Matlacha, Florida

Manatee Kayaking Company operates at Manatee Park in Fort Myers, FL, offering guided manatee eco-tours, kayak and canoe rentals, and a gift shop for paddling the Orange River to view manatees and wildlife, primarily mid-November through March.

SURFit USA is a leading provider of kayak and stand up paddleboard eco-tours and rental equipment in Sarasota, Florida, with locations on Lido Key and Siesta Key. They offer guided tours through mangrove tunnels, wildlife encounters, paddleboard and kayak rentals for self-exploration, and multi-day adventures including hiking, surfing, and paddling in various locations. Owners Karla and Aaron, transplants from Hawaii, emphasize safety, fun, and sharing Sarasota's beautiful waterways since 2012.

Celebration Park Adventures offers water-based rentals and activities including SUP paddle boards, paddle boat for 5, single and double kayaks, Crusin Tiki’s, Eco Endeavors, and Naples Cycle Boats at a lively waterfront food truck park with restaurants, full liquor bar, live music, and direct access to waterways leading to the Gulf of Mexico.

Paddle Naples offers guided eco-tours, paddle boarding, kayaking, and rentals from Big Hickory Island in Bonita Springs, FL, exploring mangroves, Estero Bay Sanctuary, and Gulf of Mexico beaches. Tours feature clear kayaks and paddleboards for viewing marine life like dolphins, manatees, birds, and sea creatures, with beginner-friendly routes and complimentary photos.

Sight Sea-R Cruises operates in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, offering a unique way to explore the local waterways aboard a spacious, open-air 50-foot catamaran. With experienced captains and a certified Master Naturalist providing narration, the company specializes in eco-friendly tours that highlight the region’s abundant marine wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and various bird species. The vessel is equipped with shaded seating, a full bar, restroom facilities, and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all guests. This combination of knowledgeable staff, well-maintained equipment, and scenic routes makes the experience distinctive for visitors seeking both relaxation and education on the Gulf Coast. The cruise offerings include dolphin and wildlife tours, sunset cruises, shelling and eco tours, and special event cruises such as holiday light viewings and fireworks celebrations. These excursions cater to a broad audience, from families and nature enthusiasts to adults-only groups, providing engaging and memorable experiences on the water. Passengers can enjoy beverages served by an onboard bartender while observing wildlife or taking in stunning coastal views. The tours typically range from one and a half to three hours, allowing ample time to appreciate the natural beauty and wildlife of the Fort Myers Beach area in a comfortable and inviting setting.

Get Up And Go Kayaking offers unique guided clear kayak tours in Naples, Florida, providing an exceptional way to explore the region’s stunning waterways. Located at Wiggins Pass, this company specializes in transparent kayaks that allow paddlers of all experience levels to observe marine life and coastal landscapes from a distinctive perspective. Their knowledgeable local guides enhance the experience by sharing insights about the area’s flora, fauna, and natural history. With a commitment to small group sizes and personalized attention, the tours highlight the serene mangrove tunnels, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife that define this Gulf Coast destination. The Naples location features several tour options, including daytime eco tours, sunset and glow paddle experiences, and private VIP excursions tailored to individual preferences. Participants can expect to encounter dolphins, manatees, and a variety of shorebirds while enjoying scenic views of Barefoot Beach Preserve and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. The tours emphasize both adventure and education, with guides capturing photos and videos for guests to remember their journey. This combination of immersive nature exploration and expert storytelling makes the kayaking experience both memorable and informative for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Kayak Excursions, located in Fort Myers, Florida, has been providing year-round kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals and guided tours since 2006. Originating from Kennebunkport, Maine in the 1990s, the company is known for its commitment to fun, safe, and eco-friendly outdoor experiences suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. What sets this business apart is its use of top-quality, regularly maintained equipment and its flexible rental options, including half-day to week-long rentals, complemented by a free delivery service to any location in Southwest Florida. With launch sites at Bunche Beach, Pelican Bay, and Big Hickory Island, guests can explore some of the region’s most impressive natural landscapes, including mangrove forests, shallow bays, and sandy beaches. The company offers a diverse range of guided tours and rentals designed to accommodate families, novices, and experienced paddlers alike. Popular excursions include Manatee and Dolphin Eco Tours, Full Moon Tours, fishing trips, and sunset paddling adventures, all led by knowledgeable guides who enhance the wildlife viewing experience. Rentals come with all necessary gear, such as Coast Guard-approved life jackets and paddles, and can be tailored to individual schedules and preferences. Whether exploring the serene mangrove tunnels of Bunche Beach or the vibrant back bays of Pelican Bay, participants can expect a memorable and engaging outdoor adventure that highlights the unique flora and fauna of Southwest Florida.

