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Everglades: Manatees & Mangrove Kayak Tour Small Group
Summary
Kayak through Everglades mangroves and spot wild manatees up close
You’ll paddle deep into Everglades mangrove tunnels with a small group and expert guide, spotting wild manatees up close—especially in winter months—plus river otters and wading birds along salt marshes. Expect some laughter (and maybe wet shoes), moments of total quiet among twisted roots, and real stories from your local guide as you float back toward Naples.
I didn’t think I’d ever hear silence quite like that—just the drip of water off my paddle and a distant bird somewhere in the mangroves. We started out near Naples, Florida, piling into this little van (our guide, Sam, joked about his playlist being “oldies only”) and then we were off to the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge. The air smelled salty-sweet, kind of earthy too. I was honestly nervous about tipping over but Sam gave us this quick rundown—he’s ACA certified or something—and somehow made it sound easy. Tandem kayaks only, which meant I had to trust my paddling partner not to steer us into a tree. Spoiler: we hit one anyway.
The first stretch through the salt marsh was all open sky and these long-legged birds everywhere—egrets maybe? Sam pointed out a river otter sliding into the water, so quick I almost missed it. About half an hour in, everything changed; suddenly we were threading into these tight mangrove tunnels where the light got all green and dappled. The branches scraped our paddles sometimes (I still have a leaf stuck in my shoe) and it felt like time slowed down in there. There’s something about drifting through those tunnels that makes you whisper without meaning to.
And then—the manatees. I’d read they gather here in winter when the canal stays warmer than the Gulf, but seeing them glide under our kayaks was… well, I didn’t expect to feel so calm just watching them breathe. One surfaced right next to us with this soft puffing sound. Sam grinned and said we got lucky; sometimes you wait ages to see even one on a day trip from Naples to the Everglades. After that, we just floated for a bit, letting the current do its thing while someone tried (and failed) to get a selfie with a manatee in frame.
The whole tour took maybe three hours? Hard to say—I lost track after a while. We ended up back at the marina with wet shoes and sore arms but honestly I still think about that quiet inside the tunnels sometimes when things get loud back home. If you’re looking for a real kayak tour through mangroves with actual wildlife (not just promises), this is it.
3h
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1 — Kayak tour through mangroves and canals
- Arrive early for shuttle service
- Ride passenger van 1 mile down road
- Start kayaking through salt marsh
- Observe wading birds and river otters
- Enter mangrove tunnels and creeks
- Explore ponds and mangrove habitat
- Kayak into manatee safe zone canal
- Spend 30 minutes spotting manatees
- Return kayak to marina
Top questions
How long is the Manatees & Mangrove Kayak Tour?
The tour lasts around 2–2.5 hours on the water plus shuttle time.
Where does the kayak tour start?
The launch point is inside 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge near Naples at 25000 Tamiami Trail East.
When is best for seeing manatees on this tour?
Manatees are most abundant during colder winter months when they gather in warmer canal waters.
Is hotel pickup included?
No hotel pickup; guests meet at the designated lobby address for shuttle service to launch site.
Are single kayaks available?
No, only tandem kayaks are available for this booking.
Is this kayak tour suitable for children?
Children 13 and under must ride in a two-person kayak with an adult 18 or older.
What wildlife might I see on this kayak tour?
You may spot manatees (especially in winter), river otters, alligators, and various bird species.
Do I need kayaking experience?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended but no advanced experience required; guides provide instruction.
What’s included
Your day includes meeting your ACA-certified kayak guide at 25000 Tamiami Trail East in Naples before hopping into a passenger van for individual household shuttle service down the road. All gear is provided—tandem kayak only—and your small group will paddle through salt marshes and mangrove tunnels with expert guidance before returning by water to the marina.
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