of seeing dolphin, manatee, shark, rays, eagles, osprey, and the list just goes on and on. There are bars or motes between you and the wildlife, no artificial environment, just pure natural adventure. To see us in action watch our videos by following our You Tube link. We supply, guide, kayak/canoe, paddle, and vest. You need to bring your own bug repellent, sunscreen, drink, and snack. About 3 hours long, $65 per person. Make a reservation for your adventure today.

You can combine the two adventures above for a discounted price of $85 per person, about 4 1/2 – 5 hours.

We also offer all day kayak fishing adventures with the Snook Cowboy – contact us for more info.

We also offer the “Jug Creek Eco/cultural paddle – 3 hours on Jug Creek for $65 each.

Ask about a Moonlight or Starlight Adventure.

Contact us for a demonstration or seminar at your location in, Primitive Technology (Calusa John instructor), Fishing (Snook Cowboy), Grant Writing, (pro grant writer, Lynne Paeno), and others in the fields of marine biology, archeology, kayaking and more. $100 per hour in the Lee County Fl area.

Hi everyone,

We were attacked by a cyber virus that crawls from one random website to another. There for a couple of weeks it was pretty chaotic but as the Chinese proverb says, “out of chaos comes opportunity” so we are taking this opportunity to make our sites bigger and better. For those of you interested in reading my stories just click on the Nautical Mile link.

Along the same train of thought we are also making changes for the new season, we are dropping the large canoe trips for this upcoming season. We are still doing our Ghost Tours just now we will be offering several options, walking, paddling, camping and combination s of them. We are now selling RTM Kayaks and Canoes along with Kiwi Kayaks (clear bottom) and other outfitter items.

Some great things we have coming up this season are;

Private Ghost Tour and Star Gazing Adventure – Oct 10 and 11- overnight at the Tarpon Lodge – for Earthlion Expeditions

Great Calusa Blueway Festival – October 24 – Stories, demonstrations, kayaking, and much more – Bonita Springs Riverside Park

Great Calusa Blueway Festival – October 30 – Calusa Costume Ball – Tarpon Lodge  – 7:30 to 11pm – prizes, entertainment, appetizers/drinks (7:30-8:30pm), and costumes. For reservations go to the Blueway link.

Great Calusa Blueway Festival – October 31 – Randell Research Center – Paddling adventures to the “Hidden Lagoon” from “Cushing’s, Lost Manuscripts” – for reservations – calusaghosttours@comcast.net or by phone 239-938-5342 and leave a message

Tony Paeno, aka Tiki here. Our site has been hacked and our databases and backups corrupted. The virus which attacked us is known to crawl from website to website and likely was not an aimed attack. Regardless, I have stepped up security, changed passwords, and asked our web provider to aid me in watching for suspicious activity.

In other news, we have decided to take this opportunity to rebuild the website even better and more organized to make it easy for our users to browse!

239-938-5342