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Join the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) for a riverboat adventure on the Oxbow & Riverlore Cruise to experience the historical Caloosahatchee.

This guided monthly cruise explores the meanders of the historic upriver Caloosahatchee. We follow the river back to a time when a waterfall served as the headwaters of the Caloosahatchee and settlers braved living amongst the wilderness.

The 2.5-hour adventure begins by locking through the W.P. Franklin Lock in Olga. Heading east toward Alva, we enter the historic bends of the river and revisit the activities of the pioneers who traveled the same river to find paradise. Stories of the settlements and their adventures are blended with an understanding of the river's oxbows, the wild creatures that call it home and the challenges the river faces.

The tour is guided by Rae Ann Wessel, a river researcher, long-time river advocate, historian and SCCF Natural Resource Policy Director. Our vessel is the stable and spacious 47-passenger Manatee Rover pontoon boat that features daily manatee tours. All seats have a great view for photographs and bird watching.

Cruises depart at 1 p.m. from the W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam, located off SR 80 in Olga. Upcoming cruise dates are:

- Sunday, Jan. 24

- Sunday, Feb. 14

- Sunday, March 14

- Sunday, April 11

- Sunday, May 9 (Mother's Day)

Cruises depart at 1 p.m. and return by 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person, with payment due at time of reservation. Please call SCCF at 472-2329. We look forward to taking you back in time.