An Ode to Tradition, A Call to Conservation: The Reimagined Great Canoe Races of Naples

This year marks the momentous return of a beloved local tradition—the 45th Great Canoe Races of Naples—and it’s coming back with more spirit, purpose, and heart than ever June 14 at Baker Park.

What began in 1977 at The Dock as a spirited gathering of locals challenging one another to friendly competition and to celebrate the end of the busy season on our beautiful waterways, has become more profound. After a five-year hiatus brought on by the global pandemic, this cherished event is making a triumphant comeback—not only as a celebration of community and sport but as a rallying cry for conservation and a promise to our environment.

This beautiful, centrally located space provides the perfect setting for a community-wide celebration that brings together adventure, environmental awareness, and local pride. This year, we’re not just paddling for glory. We’re paddling for a cause. The revitalized Great Canoe Races of Naples has been reborn as a non-profit event—a powerful fusion of thrilling competition and dedicated mission. It’s an homage to our past, but it’s also a blueprint for our future.

Our new mission is clear, "To inspire a deep respect for our waterways through the thrill of competition and a commitment to conservation. Our annual canoe race is more than just a challenge of endurance and skill—it’s a platform to promote water and boating safety, educate participants on responsible water stewardship, and support the restoration of aquatic habitats."

In essence, this isn’t just a day of canoe races—it’s a movement. A movement to protect what makes Naples unique: our stunning waterways, our irreplaceable wildlife, and our vibrant year-round community.

This year, we are proud to partner with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida—one of Florida’s most respected environmental organizations and a natural ally in our mission. Founded in 1964 by a passionate group of citizens determined to protect the region's natural beauty, the Conservancy has grown into a regional powerhouse for environmental protection, scientific research, advocacy, and education.

Their mission speaks directly to our hearts: “To protect Southwest Florida’s unique natural environment and quality of life... now and forever.”

Together, our shared vision is simple yet ambitious, to create a region where our land, water, and wildlife are protected, our citizens are informed, and our leaders prioritize sustainability and wellness.

With the Conservancy by our side, every paddle stroke this year becomes an act of advocacy. Every cheer from the shoreline becomes a show of support for the environment. Every laugh, dance, and moment shared at the Beer Garden, Vendor Fair, or live music stage becomes a celebration of a community united behind a common goal.

The Great Canoe Races of Naples will be a day of family-friendly fun designed for the locals who call this place home year-round. Equal parts adventure and awareness, the event will feature:

• High-energy canoe races for all skill levels

• Live music and entertainment to keep the vibes festive

• A lively Beer Garden and Vendor Fair to support local businesses

• Educational outreach and exhibits in partnership with the Conservancy to promote water safety and conservation

This is more than an event—it’s a celebration of community and commitment. It’s a place where young and old can connect with nature, where we remember the joy of racing on our waterways, and where we recommit ourselves to protecting them for generations to come.

So bring your paddles, your family, and your community spirit to Baker Park on June 14. Let’s make this more than just a comeback—let’s make it a legacy.

Whether you’re paddling in the race, dancing to the music, sipping a local brew, or simply cheering on your neighbors, your presence at the Great Canoe Races helps write the next chapter of this incredible story.

Let’s honor the legacy of 45 years by shaping a future where tradition and transformation go hand in hand. Together, with every canoe launched and every voice raised, we can protect the waters that have carried us—and will continue to carry us—forward. To sign up to race, become a sponsor, be a vendor, or just get more information, go to naplescanoeraces.com