Kayaking and Canoeing at Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers, Florida

Lakes Regional Park is a full service park, so to speak. There are bike and boat rental and a concession stand down by the water. Playgrounds and splash pads are conveniently located for the kids. Of course there are pavilions and picnic areas. And thats just for starters. But don't let the domesticated nature of all that fool you. The lake here is large and gets secluded. Just know, that if you're doing the family thing, this is a great place to bring the clan while you get some time out on the water.

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Lakes Regional Park is very accommodating to paddlers. They rent a variety of different water craft including paddle boats, canoes, sit-on-top kayaks, and kayaks with cockpits. So, if you're on vacation and don't have your boat with you, this could be a good place to stretch those arms so to speak and get some time out on the water.

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Of course, any serious kayaker will want to paddle their own kayak or canoe if its available, especially if its rigged with specialized gear. For instance, this lake is a favorite among local freshwater canoe and kayak fisherman. Just watch out when reeling one up as the gators here have figured out that's food on the end of your line.

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Launching your own canoe or kayak is extremely easy. There is actually a traditional sloped type boat launch in the park. Most paddlers, however, prefer to walk their kayaking gear down to the sandy and grassy shores and get in down there.

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