Lakeland, Florida

Locally-owned and operated Tampa Riverwalk Rentals provides fun, affordable, and active experiences on the Tampa riverways, offering paddleboard, kayak, pedal boats, and bike rentals that launch directly from the Tampa Riverwalk or Marriott Water Street, with a focus on safety, family-friendly environments, and breathtaking views.

Bill Jackson's is a family-owned outdoor sporting goods retail store in Pinellas Park, FL, established in 1946, offering products, classes, and equipment for scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, camping, snow-skiing, archery, backpacking, and more. It features unique facilities like an indoor heated swimming pool for scuba training, a ski slope, and a shooting range, with a focus on expert staff and customer service for outdoor adventures.

ECOmersion is a premier kayak tour and rental company located in St. Petersburg, Florida, specializing in guided excursions through the scenic Weedon Island Preserve. With over 80 years of combined kayaking experience among its staff, the company offers accessible adventures suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned paddlers. Recognized as a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award recipient for three consecutive years, ECOmersion distinguishes itself through its commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement. Their knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary on the local ecosystem, enhancing the natural experience while promoting conservation. The company offers a range of services including low-difficulty guided kayak tours lasting approximately 2.5 hours and flexible kayak rentals from one to four hours. These activities allow visitors to explore mangrove tunnels and observe native wildlife such as bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and migrating white pelicans. ECOmersion provides high-quality equipment and thorough instruction, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing for participants aged eight to eighty-five. Beyond recreation, the company actively supports environmental initiatives in the Tampa Bay area, contributing a portion of proceeds to local non-profits and engaging in habitat restoration projects, making each excursion both an adventure and a contribution to preserving Florida’s natural beauty.

The Canoe Outpost on the Little Manatee River is situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast in southern Hillsborough County, conveniently near Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, and Sarasota. This location offers a unique paddling experience for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts, combining access to scenic waterways with well-maintained facilities. As part of the Canoe Outpost family, which includes sites on the Peace, Santa Fe, and Suwannee Rivers, it provides a trusted and established outdoor adventure option. The setting allows visitors to enjoy a peaceful natural environment while being close to popular local attractions, making it an ideal base for a Florida vacation. The business specializes in canoe and kayak rentals for both self-guided and guided trips on the Little Manatee River, Cockroach Bay, and the Braden River. Tubing is also available on the Little Manatee River when conditions permit, with transportation provided to facilitate a relaxing downstream experience. Additional services include coordinating group trips on other nearby rivers, catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. On-site lodging options range from RV and tent camping to deluxe cabin rentals, complemented by opportunities for fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. This combination of activities and accommodations offers visitors a comprehensive outdoor adventure tailored to diverse interests and experience levels.

Chadillac Adventures, located in Clearwater Beach, Florida, offers unique boating and paddling experiences in the Tampa Bay area. Founded in 2019 by Chad Mead, the company specializes in personalized, family-friendly tours that explore Florida’s lesser-known waterways, including crystal-clear springs, quiet island sandbars, and winding intracoastal routes. With two convenient locations at Clearwater Beach and Cove Cay Marina, Chadillac Adventures stands out by providing immersive adventures that avoid crowded tourist spots, focusing instead on authentic local experiences. The company’s extensive knowledge of the region and commitment to customer care create a welcoming atmosphere for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. The business offers a variety of activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours, including glowing sunset and night paddles as well as day trips through pristine natural springs. These experiences are designed to be relaxed and enjoyable, requiring no prior experience, making them ideal for couples, families, and groups seeking a distinctive way to explore Florida’s waterways. Chadillac Adventures is also pet friendly, encouraging guests to bring their dogs along for the journey. With a focus on personalized attention and small group sizes, each adventure is tailored to ensure a memorable and comfortable outing on the water.

Located in Clearwater, Florida, just minutes from Clearwater Beach, Cove Cay Marina offers a comprehensive waterfront experience with a focus on boating and recreational activities. The marina provides secure boat storage and slips, catering to both local residents and visitors seeking convenient access to Tampa Bay’s waters. Its unique combination of services, including a full-service bait shop and parts and service department, ensures that boaters have everything they need in one location. The presence of AJ’s Dockside Bar and Grill on-site adds a social and dining element, enhancing the overall appeal for guests looking to relax after a day on the water. Cove Cay Marina specializes in a variety of watercraft rentals such as jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats, making it an ideal destination for families, fishing enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. The marina also offers party bus rentals, expanding its appeal for group outings and celebrations. With competitive pricing and a commitment to customer service, the marina provides a welcoming atmosphere for both experienced boaters and newcomers. Visitors can expect well-maintained equipment, knowledgeable staff, and easy access to the scenic waterways of Tampa Bay, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience on the water.

