Kayakers and other small boat enthusiasts are sure to appreciate our close proximity to Clam Bayou and the free use of kayaks we provide to guests of Blind Pass Condominiums. Book your stay now and let us know in advance, if you can, that you’ll be using the kayaks.
Clam Bayou – which is very old inlet – is a part of the Dinkens Bayou area just south of Blind Pass. The entire area is dynamic and always changing. Clam Bayou has been open to the Gulf off and on through the years. In 2016, Hermine, which was a Tropical Depression when it came by here and later became a hurricane, sent sufficient wind and waves to make a small pass to the Gulf of Mexico.
“This is reminiscent of the old days when both sides of Silver Key were open to the Gulf,” said nearby resident Doris Hardy, president of the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge. “Fishing boats would enter Clam Bayou. We saw sting rays and there were more blue crabs and Gulf critters, for lack of a better word.”
“This has resulting benefits,” Evans said. “The opening brings in Gulf water and allows some flushing within the bayou. This removes some organic matter in the bayou and allows for an influx of creatures. This influx will provide some additional food in the bayou and will allow for marine life to pass freely between the bayou and the Gulf.”
Maps also note the presence of Old Blind Pass next to Clam Bayou. That, Evans said, is indicative of how things change along the shore. The present Blind Pass where Sanibel meets Captiva has been open and closed through the years. It is in its present spot today only because of human efforts to keep it there.
This entire area provides for a wonderful day of exploration by kayak, canoe and other small vessels that should not be missed no matter what time of the year you visit!
