Park Summary for Print - Estero Bay Preserve State Park

Aerial picture of Estero Bay Preserve State Park and several mangrove islands.

Welcome to Estero Bay Preserve State Park

The first aquatic preserve established in Florida, this is one of the most productive estuaries in the state. The bay is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the bald eagle. The preserve protects the water, inlets, and islands along 10 miles of Estero Bay. Visitors can canoe or kayak in the bay or on the Estero River. Launch facilities are available at Koreshan State Historic Site and Lovers Key/Carl E. Johnson State Park. Miles of trails offer visitors the opportunity to hike, bicycle, or study the variety of wildlife and native vegetation protected here. There are gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, slash pines, and live oaks. Located near Estero, between Fort Myers and Naples. Take the Corkscrew Road exit from I-75, go west on Corkscrew Road, turn right on U.S. 41. Turn west (left) on Broadway West. Public access point is on the north (right) side of the road next to the Florida Power & Light substation.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Estero Bay Preserve State Park, please call 239-992-0311.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

To Estero River Scrub: I 75 to Corkscrew Rd exit 123. Travel west on Corkscrew Rd. At intersection with US 41, turn north (right) onto US 41. Turn west (left) onto Broadway W. Public access point is on the north (right) side of the road next to the FPL substation. To Winkler Point: I 75 to Daniels Rd exit 131. Travel west on Daniels Rd. Turn south (left) onto 6 Mile Cypress Parkway. Turn left (south) onto Summerlin Rd. Turn south (left) onto Winkler Road. Public access point is at the end.

To Preserve Office: The Preserve Office is co-located with the park office at Koreshan State Park. Take I-75 Exit 123 Corkscrew Road, head west 2 miles, cross U.S. 41 and continue on Corkscrew Road approximately 1000 yards to entrance of park. If traveling U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) Koreshan is located at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road at Estero.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

No entrance fee is required to enter this park.

Activities at Estero Bay Preserve State Park

	Bicycling Bike areas are provided
	Boating Boating is available
	Canoeing & Kayaking For those of you interested in launching a boat, kayak, or canoe, the Preserve has no such facilities, but Koreshan State Historic Site does have a boat ramp along the Estero River.
	Facilities Restroom facilities are not available at this park.
	Fishing Fishing is allowed in designated areas Do you need a Fishing License?
	Nature Trails For those of you interested in launching a boat, kayak, or canoe, the Preserve has no such facilities, but Koreshan State Historic Site does have a boat ramp along the Estero River. For more information on Nature Trails at parks in this area go to Mound Key Archaeological State Park and Koreshan State Park and click on the Activities link. Estero Bay Preserve is not ADA accessible at this time. Future plans include establishing ADA accessible features
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park

Special Events for Estero Bay Preserve State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Estero Bay Preserve State Park Ranger Programs

Estero Bay Preserve State Park History

Estero Bay Preserve State Park encompasses approximately 10,000 acres, and continues to grow as more environmentally sensitive land is acquired. Originally called the Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve, the land was purchased to protect the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve from the impacts associated with development. The Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve was the first aquatic preserve designated under Florida Statutes, in 1966, and the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA) managed the aquatic and buffer preserves. In January 1, 2004, the preserve became known as the Estero Bay Preserve State Park and is managed in conjunction with Koreshan State Historic Site and Mound Key Archeological State Park, under the Department of Recreation and Parks (DRP). The aquatic preserve is still managed by CAMA. Preservation and the protection of Estero Bay’s water quality is a primary focus of the managing partnership between CAMA and DRP.