Everything you need to know about our tours and rentals
No prior experience is necessary for our tours or rentals. Our guides provide full instruction, and our Hobie pedal kayaks are extremely stable and easy to use. For rentals, we'll give you a brief orientation before you head out.
We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water shoes or sandals that can get wet, and a change of clothes. We provide complimentary water, but feel free to bring additional drinks or snacks. Don't forget your camera or phone (we provide dry bags)!
Our Hobie pedal kayaks allow hands-free navigation using leg power, making them ideal for photography and longer trips. Traditional paddle kayaks require upper body strength but offer more maneuverability in tight spaces. Clear kayaks provide underwater visibility but are tandem-only. Our staff can help you choose the best option based on your preferences.
Yes! We welcome families and provide life vests in child sizes. Children under 12 should share a tandem kayak with an adult. Our guides are experienced with families and can adjust the pace accordingly. For very young children (under 5), please contact us to discuss the best options.
We offer full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance. For weather-related cancellations on our part, we offer rescheduling or full refunds. If you need to cancel within 24 hours due to illness or emergency, please contact us directly.
Yes! We specialize in private tours for families, corporate groups, and special occasions. Private tours can be customized to your interests and schedule. Contact us directly to discuss your needs and receive a quote.
Our tours are designed to be accessible to most fitness levels. The Hobie pedal kayaks require minimal effort, making them suitable for those with limited upper body strength. Our guides adjust the pace to accommodate all participants. If you have specific concerns about physical limitations, please contact us before booking.
No, the county does not provide restrooms at our launch access point. However, beach parking just south of us on the bridge offers portable restrooms. It's best to stop somewhere before arriving.
Yes, we provide comfortable life jackets in all sizes. Children under 6 years old are required by Florida state law to wear a life jacket at all times. For others, it's up to the parent's discretion.
Complimentary ice-cold waters are included with our guided tours. For rentals, bottled water is available for purchase.
Yes, parking is free at our launch site.
We technically don't have a formal street address for our location, as the county hasn't issued one for our launch site. However, once you book, you'll receive an email and automated text with direct links to our location via Google Maps and Apple Maps. These directions will take you exactly where we park and launch.
While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, our location in Estero Bay offers excellent opportunities to see manatees, dolphins, and various coastal birds. Our guides know the best spots for wildlife viewing and will maximize your chances of memorable encounters.
It depends on the time of day and weather. During sunny conditions from 9 AM to 4 PM, bugs are rarely noticeable. On cloudy days or around sunrise and sunset, biting midges (no-see-ums) can be more active. Mosquitoes are generally not an issue in our area. We provide bug spray for guided tours; renters are encouraged to bring their own.
It is extremely unlikely. Our area is saltwater, which is not a preferred habitat for alligators or crocodiles. As a lifelong local, I've only seen one in this area once.
Manatees typically migrate into our coastal waters from April through October to mate. Peak months are June, July, and August. However, during warmer-than-average years, sightings can extend into February, March, November, and December. Mornings are generally the best time to spot them, especially on weekdays, when boat traffic is lighter.
Yes! Dolphins are present throughout the year in Southwest Florida and can be seen at any time of day, regardless of tide conditions.