CAPTIVA CRUISES The historic fish houses of the Pine Island Sound is one highlight of the “Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island” excursion that Captiva Cruises will offer on Jan. 20.

Captiva Cruises’ tour about the centuries of local fishing cultures is returning for the season.

Typically offered from mid-November through April, the “Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island” cruise will take place four times this year, with the first event scheduled for Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“This cruise will focus on the fishing cultures of the Pine Island Sound, encompassing more than a thousand years of fishing — from the indigenous Calusa and Spanish-Cuban fishing era, to commercial fishing with the Punta Gorda Fish and Ice Company and on up to today, including the area’s incredible sport fishing,” Captiva Cruises educator Richard Finkel said.

Departing from McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva, the tour will travel to the community of Pineland on Pine Island. The historic fish houses of the Pine Island Sound will be seen along the way, as well as North Captiva, Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key and Useppa Island.

“The ecology and the importance of the back bay estuary are discussed, which is the common denominator throughout time. The cultural history, wildlife and present day living are all intricately tied into the waters around the islands,” he said. “Dolphins and a variety of birds are often seen while cruising the waters.”

CAPTIVA CRUISES Lunch will take place at the historic Tarpon Lodge Restaurant on Pine Island.

On Pine Island, participants will disembark for lunch at the Tarpon Lodge Restaurant. They will hear about the family business’ storied tradition of fishing the Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. An historic home converted into an inn and a restaurant, the lodge dates back to the mid 1920s. Today, it maintains that “old Florida charm.”

Following lunch, there will be an opportunity for a guided walk along the Calusa Heritage Trail at the Randell Research Center and Calusa Indian Mounds to learn about the indigenous fishing culture. A program of the Florida Museum of Natural History, the facility is dedicated to learning and teaching the archeology, history and ecology of Southwest Florida through the Pineland archeological and historical site.

The cost is $50 for adults and seniors and $35 for ages 12 and under.

Reservations are required; lunch is not included in the cost.

The other dates are Feb. 7, March 9 and March 20.

For more information or reservations, call 239-472-5300 or visit www.captivacruises.com.

Captiva Cruises is at McCarthy’s Marina, at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.