The 8 Naples Surf Trips That Earn Their Price

1.Guided Island EcoTour: CLEAR/Standard Kayak, SUP – Bonita Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 793 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50Our pick

Paddle Naples takes you through mangrove passages, Estero Bay, and Gulf waters near Big Hickory Island. Choose a standard kayak, CLEAR kayak, or SUP, then look for dolphins, birds, fish, and warm-season manatees. Guides such as Hannah, Nick, Victoria, and Zach add local insight, shell lessons, and helpful paddling tips.

“Our group of six ranged in age from 12 to 81. Guide, Nick, was friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable about the area and wildlife we saw. We had plenty of time to take in the beautiful sites and explore. No manatees in December (best in July this far south), but the time on the water was time well spent!”

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2.Self-Guided Island Tour: CLEAR/Standard Kayak, SUP-Bonita Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 159 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Choose a standard kayak, CLEAR kayak, or paddleboard and set your own course from Big Hickory Island. Paddle through mangroves, reach secluded beaches, and watch for dolphins, birds, stingrays, and manatees. Staff explain the map and equipment before you head out.

“Great option. Clear tandem kayaks are pretty nice. We had a beautiful day and found 2 dolphins in our way.”

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3.Dolphin and Manatee Tour of Marco Island by Kayak or SUP

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 125 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddle Marco Island for about two hours by stand-up paddleboard or kayak, with a guide such as Cam, Doug, Jacob, Zack, or Michael. You’ll get a short lesson, wildlife facts, and help finding dolphins, manatees, birds, turtles, and mangroves. Kayaks are usually doubles, so confirm your equipment choice before booking.

“I had to text the tour guide his ETA and at that time he told me that the tour was canceled. We were waiting for about 10 minutes. Not a great experience. I had to call the tour about a refund.”

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4.Guided Dolphin Eco Tour by Kayak & SUP – Fort Myers Beach, FL

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Paddle with a small group through mangrove tunnels toward Big Hickory Island Preserve. Guides including Nick, Hannah, Seth, Josh, Victoria, and Glenn explain local wildlife, while dolphins, manatees, birds, crabs, and a shelling beach add interest. Kayak and SUP options are available.

“Our experience was outstanding! Hannah was knowledgeable and skillful and we had a wonderful time enjoying the beautiful scenery! Would recommend to anyone looking to have some fun and see a beautiful piece of Florida!”

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5.Kayak and SUP Rentals – Big Hickory Island – Fort Myers Beach, FL

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 2 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $25Best value

Rent a kayak or SUP for two hours around Big Hickory Island and Estero Bay. Paddle mangrove tunnels, open channels, and a quiet Gulf beach where shells wash ashore. You may stay longer for an added hourly fee. No guide names are provided.

“Have your swim wear if you go when it's sunny out! Beaches are so beautiful you just want to take a swim!”

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6.Napoli SUP Paddle Boarding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $96

Spend about two hours on a private SUP tour along Naples’ Posillipo shore. Guides such as Antonino, Francesco, and Alessandro teach basic technique, point out seaside villas and Roman ruins, and provide boards, life jackets, dry-bags, and photos.

“We were 8 friends and the experience was perfect! The guides were very patient and funny while remaining professional. I totally recommend this activity!”

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7.Island Tour by Pedal HOBIE / Kayak / SUP – Fort Myers Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Paddle Naples takes you around Big Hickory Island near Bonita Springs for a relaxed 2.5-hour eco tour by kayak or SUP. Guides such as Zach, Nick, Cam, Hannah, and Seth share shell and wildlife facts while you look for dolphins, birds, and summer manatees.

“Had a great trip around the loop, seeing nature and relaxing on the island beach. Zach was extremely helpful getting us situated, in the water, and told us where to go to see dolphins...which we did! Great experience, would definitely go again. -James and Jane”

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8.Naples Fl, Paddleboard Mangrove Forest Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Meet Enrique and the Naples Paddleboard team near the Naples Zoo for a guided paddle through the Gordon River area. This roughly 90-minute trip includes a board, paddle, life vest, and basic instruction, making it a friendly introduction to stand-up paddleboarding and local wildlife.

“This was so fun! We met them at the back of the Naples Zoo, and got right onto the paddle boards. They were friendly, fun, and the river was absolutely beautiful. I would definitely recommend to anyone traveling solo, with a significant other, or with family.”

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