8 Outdoor Activities You Didn’t Know Existed in Fort Myers
Want to break free from the usual and explore the unexpected? Discover unique outdoor activities in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, that you’ve probably never heard of before.
Fort Myers Beach is known for its soft sand, warm Gulf waters, and lively boardwalk, but beyond the usual activities, there are hidden outdoor experiences that many visitors don’t know exist. From paddling under the full moon to wading through an ancient swamp, these off-the-beaten-path adventures will transform your trip into something truly unforgettable.
In this blog, we’ve put together a list of eight little-known and incredible outdoor activities you won’t want to miss on your next vacation to Fort Myers Beach.
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Think you’ve done it all? These adventures might surprise you!
1. Full Moon Kayak Tours at Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park, located just south of Fort Myers Beach, is a 1,600-acre coastal paradise known for its serene beaches, wildlife-rich estuaries, and mangrove forests. One of the most unique ways to experience this natural gem is on a guided full moon kayak tour.
Offered by Lovers Key Adventures, this tour provides a rare opportunity to paddle under the moonlight through the park’s peaceful waterways. Over 2 to 2.5 hours, you’ll navigate mangrove-lined trails, observe nocturnal wildlife, and soak in the tranquil beauty of the estuarine environment under the glow of the full moon.
👍 Pro Tip: Tours are typically scheduled once or twice a month, aligning with the full moon phases. To ensure availability, we recommend contacting Lovers Key Adventures in advance for specific dates and reservations so you don’t miss this magical experience.
2. Moonrise Kayak Tours at Mound House
Most history buffs visiting Fort Myers Beach explore the Mound House, a historic home and archaeological site built atop a 2,000-year-old Calusa shell mound on Estero Island. However, what many visitors don’t know is that they can also satisfy their adventurous spirit by joining a moonrise kayak tour at this historic site.
This one-of-a-kind experience offers the chance to paddle through the estuary at twilight, see the exuberant wildlife, and take in the peaceful surroundings as the full moon rises over the mangroves, casting a shimmering reflection on the tranquil waters.
Similar to the full moon tours at Lovers Key State Park, Mound House kayak tours are typically scheduled once or twice a month, aligning with the full moon phases. Check their website for specific dates and reservation details.
3. Barefoot Beach Preserve Hike
A short drive from Fort Myers Beach, this 342-acre natural barrier island provides the chance to experience one of the last undeveloped coastal areas on Florida’s southwest coast.
Boasting pristine beaches, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife, hiking at the preserve is an excellent choice for those looking to explore quiet, untouched corners of the region. The 1.5-mile loop trail winds through various coastal habitats, including maritime hammocks and mangrove swamps. Hikers can observe native vegetation and may encounter wildlife such as gopher tortoises, which are commonly seen along the trail.
Beyond the designated trail, be sure to explore the miles of natural shoreline, perfect for beachcombing, birdwatching, and enjoying the serene Gulf waters.
4. Remote Shelling on Big Hickory Island
Big Hickory Island is a secluded barrier island between Bonita Beach and Estero Bay, just south of Fort Myers Beach. Unlike more well-known shelling destinations like Sanibel or Lovers Key, this island remains largely untouched due to its limited accessibility, requiring a boat, kayak, or paddleboard to reach it. Because of this, Big Hickory Island is one of the best off-the-beaten-path spots for shell collectors in search of pristine, unspoiled shores.
With fewer visitors than other Gulf Coast beaches, the chances of finding rare and intact shells here are significantly higher. Some of the most sought-after finds include the elusive Junonia, the beautifully patterned Scotch Bonnet, the striking Horse Conch, and the Alphabet Cone, named for its intricate brown markings that resemble letters or symbols, making each shell unique.
👍 Extra tips: The key to a successful shelling trip is perfect timing. Head out early in the morning before boaters arrive and before high tide sweeps shells back into the water. Low tide uncovers more of the shoreline and sandbars, while post-storm conditions bring a fresh wave of shells to explore.
5. Swamp Walk in the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
How about getting a glimpse into an ancient wetland ecosystem teeming with wildlife? At Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a hidden gem in Fort Myers, most visitors stick to the 1.2-mile boardwalk to explore this natural treasure. However, the real off-the-beaten-path adventure is a swamp walk, where you wade through knee-deep water and experience the cypress slough up close.
This is not your typical dry-land hike — it’s a guided experience where you’ll walk directly through the swamp, feeling the cool water and soft mud beneath your feet and immersing yourself in the natural landscape of towering cypress trees, air plants, and hidden wildlife. Since you’ll be walking quietly through the water, you’ll have a better chance of spotting baby alligators, turtles, otters, herons, and even barred owls.
