Great place to watch sunsets. I would not swim there, but if you don't mind sitting in the chair on the beach and reading a book or watching the sun go down, this place is definitely for you. read more

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We loved Bunche Beach. Close proximity to North Fort Myers. Not a lot of parking, but the parking is super close to beach. My husband can't walk far. So this was great. Not a huge beach, but calmer and more natural than a lot of beaches. Beautiful and peaceful. Also nice array of shells. read more

Bunche Beach Preserve - Bunche Beach - Beaches Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

Sweet, little hard-pressed sand beach with short, old, driftwood-like tree trunks poking up through the sand. Truly a locals' beach, clean, not huge, with sand bars to wade out into the water, lots of kids, folks on bicycles, views of downtown Ft. Myers & bridges. As far as we could tell, this is not a beach for shelling. Parking is only $2/hour, which is a real bargain. read more

Bunche Beach Preserve - Beaches Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

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Great beach close parking not too busy but at times can be if so, bring family and it's a perfect spot for a beach day with lots of opportunities to find sea life. And of course, seashells. read more

NOT a safe place for families. Have been here a few times, over a total of 10+ years, haven't been here for over 5 years. Every time I've been here, there are men cruising the beach looking for other men for you know what. I've seen exposed male genitals twice now - once under a shear sarong beach wrap and again today, just hanging out under a mini-skirt with a napkin or something wrapped around it. I visited during the middle of the day on a Saturday. I had heard they had cleaned this beach up, gotten rid of the filth and it was good for families again. 100% NOT TRUE. DO NOT VISIT....unless you are well, you know. Side note, if your husband likes to visit this beach by himself, I've got some bad news for you.... read more

I took my son and his siblings to this beach for a fun day after the very stressful week we've had. It was my son's birthday. I had a douchebag approach us on a four wheeler demanding that we leave because dogs were not allowed. I apologized to the d!ckhead with a tiny c0ck on a four wheeler feeling tough, and I let him know that I didn't see the signs. He started smirking like a smug a$shole as if I was stupid and said that there were signs everywhere. He was completely focused on taking a picture of me and my family with the dog even after we were leaving, he circled back around to continue harassing us. He took all his energy and put it into our family having a puppy on the beach that we were making sure it did not leave any droppings anywhere, and we also leashed the dog, as asked. He chose to ignore a couple being inappropriate in front of children on the beach giving oral to each other and tongue kissing and making out in front of children and thinking that it was funny. He let this couple continue to be inappropriate on the beach the entire time you were out there and only chose to approach me for the dog. Do not go to this beach if you have a family, and definitely don't bring your dog. I feel like it was extremely rude because even after he approached me and I acknowledge what he said and told him that I honestly did not notice the signs, he got very sarcastic and acted like there was no excuse for my mistake and that I should have known that we shouldn't have brought our puppy along. Instead of my son having a nice birthday chill day on the beach, now he's describing the oral sex that he witnessed on the beach. F*** this beach, f*** that guy on the four wheeler, and he decided to try to educate me on a history of the beach not knowing that this beach was originally a safe place for black people. In the future, just don't be a d!ck in a four wheeler. Maybe stop people from licking privates on a family beach instead of worrying about the obedient puppy making a birthday boy smile. Fck off completely if you're reading this you fcking bored loser go catch bigger fish or better yet, go fck yourself buddy read more

For what it's worth, 4 stars as "good" since the county has done a great job cleaning up this little private section of public space, a mere 7 months after Hurricane Ian graced the area. I'd give Bunche Beach 5 stars if I could, but my one and only time was to take pictures of the water scenery for my blog (which the picture I uploaded came from, even though I've edited it for another site I use). I don't have any comparison examples of what the beach looked like prior to September 2022 (pre Ian) nor do I have anything to comment on the destruction post Ian. What I CAN say... is... I met a couple guys who were enjoying the nice weather and morning. They both had told me that they've been coming to this little patch of sand for decades, and were mighty proud of what it looks like now, versus the beginning of October. From what I saw, you'd never think there was a borderline category 5 hurricane that swept through. It really did look like a normal beach but with a lot of driftwood. The unfortunate part was the area where you first stop if you want to rent a kayak was a little run down. Fencing in places, taped off corners. Some of the walking trails are barricaded, as I am pretty sure the bridges have been demolished in areas. From what I could tell, this is a pretty big preserve with plenty of areas to walk in, but since the bridges were closed, walking a little bit on the sand was plenty enough. Another down side is the street parking, as there's no real parking lot for those who want to put their toes in the ocean. It's single lane on an almost dead end road where if you don't get there early enough, you end up not getting a place to park your car and need to go into the kayak lot, which is about a mile away from the sand. If walking is your jam, have at it. If you're lazy and want to get closer to the water, be prepared to get there before the regulars show up. As I had someone else with me, and if we realized I'd be there talking to random strangers, my party said they'd have brought a bathing suit and chair, as Bunche Beach seems like the place to be. It was quiet yet a little packed. You could definitely park a cooler, chair and your body in a spot and enjoy the view. I'd totally be open to going again and watch everything around me. Side note: I've got a review with loads of pictures on my blog (May 6 2023). The link to my site is in my profile if anyone is interested after reading this Yelp review. read more

