Chiquita Lock — Attraction in Cape Coral

Went to go thru the lock on Monday late morning, early afternoon, and the lock was closed.....they said it was broken with no ETA on repair...so we turned around and headed home. Went back the next day, early afternoon and the lock was open in both directions as it was locked in open position. We were heading south thru the lock, and due to the water's current out of the lock (due to tidal conditions we assune).... water was pouring thru it, it pushed the boat (34' x 14' catamaran) into the mangroves....even with it being steered away, only the back side ended up hitting. Then to make worse there were people in other boats waiting to go opposite direction thru the lock, plus not to mention boats parked at the restaurant nearby. No room to maneuver. It was a harrowing experience. We think the lock should be removed as it doesn't work all if the time, no room to maneuver, very...

The construction from after the hurricane is still going on down here. Very little parking. Too many people and not enough there to really enjoy myself. Ton of cops too... Not doing much, just enjoying the paycheck. DAY, I mean the day. The lock does NOT look like it would be safe to kayak through it but I could be wrong. Most boats were kind to me and my modest vessel. Very busy though, would not recommend for inexperienced kayakers. It did make me curious to try Rumrunners though... Lots of snow birds having late lunch early dinner 12-4 over there for...

If you like your boat getting damaged by either other boats or the shells on the side walls as your boat gets tossed around, this is the place for you. It literally does nothing to protect the environment. The spreader canal has so many breaches that this lock is innefective and nothing more than a hazard to people...