Captiva Cruises’ newest expedition in its “Discover Southwest Florida History” tours will focus on the fishing cultures in Pine Island Sound; a story of fascinating characters and traditions.

This cruise will depart from McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva and travel to Pineland on Pine Island. Along the way we will get an up close look at historic fish houses of Pine Island Sound and discuss commercial fishing and the fishing cultures from the indigenous Calusa, to Spanish Cuban Ranchos, to the Punta Gorda Fish Company and to the spectacular Tarpon and sport fishing of today.

We will be greeted at The Tarpon Lodge and passengers will be oriented to this spectacular location, the family run business and their tradition of fishing within Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor.

Passengers then will relax while enjoying the “old Florida” charm of the 1926 Tarpon Lodge where lunch will be savored with waterfront views of Pine Island Sound and mangrove islands. After lunch we will walk to The Randell Research Center (RRC), located across the street from The Tarpon Lodge.

The RRC, a program of the Florida Museum of Natural History, aims to establish and maintain, at the internationally significant Pineland archeological and historical site, a permanent facility dedicated to learning and teaching the archeology, history and ecology of Southwest Florida. An RRC educator will guide us on The Calusa Heritage Trail to one of the pre-Columbian Mounds of the ancient Calusa while elaborating on this unique fishing culture.

This cruise to Pine Island will occur on Friday’s departing at 10 a.m. from McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva.

Captiva Cruises has established Discover Southwest Florida History cruises to Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Boca Grande and has recently added cruises to The Edison & Ford Winter Estates on the Caloosahatchee as well as this cruise to Pine Island.

These are excellent opportunities for families and neighborhoods to get together and learn about the history of Southwest Florida while enjoying a day out on the water.

Additional information and reservations for this “Discover Southwest Florida History” cruise to Pine Island or any of Captiva Cruises programs and tours may be obtained by calling Captiva Cruises at 472-5300.