Best Kayaking & Paddleboarding in Southwest Florida (2026)

Southwest Florida is one of the premier paddling destinations in the entire United States, and for good reason. With over 190 miles of marked paddling trails, thousands of mangrove-lined waterways, and calm bays teeming with dolphins, manatees, and tropical birds, SWFL offers kayaking and paddleboarding experiences that range from peaceful morning glides to multi-day backcountry expeditions. Whether you are a first-timer looking for a guided mangrove tunnel tour or an experienced paddler ready to tackle the Great Calusa Blueway, this guide covers every launch point, trail, and rental shop you need to plan your time on the water from Naples to Sarasota and everywhere in between.

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Why Southwest Florida Is a Paddler's Paradise

The geography of Southwest Florida creates near-perfect conditions for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding year-round. The barrier islands of Sanibel, Captiva, Marco Island, and the keys off Sarasota shield the bays and estuaries from open Gulf swells, producing calm, shallow water that rarely exceeds five feet in depth. This means even beginners can comfortably paddle without worrying about strong currents or rough water.

The region encompasses multiple aquatic preserves, including the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve (Florida's very first), the Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve, and the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. These protected waters are home to more than 300 species of birds, plus West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, and an abundance of game fish like snook, redfish, and tarpon. Paddling here means sharing the water with some of the most remarkable wildlife in North America.

The mild subtropical climate also plays a major role. Water temperatures remain comfortable from October through May, and even summer mornings offer manageable conditions before afternoon thunderstorms roll in. The result is a destination where you can paddle almost every day of the year.

If you want to explore more of what this region has to offer beyond the water, check out our guide to the best beaches in Southwest Florida for where to relax after a day of paddling.

Best Kayaking Destinations by Region

Naples and Rookery Bay

Naples offers some of the most scenic mangrove kayaking in all of Florida. The crown jewel is Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 110,000-acre protected estuary between Naples and Marco Island at the northern edge of the Ten Thousand Islands. This is one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America, and guided naturalist-led tours take you through winding tunnels where tree crabs cling to roots and roseate spoonbills wade in the shallows.

Paddlecraft Park on the Isles of Capri is the primary public launch point for exploring Rookery Bay. Located just five minutes from Marco Island and about 30 minutes from downtown Naples, the park provides direct access to mangrove tunnels and mudflats. A $10 parking pass is required for vehicles without a Collier County beach sticker.

For paddling in North Naples, Cocohatchee River Park on Vanderbilt Drive is an excellent launch point. The seven-acre park has four launching lanes, courtesy docks, and 60 trailer parking spaces. From here you can paddle the Cocohatchee River through its transition from freshwater to saltwater habitats, explore the mangrove mazes along the route, and eventually reach the Gulf of Mexico through Wiggins Pass. The Wiggins Pass Estuarine Area features small mangrove islands and tunnels, and you can paddle to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park or Barefoot Beach Preserve.

Clam Pass Park and the Gordon River Greenway are ideal for beginners, with protected waters featuring minimal currents and shallow depths. The calm conditions make these locations particularly well-suited for stand-up paddleboarding.

For more activities in the Naples area, see our complete guide to things to do in Naples.

Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands

Marco Island sits at the gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands, where the Everglades watershed meets the Gulf of Mexico. This is some of the most spectacular and wild paddling territory in the state.

Tigertail Beach on Marco Island is the most accessible launch point, with a calm lagoon perfect for beginners and families. Single kayak rentals run about $30 per hour, tandem kayaks about $40, and paddleboards around $38 per hour. A free SUP lesson is included with paddleboard rentals, which is a great perk for newcomers.

For a more adventurous outing, head to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge south of Marco Island. This vast maze of mangrove islands reveals deserted beaches, hidden lagoons, and some of the richest bird habitat in Florida. Guided tours through the Ten Thousand Islands typically run two to three hours and cost between $60 and $90 per person. These are best suited for intermediate to advanced paddlers due to tidal currents and longer distances.

