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Bonita Springs: Dolphin, Manatee & Sea Turtle Kayak Tour

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/21

Duration2h

GroupUp to 25

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Wildlife encounters by kayak in Bonita Springs waterways

You’ll paddle quiet waterways in Bonita Springs with a local guide who knows where dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles like to show up. Expect close-up wildlife moments, easygoing company, and time away from crowds—plus all your gear is included so you can just show up and go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Paddle pristine Bonita Springs waterways
Observe dolphins and manatees
Spot sea turtles and bald eagles
See large pink spoonbills
View live conchs and starfish
Paddle along Fort Myer's beach
Make brief beach stop if possible

The Experience

The first thing that happened was I dropped my paddle straight into the water before we’d even pushed off—so yeah, not exactly a pro start. Our guide, Chris, just grinned and fished it out for me like he’d seen it a hundred times (he probably has). The sun was already warm on my shoulders and there was this salty-green smell coming off the mangroves that reminded me of summers as a kid. We set off slow, everyone wobbling a bit on their kayaks or boards. Chris kept up this steady chatter about what to look for—dolphins sometimes show up early, he said, but manatees like to take their time.

We drifted past these stretches of beach with not a single hotel or condo in sight—just sand and those weirdly pink spoonbills standing around like they owned the place. At one point I heard a snort behind me and nearly jumped out of my skin; turned out to be a manatee surfacing right next to us. Its nose looked soft as wet clay. Someone further up saw a dolphin fin cut through the water and called out—everyone spun their kayaks around so fast it got kind of chaotic for a minute. It’s funny how quickly you forget about your phone or whatever else you were worrying about when there’s actual wildlife popping up around you.

Chris told us stories about how many tours he’s led (thousands? I lost count) and pointed out bald eagles circling overhead. There were little bursts of laughter whenever someone mispronounced an animal name—Li laughed so hard when I tried to say “roseate spoonbill” that I almost tipped over again. The whole tour felt relaxed but also kind of electric; you never knew what would happen next. By the end I had sand stuck to my feet and salt on my lips, which honestly felt right for Bonita Springs.

What’s included

Your day includes use of kayaks or paddle boards (your choice), paddles, and life vests—all ready when you arrive so you can focus on spotting dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and more along Bonita Springs’ peaceful waterways before heading back whenever your group wraps up.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Three Brothers Boards Dolphin and Manatee Paddle Board Tours