Kayaking in Naples: Dolphins, Manatees & Wildlife

Two hours paddling past manatees, dolphins and bald eagles in the clearest water Naples has to offer

Kayak or paddleboard through Naples waters on a two-hour wildlife adventure with a live guide, all equipment and a quick on-ground lesson before you set off. Naples is one of only a few places in the world where you can see West Indian Manatees, and the tour is built around finding them along with dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, pelicans and osprey. Tours are suitable for all fitness levels (most guests have never paddled before), and children from age 4 are welcome.

The experience

You arrive at the launch point and get a quick lesson on solid ground before anyone touches the water. The guide shows you how to paddle, how to balance, and how the equipment works: kayaks, paddleboards, paddles and life vests are all included. Then you push off into the blue water that has made Naples one of the most beautiful paddling destinations in the US.

The two-hour paddle takes you through the areas where dolphins, manatees and sea turtles move through the water. A live guide steers you toward the wildlife hotspots and points out what's moving in the shallows: conchs, osprey, pelicans and bald eagles are common sights. The water is calm enough that even first-time paddlers stay steady, and the guide keeps the pace relaxed so you can actually watch instead of just holding on.

Naples has been featured on the Travel Channel and other national television shows as one of the country's best paddling operations, partly because the West Indian Manatee (found in only a few places on earth) lives here and shows up regularly. The tours fill up fast, so booking ahead is worth doing if you have a specific date in mind.

What’s included

• Kayak or paddleboard rental.
• paddle and life vest.
• on-ground lesson and demonstration before launch.
• live guide in English.
• all equipment for the two-hour paddle.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 08:30, 10:30 and 12:30, from US$ 69.22 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 10:30 and 12:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (9 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Under 4: 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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Three Brothers Boards Dolphin and Manatee Paddle Board Tours

Is this one for you?If you're staying in Naples without a car or arriving with a free afternoon, the guide handles the wildlife spotting and the route. You just show up, learn the basics on shore, and paddle. The two-hour window fits between other plans without eating a full day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years). Children under 4 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.

Can I kayak in Naples if I've never paddled before?

Yes. All tours start with a quick lesson and on-ground demonstration before you launch, and most guests have never kayaked or paddleboarded before. The tours are designed for all fitness levels.

What wildlife will I actually see on the paddle?

The guide takes you to the areas where dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, bald eagles, pelicans, osprey and conchs are most active. West Indian Manatees are the draw: Naples is one of only a few places in the world where you can see them in the wild.

How long does the paddle last?

The adventure is two hours on the water, which includes the time paddling through the wildlife areas with your guide.

What's included in the price?

Kayaks or paddleboards, paddles, life vests and the guide are all included. The on-ground lesson before you launch is also part of it.