San Carlos Bay - Bunche Beach Preserve

The basics

With two wildlife viewing and fishing piers—plus acres of beach where you can swim and suntan—the Bunche Beach Preserve is a low-impact way to enjoy a classic Florida environment with a relatively small crowd. Although there are no hiking trails through the preserve, you can launch a kayak on the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. There are two paddle craft launches and kayak/SUP rentals, tours, and fishing experiences available in the preserve.

Things to know before you go

• The bathrooms here are composting toilets with no running water.

• Motorized vehicles such as bikes or scooters aren’t allowed on the beach.

• A saltwater fishing license is required for on-shore fishing.

• Wildlife, including black racer snakes, bobcats, and nurse sharks, might be present here, so keep an eye out.

How to get there

San Carlos Bay - Bunche Beach Preserve is at 18201 John Morris Road. Head south from Summerlin Road and drive to the dead end at the beach where you’ll find paid parking spots. Public transport does not run down this road; taxis and rideshares can drop you off. You can also cycle and park in the dedicated bike area.

When to get there

Compared to other area beaches, Bunche Beach Preserve doesn’t get too crowded. However, parking is along the entrance road, so even if only a few people are visiting, you may have to walk a distance to get to the beach. Either arrive earlier in the day before the sun gets too strong or arrive around an hour before sunset so you can snag a great viewing spot.

Explore more of the bay from San Carlos Island

San Carlos Island is east of the Bunche Beach Preserve, a small stretch of land between the mainland and Fort Myers Beach. From here, multiple companies offer fishing charters, boat tours, and other services that go out into San Carlos Bay before the mangrove forest. Consider chartering a boat around the bay to see more wildlife in deeper waters.