Kayaking in Bonita Springs: CLEAR kayaks and paddleboards

Paddle through mangrove tunnels and spot dolphins without fighting the current

A guided kayak and paddleboard eco tour in Bonita Springs where you choose between standard kayaks, CLEAR kayaks (see-through bottoms), or paddleboards and paddle through Estero Bay and Gulf of Mexico routes at a relaxed pace. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, includes a live guide sharing local ecosystem information, and complimentary photos. Minimum age is 3 years old. CLEAR kayaks hold a maximum of 2 people and have weight limits of 400 pounds per boat and 225 pounds per seat.

The experience

What makes a CLEAR kayak different? The hull is transparent, so you watch fish, rays and other marine life move beneath you while you paddle, not just spot them on the surface. Standard kayaks and paddleboards work too if you prefer the traditional setup. You pick your equipment at checkout, and the guide meets you at Big Hickory Island in Bonita Springs to brief you on the route before you push off. The paddling pace is relaxed, which means you're not racing. You're moving slowly enough to actually see things and ask questions as they come up.

The route takes you through mangrove tunnels (narrow water passages where the trees arch overhead), and out into the Gulf, with stops at secluded beaches where shelling is common. Dolphins show up year-round. Manatees are more likely in the warmer months. A live guide paddles with the group, pointing out birds, explaining what you're seeing in the ecosystem, and keeping an eye on everyone's pace. The tour runs 2.5 hours total. Free parking is included, and you get a dry box to stash your phone or keys, plus a map and wildlife guide to take with you.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water shoes and bottled water: the sun and water reflect hard out there. PFDs are provided, though parents of children under 50 pounds are encouraged to bring a fitted one from home. Infants and small children can come along in a stroller or pram. The operator is open seven days a week. Complementary photos from the tour are yours to keep, so you don't have to choose between paddling and documenting the moment.

What’s included

• Free parking.
• PFD, dry box, map and wildlife guide.
• complementary tour photos.
• live guide in English sharing local ecosystem information.

Options for this experience

5 options

Island tour by paddleboardGuide in English · 09:30, 10:30, 13:00 and 14:00Standard paddleboard

Island tour by CLEAR kayakGuide in English · 09:30, 10:30, 13:00 and 14:00CLEAR two-seat kayak: tandem (double) kayaks seat 2. Odd-numbered groups need a regular single kayak. Weight limit 425 lbs per boat, 250 lbs per seat.

Island tour by tandem kayakGuide in English · 09:30, 10:30, 13:00 and 14:00Standard two-seat kayak

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Island tour by single kayakGuide in English · 09:30, 10:30, 13:00 and 14:00Standard one-seat kayak

Island Tour-CLEAR PaddleboardGuide in English · Available from 1 Nov 2027CLEAR paddleboard

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 2h 30m, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 50 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 10:30, 13:00 and 14:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (3 to 90 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Paddle Naples

Is this one for you?Book a CLEAR kayak if you want to watch the underwater world as you paddle. The transparent hull is the main reason to choose this option over a standard kayak, and it's what makes the marine life visible instead of just occasional. Choose a standard kayak or paddleboard if you prefer a traditional setup or need higher weight capacity.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I take my three-year-old on this kayak tour?

Yes, the minimum age is 3 years old. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and youth-sized PFDs are available. Parents of children under 50 pounds are encouraged to bring a quality, fitted PFD from home.

What's the difference between a CLEAR kayak and a standard one?

CLEAR kayaks have transparent hulls so you see marine life directly beneath you as you paddle. Standard kayaks have solid hulls and track better in the water. CLEAR kayaks hold a maximum of 2 people with weight limits of 400 pounds per boat and 225 pounds per seat. Standard kayaks have higher weight limits and are better for solo paddlers or heavier loads.

How long does the tour take?

The guided eco tour lasts about 2.5 hours from start to finish, including the briefing and the paddle through mangrove tunnels, the Gulf, and beach stops.

Will I definitely see dolphins or manatees?

Dolphins are present year-round in these waters, so sightings are common. Manatees are more likely during the warmer months. The guide will paddle slowly through prime habitat and point out wildlife, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes free parking, a PFD, a dry box for your belongings, a map and wildlife guide, and complementary photos taken during the paddle. You choose your kayak or paddleboard type at checkout.

Do I need paddling experience to join?

No, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and the pace is relaxed. The guide will show you how to paddle and stay with the group throughout the 2.5 hours.