About This Tour
Sea Kayaking in One of America's Most Extraordinary Ecosystems
Our Sea Kayak Eco Tours offer multiple options for exploring the extraordinary interface between the 10,000 Islands, Everglades National Park, and the Gulf Coast by kayak. Whether you want a relaxed half-day paddle or a full-day immersive expedition, we have a sea kayak experience that matches your group.
The 10,000 Islands offers sea kayakers a stunning combination of open water paddling, protected mangrove channels, pristine barrier island beaches, and remote backcountry locations that are inaccessible by any other means. Your Florida Master Naturalist guide will help you understand and learn about the unique Everglades ecosystem, its history, and its culture.
Our most popular sea kayak option is the Turner River to Chokoloskee route — a full-day paddle through two distinct ecosystems, starting in the freshwater bald cypress of Turner River and finishing in the saltwater mangrove channels of Chokoloskee Bay. This route offers extraordinary diversity of wildlife, vegetation, and landscape in a single day.
All tours are conducted by certified Florida Master Naturalists who have been paddling these waters for decades. No experience required. All kayaking instruction, equipment, and safety gear are provided.
Features
- Multiple sea kayak tour options
- Turner River to Chokoloskee full-day route
- Half-day and full-day options
- Florida Master Naturalist guide
- 10,000 Islands open water paddling
- Freshwater and saltwater ecosystems
- No experience required
- All equipment and instruction provided
- Small group sizes
- All ages welcome
- Coast Guard and NPS permitted
- Departs from Tamiami Trail
Wildlife & Nature
What Wildlife Will I Encounter?
The Everglades is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America. Here is what guests regularly encounter on our kayak tours:
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American Alligator
Commonly observed from the kayak at a safe, respectful distance. The stealthy kayak allows close-up encounters impossible from a power boat.
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River Otters
Playful and curious, river otters are frequently spotted in the mangrove channels on our paddle tours.
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Bald Eagles & Raptors
Osprey, red-shouldered hawks, and bald eagles are regularly seen hunting over the open water and mangrove edges.
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Orchids & Bromeliads
The mangrove canopy hosts a spectacular collection of native orchids, bromeliads, and wildflowers — identified by your naturalist guide.
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Turtles & Reptiles
Various turtle species, anoles, and other reptiles are common throughout the mangrove ecosystem.
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Wading & Songbirds
Great blue herons, snowy egrets, little blue herons, wood storks, and dozens of songbird species depending on the season.
Prepare for Your Tour
What to Bring
Tours depart from our location at 32016 Tamiami Trail East, Naples FL. Check your booking confirmation for exact meeting location.
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Closed-toe shoes or sandals
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Camera or waterproof phone case
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Bug spray (dawn/dusk tours)
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Light jacket for cool mornings
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Check directions for parking info