Top 5 Best Kayak Tours Naples Florida (Mangrove Tunnels & More!)
Looking for the best Kayak Tours in Naples, FL? 🚣♀️☀️
Then this is the perfect list for you!
For those who love to experience a little outdoor adventure while exploring Naples, I have a solution you’ll love: kayak tours. Naples, Florida is a kayaker’s paradise, featuring miles of kayak-friendly canals and beautiful waterways.
Whether you’re a first time paddler or a seasoned kayaker, the tours offered here are a great fit for all. From exploring Mangrove forests to wildlife encounters, kayaking in Naples offers visitors (and residents) an unforgettable experience.
Ever since my first time kayaking in the US Virgin Islands, I was hooked. So I’m kind of a big fan of putting together lists of the the perfect kayak experiences. You can trust that these will be the perfect addition to your itinerary.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some breakfast and coffee in Naples and then hit the water on one of these top-rated kayak tours.
Top Pick for a Naples Kayak Tour
Don’t have a lot of time to read through but want my favorite tour? This is it! If you’re in a time crunch, I recommend booking this experience:
Top-Rated Mangrove Tunnels Eco Tour
Explore the coastal mangrove forests and wildlife on this tour via kayak or paddleboard (your choice). Incredibly friendly & knowledgeable tour guides!
⭐️ 5 STARS | 😍 650+ Reviews
Best Kayak Tours Naples, FL
Here’s the full list of all of the tours I recommend if you’re in the area looking for a fun experience.
Top-Rated kayaking Tours
1. Mangrove Tunnels Kayak and Paddleboard Eco Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 of 5 Stars
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
😍 546+ Reviews
Are you looking for a unique experience while visiting Naples, Florida? Look no further than the this Kayak or Paddleboard Eco Tour!
This adventure offers visitors an up-close view of the area’s amazing wildlife and serene mangrove tunnels.
From open bay paddling to winding through tunnels in the mangroves, this eco-friendly tour is sure to be the best kind of unforgettable experience.
“We brought our entire team out for a tour and it was incredible. Everyone said it was the highlight of our trip. I would highly recommend!”
-Jackie (see more reviews)
This Naples tour provides explorers with a chance to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most beautiful creatures. Whether it’s playful dolphins, jellyfish, starfish, or sting rays – everyone will love this part of the experience.
The knowledgeable guides will also help point out different species along the way as well as provide insight into their habitats and behavior. Pretty cool, right?
And with personalized instruction on how to use both kayaks and standup paddleboards, you can feel confident that you’ll have all the necessary skills needed before entering into open waters.
🔶 Best For: Those wanting to explore the Mangroves and Wildlife
Top-Rated kayaking Tours
2. Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 of 5 Stars
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours
😍 400+ reviews
Experience the beauty of Florida’s Everglades National Park with this kayak tour that takes you through Mangrove forests and past diverse wildlife.
On this Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Kayak Tour, adventure seekers will have the opportunity to explore these stunning wilderness areas from a unique angle.
Spend an exciting three hours on the water with the tour’s knowledgeable and engaging kayaking guides. This tour is tailored for small groups, giving each visitor a more personalized experience.
“Kayaking through the mangroves was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Seeing the various wildlife along the tour was amazing and I would love to go on more tours in the future!”
-Jared (see more reviews)
Along the route, kayakers have a chance to catch sight of an array of wildlife – from manatees and alligators to fish, crabs, and gorgeous birds.
Discover the breathtaking Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge like never before! This well-known area is unparalleled for its prime kayaking experiences.
Visitors will traverse mangrove swamps, salt marsh habitats, and canals in kayaks to search for the incredible animals – manatees!
If you’re craving a kayaking experience like no other, exploring breathtaking natural scenery teeming with incredible wildlife, this tour is exactly what you need.
🔶 BEST FOR: Exploring the Mangroves and seeing wildlife in a small group setting
Top-Rated kayaking Tours
3. Experience a Clear Kayak Tour in Naples
⭐️ RATING: 5 of 5 Stars
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours
😍 219+ Reviews
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Naples, look no further than the Clear Kayak Tour in Naples. This tour offers the opportunity to explore some of Florida’s most beautiful coastal scenery – from mangroves to white sand beaches.
Embark on this incredible journey and get an intimate, first-hand look at breathtaking sites like Wiggins Pass, Barefoot Beach Preserve, and Delnor-Wiggins State Park.
“The guided kayak tour was a wonderful experience. Rodney, our tour guide, was knowledgeable about the area and extremely helpful. It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Naples. Thank you for a fantastic time.”
-Jennifer (see more reviews)
On this small group tour, visitors will have the chance to take lots of pictures while learning about the local ecosystem from their knowledgeable guides. It’s also a great way to get up close to nature!
From bottlenose dolphins to the gentle manatee, you can encounter a wide range of wildlife on this journey. And it doesn’t stop there. You might even catch a glimpse of sea turtles nesting or manta rays swimming past!