If you are interested in exploring the Everglades by kayak from this area, our best Everglades tours from Naples guide covers the top outfitters and routes.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands

Sanibel Island is home to some of the most popular paddling in Southwest Florida, thanks largely to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge covers a significant portion of the island's northern side and provides protected mangrove waterways that are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Tarpon Bay Explorers, the official concessionaire for the refuge, operates from 900 Tarpon Bay Road and offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals along with guided tours. The Commodore Creek Trail is the most popular route, a well-marked 2.5-mile mangrove trail where paddlers regularly spot roseate spoonbills, egrets, osprey, herons, and the occasional manatee. Longer options include the Buck Key Loop at four miles and the Tarpon Bay Loop at eight miles. Guided kayak tours start at $40 per adult and $35 per child, while launch fees for your own equipment are $7.

Additional launch points on Sanibel include the Sanibel Causeway and Bowman's Beach, both offering access to the calm waters of Pine Island Sound. On nearby Captiva Island, Sunny Island Adventures provides rentals and tours that take you through the mangroves surrounding Captiva.

For a full overview of island activities, see our guide to things to do in Sanibel.

Fort Myers and Estero Bay

The Fort Myers area anchors the Great Calusa Blueway, a 190-mile marked paddling trail that winds through the coastal waters of Lee County. More on the Blueway below, but Fort Myers offers several standout paddling locations on its own.

Lovers Key State Park, located on Estero Boulevard between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach, features a dedicated canoe and kayak launch with access to sheltered canals and lagoons within the park. From the launch you can paddle into Estero Bay for a 45-minute trip to Mound Key Archaeological State Park, a fascinating island built up over 2,000 years by the ancient Calusa people. The park is open 8 a.m. to sundown and costs $8 per vehicle. Note that as of late 2025, kayak rentals at Lovers Key are temporarily unavailable while a new concessionaire is selected, so bring your own equipment or rent from a nearby outfitter.

Manatee Park on State Road 80 in Fort Myers is another excellent launch point, particularly during the cooler months when West Indian manatees congregate in the warm waters of the Orange River. From here you can paddle to the Orange River Preserve for a scenic trip through Old Florida landscapes.

Bunche Beach Preserve near Fort Myers Beach offers flat-water paddling along tidal mudflats where shorebirds feed, and it connects to the broader Estero Bay system.

Sarasota, Lido Key, and Siesta Key

The Sarasota area rounds out the northern end of the SWFL paddling corridor with several world-class kayaking and paddleboarding destinations.

Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels are among the most iconic paddling experiences in the region. Accessible from Ted Sperling Nature Park (also called South Lido Nature Park), the tunnels wind through interconnected mangrove islands where dolphins, manatees, and hundreds of bird species thrive. Note that the county park operates on a restricted launch schedule and reservations are required. Rental companies like Kayaking SRQ, Happy Paddler, and Sarasota Paddleboard Company all offer guided tours and self-guided rentals with maps. Self-guided SUP and single kayak rentals typically run around $45 plus tax for three hours, while tandem kayaks are about $60.

Sarasota Bay provides wide-open flat water with gorgeous views of the Sarasota skyline and is excellent for stand-up paddleboarding. The shallow grass flats attract dolphins and manatees, and the water is generally calm enough for beginners.

On Siesta Key, Turtle Beach is a popular paddling launch point where tours head down a short canal to the Intracoastal and around the mangrove islands of Jim Neville Marine Preserve.

For a quieter experience, South Creek at Oscar Scherer State Park offers peaceful paddling through a shaded creek surrounded by native Florida uplands. The park has two launching spots and a few boats available for rent.

For more on the Sarasota area, check out our guide to things to do in Sarasota.

The Great Calusa Blueway: SWFL's Premier Paddling Trail

The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile marked canoe and kayak trail system managed by Lee County Parks and Recreation. It is one of the most extensive designated water trails in the southeastern United States and connects the coastal and inland waterways of Lee County from Pine Island Sound to Estero Bay and up the Caloosahatchee River.

