Blessing of the Fleet

St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church will continue one of Fort Myers Beach’s most meaningful and historic traditions with its annual Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday, March 15, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM at Erickson & Jensen Seafood, located at 1100 Shrimp Boat Lane.

The morning will begin with a regular waterfront church service at 10:00 AM. At 11:00 AM, the Bishop will conduct a special Blessing of the Fleet service, followed by blessings of individual shrimp boats and their crews along the waterfront.

After blessing vessels in port, the Bishop and clergy will board a private vessel and travel along the San Carlos Island shoreline, beginning at Salty Sam’s Marina, continuing past the shrimp docks, waterfront restaurants, and through Matanzas Pass. The Bishop will also bless vessels at the Coast Guard Station and will stop near Marker 17 to bless any private boats wishing to participate before returning along the Estero Island shoreline.

The Blessing of the Fleet is a Fort Myers Beach tradition dating back to 1952, when St. Raphael’s first blessed the shrimp fleet at the Columbia Fish Company docks. For decades, this annual blessing has honored the men and women who make their living on the water, offering prayers for safety, protection, and prosperity.

At one time, more than 250 shrimp boats called San Carlos Island home. The Blessing of the Fleet became closely associated with the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival and continues to serve as a reminder of the community’s deep maritime heritage.

Commercial fishermen, recreational boaters, and the public are invited to participate. All vessels are welcome to receive a blessing.

The event is free and open to the public.