With tandem kayaks, this is the perfect way to explore the beauty of Southwest Florida for those traveling with a partner or a friend.
🔶 BEST FOR: Those wanting to explore both beach and mangroves
Top-Rated kayaking Tours
4. Mangrove Tunnels & Mudflats Tour – Local Biologist Guides
⭐️ RATING: 5 of 5 Stars
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours
😍 552+ Reviews
Experience the wonders of the Ten Thousand Islands in Southwest Florida on this Mangrove Tunnels & Mudflats tour with local biologist guides. This Rookery Bay Reserve experience is perfect for those looking to learn more about the local ecosystem and explore mangrove tunnels, mudflats, and oyster reefs.
You’ll have the chance to observe birds and other marine life like sea stars, dolphins, manatees and more! On this exciting tour, you’ll not only get to experience the mesmerizing landscapes firsthand – but you’ll also take home HD photos of your journey that you can savor for years to come.
“This tour was amazing. Our guides Ryan and Jeanine were so knowledgeable and passionate about the area I have a whole new appreciation for the mangroves and backwaters. Not only was it fun but so educational as we came across different species of life in the area – birds, snails, crabs, starfish not to mention how the mangroves manage to exist etc. I would highly recommend and I can’t wait to do this again.”
-ANDREA (READ MORE REVIEWS)
This tour departs from Naples and is top-rated among visitors. It’s an exciting kayak adventure that lasts for about 2.5 hours and is also a unique experience for the whole family – no kayaking experience required. Single or tandem kayaks are available depending on your preference.
So if you’re looking for one of the best kayak tours in Naples, Florida, don’t miss out on this local biologist-led tour. It’ll be an experience you won’t forget!
🔶 BEST FOR: Those looking to explore the mangroves and wildlife with a local biologist!
Top-Rated kayaking Tours
5. Sunset Clear Kayak Guided Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 of 5 Stars
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
😍 Tour Guide has 193+ Reviews
Around here, I can’t resist a great spot for a sunset or something that you can actually do for fun while watching a sunset. Can’t get better than that! This Sunset and Glow Clear Kayak Guided Tour in Naples offers just that. Experience something truly special with a tour that combines awe-inspiring sunsets and vibrant night kayaking!
You’ll start the tour off by watching the sunset while paddling near the beach. Once the sun has set, it’s time to turn on the LED lights and paddle under the stars.
This 2 hour trip will take you through the Mangroves at Wiggins Pass in Naples and also will provide stunning views of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, Barefoot Beach Preserve and Wiggins Pass State Park.
“Paul was such a fun guide and presence on our mangrove to ocean tour. He always made sure we were comfortable and safe, and let us play and explore the beaches and waters. It was a fun group activity to do in the evening and we all left feeling happier than when we arrived. Thank you Paul for an excellent tour and experience!”
-Top Reviewer (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Get ready for an awe-inspiring experience, as you paddle through the Mangroves in your transparent kayak searching for fish and other underwater creatures.
Only tandem kayaks are offered, so there is a two person minimum. But what a great experience with friends, family or your partner!
This is the perfect experience for those seeking to bask in the beauty of sunsets and night skies. So, for your next adventure with a twist, book this top tour!
🔶 BEST FOR: Anyone wanting a sunset tour or bio luminescent-esque tour
FAQ about Kayaking in Naples
We recommend wearing lightweight, quick-drying clothes and a hat. Water shoes are the best for kayaking but flip-flops also work. And don’t forget sunscreen! If you’re going on cooler days, consider a windbreaker or rain jacket.
Kayaking in Naples is suitable for most levels of experience, including beginners. Most tours provide a safety briefing before departure as well as basic instructions from a certified and experienced guide.
Yes! It’s a great activity for beginners and those who aren’t super experienced. You’ll have wonderful tour guides that can help you learn and feel more comfortable kayaking.
Sure can. Of course, there’s always still a risk that something could happen to it (not likely if you’re careful) but you can grab a dry bag to put your phone or camera if you’d like to bring it.
Potentially manatees, dolphins, sea urchins, sea stars, clams, crabs, low tide creatures, etc. There are lots of wildlife that you can potentially spot!
The best places near Naples include the Ten Thousand Islands and Rookery Bay Reserve and nearby Marco Island. Generally, this is where your guides will take you on all of the trips listed above!
The Wrap-Up: Best Kayak Tours Naples Florida
Kayaking in Naples is a unique way to explore the area’s stunning scenery and learn more about the local wildlife and ecosystem. Boat tours are also a great way to spend the day or an evening and makes a great outing with family, friends, or even solo.
I recommend heading out on a tour with an experienced guide since it can be a bit challenging. They can show you the ropes, and not only that, your local guide will know the best places to kayak and where not to. Win, win.
So if you’re visiting the area soon, don’t miss out on this memorable experience with these top rated kayak tours Naples, Florida offers. You’ll make the best memories and spend the day exploring and out in the fresh air.
I hope you enjoyed this list. I’d love to hear if you end up taking one or recommend one of your own! 🙂
