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, May 22, 2012

Nancy and Brian
















The Johnson family has traveled with me for many years. This year we left the dock at 1:00 in the afternoon and returned after the sunset. The May weather was absolutely perfect. We had our usual "loose itinerary"(What ever pops up in nature, lets go explore it!) A new sand bar had formed 48 hours before in the Gulf and I was anxious to explore it. That is where our trip began. The color of the water was deliciously inviting.( kinda like a mango on ice) We found a large live horse conch and took a picture of this beautiful shell and then put it back where we found it. We then traveled to one of my favorite spots and found and observed many shells. The tide was falling fast. So fast that the stern of my boat was almost on the bottom after our long walk on the beach. The storm clouds were still farther inland as we made our way to one of my favorite places on the water to eat. (Nancy's favorite) The quiet and peaceful Tarpon Lodge. The food was superb and the waitstaff even better. It was now time to catch the sunset. My plan was to watch the sunset beside Cayo Costa. Soon after leaving the Tarpon Lodge we saw roseate spoonbills on a mudflat.( The tide was incredibly low.) We all enjoyed the moment and the beauty of the roseate. We enjoyed it so much we decided to just watch then sun  fall while we were tucked in beside the mangroves. It was a beautiful moment. Just the sounds of the birds wings and the north northwest wind on the side of the boat. I  always love the loose itinerary of the Johnsons. Thank you for another "loose itinerary" adventure.