2026 Blessing of the Fleet
Blessing of the Fleet: Honoring a Tradition That Started It All
Once again, St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church will lead the annual Blessing of the Fleet on March 15, continuing one of the most meaningful traditions in Fort Myers Beach history.
Rooted in maritime culture around the world, the Blessing of the Fleet is a religious ceremony held to pray for the safety of crews, a prosperous shrimping season, and protection over the boats and the industry that has helped shape our island community.
The Blessing begins at 10:00 AM with a service held on the shrimp docks. The ceremony includes prayers, hymns, and scripture readings, bringing together shrimping families, residents, and visitors to honor the hardworking men and women of the fleet.
Following the service, the Bishop will walk along the docks and individually bless each shrimp boat with holy water, offering prayers for protection and a safe year on the water.
A Tradition That Sparked the Shrimp Festival
What began as a simple dockside blessing in the late 1950s eventually grew into what we now know as the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival — a much larger community celebration that spans an entire weekend each March.
Even as the festival has grown to include parades, pageants, seafood celebrations, and family activities, the Blessing of the Fleet remains one of the most important and meaningful traditions tied to the event.
Blessing for All Boaters
This year, the Blessing will take place one week after the Shrimp Festival and will include a special opportunity for all watercraft to receive a blessing.
After blessing the docked shrimp boats, the Bishop will board a private vessel and move into the waters near the Matanzas Pass Bridge. From there, the Bishop will bless any private or commercial boat that passes by.
We encourage all boaters in the area to participate — simply bring your vessel through the area near the bridge to receive a blessing and enjoy the beautiful waters surrounding Fort Myers Beach.
Join Us
Whether you’re a longtime resident, part of the shrimping industry, or visiting the island, the Blessing of the Fleet is a powerful reminder of the heritage, faith, and community spirit that helped build Fort Myers Beach.
Blessing of the Fleet
📅 March 15
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Shrimp Docks at Erickson & Jensen Seafood
Come witness a tradition that honors the past while blessing the future of our waters and the people who depend on them.
