Naples Kayak & SUP Rental: CLEAR Kayaks Bonita Springs

Paddle Through Mangroves & See Fish Below You in a CLEAR Kayak

You rent a kayak or SUP, get a map and safety gear, and paddle Estero Bay at your own pace through mangrove tunnels and shelling beaches. CLEAR boats let you see underwater life without a guide narrating. The team briefs you before you launch and you're back whenever you're done: no fixed return time, no group waiting.

Step-by-step itinerary

Self-guided paddlecraft rental and exploration

• Receive paddlecraft and safety gear
• Review island map and instructions
• Paddle through Estero Bay wildlife habitat
• Explore mangrove tunnels and beaches
• Look for dolphins and manatees
• Enjoy shelling on secluded beaches
• Return paddlecraft after exploration

The experience

The first time you look down through the bottom of a CLEAR kayak and see fish swimming beneath you, it hits different. Paddle Naples has been renting these transparent boats since 2014 from Big Hickory Island, and they're the only outfit in the area with CLEAR paddleboards too. You set the pace (no guide talking over the wildlife, no fixed schedule) just you, the water, and whatever you want to explore in Estero Bay and the Gulf.

The self-guided kayak and SUP rental includes a PFD, a dry box for your phone, and a marked map of the island that the team walks you through before you launch. The routes take you past mangrove tunnels, secluded beaches where you can stop and shell, and the kind of shallow water where dolphins and manatees actually show up. Standard kayaks are stable and track well. The CLEAR boats let you watch the marine life instead of just paddling over it. If you're new to paddlesports, tell them when you arrive and they'll explain what you need to know.

The business has over 500 five-star Google reviews and won a Travelers' Choice Award in 2022, top 10% worldwide. That's not hype. It's what happens when a family-owned operation spends a decade learning the water and the people who want to paddle it. They're open seven days a week, so you can show up when the light is right and the bay is calm.

CLEAR kayaks do have a weight limit of 400 pounds per boat and 225 pounds per seat, so check that before booking if you're concerned. Standard kayaks handle heavier loads and track better in chop. Kids as young as three can go, though parents should bring a fitted PFD for anyone under 50 pounds. The whole thing is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

Your rental includes a personal flotation device (PFD), a dry box to keep your phone and keys safe, and a well-marked map of Big Hickory Island with paddle routes through Estero Bay, mangrove tunnels, and shelling beaches. The team briefs you on the map and safety before you launch, and you return the boat whenever you're done paddling.

Options for this experience

5 options

Tandem (double) Kayak7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00Book seats in pairs, since tandem kayaks hold two people. If your group is odd-numbered, please also book a single kayak to cover the extra person.

Single Kayak7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

CLEAR tandem kayak for two people7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00Book two people per kayak: CLEAR kayaks seat two, so reserve even numbers only. Each boat supports up to 425 pounds, and each seat up to 250 pounds.

See 2 more options

Paddleboard7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

CLEAR PaddleboardAvailable from 1 Nov 2027Only two remaining!

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

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day, 7 start times, from US$ 25 per person and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00Another time? ›

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (3 and older) · 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Paddle Naples

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to explore the water at your own pace without a guide or a group schedule. You get the mangrove tunnels and shelling beaches, but the freedom to linger or move on whenever you want.

Traveler reviews

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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.

Do I need paddling experience to rent a kayak?

No. The team will explain everything you need to know if you're new to paddlesports. Minimum age is 3 years old.

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

CLEAR kayaks have a transparent hull so you can see fish and marine life below. Standard kayaks are more stable, track better in chop, and have higher weight limits. CLEAR kayaks max out at 400 pounds per boat and 225 pounds per seat.

How long can I paddle for?

You set the pace. There's no fixed tour length. You paddle as much or as little as you want and return when you're ready.

What's included in the rental?

PFD (life jacket), dry box for your phone or keys, and a marked map of the island with paddle routes.

Will I see dolphins or manatees?

They're in the area, especially in the shallow waters and mangrove tunnels. There's no guarantee, but the routes are designed to give you the best chance.

Is this wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the rental facility is wheelchair accessible. Contact them directly to discuss your specific needs.

Can I bring my dog?

Service animals are welcome. For pets, contact Paddle Naples directly to ask about their policy.

What if I've never paddled before?

Let the team know when you arrive. They'll walk you through the basics and help you choose the right boat for your comfort level.