T
he Foundation currently provides canoes and kayaks
for use by Pelican Bay members and their guests
who desire to explore Clam Pass and the Clam
Bay tidal ponds, the mangrove forest and the Gulf.
CLAM BAY KAYAKING
Running approximately six to eight miles round-trip, the
Clam Bay system runs from a southern point at Clam Pass
Park (at the end of Seagate Drive near the Naples Grande
Beach Resort), past Clam Pass (the water entrance and exit
to the Gulf of Mexico) to the northernmost point close to
Bay Colony and the Ritz-Carlton. The waterways are open
to the public (with access at Clam Pass Park), but only
Pelican Bay residents and guests have access to canoes
and kayaks from the North Boardwalk canoe dock.
Clam Bay is comprised of various tidal ponds and creeks
that meander through a mangrove forest along the Pelican
Bay Gulf coast. This system is typical of southern Florida
tidal mangrove areas, offering unique opportunities to
observe our “natural” residents at their tropical best.
Various species of mangroves and other vegetation abounds
throughout the bay system, along with a wide variety of
tropical birds.
However, the prospective canoeist needs to be aware there
are some dangers that make canoeing this area very different
(and more challenging) than canoeing in other open lake and
river systems. These challenges include:
• Very shallow (with the presence of sandbars) waters
that can make canoeing difficult at times, especially at
low tide.
• Tidal flows that can become strong especially in the
narrow creeks. This is especially true in the area surrounding
Clam Pass—the narrow outlet to the Gulf of Mexico.
• Low-hanging mangrove branches that can interfere with
paddling. Ducking out of the way of low-hanging branches
puts the canoeist/kayaker at risk of capsizing. Spiderwebs
and snakes frequently hang from the mangrove branches
and you may need to paddle through them in the narrow
creek areas.
• Muddy bottom soil that can act as quicksand if you
attempt to stand up to right a capsized vessel.
• Presence of various animals including alligators, rac-
coons, snakes, etc. Dead-end creeks that require turning
around in very narrow spaces.
• Wind changes.
The presence of these challenges need not discourage you
from experiencing a very enjoyable adventure. They are
mentioned here only to prepare you for what may lie ahead.
Please give them careful consideration before you begin
your journey, as even one frightened passenger can cause the
vessel to capsize.
Two sessions are available each day. The first session
begins at 8 a.m. and runs until noon. Session two runs from
12:30 to one hour before sunset. Canoes and kayaks can be
Canoeing & Kayaking
Pelican Bay Member Guide 2018
66
PelicanBay.org
PLAY
in the Bay
