By: Mike Hammond
As beach traffic begins to increase for the season, there’s a great spot to launch on the north side of the Matanzas Pass Bridge that gives you access to Matanzas Pass, Hurricane Bay and Hell Peckney Bay.
Salty Sam’s Marina is located on the southeast end of San Carlos Island. A short paddle around this side of the island places you at the west side of the mangrove maze that leads to Hell Peckney Bay. The tunnels open into small flats accessible only to paddlecraft or the smallest jon boats. Many a paddler has gotten turned around in here, so I can assure you that the Calusa Blueway markers are very reassuring once you discover them.
Paddlers may choose to cross Matanzas Pass and explore the small bay lined with mangroves in the Matanzas Pass Preserve. The preserve’s paddlecraft takeout is currently closed but it’s not much farther east to the Mound House. At the Mound House, you can refill your water bottles, use the restrooms, enjoy your snacks at one of their picnic tables and learn about the indigenous Calusa people.
The round trip from Salty Sam’s to the Mound House and back is about 2.5 miles. Please be cautious of boat traffic when crossing the pass. Boats should be moving slowly, but they’re still larger and less maneuverable than you.
Salty Sam’s asks that paddlers check in at the ship’s store and pay $10 per vehicle for paddlecraft launching. For those with multiple paddlecraft this is a good deal. The ship store is well stocked with general items you may need on the water. Anglers may want to stop at Bait N Wait before launching. They are a full bait and tackle shop that is only 1.5 miles from Salty Sam’s on San Carlos Boulevard.
After paying the parking fee, paddlers can drive to the ramp to launch. Salty Sam’s staff told me they prefer people launch from the ramp rather than from the docks and slips. The small floating kayak launch that had been there in the past was a casualty of Hurricane Ian.
I respectfully suggest that paddlers find a spot near the ramp out of the way to unload and prepare their gear. Please do not block the ramp any longer than necessary. There are a few grassy areas to set your gear while you prep and park.
With easy access to scenic bays, mangrove tunnels and convenient on-site amenities, Salty Sam’s is a great launch point for paddlers exploring the waters around Matanzas Pass and Hell Peckney Bay.