Bunche Beach Preserve - Posing driftwood - Beaches Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

Beautiful view of the gulf! Shallow water to walk way out on! Hourly parking! No shower but not as crowded as other nearby beaches

Bunche Beach Preserve is Great Overall. The Area is Clean. The Value is Good. The Ambiance is Nice. The Bunche Beach Preserve Location is Great Overall. read more

Great time with kids and family July the 4 weekend we had a great time the place was very full but everyone was very nice and the family had a great time read more

Historic Bunche Beach! Bunche Beach Preserve reflected the history of Lee County. This area was a small dedicated beach area for Black in 1949. At this time, it was the only beach in Lee County that persons of color could enjoy without risking arrest or harassment. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 broke this barrier and in 2001 additional lands were acquired by Lee County to provide access for all people as well a habitat for wildlife. Appropriately, this beach is named after Dr. Ralph Bunche, first world statemen of Color to win a Noble Peace Prize! This beach is unlike Sanibel, Captiva or Fort Myers Beach. It is narrow, rustic, uninhibited and the beach expands or contracts with the tide overlooking San Carlos Bay, Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Lighthouse. It is a small undeveloped beach without any restroom, food vendors. However, there is a separate Kayak Rental area on the right-hand side of John Morris Road. Parking is limited at the beach entrance. In fact, the kayak Rental or launch pads has more parking space than the beach entrance. There are nine 'No' in Bunche Beach Preserve, No Alcohol Glass Containers, No Motorized Vehicles, No Pets, No Fires, No Nudity, No Kiteboarding, No Overnight Parking, No Feeding Wildlife and No Unauthorized Vending. Officially, the parking is $2 per hour at the beach entrance but the paying machine is broken and covered with heavy plastic with a sign - Out of Order. Wait, this is the tenth 'No', No Paying. Two magic words for this beach, quiet and secluded. We love this beach and just love to walk along the shore. Nice alternative beach without dealing with Sanibel Beach Toll and traffic. read more

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Amazing beach nearby the major beaches. Clean and quiet. Can see for miles. Don't forget bug spray for no see ums. Lol. Not a lot of shells but good sand to walk in read more

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I've been putting off writing this review, but it's time to share this beach with Yelp! Bunche Beach is my sunset spot. Typically, you'll find me here once a week walking the beach with or without my husband at sunset. This beach is unlike Sanibel or Ft Myers Beach, but it's a slice of perfection. The "beach" expands and contracts with the tide. When it's low tide you can walk and explore! I've spotted lots of critters and birds here. It's a very peaceful sunset spot! There you go, the secret is out! read more

Bunche Beach Preserve - View of the shore line! - Beaches Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

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Absolutely love this beach, first time I've been here in about 7 years, Found lots of shells. definitely worth the drive. read more

Bunche Beach Preserve - Beaches Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

Beautiful, natural and historic beach. The only cost is parking. A great place to walk, play, relax. We heard sunset walks are beautiful. read more

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5 stars for a little piece of paradise found! Slightly off the beaten path down a long road, (off of Summerlin on your way towards Sanibel Island) lies this little gem of a beach. It is carefully hidden behind a lovely preserve for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. There is an option to rent kayaks/canoes down the road if that is your preference. A rustic, relatively uninhabited, soft white sand beach that has a beautiful view of both the points at Fort Myers Beach and the Sanibel Island causeway/Sanibel Lighthouse. Fantastic option if you are looking for a quieter more secluded beach day vs. the more crowded Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island beaches. The water is extremely shallow and calm --- great for wading through. Just watch your step, as there are a ton of oyster shells strewn along the shore and in the shallows. Parking is limited, but we have never had a problem getting a spot. It used to be $2 per hour, but there is no longer a parking meter machine. The sign is still there, but no machine to pay. So not sure if they are no longer charging to park or if they are just changing machines? Either way, $2 an hour for no tolls, crowds, or traffic is a no brainer! On the downside, there is no bathroom here and it can get very buggy since it is right next to the preserve. The water isn't the pretty blues you get along Sanibel, but still it's quite clear. With the Lake O issue these days most of the water in the Fort Myers/Sanibel area has been negatively affected sadly. Can't wait to come back with beach chairs, a little vino, and a yummy cheese plate to watch the sunset over Sanibel in the distance! read more

