Bonita Springs: Eco Kayak Tour, Clear Kayaks & Beach Stop

Summary

Kayak Big Hickory Island’s wild side with new gear and local stories

You’ll paddle clear-bottom kayaks through Bonita Springs’ mangrove tunnels, spot wildlife like manatees or coastal birds with your local guide, stop for shell hunting on a quiet beach, and get pro photos included—plus cold drinks and top-notch gear make it all easygoing. There’s something about seeing fish dart under your feet that sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I almost lost my sandal right at the start — classic me. The sand was softer than I expected, and my foot just sank in as I tried to balance the dry bag on one shoulder and the paddle under my arm. Our guide, Jamie, grinned and said it happens every morning. She handed me a cold bottle of water (already sweating) and showed us the Crescent Primo kayaks lined up by the dock. I’d only ever used those clunky old ones before, so these felt weirdly smooth when I sat down. You could see straight through the bottom — which freaked me out for a second until I realized how cool it was to watch little fish darting around under my feet.

The first stretch was quiet except for the slap of paddles and some birds yelling at each other overhead. Jamie pointed out an osprey nest tucked way up in the mangroves — she said they come back every year to that same spot. It smelled like saltwater and sunscreen mixed together, which is basically Florida perfume if you ask me. We slid into these narrow tunnels where everything went green and echoey, like being inside a leafy cave. At one point a manatee surfaced nearby — just this gentle gray lump drifting past us. Someone behind me gasped (not gonna lie, so did I). Our eco kayak tour felt way more peaceful than I’d pictured; no crowds, just our little group gliding along.

We stopped on a tiny beach that didn’t look like much from the water but turned out to be full of shells. Jamie tossed us mesh bags (“for treasure hunting,” she joked) and took photos while we poked around for weird spiral shells and bits of coral. The sun came out hard then — everything went white-hot for a minute — so we sat in the shade drinking more water and talking about dolphins (apparently they show up here sometimes but today they were “sleeping in,” according to Jamie). The paddle back was slower because nobody really wanted it to end yet. My arms were tired but in that good way where you know you’ll sleep well later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Premium eco kayak tour in Bonita Springs

• Arrive at Big Hickory Island
• Receive premium Crescent Primos and Crews kayaks
• Paddle through mangrove tunnels
• Explore scenic inlets
• Stop at secluded beach
• Spot manatees, dolphins, and coastal birds
• Enjoy complimentary bottled water
• Receive professional photos from expert guides

Top questions

What kind of kayaks are used on this eco kayak tour?

This tour uses brand-new Crescent Primos and Crews kayaks for comfort and performance.

Is there a chance to see manatees or dolphins during the tour?

Yes, you may spot manatees, dolphins, and coastal birds along Big Hickory Island.

Does this Bonita Springs kayak tour include photos?

Yes, complimentary professional pictures are included during your tour.

Are drinks provided on the kayak trip?

You’ll get complimentary ice-cold bottled waters throughout the experience.

Is parking available at the starting point?

Free parking is included for guests joining the kayak tour.

Do I need kayaking experience to join?

No experience needed—the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

How long does it take to reach Big Hickory Island by kayak?

The route takes you through mangrove tunnels and scenic inlets directly from Bonita Springs; timing varies but is relaxed-paced.

What’s included

Your day includes use of high-quality Crescent Primo or Crew kayaks with carbon fiber paddles, comfortable life jackets made specifically for kayaking, dry bags for your belongings, mesh shelling bags for beachcombing stops, complimentary professional photos taken by your guide along the way, plenty of ice-cold bottled water to keep you refreshed under the Florida sun, plus free parking at the launch site before heading out into Bonita Springs’ waters together.