The swamp walk is one of the most authentic ways to experience Florida’s wetlands, far from the crowds and usual boardwalk visitors.
📝 Note: Wet walks are typically offered during specific seasons, and advance reservations are required due to limited availability.
6. Birding at Matanzas Pass Preserve (Away from the Crowds)
Most visitors overlook this 60-acre coastal hammock sanctuary in favor of the beach. But if you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, you should put Matanzas Pass Preserve high on your Fort Myers Beach bucket list.
The preserve offers a rare glimpse into one of the last undeveloped natural areas in the region and is a goldmine for spotting great horned owls, woodpeckers, and painted buntings. Other year-round residents include ospreys, belted kingfishers, and red-shouldered hawks.
If you’re exploring the preserve during winter or spring, keep an eye out for seasonal visitors such as warblers, roseate spoonbills, and white pelicans.
👍 Extra tip: Early morning walks offer near-total solitude and are when birds are most active. The preserve is small, so being mindful of noise increases your chances of spotting wildlife.
7. Meeting the Cows of the Sea at Manatee Park
Manatee Park is a fantastic waterfront destination in Fort Myers, offering a mix of outdoor activities and beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, kayak rentals, shaded picnic areas, and lush gardens filled with native plants and butterflies. The park also features a launch point to the Orange River, making it a great spot for paddling adventures.
The highlight of any visit, however, is the unique opportunity to see endangered manatees, affectionately known as “sea cows.” A dedicated viewing area provides an excellent chance to observe these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. Manatees are most commonly spotted between November and March, when they seek the warm waters of the Orange River. For an even closer experience, renting a kayak allows for a unique perspective as they glide through the water.
8. Exploring the Abandoned Koreshan Settlement
Stepping into the Koreshan Settlement at Koreshan State Park, just a short drive from Fort Myers Beach, feels like entering a forgotten chapter of Florida’s history. This once-thriving utopian community, founded in the late 1800s, now stands eerily quiet, with abandoned buildings, overgrown pathways, and a lingering sense of mystery.
As you wander through the historical district, you’ll see original 19th-century structures, including the Founder’s House, the Planetary Court, and the Art Hall, where the Koreshans once gathered for music, plays, and lectures. The buildings are well-preserved, but their age and isolation create a slightly ghostly atmosphere, especially if you visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the park is quieter.
The surrounding nature trails add to the experience, with winding paths leading through towering bamboo forests, sprawling oak hammocks, and pine flatwoods. It’s a peaceful yet surreal setting — especially when you remember that the Koreshans believed they lived inside a hollow Earth.
More Tips for Finding Little-Known Outdoor Activities When Traveling
Ask Locals, Not Just Tour Guides
Chat with bartenders, coffee shop baristas, or small business owners—they often know about hidden trails, secret beaches, or off-the-radar adventures that aren’t listed in guidebooks.
Dive Into Local Facebook Groups & Reddit Threads
Search for “Things to Do in [Destination]” on Facebook or explore local subreddits like r/FortMyers or r/FloridaHiking to find lesser-known recommendations from people who actually live there.
Look for Eco-Tourism & Conservation Projects
Many destinations have volunteer-based eco-experiences like oyster reef restoration, wildlife tracking, or forest preservation walks that are unique, meaningful, and often overlooked by tourists.
Scan Google Maps for Unmarked Trails & Green Spaces
Zoom in on state parks, nature preserves, or waterfront areas on Google Maps. Sometimes, small hiking trails, hidden kayak launches, or unadvertised scenic spots show up when you explore the satellite view.
Visit State & National Park Visitor Centers
Rangers and park volunteers can point you to quiet trails, secret viewpoints, and the best times for wildlife spotting — things that most tourists don’t take the time to ask about.
Book Small-Group or Private Tours Instead of Mainstream Excursions
Instead of a generic boat tour, look for biologist-led kayaking trips, nighttime nature hikes, or full moon paddle tours — these often take you to less crowded, hidden locations.
Check Airbnb Experiences & Local Outdoor Blogs
Beyond just lodging, Airbnb Experiences often feature niche outdoor adventures led by locals, like foraging walks, shipwreck snorkeling, or wildflower hikes that aren’t part of mainstream tourism. Local outdoor blogs and regional tourism websites also highlight seasonal and under-the-radar activities.
Make Your Stay in Fort Myers Beach a Unique Experience
To experience the highest quality in amenities, decor, and cleanliness, book your stay with Sun Palace Vacations. We guarantee you’ll have the most authentic, enjoyable, and relaxing time ever.