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Pretty neat little place. Two dollars to park per hour. The water was nice and warm very comfortable. I have a place where you can put a kayaking and paddle around. Overall pretty clean beach. There was definitely a lot of seashells everywhere. read more

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If I can find a quiet beach during season, I'm a happy gal! After driving around Fort Meyers Beach for an hour without finding any parking, I found Bunche Beach back on the mainland. They have street parking along with a little hidden lot on the right before you get to the water. Parking is $2/hour, pay at the machine, put the receipt on the dash then enjoy the beach! I was there for about three hours and had a great time just relaxing and listening to the water. The water was warm enough to go into in January and not too deep. No complaints here! read more

Just so you know this is not a real beach. What a disappointment. This is a little strip of sand and a little cove with dirty flat water more like a lake than a beach. No waves at all. It was crowded. Not much in the way of sea shells just fragments. Plus you have to park along a street and walk a mile to get to it. These are the things I wish I would have known before coming here. Yelp steered me wrong this time. Not worth going here if what you want is actual beach! read more

Nice secluded area with lots of kayakers out in the water. Water is brown (probably from the tannins leaking out of the trees in the nature preserve) but still clear and warm. Stays shallow for a long time! Went about 30 feet out and it was only up to my knees. Complaints- smells like suffer (aka can be stinky) and the beach area is only about 15 feet wide. Although seeing how it isn't crowded on a Saturday afternoon that probably isn't a bad thing. read more

Bunche Beach Preserve - Nature preserve creates small beaches for an even more secluded feel! - Beaches Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

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I love this quiet and sorta secluded beach! Very beautiful sunsets but BRING THE BUG SPRAY IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE THERE AFTER SUNDOWN! I was eaten alive bu sand fleas or no seems trying to walk back to my car read more

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This is the closest place from my home to the water's of the Gulf of Mexico. 13 min driving. It's really incredible how the salty open water is always a healer factor without the incredible and magnanimous powerful of the sky and the natural soundscapes of SWFL. I particularly don't enjoy the water as much to swimming like some others many paradise spots we find around here exploring the outdoors and adventure a bit about attending socializing which is a trending pandemic phenomena despite the fact that to live is to risk and take a chance perhaps taking all the chances. If you looking for some place to getaway of your blessing routine give this relaxing and beautiful place a try. I didn't attempt to try getting into the woods but I sense that It May be a walking trial for some exploration as well kayaking trials for sure. If wasn't for the unemployment situation I would have rented it one today. Much love and many blessings to you all! GuTo Grossi read more

Bunche Beach Preserve - Bunche Beach - Beaches Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

There were lots of no see ems that were biting us. It is nice for little kids because the waves are small. Go out to the right and there is a big sandbar which is nice for little ones to play on. There were no shells to be found here and no showers. read more

I love this beach!!!! I go here regularly and I always see something new. The beach is very clean and quiet. You can get some really great photos here and there is an incredible view of the sunset. If you go during low tide, you will see many types of animals in the shallow water and tide pools. read more

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Bunchy Beach: Closer to where we lived, Bunchy was the quickest option, but not the nicest. It is a decent beach but not the best Ft. Myers has to offer by any means. It was a nice alternative if you didn't have all day to devote to the beach. For more reviews in the area, visit our blog at: https://travelptswithacraftbeerprob.wordpress.com read more

A hidden gem. Non-commercial, bring your cola from home as you won't be able to buy one there! Nature abounds, wonderful opportunities for photographers. Sunset over Sanibel causeway is outstanding. Low tide affords long walks out into the Gulf. One caveat: horseflies at sunset can be hurtful in the sandy part of the beach. Waders are safe! read more

This is a really great place. The $2/hour parking is only draw back, but there's no admission charge! The beach here is much wider than at light house and less people. Better options to plant your towel away from other people (or others screaming children). The view of the key is fat more interesting as you can see causeways and buildings on both sides. The water has multiple areas, not simple beach. You can walk in tidal pools and estuaries! But the good part, I found my fossilized shark tooth! Not big about size of dime. There are lizards all over the place on the mangroves. The water you can see starfish (9 legged type, don't know their name). They are all over water line and while you think they need help out of water, they will bury themselves rather quickly. This is prefect for the quiet beach visit. If you came to relax, you're at the right spot. read more

Great for beach walks and exploring tidal pools. Also nice for families with small children as the water is very shallow and you can go out quite a way without gaining much depth. Photographers can focus on a variety of water birds and critters or beautiful evening sunsets over the water. The short boardwalk thru mangroves from the parking lot is worth the few minutes it takes, even if your main focus is the beach. Parking is $2 an hour in a lot a decent walk from the beach. I would recommend stopping the car at the end of the pavement near the beach long enough to drop off family and gear and then driving back to the lot to park. The Lee County Parking Sticker is valid in this lot. There are two nice launch areas for kayaks and canoes off the main parking lot. They also rent kayaks from this location (but I do not know the details). Launching from here will take you directly into mangroves suitable for a nice easy paddle. If you plan to follow the beach and head toward Mantanza's Pass, you will want to consult tide charts and avoid doing this near low tide. Paddling in that direction will be rougher and your craft may bottom out, as the entire area is very shallow. Bring your own food and beverage as there are no concessions in this area. Being closer to mangroves/vegetation means there is insect activity. That's one reason I prefer to remain active here rather than sit or lay on this beach. read more