Unlike a single linear trail, the Blueway is actually dozens of interconnected routes marked with mile markers. It meanders through three rivers and their tributaries, across Estero Bay and Pine Island Sound, and around numerous coastal islands. The trail passes through two aquatic preserves and provides access to historical sites, state parks, and some of the most productive fishing waters in Florida.

Key Sections of the Blueway

• Pine Island Sound: Protected by the barrier islands of Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, and Cayo Costa to the west and Pine Island to the east. The water is mostly less than five feet deep, and you are always paddling within sight of land. This section is ideal for beginners.
• Estero Bay: Florida's first aquatic preserve, featuring mangrove islands, tidal creeks, and abundant manatee and dolphin sightings. The route from Koreshan State Park down the Estero River and across the bay to Lovers Key covers about nine miles.
• Caloosahatchee River: The river section heads upstream from the coast, offering a different landscape of freshwater habitats and connecting to tributaries like Hickey's Creek, a state-designated canoe trail.

Navigation and Planning

The Blueway has a free smartphone app that provides real-time GPS coordinates, an interactive trail map with points of interest, boating tips, and regulations. Free printed maps are also available at visitor centers and outfitter shops throughout Lee County. There are more than 30 registered outfitters along the Blueway where you can rent kayaks, many of whom are mobile outfitters who will deliver a kayak to you at a boat ramp.

The Calusa Blueway Challenge Pass is a free program that encourages paddlers to explore lesser-known sections of the trail, offering additional insights and points of interest along the way.

Annual events include the Battle on the Blueway, a sanctioned race held at Fort Myers Beach, and the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival each fall. Both events celebrate the trail's cultural and natural attractions.

Top Paddleboarding Spots in SWFL

Stand-up paddleboarding has exploded in popularity across Southwest Florida, and the region's calm bays and protected waterways make it one of the best places in the country to learn and practice the sport.

Best Spots for Beginners

• Tigertail Beach Lagoon, Marco Island: The shallow, calm lagoon is sheltered from wind and current, making it one of the most forgiving spots for first-timers. Free SUP lessons are included with rentals.
• Clam Pass, Naples: Protected from Gulf swells with minimal current and shallow water throughout. The scenery is beautiful and the paddle to the beach is about 20 minutes.
• Sanibel Causeway: The islands along the causeway create calm pockets of water between Sanibel and Fort Myers, and you can pull up on sandbars to rest.
• Sarasota Bay (from City Island): Flat, open water with a view of the John Ringling Bridge and plenty of space to practice without navigating tight mangrove channels.

Best Spots for Experienced Paddlers

• Rookery Bay, Naples: Navigating the mangrove tunnels on a SUP requires good balance and paddle control, but the reward is an intimate wildlife experience.
• Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels, Sarasota: The interconnected tunnel system is thrilling on a paddleboard for those with solid technique.
• Estero Bay Open Water: Crossing the bay from Lovers Key to Mound Key on a SUP is a great workout and adventure for experienced paddlers comfortable with open water and tidal currents.
• Ten Thousand Islands: Advanced paddlers can explore the outer islands, though tidal awareness and navigation skills are essential.

Sunset and LED Paddleboard Tours

Several outfitters across SWFL offer evening experiences. Paddle Naples in Bonita Springs runs LED-lighted clear kayak tours at sunset, creating a unique glow-on-the-water experience. Multiple operators in Sarasota and Fort Myers offer sunset SUP tours where you paddle as the sky turns orange and pink over the Gulf.

Guided Tours vs. DIY Rentals: Which Should You Choose?

One of the first decisions you will make when planning a paddling trip in SWFL is whether to book a guided tour or rent equipment and explore on your own. Both options have clear advantages depending on your experience level and goals.

