SAN CARLOS BAY/BUNCHE BEACH PRESERVE
Facility_info
Address Contact Information Other Information
18201 John Morris Road
Fort Myers, FL
33908
 Paul Yacobelli
(239) 765-6794
yacobep@leegov.com

Programs
Beach Parks Map
Aerial Picture
Download Brochure
Panoramic View
Directions Staff Events
Google Map/Directions/Directions Staff allocated to facility's budget Events Calendar
Hours
 Dawn to dusk 7 days a week.
Information
 This 719-acre facility is a natural tidal wetlands area that is located on San Carlos Bay. It is a pristine, completely natural area that is indicative of the entire area before the introduction of exotic plant species, it is "Old Florida." This is living ecosystem that ranges from a sandy beach to Mangrove forests to salt flats and contains a wide variety of wildlife for viewing and offers great photographic opportunities from the flora & fauna to fantastic sunsets. The new Outdoor Activity Center has two paddlecraft lauches, two wildlife viewing and fishing piers, a 310 ft. boardwalk and composting restrooms. There is no running water and all electric needs are provided through solar power. An environmental friendly facility, built and designed to employ green practices. Approximately 100 vehicles can now park between the new site and the beach with no vehicles allowed to park on the west side of John Morris Road. Solor powered pay stations will charge $1 per hour parking fee and annual Lee County Parks & Recreation Parking Stickers will be honored at this location. No pets or alcohol permitted.
History
 In 1949 there was a dedication ceremony, barbecue, and festivities with over 3000 in attendance from as far away as Tampa, Fl. That day it was officially dedicated and named Bunche Beach after Dr. Ralph Bunche, a famous black American who, at the time, was a mediator for the United Nations.The facility remained unchanged with little done to it until 2001 when all of the exotic vegetation was removed. Then in 2002 an additional 730 acres of adjacent lands were purchased under the 2020 Conservation Plan bringing the total to 731 acres and the re-naming of it to the San Carlos Bay / Bunche Beach Preserve.