Canoe Country Outfitters is a family-owned kayak, canoe, and paddleboard retailer located in St. Petersburg, Florida, serving the greater Tampa Bay area since 1986. With over three decades of experience, the shop offers an extensive selection of watercraft and accessories tailored to a wide range of paddling activities and skill levels. Their inventory includes canoes from Old Town and Wenonah, kayaks from leading brands such as Bonafide, Perception, and Wilderness Systems—the latter exclusively available in Pinellas County—and paddleboards from TAHE SUP. The store also specializes in Gheenoe micro-skiffs, known for their fiberglass hulls and high performance on Florida’s flats, providing customers with unique boating options beyond traditional paddling. The outfitter caters to both novices and seasoned paddlers by offering a variety of boats designed for fishing, touring, and recreational use, along with custom outfitting and repair services. Customers can find everything needed for a complete water experience, including motors, trailers, paddles, personal flotation devices, and storage solutions. The knowledgeable staff assists in selecting the right equipment to match individual needs and budgets, whether for casual paddling or serious angling. Additionally, Canoe Country Outfitters provides demo opportunities to ensure customers find the perfect fit before purchase, making it a comprehensive destination for water enthusiasts in the St. Petersburg region.

Located in Ruskin, Florida, Latitudes Tours provides an authentic and highly rated local experience exploring the natural beauty of Tampa Bay. With extensive knowledge of the region’s ecosystem, the company offers daily narrated eco-tours that highlight the area's diverse wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and native birds. The combination of expert guides and well-maintained equipment ensures a safe and informative adventure for visitors of all experience levels. What sets this business apart is its focus on both education and enjoyment, allowing guests to connect with the environment in a meaningful way. Latitudes Tours specializes in a variety of water-based activities, including guided kayak tours through the Tampa Bay Estuary and Little Manatee River, as well as sunset dinner cruises that provide a relaxing way to experience the scenic surroundings. These offerings cater to a wide range of customers, from those seeking a peaceful cruise to others looking for a more active paddle adventure. The tours are designed to be engaging and accessible, with a friendly crew dedicated to delivering memorable moments on the water. This combination of diverse options and attentive service makes it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Sharkey’s Glass Bottom Tours operates in multiple Florida locations including St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Sarasota, and West Palm Beach, offering unique water-based adventures since 2016. Specializing in glass bottom kayak tours illuminated by high-powered underwater LED lights, the company provides a distinctive experience that allows guests to view and feed fish in shallow, calm waters at night. Their tours are designed for all ages and skill levels, with double-seated kayaks and comprehensive safety measures including life jackets and stable vessels. What sets this business apart is its commitment to environmental stewardship, as every tour and rental directly supports beach and ocean cleanup efforts. The company’s offerings include LED illuminated fish feeding night tours, daytime island and mangrove tunnel adventures, and guided or non-guided kayak rentals. These excursions provide opportunities to explore Florida’s coastal ecosystems, observe marine wildlife such as dolphins and manatees, and enjoy activities like snorkeling, fishing, and swimming in secluded areas. Tours typically last between one to four hours and accommodate families, solo adventurers, and groups up to twenty people. The experience is both educational and engaging, with knowledgeable guides providing commentary and assistance, ensuring a memorable outing that combines recreation with environmental awareness.

See Through Adventures operates in the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area of Florida, specializing in guided kayaking tours that offer unique wildlife encounters in calm, shallow waters rich with marine life. The company is distinguished by its use of exclusive See Through Canoe brand glass-bottom kayaks, providing guests with an unparalleled view of underwater ecosystems. With extensive experience navigating locations such as Fort DeSoto and various sites throughout Pinellas County, the business boasts a high success rate of manatee and dolphin sightings year-round. Their approach emphasizes passive observation, allowing wildlife to approach naturally, creating memorable and respectful interactions. The company offers a range of tours and rentals designed for all skill levels, including daytime manatee and dolphin paddles, night glow mangrove tours, and self-paced rentals for exploring scenic waterways like the Sunshine Skyway Bridge area. Each tandem kayak accommodates two people, with safety briefings and life jackets provided to ensure a secure experience. Tours typically last between one and two and a half hours and are suitable for individuals aged 12 and older. Guests can expect expert guidance, opportunities to see Florida’s iconic marine animals up close, and the chance to explore diverse coastal environments, from mangrove islands to white sandy beaches known for shelling.

Tocobaga Tours is a locally owned kayak rental and ecotour company based in Safety Harbor, Florida, operating since 2002. Situated at the Safety Harbor Marina, the business offers a unique opportunity to explore Tampa Bay’s natural beauty and rich Native American history, particularly that of the Tocobaga tribe. With a focus on safety and customer experience, Tocobaga Tours provides well-maintained, sanitized equipment and expert guidance to ensure a memorable and secure adventure. The company’s connection to the local heritage and environment sets it apart as a distinctive provider in the region. The company offers self-guided rentals of kayaks, sea kayaks, and paddleboards by the hour, as well as guided ecotours available by reservation. These tours launch directly from the marina, allowing participants to paddle through the bay’s waters while learning about the area’s wildlife and historical sites, including the ceremonial mound of the Tocobaga tribe. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors interested in nature and culture, the experience combines physical activity with educational insight, providing an engaging way to connect with the environment and local history.