Get Back to Nature at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve
For the walkers or hikers:
Upon arrival at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, stop in the visitor center to pick up a trail guide, use the facilities, check out the displays of local wildlife or gather information on park events before heading out on the trail. The original boardwalk has been extended to include an additional 2,200 feet of boardwalk. You can now walk from the observation stop at Four Mile Creek out to the cove where there is a small pier overlooking the cove and the three remodeled shelters (only accessible by kayak). From there you can continue your walk nearly to Lost Pond. Then meander your way back along the walkway, thru the mangroves to the original observation pier that stretches into the Caloosahatchee River. Finish up your hike along the shell path, leading you out of the wilderness, to the Iwo Jima Statue and armed services memorial flag array.
 For the slightly more adventuresome:
Imagine paddling silently through a tropical mangrove forest, stealthily sneaking up on an ibis roost, peering through the mangrove roots at a mama alligator and her brood of baby gators or maybe passing surreptitiously over a family of manatees seeking shelter in the warm water. Leaving no wake, you glide like a ghost past a spider the size of your palm, a water snake concealed by a branch, or possibly through a school of jumping mullet, but watch out! These mullet have been known to try to hitch a ride in the boat with you.
This isn't a description of an afternoon spent in the Keys or even the Everglades. It happens right here, in Cape Coral, every weekend, at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve.
The Kayak Shack Outpost at Eco Preserve is a seasonal operation; open weekends from October through May only. The last two-hour rental departs at 2:00pm, so make plans to arrive early if you want to spend some serious time exploring the park.
To get to the Kayak Shack, make an immediate left after passing through the main gate to the park. Along with kayak rentals, visitors can purchase bottled water and peruse our wide selection of Florida native plants for sale. From low-growing wildflowers to shrubs, trees and palms, there is a wide selection of native plants available at a reasonable cost, too.
Kayak Shack Outpost hours of operation:
Saturday and Sunday only October – May - 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Amenities include: Canoe and kayak rentals & native plant sales.
Prices vary.
KAYAK RENTAL RATES AS OF 2007
Single kayak: $16/two hours; $25/four hours; $8 any additional hours
Double kayak: $24/two hours; $35/four hours; $12 any additional hours
Last two hour rental departs by 2:00pm. Visa/MC/Disc/Amex/cash/check accepted; must be 18 or older and show a valid driver’s license to rent.
GROUP RATES FOR KAYAK RENTALS:
If you are looking for an activity for your class or group, call Rotary Park Environmental Center at 549-4606 and ask about group rates for renting kayaks from Eco Preserve. Group rates are available for as few as six single or four double kayaks. Reservations are required. Call for rates.
 DIRECTIONS TO ECO PRESERVE:
From Del Prado Boulevard: go east on SE 21st Lane, south on SE 17th Place and east on SE 23rd Terrace. This road leads you straight into the park. |
Kayak Shack hours of operation: 
