Gulf Coast Kayak offers a variety of Guided Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Eco-Tours. Our experienced and knowledgeable Guides are ACA Certified Kayak & SUP Instructors & Florida Master Naturalists well versed on Florida’s ecology and natural history & skilled at spotting local wildlife! We provide PFD/Life Vest, Paddle & basic instruction with every tour. Reservations are required. Departure times and locations vary with season and daylight savings time. Please inquire as to exact departure times.
**Max Weight Capacity per rider may not exceed 300 Pounds**
Custom trips and discounts are available for groups of 6 or more. Children 12 and under receive a discount. Please inquire for further information.
What to Bring/Recommended Gear: Water Shoes, yes your feet will get wet! Lightweight breathable clothing, hat, and/or sunglasses, sunscreen, plenty of water and snacks. Bring a towel and set of dry clothes to change into just in case.
Sunrise is a colorful and revitalizing time to be on the water! Witness Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve come to life & join us as we identify and share information about coastal & wetland birds and sea creatures that make the estuary their home!
Join us as we provide a guided exploration of the mangrove wilderness on part of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail! Our mangrove coastline in the Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve provides sustenance and harborage for a variety of birds and marine life!
Join us for a spectacular Sunset Paddle of Matlacha! Learn about the unique creatures that make our estuary their home from Dolphin to Manatee to Skates and Rays! Spot roosting birds and jumping fish as we meander up windy shrouded mangrove trails. On our way back we’ll search for Manatee and Dolphin as we paddle towards the best Sunset view in Matlacha!
Join us as we depart before sunset on this enchanting paddle and celebrate the day’s end! Howl at the full moon as it rises over the waters of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve!
Explore the Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve and learn about the history and ecology of Pine Island Sound while paddling on a Stand Up Paddle Board! Scan the horizon as you glide over our calm and shallow waters in search of dolphins, manatee, and stingrays!
This unique tour given in collaboration with the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center is 3-3.5 hours long and includes a half-mile nature hike each way. On the walk expect to see signs of wildlife and a diverse range of natural habitats. Once on the water, we will paddle through an estuarine environment with windy mangrove trails surrounded by lush coastal wetlands and upland habitats. Join us as we connect with South West Florida nature in a pure setting!