Guided Tours

Guided kayak and paddleboard tours typically run two to three hours and cost between $40 and $90 per person depending on the operator and location. The best operators in SWFL include:

• Rising Tide Explorers (Naples and Marco Island) — The only biologist-led kayak tour company on Marco Island, rated number one on TripAdvisor. Tours run through Rookery Bay and the mangrove tunnels with expert naturalist commentary on the local ecosystem.
• Up a Creek Kayak (Naples) — Rated 5.0 with hundreds of five-star reviews. Their 2.5 to 3 hour mangrove tunnel tours cost $65 per person and depart from Paddlecraft Park on the Isles of Capri.
• Tarpon Bay Explorers (Sanibel) — The official concessionaire for Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Guided kayak tours start at $40 per adult.
• Kayaking SRQ (Sarasota) — Over 40 years of experience leading tours through the Lido Key mangrove tunnels.
• Kayak Marco (Marco Island) — Biologist and naturalist guides lead tours through mangrove tunnels and to Keewaydin Island. Tours run $65 for adults and $55 for children, and they provide free HD photos of your trip.

Guided tours are the best choice if you are new to kayaking or paddleboarding, unfamiliar with the local waterways, or interested in learning about the ecology and wildlife of the area. Guides know exactly where to find dolphins, manatees, and nesting birds, and they handle all equipment and safety briefings.

DIY Rentals

Self-guided rentals give you the freedom to paddle at your own pace and choose your own route. Typical rental prices across SWFL in 2026:

Equipment	Hourly Rate	Half-Day (3-4 hrs)	Full Day
Single Kayak	$25-$35	$40-$55	$50-$75
Tandem Kayak	$35-$45	$50-$65	$65-$90
Stand-Up Paddleboard	$25-$38	$45-$65	$65-$80

Many rental shops offer free delivery and pickup to your hotel, vacation rental, or a public boat ramp. Most rentals include a paddle, life vest, and a map of recommended routes.

Renting makes the most sense if you have paddling experience, want to spend a full day exploring at your own pace, or are traveling with a group where a private tour would be cost-prohibitive.

Specialty Rentals

Several outfitters offer unique equipment options:

• Clear kayaks allow you to see fish, rays, and sea life beneath you (available from Paddle Naples and others)
• Hobie pedal-drive kayaks let you use your legs instead of arms, great for fishing or longer distances (Marco Eco Tours offers guided pedal kayak tours at $74.99)
• LED-lighted clear kayaks for evening paddles (Paddle Naples in Bonita Springs)
• Fishing kayaks outfitted with rod holders, tackle storage, and fish-finding electronics

Wildlife You Will See on the Water

One of the greatest rewards of kayaking and paddleboarding in SWFL is the wildlife. The protected bays and estuaries support an extraordinary diversity of species, and encounters are nearly guaranteed on any paddle.

Manatees

West Indian manatees are abundant in SWFL waters, especially during the cooler months (November through March) when they seek out warm-water refuges. Manatee Park in Fort Myers is a winter hotspot where dozens of manatees gather in the Orange River. You may also spot them in Estero Bay, Tarpon Bay on Sanibel, and throughout the Rookery Bay system. Florida law requires paddlers to maintain a safe distance and never pursue, touch, or harass manatees.

Dolphins

Bottlenose dolphins are year-round residents of SWFL waters. They are commonly seen in Pine Island Sound, Estero Bay, Sarasota Bay, and the waters around Marco Island. Dolphins are curious and sometimes approach kayakers, especially if you are paddling quietly near grass flats where they hunt fish.

Birds

SWFL is one of the top birding destinations in the country, and paddling puts you right in the middle of the action. Expect to see great blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets, tricolored herons, white pelicans (seasonal), brown pelicans, osprey, bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, white ibis, and dozens of other species. The mangrove islands serve as rookeries and feeding grounds, and paddling provides access to habitats you cannot reach on foot.

Sea Turtles and Other Marine Life

Loggerhead and green sea turtles nest on SWFL beaches from May through October, and you may spot them in the water while paddling. Stingrays are common in shallow sandy areas (shuffle your feet when wading), and you will frequently see schools of mullet, sheepshead, and juvenile sharks in the bays and estuaries.

