The 4 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 $30Best value

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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