An airboat is a flat-bottomed vessel propelled forward by an aircraft-type propeller. It is powered by either an aircraft or automotive engine. Airboats are a very popular transportation in the Florida Everglades, and the best method of transportation to appreciate the wonders of Lake Trafford. The launching point for airboat adventure is the Lake Trafford Marina. The Marina is located at 6001 Lake Trafford Road, Immokalee, FL, and the phone is 239-657-2214.
A Journey Back in Time Close to Civilization
The 1,500 acres of Lake Trafford seem to be a place from another time. When the water levels are low, dugout canoes carved by the Calusa Indians more than a 1,000 years ago are revealed. Despite this, it is convenient to the major population centers of southwest Florida. It is 37 miles from downtown Fort Myers, 40 miles from Bonita Springs and 46 miles from Naples. The trips from those cities to Lake Trafford are like traveling back in time, leaving the 21st Century and arriving in a land inhabited by creatures whose ancestors lived among dinosaurs. More can be learned about the Calusa Indians at the Calusa Nature Center in Fort Myers.
Headwaters of the Everglades in Southwest Florida
Lake Trafford and the Corkscrew Swamp are the headwaters of the Everglades on the West Coast of Florida. The state of Florida has a continuing project to restore Lake Trafford in Collier County, both by dredging the lake’s bottom and planting over 50,000 bulrush plants.
These plants create a desirable habitat for bugs, fish and other flora and fauna, including hundreds of alligators. Wildlife flourishes in the abundance of vegetation making it a birders heaven and a photographer’s paradise. Airboats provide a perfect way to get close to nature.
The Airboat Ride & a Close Up View of Nature
Since airboats skim across the top of the water, they are capable of going into areas that are shallow and inaccessible to traditional boats. This allows for a unique and close up view of the animals that call Lake Trafford home.
There are wading birds and soaring birds of prey. There are beautiful and rare flowers. If one is really lucky and has a good eye there may be a chance to observe an iguana up in a tree. It takes concentration as these creatures change color to match the foliage.
Lake Trafford is valued for many things, but no swimming is allowed because of the alligators who call it home.
The Real Attraction: The Alligators
While there are many wonders to appreciate, it is the alligators that excite the imagination and raise the pulse. The alligator is known for its bone crushing bite and has been described as a living fossil from the age of reptiles. These fascinating creatures have survived on earth for 200 million years.
The airboat captains at Lake Trafford know where the alligators are and on a good day, during an hour long airboat ride, there will be encounters with hundreds of alligators.
The captains know where the alligators nest. The airboat has the ability to get within feet of a nest and at the right time of the year, one can see scores of baby gators scurrying to safety and hear the primeval hissing of the mother gator looking after her young.
At other times, the gators may be sunning themselves in the mud, and the airboat can skim close enough that a mature alligator roused from its reverie may slap the side of the boat with its powerful tail. The sense of adventure is palpable.
Edward “Ski” Olesky & Annie Olesky
In 1975, Ski Olesky opened the Lake Trafford Marina; he was joined by his wife Ann. Ann had a passion for the value of Lake Trafford, and was a prime mover in promoting the effort to save and restore the lake. She died in 1991, but lives on in the continuing work of preserving and protecting the lake. There is a public park, fishing pier and boat launch near the Olesky’s marina.
Ann Olesky Park is located at the end of Lake Trafford Road in Immokalee, Collier County, Florida. The lake is also known for fantastic fishing opportunities and lake water access.
Olesky Park features a 200-foot pier and boat ramp. Besides the birds and gators there are abundant fish ranging from bass and crappie to blue gill.
A Must See in Southwest Florida
A visit to southwest Florida should include Lake Trafford, a visit with Ski Olesky, and an airboat ride. With a little luck you will meet Captain Fred as he allows his visitors to get into the driver’s seat of the airboat. He allowed this recently with the newly commissioned Captain Allie. Made her feel like she was in the military.
Say hi to Ski and later take a walk on the pier. It will be a worthwhile trip.
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