Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail launches smart-phone application

FORT MYERS – A smart-phone application that provides valuable Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail information will be available to both Android and iPhone users on the opening day of the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival, Thursday, Nov. 1.

Boaters and divers will see the launch of iPhone and Android apps for the Lee County Boaters Guide and Artificial Reef Guide at the Fort Myers Boat Show, which opens Nov. 8.

The Calusa Blueway application, a first-of-its-kind canoe and kayak navigational aid, provides real-time GPS coordinates and navigation, an interactive trail map with places of interest identified, boating tips and regulations and a key to the blueway’s flora, fauna and wildlife. The application covers the 190-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.

A pilot program launched at the 2011 Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival brought 50 miles of the paddling trail to iPhone users. This year’s festival will complete the smart-phone project with the entire blueway available in the application. Both the blueway and the boaters’ applications were funded by a grant from the West Coast Inland Navigation District.

The applications are available Thursday for free on Google Play and the iTunes store. The boating apps will be free and ready for downloading Nov. 8.

The applications were designed by pearl, a Lee County-based creative advertising and digital agency with expertise in custom brand development and new technology applications.

To learn more about the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, visit CalusaBlueway.com. Festival details are available at CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com. Fort Myers Boat Show information is at FortMyersBoatShow.com.