Beautiful Fort Myers waterways offer fantastic paddling opportunities right along Florida’s Gulf Coast. You’ll find well-organized guided eco-tours through mangrove forests and calm waters perfect for spotting local wildlife. The best tours run 2-3 hours, with knowledgeable guides who point out manatees, dolphins, and explain the vital mangrove ecosystem.
I especially love the morning tours from Lovers Key State Park, where the water is typically calm and wildlife most active. The self-guided rental options near Fort Myers Beach also stand out, providing quality equipment and excellent value for experienced paddlers.
Check out these top kayak and canoe adventures in Fort Myers that will get you up close with Florida’s natural wonders.
Key Points
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Guided kayak eco-tours in Fort Myers, such as the Bunche Beach Tour and Pelican Bay Tour, offer diverse wildlife sightings and immersive nature experiences.
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Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals from locations like Bunche Beach and Pelican Bay provide flexible, self-guided exploration of the area’s waterways and coastlines.
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Fort Myers’ kayaking and canoeing activities offer opportunities to learn about local ecosystems and appreciate the region’s diverse wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles.
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Many kayak and canoe experiences in Fort Myers cater to families, with options for tandem kayaks, small group sizes, and accessibility features like wheelchair access.
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Highly rated kayaking and canoeing tours and rentals in Fort Myers boast excellent traveler reviews, with praise for knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and overall quality of the experiences.
Guided Kayak Eco Tour – Bunche Beach
For those seeking a unique and immersive way to explore Fort Myers’ natural wonders, the Guided Kayak Eco Tour at Bunche Beach is a must-try experience.
This tour boasts an impressive 96% recommendation rate from past travelers, earning a Badge of Excellence. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides the opportunity to paddle through mangrove tunnels and witness diverse wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and a variety of bird species.
With a maximum group size of 12, the tour offers a personalized and family-friendly adventure. Included in the $79.95 per person price are the kayak, lifejacket, parking fees, and gratuities, making it an accessible and hassle-free way to connect with the area’s captivating ecosystem.
Read our full review: Guided Kayak Eco Tour – Bunche Beach Review
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5-Hour Guided Group Kayak Tour on Big Hickory Pass
The 2.5-Hour Guided Group Kayak Tour on Big Hickory Pass offers an immersive exploration of Estero Bay‘s captivating ecosystem.
Paddling through mangrove tunnels, adventurers can spot wildlife like dolphins, osprey, and manatees while learning about the local environment from knowledgeable guides.
The tour includes beachcombing on a private shell-covered beach, with morning and afternoon options available.
Suitable for all ages and even dogs, the experience provides top-notch equipment like Coast Guard-approved life vests.
Consistently praised for its friendly staff and scenic views, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the Fort Myers area.
Half Day Kayak or SUP Rental (3hr) – Bunche Beach
Visitors to Bunche Beach in Fort Myers can embark on a half-day kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental experience, lasting 3 hours.
This serene nature preserve offers an ideal escape from the beach crowds, with the opportunity to explore the coastline and witness native wildlife such as birds, turtles, and alligators.
The rental service provides all necessary equipment, including paddles, lifejackets, and maps, as well as free paddling lessons for beginners.
Small groups and two-person kayaks are available, and fishing kayaks can be requested.
Priced from $49.95 per person, this activity features a 93% traveler recommendation and positive reviews highlighting unique ecosystems and wildlife sightings.
Read our full review: Half Day Kayak or SUP Rental (3hr) – Bunche Beach Review
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Kayak Eco Tour in Don Pedro Island
Kayakers seeking a more immersive nature experience can embark on an eco-tour of Don Pedro Island. This 95% traveler-recommended tour offers an up-close look at the island’s diverse ecosystem.
Led by knowledgeable guides, groups of 8 or fewer paddle through the serene waters, spotting local wildlife and learning about the area’s environmental importance. The tour includes all necessary equipment, from single kayaks to safety gear.
With a Badge of Excellence from Fort Myers, the $85 per person experience provides excellent value. Though not recommended for those with certain health conditions, most travelers can participate, making this a fantastic option for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Read our full review: Kayak Eco Tour in Don Pedro Island Review
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Half Day Kayak or SUP Rental (3hr) – Pelican Bay
A convenient half-day rental option, the 3-hour Kayak or SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) experience at Pelican Bay allows visitors to explore the scenic waterways at their own pace.
Priced from $39.95 per person, the rental includes essential amenities like maps, paddles, backrests, and life jackets.
Located at Kayak Excursions Pelican Bay, the activity starts and ends at the convenient meeting point on San Carlos Boulevard.
With a 5-star rating from 19 reviews, this experience is highly recommended, offering the chance to spot wildlife like manatees, dolphins, and stingrays while paddling through the tranquil bay.
Suitable for most travelers, this self-guided rental provides a great way to take in the natural beauty of Fort Myers.
Read our full review: Half Day Kayak or SUP Rental (3hr) – Pelican Bay Review
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Kayaking the Canals of Venice, FL
With its picturesque canals and serene waterways, the city of Venice, Florida offers a captivating kayaking experience.
