THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the coastal wetlands of Estero Bay with Paddle Naples’s guided eco tour. Paddleboard or kayak alongside dolphins, manatees, and vibrant mangroves on this relaxing adventure suitable for all ages.
Discover the coastal wetlands of Estero Bay with Paddle Naples’s guided eco tour. Paddleboard or kayak alongside dolphins, manatees, and vibrant mangroves on this relaxing adventure suitable for all ages.
Book with Paddle Naples
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Paddle Naples · Fort Myers Beach, Florida
A calm morning at Fort Myers Beach sets the scene for a one-of-a-kind outing with Paddle Naples’ Guided Eco Tour at Estero Bay. Launching from Big Hickory Island, participants step into a realm of shimmering waters and lush mangrove channels, where the air rings with the calls of egrets and the distant splash of dolphins. This experience seamlessly combines adventure with nature’s quiet beauty, ideal for those of all ages and skill levels. Paddlers can choose between tandem kayaking or paddleboarding, allowing for a relaxed pace or a bit more exertion depending on your mood. As you glide past ancient mangroves, playful dolphins often surf the bow, while slow-moving manatees occasionally surface nearby, offering wildlife encounters that leave lasting impressions.
What makes Paddle Naples’s eco tour stand out is its focus on immersing visitors in the local ecosystem. The guides share insights about estuarine life and conservation efforts, fostering a deeper understanding of this vibrant habitat. After a gentle cruise along the coast, collecting shells and soaking in the coastal scenery, participants receive complimentary photos to relive their journey. The experience is perfect for nature lovers, families, or anyone seeking a peaceful yet engaging outdoor activity in Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Paddle Naples’s dedication to maintaining a sustainable, respectful relationship with the environment makes it a standout provider in the region's outdoor recreation scene. Its prime location at the gateway to Estero Bay offers a rare chance to witness Florida’s wild estuarine wildlife up close. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day on the water or an educational adventure immersed in mangrove ecosystems, this guided tour creates meaningful memories amid Florida’s aquatic charm.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with minimal physical effort required.
Yes, the tours are family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages.
No experience is necessary; guides provide instructions before heading out.
Dolphins, manatees, wading birds, and various fish are common sights.
Bring water, sunscreen, hats, and any personal items, though gear is provided.
Yes, tours may be postponed or canceled due to unsafe weather conditions.
Please contact Paddle Naples in advance for accommodations or concerns.
Estero Bay has long been a vital habitat for native wildlife and played a role in Florida’s maritime history.
Paddle Naples emphasizes eco-friendly practices and respects local ecosystems to preserve the estuarine environment.
Paddle Naples is a Bonita Springs water sports outfitter specializing in guided eco tours and rentals on Estero Bay and Big Hickory Island. It offers clear kayaks, tandem kayaks, single and tandem kayak rentals, paddleboards, and Hobie pedal-drive craft for fishing or leisure. Tours include guided eco experiences—both paddleboard and kayak options—ranging from one-hour excursions to 2.5-hour clear paddleboard trips, plus sunset and glow-light clear kayak outings. Trips launch from Big Hickory Island and explore mangrove estuaries, inlets, and barrier islands where guests commonly see dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and diverse shorebirds. Paddle Naples provides beginner-friendly lessons, complimentary photos on guided tours, safety gear such as life vests and dry boxes, and alternatives like pedal kayaks for paddlers seeking less upper-body effort. Rentals include hourly and multi-hour options; guided tours focus on ecology, wildlife viewing, and relaxed beach exploration. The business serves families, first-time paddlers, and experienced paddlers seeking clear-hull visibility or a self-guided outing. Paddle Naples emphasizes local knowledge of Southwest Florida waterways, small-group guided experiences, and on-water instruction to build confidence. Equipment is maintained for safety and visibility, and staff provide orientation before departures. Reservations are available for specific trip types, and shore access locations include Big Hickory Island and nearby Bonita Springs launch points. Customers can choose guided or self-guided options with clear-hull gear, lessons, and safety briefings tailored to skill level and trip length.
Book with Paddle Naples