South Pasadena, Florida

Island Grand at TradeWinds is a full-service beachfront resort on St. Pete Beach, Florida, spanning 18 lush acres with 744 rooms, five pools, dining options, spa, kids camps, and extensive beach activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, and water sports. It prioritizes guest vacation pleasure with on-site recreation, meeting facilities for up to 1200 people, and wedding services.

Get Up And Go Kayaking offers guided clear kayak tours of Shell Key Preserve near St. Pete Beach, exploring mangroves, white sand beaches, sandbars, and secluded beaches in crystal-clear waters. Tours feature wildlife viewing including dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and crabs, with options for daytime and nighttime GLOW tours using color-changing LED lights. Guides provide paddling instructions, safety equipment, dry bags, and lead small groups (max 10 people) through the 100% clear kayak fleet of 5 kayaks.

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.

Fort De Soto Park features an 800-foot-long boat launching facility with eleven floating docks (currently limited due to hurricane damage), ferry service to Egmont Key and Shell Key, concession-operated kayak rentals, beach chair and umbrella rentals, and bicycle rentals by partner vendor Fort De Soto Hospitality. Fishing license required on piers and throughout the park. Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to sunset.

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.

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.

Kayaking SRQ is a well-established kayaking business located in Sarasota, Florida, with over 40 years of experience guiding visitors through the region’s unique waterways. Specializing in exploring the mangrove tunnels of Lido Key, the company offers both guided tours and kayak rentals for those who prefer to navigate independently using provided maps. What sets this business apart is its deep local knowledge and passion for sharing Sarasota’s natural beauty, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for paddlers of all ages and skill levels. The company’s commitment to education and environmental appreciation enhances each outing, making it a standout choice in Florida’s premier kayak park. The offerings include guided kayak tours that highlight the local ecology, wildlife, and history, appealing to nature enthusiasts, photographers, families, and individuals seeking relaxation or exercise. Experienced guides provide informative commentary and personalized attention, accommodating groups ranging from young children to older adults. Rentals are also available for those who want to explore at their own pace, with all necessary equipment supplied. Customers consistently praise the knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to encounter diverse marine life while paddling through scenic mangrove tunnels, making the experience both memorable and enriching.

Island Ferry is a family-owned, locally operated company based in St. Petersburg, Florida, specializing in small-group boat tours, kayak adventures, and private charters. With experienced local captains and a focus on safety and personalized service, the company offers unique access to the calm, shallow waters of Tampa Bay and its barrier islands. Their tours emphasize relaxed pacing and intimate group sizes, allowing guests to enjoy Florida’s coastal environment without the crowds. Departing from Tierra Verde Marina Resort and downtown St. Petersburg, Island Ferry provides a convenient gateway to explore pristine locations such as Shell Key, Egmont Key, and Passage Key. The company’s offerings include dolphin cruises, snorkeling excursions, sunset cruises, guided kayak tours, and private sandbar party charters. Guests can choose from clear or traditional kayaks to navigate mangrove shorelines or join boat tours that include snorkel gear and supervision at Shell Key Preserve. Private charters cater to families, couples, and groups seeking a personalized day on the water with the option to bring their own food and drinks. These experiences highlight Florida’s natural beauty, wildlife, and historic sites, making them suitable for visitors of all ages and interests looking for an immersive coastal adventure.

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.

Coastal Kayak Charters, located near St. Pete Beach, Florida, specializes in guided kayak tours of the Shell Key Preserve and surrounding Tampa Bay area. With over seven years of experience, this local owner-operated outfitter is known for providing intimate small group and private tours that emphasize safety, comfort, and personalized attention. Their knowledgeable guides focus on delivering an informative and enjoyable experience for both beginners and seasoned kayakers. The company uses stable, user-friendly single and double kayaks, ensuring a smooth paddling experience while exploring mangrove islands and observing local wildlife. The tours offered include excursions to Shell Key Preserve, sunset paddles, and twilight trips around Pass-A-Grille, catering to nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful outdoor adventure. Guests have the opportunity to spot dolphins, enjoy scenic views, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the bay. Coastal Kayak Charters operates year-round with daily departures scheduled according to favorable tides, enhancing the overall experience. Their commitment to small groups allows for better wildlife viewing and a more personalized outing, making each tour a unique way to explore the coastal environment.

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.

Gulfport Municipal Marina is a city-owned recreational marina on 11 acres of land and 7.5 acres of water, featuring 192-321 wet slips for vessels up to 140 feet, 25 dry storage spaces, ship store, restrooms, showers, boat ramp, fueling stations, mooring field, and various amenities like pump-outs, bait, tackle, and kayak launch. It provides docking, mooring, and services for boaters in Gulfport.