Operated by Try Leisure, the Kayaking the Canals of Venice, FL activity allows travelers to explore the city’s waterways. Priced from $48 per person, the tour accommodates up to 4 participants and departs at 9:00 am from the South Venice Beach Ferry.
Included amenities cover essential gear like kayaks, floating devices, and safety supplies, along with snacks and bottled water.
Reviews highlight a relaxing environment, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to discover natural treasures like shark teeth and seashells.
Confirmed bookings, moderate fitness levels, and a return to the meeting point complete this well-rounded kayaking adventure.
Read our full review: Kayaking the Canals of Venice, FL Review
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Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Pelican Bay
On the shores of Fort Myers, the Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Pelican Bay offers a captivating adventure for nature enthusiasts.
This 13-reviewed, 92% recommended tour takes kayakers through the tranquil waters of Pelican Bay, where they may encounter manatees, dolphins, and pelicans.
Costing $69.95 per person with a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour includes kayak and lifejacket, as well as gratuities and parking.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, while suggesting adjustments to tour duration based on weather conditions.
With close proximity to public transportation and accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs, the Guided Kayak Eco Tour provides an engaging way to explore the natural wonders of Fort Myers.
Read our full review: Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Pelican Bay Review
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Full Day Kayak or SUP Rental (8hr) – Bunche Beach
Visitors seeking a full-day adventure in Fort Myers can experience the tranquil waters of Bunche Beach with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental.
The 8-hour experience, priced from $59.95 per person, includes essential equipment such as maps, paddles, backrests, and lifejackets. Beginners can take advantage of a free paddling lesson.
While gratuities aren’t included, a dry bag is available for purchase. The rental can be conveniently booked online, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Based on positive reviews, this activity is suitable for most travelers and accessible via public transportation, though not wheelchair-friendly.
Read our full review: Full Day Kayak or SUP Rental (8hr) – Bunche Beach Review
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Single Kayak Rental on Big Hickory Pass
Those seeking a serene and intimate kayaking experience in Fort Myers can find it on Big Hickory Pass. The single kayak rental offers solo travelers a chance to explore this wildlife-rich area, home to wading birds, mammals, reptiles, and nesting loggerhead sea turtles.
Priced from $29 per person, the rental includes a kayak, paddles, and life vests. Flexible rental times allow for sunrise and sunset viewing, and the opportunity to spot dolphins and manatees along the waterway.
Located in Bonita Springs, the rental is wheelchair accessible, near public transportation, and allows infants to sit on laps. With a 5-star rating and no negative reviews, this kayak experience is a top recommendation for nature-loving adventurers.
Read our full review: Single Kayak Rental on Big Hickory Pass Review
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Naples Guided Sunset Kayak Tour Activity
Travelers seeking a captivating sunset kayak tour in Fort Myers can join the Naples Guided Sunset Kayak Tour. This 2.5-hour activity departs at 6:15 PM from Big Hickory Island, south bridge, with a maximum of 12 participants.
Priced from $85 per person, the tour includes life jackets, dry bags, and a cooler with bottled water. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is family-friendly, allowing kids under 12 to join in tandem kayaks.
Guests can expect excellent service from the knowledgeable guide, Mike, and the use of high-quality Hobie kayaks. However, the lack of nearby restrooms in the preserve is a notable consideration.
Read our full review: Naples Guided Sunset Kayak Tour Activity Review
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Full Day Kayak or SUP Rental (8hr) – Pelican Bay
Adventurers can embark on a full-day kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental at Pelican Bay in Fort Myers.
This 8-hour experience costs from $54.95 per person and allows exploration of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast at one’s own pace.
Ideal for fishing enthusiasts, the rental includes fishing kayaks and tandem kayaks for partners.
Amenities like maps, paddles, backrests, and life jackets are provided, and a dry bag is available for purchase.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, this activity is accessible to most travelers.
Reviewers have given it a 5-star rating, praising the opportunity for confident, relaxing exploration.
Read our full review: Full Day Kayak or SUP Rental (8hr) – Pelican Bay Review
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Guided Kayak Sunset Tour in Pelican Bay at Fort Myers Beach
As the sun dips below the horizon, adventurers can embark on a guided kayak tour through the serene waters of Pelican Bay in Fort Myers Beach.
Priced at $69.95 per person, this 5-star experience accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers. The tour includes a single or double kayak, paddle, life jacket, sunscreen, and hat.
Guests meet at Kayak Excursions Pelican Bay, located at Getaway Marina, and the tour ends back at the same point.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour requires a moderate fitness level and is near public transportation.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
Read our full review: Guided Kayak Sunset Tour in Pelican Bay at Fort Myers Beach Review
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Recap
The Fort Myers area offers a variety of exciting and scenic kayaking experiences. Visitors can explore mangrove forests, spot wildlife, and enjoy peaceful paddling along the coast. Whether it’s a guided tour or a self-guided rental, there’s something for every skill level and interest. With stunning natural beauty and a range of options, Fort Myers is an excellent destination for kayaking enthusiasts.