On a day trip here and I wasn't sure what to expect, however, after looking at some of the suggestions on Yelp, I decided to try this beach. I wanted a nice beach that you didn't have to walk miles & miles from the parking lot, to the actual water, as with Bowman's beach in Sanibel. I was pleasantly greeted by white powdery sand, and clear water. We found a picnic table nestled in between a few palm trees for shade which was perfect. Afterwards we decided to take a walk down the beach to the right side. Just watch out for little stumps of driftwood protruding from the sand, if not careful you can stub your toe or trip. The scenery is gorgeous and sand so smooth. Parts of it reminded me of The Bahamas a little. When the tide starts receding, it creates these neat sandbars and pools, great for kids to play and adults alike! Sidenote: Also made friends with a local who happened to be celebrating her b'day the same day as mine. She gave us some good tips. I'd definitely recommend this nicely hidden beach to anyone. Get there early to find a decent parking spot, and parking is $2 an hour. Can't wait to go back. read more

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We went to Bunche beach Sunday February 14th, 2015. It is a small beach off the beaten track. The best part is that you do not have to spend an hour driving over the bridges and hunting for parking. They do ask you to pay $2/hour for parking. When we were there the solar powered parking label machine was out of order. If you are into walking the beach it is about an hour to make the loop. Nice white sand and fairly level for walking. It is shallow if you want to walk in the water. read more

This beach was awesome, especially earlier in the morning, when there weren't so many people here. There were some good shells here, but not great (although I feel weird saying that because Sanibel is close by.) When we got here, the beach smelled sulfuric, but once you got in the water it smelled better. Water was a little bit chilly, but I'm sure that's just the season we were here in. read more

This beach is fantastic for beach walks! There aren't too many shells and the sand is nice and soft. If you turn right on the beach you can walk down to a little inlet which is more secluded if you are looking for privacy. Also, there is a large sandbar where you can walk out really far without going deeper than your ankles, especially during low tide. I love how you can see Sanibel on one side and Ft. Myers beach on the other, with both causeways. It is very scenic. It's usually not too crowded either. My family spends most of our time on Sanibel, but this is our favorite beach on the mainland. read more

Dead fish everywhere. There were workers riding down the beach picking up the dead fish and throwing them into the plants. No restrooms, no water to wash your feet off. The water was very dark. Hopefully the beach isn't always this gross, and the water quality is usually better. Tha was our first trip to this beach and I'm sure our last. read more

My grandparents lived right up the street at Plantation Estates and this was our go-to beach. I'll never forget my childhood years when we used to see alligators on the side of John Morris Rd or later in my 20's on my last visit when we took my dying grandmother here one last time. I don't know when, if ever I'll be back to this beach...but I can still clearly see it and remember wading out to a sandbar and plunging my legs into the gently rolling water and looking out to Sanibel Island, Ft. Myers Beach and out further into the Gulf of Mexico... read more

Very nice beach. We came to take a walk after dinner and was pretty empty. It is $2 to park for 1 he which it a little expensive. It is very pretty at low tide and is great for picture taking. read more

We have been to Bunche Beach twice. First time was in December. We were looking for something a little off the beaten path and to avoid the traffic and crowds of Ft. Myers Beach. We stumbled across Bunche and were very pleasantly surprised. The beach was nothing fancy, not groomed, but just fine. No crowds and the water was really nice. We went back in July of this year and there was a huge difference. The beach seemed really dirty, it smelled horribly and the water seemed a bit stagnant. Also, beware there are lots of raccoons around and they are not afraid of humans. Keep any food closed up in your cooler. I would go back again but definitely would go in the winter and not in the summer read more

We came here in early September & the water was so brown.. it looked like an oil rig was being pumped into it or maybe just full of a 1000 shits. Either way, we chose not to swim. It is very secluded & only a few people were there.. mostly old leathered Floridian men smoking cigars. Maybe you're into that. ‍ Also, no attractions or food near by. Parking is $2/hr. read more

My kids loved this beach! Age 3, 5 and 7. Lots of slugs, jellyfish and other critters to keep them busy. Water is not the cleanest and we were advised not go in with my newborn baby. Parking is very affordable $2/h and we had no problems finding a spot on a busy Saturday at noon. People are always coming in and leaving. read more