Best Time of Year and Time of Day to Paddle

Seasonal Guide

• November through April (Peak Season): The best overall conditions. Low humidity, comfortable air temperatures in the 70s and 80s, and calm water. This is also when manatees are most active in warm-water refuges and migratory birds are present. Book guided tours in advance during this period, as they fill up quickly.
• May and October (Shoulder Season): Fewer crowds and lower rental prices. Mornings are generally calm and pleasant, though afternoon thunderstorms become more common.
• June through September (Summer): Hotter and more humid, with daily afternoon thunderstorms. However, early morning paddles before 10 a.m. can be spectacular with glassy water and abundant wildlife. Summer is also sea turtle nesting season and a great time for fishing from a kayak.

Time of Day

• Early Morning (sunrise to 10 a.m.): The absolute best time to paddle. The water is calmest, wildlife is most active, and temperatures are comfortable even in summer. Manatees and dolphins are often feeding in the shallows at dawn.
• Late Afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset): Winds typically die down in the late afternoon, and the light is beautiful for photography. Sunset paddles are particularly popular from October through April.
• Midday: Generally the least ideal time due to wind, heat, and sun exposure, especially in summer. If you must paddle midday, stick to shaded mangrove trails.

Beginner vs. Advanced Routes

Beginner-Friendly Routes

These routes feature calm, protected water with minimal current and easy navigation:

1. Tigertail Beach Lagoon, Marco Island — Enclosed lagoon with no current. Perfect first paddle.
2. Clam Pass, Naples — Short, sheltered paddle through mangroves to the beach. About 20 minutes each way.
3. Commodore Creek Trail, Sanibel — Well-marked 2.5-mile mangrove trail inside Ding Darling Refuge. Calm water, abundant wildlife.
4. Lovers Key Canal Loop — Sheltered canals within the state park. Easy to navigate and typically flat water.
5. South Creek, Oscar Scherer State Park — Quiet, shaded creek paddle with no boat traffic.

Intermediate Routes (3-6 Miles)

These routes involve some open water or tidal currents but remain manageable for paddlers with basic experience:

1. Cocohatchee River to Wiggins Pass, Naples — Mix of river and estuary paddling with mangrove mazes. About 4-5 miles round trip.
2. Buck Key Loop, Sanibel — A 4-mile loop around Buck Key through varied mangrove and open-water habitats.
3. Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels, Sarasota — Interconnected tunnel system requiring some maneuvering skills. About 3 miles.
4. Estero River Trail — The 9-mile route from Koreshan State Park to Lovers Key via Estero Bay offers a full day of varied paddling.
5. Rookery Bay Mangrove Tunnels — Navigating the 110,000-acre reserve requires attention to tides but rewards with spectacular wildlife.

Advanced Routes (6+ Miles)

These routes involve open water, tidal currents, and require navigation skills and physical endurance:

1. Ten Thousand Islands — Multi-island exploration south of Marco Island with changing tides and long distances between takeout points.
2. Pine Island Sound Crossing — Open water between Pine Island and the barrier islands. Wind and tides can create challenging conditions.
3. Caloosahatchee River Upstream — A longer journey up the river to Hickey's Creek requires stamina and awareness of boat traffic.
4. Estero Bay to Mound Key — The open-water crossing from Lovers Key to Mound Key is about 45 minutes of exposed paddling each way.

Safety Tips for Paddling in SWFL

Southwest Florida's waterways are generally safe and welcoming, but every paddler should be aware of a few important considerations.

Tides and Currents

Tidal changes affect water depth, current strength, and access to certain trails. Some mangrove tunnels are only passable at higher tides, while others become too shallow at low tide. Check tide charts before heading out and plan your route accordingly. Paddling with an incoming tide is generally easier than fighting an outgoing tide, especially near passes where water flows between bays and the Gulf.

