THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Paddle through mangrove tunnels and out onto the Gulf from Big Hickory Island on a guided 2.5-hour CLEAR kayak or SUP eco tour. Expect dolphin sightings, historic shell ridges, and practical guidance for low-impact paddling.
Paddle through mangrove tunnels and out onto the Gulf from Big Hickory Island on a guided 2.5-hour CLEAR kayak or SUP eco tour. Expect dolphin sightings, historic shell ridges, and practical guidance for low-impact paddling.
Book with Paddle Naples
Book directly with Paddle Naples for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by Paddle Naples · Bonita Springs, Florida
The afternoon sun warms the polycarbonate hull as you push off from the public launch at Big Hickory Island. Mangrove roots reach like fingers into glassy water, the channel breathing a soft current that nudges your kayak forward. Dolphins slice the surface nearby; a heron watches from a low branch, patient as a guide pointing out shell-laden shorelines.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect seated paddling for the full tour and brief walking on shore for shelling.
No—this guided tour is beginner-friendly; guides teach basic strokes and safety before launching.
Yes—minimum age is 3; child-sized PFDs are available though parents may prefer bringing a fitted personal PFD for small children.
Dolphins are common year-round; manatees appear more often in warm months but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Tours cancel for unsafe weather; full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours prior per the operator’s policy.
The islands are built on ancient shell ridges used by Indigenous Calusa peoples for fishing and tool-making; modern boat channels and beach profiles reflect decades of storms and tidal shifts.
Operators emphasize low-impact practices—stay in boats, avoid trampling vegetation, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect seagrass and marine life.
Paddle Naples operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Paddle Naples
Book directly with Paddle Naples for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now