Kayak Tours Near Fort Myers, FL

Fort Myers is known for its rich history — the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, the vibrant downtown River District, and the scenic Caloosahatchee riverfront. But when it comes to kayaking, the real magic lies just 30 minutes south in the untouched coastal waters of Estero Bay and Big Hickory Island.

While the Caloosahatchee offers pleasant scenery, it can't compare to the pristine mangrove tunnels, hidden tidal creeks, and abundant wildlife found in our paddling territory. Here, you'll glide through ecosystems largely unchanged for centuries — spotting dolphins, manatees, ospreys, and roseate spoonbills in their natural habitat, far from river traffic and urban shorelines.

Mike's Coastal Expeditions gives Fort Myers residents and visitors a chance to experience a completely different side of Southwest Florida — one that most people drive right past on their way to the beach. Our guided tours depart from Big Hickory Island in Bonita Springs, where Estero Bay's sheltered waters meet the Gulf, creating one of the most biodiverse paddling environments on Florida's west coast.

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 an easy 30-minute drive (approximately 25 miles) south of downtown Fort Myers. Head south on US-41 (Tamiami Trail) through Estero and into Bonita Springs, then follow County Road 865 (Hickory Blvd) to our launch site at Big Hickory Island.

If you're coming from the Edison & Ford Estates area or Centennial Park, take McGregor Boulevard south to US-41. From Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, hop on I-75 South to Exit 116 (Bonita Beach Road) for a quick highway route. Free parking is available at our launch location.

Many of our Fort Myers guests make a full day of it — paddling in the morning and exploring Bonita Springs or Lovers Key State Park in the afternoon.

Fort Myers has no shortage of things to do before or after your kayaking adventure. Tour the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates to see the botanical gardens and historic laboratories. Stroll the downtown River District for local restaurants, craft breweries, and art galleries along First Street.

Nature lovers will enjoy combining a kayak tour with a visit to Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a 3,500-acre wetland ecosystem with a mile-long boardwalk trail. Or head to Manatee Park near the FPL power plant, where manatees gather in warm discharge waters during winter months.

Whether you're a Fort Myers local who's never explored the coastal side of Lee County or a visitor looking for the best outdoor experience Southwest Florida has to offer, a guided kayak tour with Mike's Coastal Expeditions is the perfect way to discover what lies beyond the river.