Kayaking Marco Island: Mangrove Tunnels with Photographer
Your guide actually tells jokes while you paddle past wildlife in the mangroves.
Kayak through the mangrove tunnels of Marco Island and south Naples on a 1.5 to 2 hour paddle with a naturalist guide who teaches the area's history and wildlife while looking for dolphins, manatees, birds, crabs and conch shells. Single-seater kayaks fit ages 12 and up with comfortable high-back seats; tandem kayaks accommodate adults with children ages 3 to 12. Free photos taken by your guide are given to you the same day. The guide speaks English and Turkish.
1h 50m
Step-by-step itinerary
Mangrove kayak tour and wildlife viewing
- Meet naturalist tour guide
- Receive single or tandem kayak
- Explore mangrove tunnels by kayak
- Look for dolphins, manatees, birds, crabs, conch shells
- Learn history of Marco Island and Naples
- Enjoy cheesy dad jokes from guide
- Receive free photos after tour
The Experience
You'll paddle a single-seater kayak with a high-back seat and cupholder, or ride tandem if you're bringing a child under 12. The naturalist guide leads you through the famous mangrove tunnels of Marco Island and south Naples, pointing out dolphins, manatees, birds, crabs and conch shells as they appear. Along the way you'll learn the history of the area and the mangrove ecosystem itself—and yes, the guide includes cheesy dad jokes. The outfit has been running this for more than 10 years.
The paddle lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Your guide takes photos of you and your family throughout, and you get them the same day. There are no alligators in these waters, so that worry is settled before you launch.
What’s included
- Use of a single-seater kayak with a high-back seat and cupholder if you're age 12 or older, or a tandem kayak if you're an adult paddling with a child under 12.
- naturalist guide in English or Turkish.
- free photos taken during the paddle and delivered the same day.
Operated by Up a Creek Kayak Tours
Is this one for you?The guide meets you at the launch point on Marco Island, so you don't need to arrange transport to the water or find your own way to the mangroves—you show up and paddle. If you're staying elsewhere in the area or traveling without a car, public transit reaches the park; parking is $10 when you arrive.
Traveler reviews
Compare the 13 similar options
Kayaking Marco Island: Mangrove Tunnels with Photographer★ 4.93 (121)1h 50mEN · TRUS$ 59
Bonita Springs: Clear Kayak & SUP EcoTour with PhotosPaddle clear kayaks or SUP through Bonita Springs’ mangrove tunnels, spot dolphins, and relax on island beaches. Includes guide, photos, and all gear.★ 4.90 (914)2h 30mENUS$ 50View ›
Naples Kayak & SUP Rental: CLEAR Kayaks Bonita SpringsSelf-guided kayak and SUP rentals in Naples with CLEAR boats, mangrove tunnels, and shelling beaches. PFDs and maps included. Family-owned since 2014.★ 4.92 (183)2hUS$ 25View ›
Dolphin and Manatee Paddleboard Tour: Bonita Springs WildlifePaddle through Bonita Springs waterways for two hours spotting dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and bald eagles on a guided kayak or paddleboard tour.★ 4.79 (204)2hENUS$ 77View ›
Naples: 90-Minute Gulf Cruise & Port Royal MansionsNinety minutes on the Double Sunshine from Tin City past Port Royal estates to the Gulf. Includes captain's commentary, free parking, and full refund if you cancel 2 hours ahead.★ 4.66 (1,134)1h 30mENUS$ 67View ›
Marco Island Pedal Kayak Tour: Wildlife Without the Paddle StrainPedal kayak tour of Marco Island mangroves with live guide in English or Spanish -- glide past dolphins, manatees and birds for two hours without paddling or physical strain.★ 4.96 (1,170)2hEN · ESUS$ 58View ›
Marco Island Wildlife & Shelling Tour from GoodlandTwo-hour boat tour departing Goodland through the Ten Thousand Islands with a local guide, bottled water and shell bags—cruise mangrove channels★ 4.98 (1,130)2hENUS$ 99View ›
Everglades & 10,000 Islands: Manatee, Dolphin & Beach Boat TourWatch dolphins and manatees from a covered boat, explore the Everglades’ wild canals, and relax on a quiet island beach—includes local guide and free parking.★ 4.54 (112)3hENUS$ 130View ›
Operate Your Own Catamaran: 10,000 Islands Self-Guided TourYou operate your own 2-person catamaran through the 10,000 Islands' winding waterways with a guide leading the way and all safety gear included★ 4.90 (965)1h 30m–2h 30mENUS$ 166View ›
Marco Island Shelling & Dolphin Tour: 10,000 Islands Small GroupStep onto quiet Kice Island for hands-on shelling, spot dolphins in the wild, and cruise mangroves with a local guide. Small groups, bottled water included.★ 4.93 (245)3hENUS$ 137View ›
Naples Kayak Tour: Manatees & Mangrove TunnelsKayak tour from Naples through 10,000 Islands mangrove tunnels and Faka-Union Canal. Spot manatees, alligators, wading birds. ACA-certified guide, tandem kayaks. 3–3.5 hours.★ 4.95 (989)3hENUS$ 95View ›
Marco Island: Kayak & SUP Dolphin Manatee Tour with GuideFeel the quiet splash of your paddle as dolphins surface nearby and manatees drift past on Marco Island’s waterways. Includes gear, guide, and flexible start times.★ 4.75 (287)2hENUS$ 69View ›
Naples Everglades: Airboat & Wildlife Tour with Biologist GuideHalf-day Western Everglades tour from Naples with 1-hour airboat ride, nature walk and wildlife biologist guide. Includes headsets, reptile program. Family-friendly.★ 4.82 (170)4hENUS$ 100View › 
Top questions
What wildlife will I actually see on this kayak paddle?
Dolphins, manatees, birds, crabs and conch shells are what the guide looks for on the mangrove tunnels paddle. What shows up depends on the day and the season, but the naturalist guide knows where to point the kayak to find them.
Can my young child paddle with me?
Children ages 3 to 12 ride in a tandem kayak with an adult. Kids 12 and older get their own single-seater kayak with a high-back seat.
How long is the kayaking part?
The paddle through the mangrove tunnels takes 1.5 to 2 hours total, including the time your guide spends teaching you about the area and pointing out wildlife.
Do I get photos from the paddle?
Your guide takes free photos of you and your family during the kayak paddle and gives them to you the same day.
Is this kayak paddle accessible if I don't have a car?
Public transportation options are available near the launch point. Parking at the park costs $10 when you arrive.
Kayaking Marco Island: Mangrove Tunnels with Photographer
1h 50m · EN · TR
from US$ 59 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.93121 reviews
