Guided Eco-Tours by Kayak, Boat, Bike or Airplane on Florida's Paradise Coast

Guided tours help you make the most of the beaches, waterways, and exotic landscapes of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades by allowing you to engage with these ecosystems up close. Instead of the usual footpaths or car rides, consider taking things to the next level on your visit!

In fact, you can experience Florida’s Paradise Coast in a variety of interesting and adventurous ways. Skilled tour guides lead the way along numerous paddling routes, eco-cruises, and enriching nature-based educational excursions. With all of these options on the menu, there’s always something new to discover in Paradise–no matter how many times you’ve visited before.
 

kayak & canoe Tours

What’s your choice: kayak or canoe? Either vessel is perfect for an exhilarating journey through the coastal estuaries, winding rivers, hidden creeks, serene canals, and sparkling lakes of southwest Florida. Get ready to discover the wild beauty and adventure waiting around every bend!

The Paradise Coast Blueway, a GPS-coordinated network of routes through the mangroves and Gulf waters that hug the area’s shoreline, provides guidelines for adventurous day trips or longer excursions that include overnight camping on uninhabited beach islands. As you paddle through the Blueway's first completed phase, you'll be captivated by the lush, green scenery that stretches from Everglades National Park to the awe-inspiring Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

If you want to incorporate education and adventure into your paddling experience, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve conducts guided kayak trips through backwater bays and mangrove forests. These guided tours are led by the reserve’s exclusive eco-tour partner, Rising Tide Explorers. On your kayak trip, you’ll have the chance to paddle with a local biologist, spotting dolphins, osprey, bald eagles, and maybe even manatees along the way!

While you’re visiting Rookery Bay, don’t miss the chance to check out the Environmental Learning Center. Discover exhibits like a 2,300-gallon mangrove aquarium and an interactive touch tank where you can engage with sea stars, spider crabs, and lightning whelks. Additionally, cultural exhibits here highlight 3,000 years of human history in the estuary, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

As another option, Adventure Paddle Tours also operates top-rated guided kayaking tours in the Naples area. Join their most popular excursion–the Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Tour–for a unique, three-hour journey through the stunning mangrove forests.

Adventure Paddle Tours offers an exclusive experience with a maximum of 8 guests per group, ensuring an intimate and educational journey led by expert local guides. Remember that the best time of year for wildlife spotting in this area is from January to April, when guests are likely to see everything from manatees to roseate spoonbills.
 

Eco-Cruises & Sightseeing Boat Tours

Your personal eco-education tour should include a cruise on the Dolphin Explorer. Departing from Rose Marina on Marco Island, traverse the waters of the Ten Thousand Islands and Rookery Bay, and keep your eyes peeled for everyone’s favorite sea creature!

You and your fellow passengers will actually serve as Citizen Scientists on this tour, assisting dolphin researchers with the ongoing 10,000 Islands Dolphins Project. Depending on the time of year, you may even see other marine animals, like manatees.

Many other cruise companies combine sightseeing with dolphin watching or manatee watching, like Rising Tide Explorers, Pure Florida, and even the Conservancy of Southwest Florida aboard the 30-passenger Good Fortune II. Don’t forget that there are options for sunset cruises, too!

Guided Bicycle Tours

Experience the thrill of Naples Bicycle Tours, where each guided tour reveals the hidden gems of Naples, Marco Island or the Everglades. Discover the charm of Historic Old Naples as you pedal through picturesque neighborhoods and along serene waterfronts, spotting dolphins and manatees near the iconic Naples Pier. On Marco Island, explore the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, cycling past lush tropical landscapes and rare wildlife, including burrowing owls and gopher tortoises.

For a true adventure, uncover the natural wonders of the Everglades on two wheels, guided by certified naturalists, and witness the rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem. With high-quality bikes, e-bikes, and all the essentials provided, Naples Bicycle Tours ensures a fun, informative, and unforgettable exploration of Florida’s Paradise Coast. Book your tour today and pedal into paradise!
 

Airplanes & Swamp Buggies

Seeing the picturesque Gulf of America, the labyrinthine 10,000 Islands, and the wild vistas of the Everglades from a bird’s-eye view is something you simply won’t forget. Several private companies, such as Salt Island Sea Planes and Wings Aero Tours, offer guided flight tours for the ultimate sightseeing experience.

For an equally fascinating but more grounded experience, climb aboard an elevated swamp buggy for an eco-tour of the Everglades. These vehicles with massive tires can get you right out into the swamps and prairies of Big Cypress National Preserve, and up close to the astounding array of wildlife in the legendary River of Grass. Check out companies like Captain Steve’s, C & G’s, and Wooten’s to book your swamp buggy experience!