Island Awakening: A Walk Through Nature, Wellness & Connection at Eagle Perch

A Little Peace, Just Steps Away

Sometimes, the most powerful moments happen when we pause.

Tucked just a short walk from the energy of Gulf Harbour’s clubhouse and courts, Eagle Perch Island feels like stumbling upon a secret. One minute, you’re surrounded by friendly chatter and the bustle of the day—and the next, you’re stepping into stillness. The kind that makes you take a deeper breath without even realizing it.

The soundscape shifts too: tennis balls and laughter fade into birdsong, the rustle of palms in the breeze, and the soft lap of water along the shore.

It’s not far—but it feels like a world away.

More Than Just a Pretty Place

The trail leads you gently into the heart of the island, where native plants bloom in vibrant waves of color. It’s not just beautiful—it’s intentional. Every flower, every shrub, was planted with a purpose: to support butterflies, bees, and other pollinators who help keep this ecosystem healthy.

You’ll probably notice the butterflies first. They float through the air like confetti on a breeze, dancing from bloom to bloom. There’s something almost magical about watching them—simple, peaceful, grounding.

And then there are the birds. Ospreys circling overhead. Herons silently fishing in the shallows. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a turtle sunbathing or hear the splash of a fish just out of view.

You start to realize: this isn’t just a nature walk. It’s a quiet reminder that we’re part of something bigger. And it’s no accident. Gulf Harbour has worked hard to protect this space as part of its Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary certification—an ongoing promise to protect wildlife, restore native habitats, and design with intention.

A Growing Mission: New Roots, New Partnerships

That mission continues to grow. Last year we partnered with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) to establish a mangrove sanctuary on the island—a new chapter in our ongoing story of environmental care.

Our very own members joined SCCF volunteers to help plant the first wave of mangrove saplings. Their hands-in-the-earth effort wasn’t just symbolic—it was deeply meaningful. Those small trees will one day help protect our shoreline, provide essential habitat, and contribute to the resilience of our coastal environment.

Birding, Bees, and Beyond

Beyond the island, Gulf Harbour’s commitment to nature extends in many ways. Just off the golf course, managed beehives quietly hum with life, pollinating the Club’s gardens and green spaces.

And for members, one of the most anticipated annual experiences is the private wildlife and birding tour. These tours offer a unique chance to explore the island’s diverse habitats and learn about the native species that call it home, including the carefully installed Native Bird Boxes that encourage nesting and protect local birds. It’s a rare, up-close look at the vibrant ecosystem thriving right here—and an experience that connects members more deeply to the natural world around them.

Wellness, From the Inside Out

Eagle Perch Island isn’t flashy. It doesn’t need to be. What it offers is something more lasting: A place to walk. To wander. To breathe.
To slow down and remember what it feels like to be connected—to yourself, and to the world around you.

Whether you come with your morning coffee, your walking shoes, or just a restless mind looking for quiet, the island has a way of meeting you where you are.

And maybe that’s the most important thing about it.

An Invitation to Discover More

Eagle Perch Island is something truly special—not just because of its beauty, but because it’s part of something bigger. As a private sanctuary within the Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club and community, it reflects a way of life centered on wellness, connection, and care. Very few clubs can say they offer a private island like this—one that’s been thoughtfully preserved and shared by those who call this place home.

If you're looking for more than just a Club—if you're looking for a community where friendships grow into something deeper—your journey from friendship to family starts right here.

We invite you to explore membership and discover

what makes Gulf Harbour unlike anywhere else.