Manatees, Grasslands and Mangroves kayak Tour (Small Group Tour)

Experience a Unique Kayaking Adventure in Naples for Wildlife Viewing

The Manatees, Grasslands and Mangroves kayak Tour from Shurr Adventures Everglades offers an exciting 3-hour journey through some of the most tranquil and wildlife-rich waters in Southwest Florida. Priced at $85 per person, this small-group tour is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized guidance. The tour departs from 525 Newport Dr, Naples, and promises a high chance of spotting elusive manatees along with other fascinating creatures like alligators, dolphins, and various bird species.

This kayak trip is ideal for those seeking solitude, natural beauty, and a close encounter with Florida’s native wildlife. The experience is suited for individuals with moderate physical fitness who enjoy gentle paddling amid beautiful scenery. While not as biodiverse as other trips in the Everglades, it compensates with serene landscapes and the opportunity to see warm-water manatees in their preferred habitat. The adventure combines sawgrass prairies, mangrove tunnels, and small lakes, making it a well-rounded nature escapade.

Key Points

• Price of $85 per person for a 3-hour small-group kayak tour.
• Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Focus on wildlife sightings, especially manatees, alligators, and dolphins.
• Unique route in search of manatees, offering more solitude than other rivers.
• The tour includes bottled water, snacks, dry bags, and parking fees.
• End the trip exploring Port of the Islands, a hotspot for basking manatees.

The Distinctive Route Through Naples’ Natural Waters

This tour begins at 525 Newport Dr, where the guides lead you into waters known for their warm temperatures, attracting manatees. The route is carefully chosen to provide a more secluded experience compared to other waterways, as it ventures into lesser-trafficked areas in search of these gentle giants. You’ll paddle through maze-like sawgrass prairies and mangrove tunnels, each offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.

What makes this route special is its focus on serenity and wildlife observation. The environment here is less predictable than the typical Everglades trips, with tides and winds occasionally requiring more paddling effort. The journey concludes with a half-hour exploration of the Port of the Islands, a small neighborhood canal where manatees love to rest in the warm water, making it a prime spot for sightings.

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities Near Naples

While the tour emphasizes manatee sightings, other wildlife freely share the waters. Dolphins sometimes appear alongside the kayakers, adding to the excitement. The guides are adept at pointing out alligators basking in the sun and the variety of wading birds feeding in the shallow waters.

The final stop in the Port of the Islands is particularly fruitful for spotting manatees basking in the warm water, which is a favorite habitat for them. This area stands out as one of the best in the Naples/Marco Island region for manatee encounters. The environment’s peacefulness and the opportunity for wildlife observation make this tour a memorable nature experience.

Highly Comfortable Kayaks & Practical Inclusions

Participants benefit from the most stable and comfortable kayaks available, designed for easy paddling and maximum stability. To keep guests refreshed, the tour provides bottled water and an assortment of snacks such as Cliff Bars, fruit leathers, nut mixes, and fruit snacks.

For convenience, dry bags and waterproof phone cases are included, allowing travelers to carry essentials securely. The company also covers parking and launch fees, charged at $10 per car and $5 per kayak, removing extra costs from the planning process.

Unique Focus on Manatee Encounters

This tour is recognized as the best spot for seeing manatees in their natural habitat within Southwest Florida. The warm waters of the Port of the Islands attract these gentle mammals, especially at the tour’s end, for roughly 30 minutes of dedicated manatee searching.

The route’s uniqueness lies in its solitude, away from crowded waterways, and the quiet paddling through mangroves and prairies. This environment fosters a more intimate wildlife experience in a setting that balances natural beauty with opportunities for animal sightings.

Practical Details and Logistics for the Trip

The meeting point is at 525 Newport Dr in Naples, where the tour begins and ends. The trip lasts approximately 3 hours, making it an accessible and manageable outing for most people. The experience is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, as paddling involves dealing with tides and wind that may require extra effort.

The tour operates year-round, with confirmation received upon booking. Since the tour is limited to 8 participants, booking 8 days in advance is typical. The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility in case of weather or other changes.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Wildlife Kayaking Experiences

This adventure’s primary advantage is its focus on manatee sightings in a less-trafficked, serene environment. The route’s exclusivity and the small group size foster a more relaxed experience, compared to busier, more commercial tours.

The combination of comfortable kayaks, expert guides, and extensive wildlife knowledge makes this tour a reliable choice for wildlife enthusiasts. Its special permit approval—the only company in Florida to hold the “triple crown” of permits for Everglades, Naples, and Marco Island—adds a layer of credibility and access to prime wildlife habitats.

Final Thoughts on the Manatees, Grasslands, and Mangroves Kayak Tour

This tour offers a peaceful, wildlife-focused kayaking experience ideal for nature lovers and those eager to spot manatees up close. The small group size and expert guidance ensure a personalized adventure, making it well-suited for travelers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

While it may require more paddling effort due to tides and wind, the reward of seeing manatees in their preferred warm-water habitats makes it worthwhile. The tour’s focus on comfort, wildlife, and scenic environments sets it apart in the Naples area. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a relaxing yet wildlife-rich escape into Florida’s waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the kayak tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including time for wildlife watching and exploring the waterways.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.

Are snacks and drinks included?
Yes, the tour provides bottled water and snacks such as Cliff Bars, fruit leathers, nut mixes, and fruit snacks.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
Guests should bring shoes that can get wet or dirty and a towel if desired. The tour offers dry bags and waterproof cases for gear and phones.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The experience is best for those with moderate physical fitness, as paddling may be affected by tides and wind.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Look out for manatees, alligators, dolphins, and various wading birds. The final stop is ideal for manatee sightings.

What makes this tour stand out?
It offers a less crowded route, comfortable kayaks, and expert guides, with a special focus on manatee viewing in warm waters.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Where exactly does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at 525 Newport Dr, Naples.

Is this tour available year-round?
Yes, the tour operates year-round, weather permitting.