Immerse in an ECO-Tour and Experience Southwest Florida Islands by Boat

“Captain Brian Holaway is well versed in the intricacies of our unmatched locale. He can guide to and through a multitude of out-of-the way tidal creeks, bayous, keys and islands. More important is his passionate interest and respect for the region. With unique insights from his many explorations and his studies, not only does he identify the birds and wildlife that inhabit our semi-tropical watery land, but he explains their interconnectedness to their environment and each other. In addition, he shares the fascinating history of rugged people who came long before us: Florida Native Indians, the Calusa, the Spanish, the Cubans, early homesteaders, and the wisdom evident in the growth of their culture.

You will come away with great enjoyment and a new understanding of this beautiful place and its history.”

Historian, Betty Anholt
Author of Sanibel’s Story

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Sharks, Shells, and Great Family















I enjoyed a day on the water with the Roeder family.  We traveled to a remote location on Cayo Costa to explore the beach. We observed turtle nests and found many great finds.  Mike gathered his first baby's ear shell (I just love it when that happens) and his wife found a nice Florida cone. One of the girls found an absolutely beautiful common nutmeg shell which was probably one of the best nutmegs I have ever held in my hand. Great find! Time seemed to fly by on the beach. I pulled the anchor and we motored back towards Captiva. This is when the wildlife show started. We saw a loggerhead turtle and then a 4 foot hammerhead shark.  The water was so clear we just slowly putted along watching stingrays glide past the boat and a couple of manatee. I noticed a dolphin close to the marina in shallow water playing with a fish. I eased the boat closer but still kept a good distance from the dolphin when I noticed another fin behind the dolphin. It was a shark! If you look close in the photos you can see the shark behind the dolphin. The shark's fin is more triangular.  The shark let us get a good look at him/her before it splashed some water by the boat and took off. It was a wonderful day on the water observing wildlife and collecting seashells with a great family.