Weather

Afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through September and can develop quickly. Always check the forecast before launching, and plan to be off the water by early afternoon during summer months. Lightning is a serious danger on open water, and there is often no shelter available once a storm arrives.

Even during the dry season, wind can pick up significantly by midday. East winds in the morning typically shift to a southwest sea breeze in the afternoon, which can create choppy conditions on open bays.

Sun Protection

The Florida sun is intense, especially reflected off the water. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, UV-protective clothing, and waterproof sunscreen (SPF 50+). Bring more water than you think you need. A hydration pack or insulated water bottle is essential, even for short paddles.

Wildlife Awareness

• Manatees: Maintain distance. Never pursue, touch, or ride a manatee. Florida law prohibits harassment of these endangered animals.
• Alligators: Present in freshwater and brackish areas. They are generally not aggressive toward kayakers but maintain a respectful distance, especially near nesting areas in spring and summer.
• Stingrays: Shuffle your feet when wading in sandy areas to avoid stepping on a buried ray.
• Jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war: Occasional in Gulf waters. Wear water shoes and be aware of conditions.

Essential Gear Checklist

• Life jacket (required by law to have on board)
• Whistle or signaling device
• Waterproof phone case or dry bag
• Sunscreen, hat, and UV-protective clothing
• Water (at least one liter per hour of paddling)
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes can be significant in mangrove areas)
• Polarized sunglasses
• Towline or anchor for SUP

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a kayak or paddleboard in Southwest Florida?

Single kayak rentals typically cost $25 to $35 per hour across SWFL, with half-day rates running $40 to $55. Tandem kayaks are slightly more at $35 to $45 per hour. Stand-up paddleboard rentals range from $25 to $38 per hour. Guided tours, which include all equipment, run between $40 and $90 per person depending on the duration and operator. Many rental companies offer free delivery to hotels, vacation rentals, and public boat ramps.

What is the best time of year for kayaking in Southwest Florida?

The peak paddling season runs from November through April, when temperatures are comfortable, humidity is lower, and the water is calm. This is also when manatees congregate in warm-water areas and migratory birds are present. However, early morning summer paddles can be equally rewarding with fewer crowds and glassy water. Avoid paddling in the afternoon during summer due to frequent thunderstorms.

Do I need experience to go kayaking or paddleboarding in SWFL?

No prior experience is necessary for many of the calm, protected waterways in SWFL. Locations like Tigertail Beach Lagoon on Marco Island, Clam Pass in Naples, and the Commodore Creek Trail on Sanibel are all suitable for complete beginners. Guided tours include safety briefings and basic instruction, and many paddleboard rental shops offer free introductory lessons. More advanced routes like the Ten Thousand Islands or open-water bay crossings do require experience.

What is the Great Calusa Blueway?

The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile marked canoe and kayak trail system in Lee County that connects the coastal waters from Pine Island Sound to Estero Bay and up the Caloosahatchee River. It is one of the most extensive water trails in the Southeast and features dozens of interconnected routes suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. The trail has mile markers, a free smartphone app with GPS navigation, and more than 30 registered outfitters where you can rent equipment.

Are there manatees and dolphins in the kayaking areas?

Yes, manatee and dolphin sightings are extremely common in SWFL waterways. Bottlenose dolphins are year-round residents of the bays and estuaries, and you may see them feeding near grass flats in Pine Island Sound, Estero Bay, Sarasota Bay, and the waters around Marco Island. West Indian manatees are abundant from November through March when they seek warm water, with Manatee Park in Fort Myers and the Orange River being particularly reliable spots. Florida law requires paddlers to maintain a safe distance from manatees and never pursue or touch them.

Can I bring my own kayak to the state parks?

Yes, all SWFL state parks with water access allow you to bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Lovers Key State Park, Oscar Scherer State Park, and Koreshan State Park all have designated launch areas. Standard vehicle entry fees apply ($4 to $8 depending on the number of occupants). Some parks may have specific launch hours or seasonal restrictions, so check with the individual park before your visit.