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Matlacha Pass Kayak Tour with GAEA Guides - Fort Myers, FL

Matlacha Pass Kayak Tour with GAEA Guides

Fort Myerseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4 hours (3 hours on water)

Fitness Level

Participants should have basic fitness for moderate paddling in calm waters and be comfortable sitting for extended periods.

Overview

Paddle through Florida’s mangrove creeks with GAEA Guides on the Matlacha Pass Kayak Tour. Spot dolphins, manatees, and migrating birds while learning from a Florida Master Naturalist in a small group setting.

Fort Myers, Florida

Matlacha Pass Back Waters Kayak Tour

Cape Coral, near to North Fort Myers and Punta Gorda

Guided Tour
Kayak
Water Activities

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Adventure Photos

Matlacha Pass Back Waters Kayak Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the enchanting mangrove creeks of Florida on a guided kayak tour with GAEA Guides. Paddle in tandem kayaks for better communication and wildlife observation, while learning from a Florida Master Naturalist. Encounter diverse wildlife, including dolphins and manatees, in a small group setting for a truly memorable adventure.

Rates

$60 per person


About

GAEA Guides uses tandem kayaks that handle like a single if you are alone in one. We do this to limit the number of kayaks in the environment that may annoy the wildlife. We also do it because there is better communication between the guide and the clients if there are fewer kayaks. We only take a small group on each tour. The kayaks are sit-inside kayaks with comfortable seats and plenty of leg room.

Join GAEA Guides and wander through the fascinating wild beauty of Florida's unique mangrove creeks. With a Florida Master Naturalist as your guide, you're sure to learn a lot about the ecology and wildlife of this unique region.

On this 3-hour kayak tour, you'll:

  • See an assortment of wildlife, including birds, fish, manatees and dolphin
  • Observe lovely migrating White Pelicans (November - March)
  • Learn about the critters and ecology of the estuary in a select portion of North America's only Mangrove Forest**

Duration

  • 4 hours
  • The entire experience takes about 4 hours, and we'll be on the water for 3 hours. Upon meeting at the appointed time we will sign in, go over some safety information and then get the equipment in the water. This takes approximately ½ hour. At the completion of the tour we allow another ½ hour to get all the equipment put away.

What to Wear

We ask that you dress for the weather:

  • Usually a t-shirt and shorts will do.
  • Shoes that WILL get wet as you get in and out of your kayak (ideally, not flip flops - they are slippery and dangerous).
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen.
  • A hat.
  • Bug repellant may also be necessary if we are out in the evening.

What to Bring/What Not to Bring

What to Bring

  • Water, or something, to drink.
  • Your lunch or a snack, as we will stop to eat midway during the tour.

What NOT to Bring

Do NOT bring anything that you cannot afford to get wet, unless you have it in a dry bag.

Other Tips & Guidelines

  • Please arrive on time to find parking, as tours start promptly.
  • If you are not at the site by 15 minutes past the meeting time and have not made contact with the guide, the tour will start without you.

Cancellation Policy

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event. The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Adventure Tips

Choose Closed-Toe Water Shoes

Wear sturdy footwear that will stay on and protect your feet when entering and exiting the kayak on wet, slippery surfaces.

Bring Sun Protection

Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from Florida’s strong sun during the paddle.

Pack Snacks and Water

Bring hydration and light snacks to enjoy during the mid-tour break onshore.

Arrive Early for Check-In

Tours start promptly; arriving 15 minutes early helps with parking and gear fitting.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Manatees
  • Bottlenose dolphins

History

Matlacha Pass is part of a protected estuarine system with historic fishing and maritime roots dating back to early coastal settlements.

Conservation

GAEA Guides emphasizes low-impact paddling practices and supports local efforts to preserve mangrove habitats and water quality.

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Adventure Hotspots in Fort Myers, FL

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Closed-toe water shoes

Essential

Protect your feet and maintain grip on slippery launch areas.

Sunscreen

Essential

Avoid sunburn during exposed periods on the water.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

Sunglasses with UV protection

Essential

Reduce glare from water and protect your eyes.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

Water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during your paddling adventure.