Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve

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Aquatic preserves are submerged lands of exceptional beauty which are to be maintained in their natural or existing condition. Florida Legislature created aquatic preserves as a result of increased population pressures on Florida. In the early 1960's, a group of local citizens exhibiting great insight for environmental awareness and conservation helped establish Florida's first aquatic preserve in Estero Bay. Click here to view a slideshow of the animal life in the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Click here to view a slideshow of the plant life in the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Fishing is a popular recreation in the Preserve. Click here to see some anglers in action. By 1975, the Florida Aquatic Preserve Act was passed to set a standard of management criteria. Today, there are 42 aquatic preserves in the state of Florida. Management objectives include maintaining and improving existing resources such as sea grasses, mangroves, aquatic plants, birds and fish for the continued enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. STATUS: Open to the public 24 hours a day 365 days a year. LOCATION: The boundaries of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve begin at the Matanzas Pass Sky bridge and extend south to Bonita Beach.