Rising Tide Explorers is a biologist-owned and operated ecotour company based in Naples, Florida, specializing in guided kayak and boat tours throughout the unique estuaries of Southwest Florida. Founded in 2016 by local scientists and graduate students, it stands out as the only company in the region offering tours led exclusively by active local biologists with advanced degrees and research experience. This expertise ensures that guests receive an educational and authentic experience while exploring the mangrove tunnels, oyster reefs, mudflats, and protected bays of the Rookery Bay Reserve and surrounding areas. The company’s commitment to science and conservation is reflected in its partnership with the Friends of Rookery Bay, supporting ongoing research and stewardship efforts in the 110,000-acre reserve. The company offers a variety of eco-adventures, including family-friendly guided kayak tours through mangrove tunnels, boat cruises to bird rookery islands at sunset, and shelling excursions on remote barrier islands like Keewaydin Island. Each tour is led by knowledgeable biologist guides who share insights into local wildlife, ecology, and conservation, providing a hands-on learning experience for guests of all ages. Equipment is high-quality and well-maintained, and every kayak tour includes free HD photography to capture the adventure. Rising Tide Explorers caters to nature enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking an immersive and educational outdoor experience in Naples and Marco Island, combining adventure with a deep appreciation for Southwest Florida’s natural environment.

Located near Fort Myers Beach, Florida, at the Pelican Bay Marina, this sailing charter company offers family-friendly and affordable sailboat experiences suitable for all ages. With a focus on sustainable eco-tourism, the business emphasizes conservation and preservation of Southwest Florida’s natural beauty. Their fleet includes a sailing catamaran that navigates the pristine emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, providing guests with unique opportunities to observe local wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. The company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and personalized service sets it apart in the region. The charter options include day sails, sunset cruises, and specialized experiences like Saturday morning yoga sails led by a certified instructor. Guests can also book private charters for half or full days, allowing groups of up to 24 to explore local waters and nearby destinations like Lovers Key and Upper Captiva’s remote beaches. In addition to recreational outings, the company hosts special events such as birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, marriage proposals, family reunions, and scattering of ashes ceremonies. Customized cruise itineraries are available to accommodate unique requests, ensuring a tailored and memorable sailing adventure.

Gulf Coast Kayak is a full-service kayak tour agency in Cape Coral, Florida, offering guided kayak tours for all skill levels, island kayaking adventures, sea kayaking, dolphin watching, manatee spotting, mangrove tunnel explorations, eco-tours, kayak and paddleboard rentals (single, tandem, weekly), guided kayak fishing trips, lessons, events, sales, and e-bike rentals with multi-day delivery.

Low Tide Tours is a locally owned watersports company based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in unique and memorable experiences along the Gulf Coast. With extensive knowledge of the region’s waterways, the company offers a blend of adventure and relaxation through its floating tiki boat tours, captained pontoon cruises, and parasailing flights—the longest available in Southwest Florida. Operating seven days a week, Low Tide Tours stands out for its combination of expert captains, high-quality equipment, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere that allows guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including frequent sightings of dolphins and manatees. The company’s offerings include private and group charters across popular locations such as Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Venice, and North Sarasota. Guests can choose from two-hour private cruises or extended 4.5-hour excursions that feature stops at scenic sandbars, waterfront bars, and opportunities for swimming and wildlife viewing. The floating tiki bar experience is particularly notable, providing a festive atmosphere with tiki torches and coolers for guests to bring their own beverages. These tours cater to all ages and group sizes, emphasizing personalized service and a relaxed pace that highlights the stunning coastal scenery and vibrant marine life.

Located in Venice, Florida, Keys Huka Dive specializes in scuba diving charters, snorkeling, and unique Huka diving experiences. The company stands out for its high crew-to-customer ratio, ensuring personalized attention from certified PADI Divemasters and Instructors. With a focus on safety and enjoyment, it offers access to the renowned Shark Tooth Capital of the World, where guests can explore ancient ocean floor fossils and marine life. The business combines local expertise with well-maintained equipment to provide memorable underwater adventures suitable for all experience levels. Keys Huka Dive offers a variety of tours and training programs catering to diverse interests and skill sets. Activities include snorkeling, dolphin and manatee tours, sunset cruises, and specialized fossil dives, with options for private charters and high seas adventures. Beginners can participate in discovery dives with professional instruction, while certified divers can refresh skills or join guided shore dives. The company also provides PADI certification courses, including Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue Diver levels, as well as CPR First Aid training, making it a comprehensive destination for both recreational and aspiring professional divers.