Escape the Estero Island crowds for a premium guided kayak experience — just 20 minutes away
Fort Myers Beach is one of Southwest Florida's most popular beach destinations, and for good reason — gorgeous Gulf sunsets, the lively Times Square entertainment district, and miles of sandy shoreline on Estero Island. But when it comes to kayaking, the crowded beach rental shops near the pier can't compare to a premium guided experience through pristine, untouched waterways.
Just 20 minutes south, Mike's Coastal Expeditions launches from Big Hickory Island into the calm, protected waters of Estero Bay — a world away from the boat traffic and beach crowds of Fort Myers Beach. Instead of dodging jet skis and fighting Gulf currents, you'll glide through serene mangrove tunnels, explore hidden tidal creeks, and encounter dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds in a sheltered aquatic preserve.
The difference between a basic beach kayak rental and one of our guided tours is night and day. Our premium Hobie pedal-drive kayaks, expert local guides, carbon fiber paddles, and intimate group sizes create an experience that's closer to a private nature expedition than a typical beach activity. And as the closest beach city to our launch site, Fort Myers Beach visitors have the easiest drive of anyone in the area.
Whether you choose our premium Hobie pedal-drive kayaks for an effortless, hands-free experience or our high-quality Crescent paddle kayaks, every tour includes expert local guides, carbon fiber paddles, complimentary photos, and bottled water — all with no booking fees.
Our tours wind through mangrove tunnels where manatees rest in shallow waters, along oyster bars where dolphins feed, and out to secluded barrier island beaches. You'll paddle through Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, one of Florida's first aquatic preserves, with a guide who knows every channel, every wildlife hotspot, and the best routes for the day's conditions.
We also offer sunset glow tours with LED-lit kayaks, clear kayak tours for underwater viewing, and stand-up paddle board options. Private and corporate group tours accommodate up to 100 guests.
Mike's Coastal Expeditions is just 20 minutes (approximately 10 miles) from Fort Myers Beach — the closest of any city we serve. Head south on Estero Boulevard across the bridge to the mainland, then take Bonita Beach Road south. Turn south on Hickory Blvd (County Road 865) and follow it to our launch site at Big Hickory Island.
Alternatively, from the north end of Fort Myers Beach, take the Matanzas Pass Bridge to San Carlos Blvd, then head south on US-41 to Bonita Beach Road. Free parking is available at our launch location.
The short drive makes it easy to fit a kayak tour into your beach vacation — paddle in the morning and be back on the sand by lunch.
Fort Myers Beach offers the perfect complement to a kayak adventure with us. Spend your morning exploring mangrove tunnels and spotting dolphins, then head back to the beach for an afternoon of sun and surf. Stroll the Times Square entertainment district at the base of the pier for shopping, restaurants, and live music.
For more nature, visit nearby Lovers Key State Park — a barrier island with beautiful beaches, nature trails, and kayak launches along the Estero Bay side. The Mound House, the oldest standing structure on Fort Myers Beach, offers both cultural exhibits and guided kayak tours of the historic Estero Bay.
Whether you're on a week-long beach vacation or a day trip to Fort Myers Beach, a guided kayak tour with Mike's Coastal Expeditions adds an unforgettable wilderness experience that's worlds apart from the typical beach day — and it's just 20 minutes away.
Book your kayak adventure today — just 20 minutes from Fort Myers Beach with no booking fees.