Lakeland, Florida

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.

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.

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.