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.

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.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 12:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 36

Live guideEnglish and Turkish

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

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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

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.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Turkish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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.

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.

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.