by Mike Hammond
As summer approaches, traffic starts to return to “normal” and a quick trip to Sanibel is doable most days. A great location appreciated by paddlers and beachgoers alike is Sanibel’s Bowman’s Beach. Most people head straight to the sand and don’t even notice the paddlecraft launch hidden in the mangroves, but paddlers know and appreciate it being there. Parking is now $6 per hour or you can park for free with the Lee County Parks & Recreation parking pass sticker. The lot is patrolled regularly, so do not forget to pay.
We always head northwest from the launch and paddle under the pedestrian bridge. There are many old snags still standing, providing perches and nesting sites for the large osprey population that resides in the area. After our last trip there, we named the stretch “Osprey Alley.” There are also many wading and shorebirds to observe. If you continue northwest for a mile and a half, you will dead-end at a small beach where a path will take you about 100 feet to the Gulf. Stay on the path to avoid disturbing the beach-stabilizing plants and nasty sandspurs.
On one trip with the SWFL Paddle Club, we were surprised to find nice knee-high rolling waves. Half the group surfed and the other half stayed warm on land. There are often smalls waves at Bowman’s to play in, but they usually close out pretty quickly. Having rolling, glassy waves is a real treat.
The groups I have paddled with have never gone beyond this point, but you can backtrack to Old Blind Pass and add several miles to your paddle. After you return to the launch to take-out, it is just a short walk to the outdoor shower, bathrooms and changing rooms. This is nice when you have wet, sandy kids who want to go to Doc Ford’s for lunch.
Whether you are looking for a relaxed backwater paddle or some Gulf action (maybe both), Bowman’s Beach has something for everyone.
