guided kayak tours sanibel island

Kayak Sanibel, Captiva: Where to go to enjoy wildlife & beauty

By: Author Bonnie Gross

Posted on Last updated: January 11, 2023

Note: Hurricane Ian devastated Sanibel and Captiva Sept. 28, 2022 . The island is not yet ready for visitors. The following story was written before the storm.

Sanibel Island and Captiva are kayak paradise: Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve, which separates the islands from the mainland – is full of fish, dolphins, manatees, ospreys, pelicans, herons and even otters. There are mangrove islands, shallow sea grass beds where graceful wading birds feed and long stretches of shoreline still in a wild state.

If you rent kayaks from one of several outfitters on Sanibel or Captiva islands, as we did recently, Sanibel Island kayaking can be a beautiful day on the water with few hassles.

If you want to launch your own kayak, however, it’s not so simple. Sanibel and Captiva have limited waterfront parking facilities and the marinas and outfitters charge a lot to park and launch. Launch fees range from $7 at Tarpon Bay Explorers, the outfitters at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, to $35 at Castaways Marina or Tween Waters Inn. (See details below, along with several alternatives for launching.)

One of the more pleasant dilemmas is deciding what route to take when kayaking the waters of Captiva and Sanibel.

The bayside waters of Pine Island Sound have more wildlife and varied shorelines to explore than the beach-lined Gulf side of the islands. The Great Calusa Blueway , a marked 190-mile long kayak trail, follows the Sanibel Causeway from the mainland, extends up the bayside of the island and continues north to Cayo Costa Island.

Some of the best kayak alternatives off Captiva and Sanibel wind through the mangroves islands that form its shoreline with Pine Island Sound.

Here are a few choices:

Sanibel Island kayaking around Buck Key off Captiva

On a sunny Columbus Day weekend, we rented kayaks from Adventure Sea Wildlife Tours at Tween Waters Inn on Captiva. It’s a good jumping off spot to paddle the kayak trail through Buck Key’s thick mangrove tunnels and then to circumnavigate Buck Key.

Buck Key, home to a few hardy pioneers in the 19 th century, is now an uninhabited preserve about two miles long paralleling Captiva Island. The most popular kayak trip out of Tween Waters is to take the narrow kayak trail across Buck Key. The trail crosses a pristine lagoon and continues through deeply shaded mangrove tunnels to the other side of the island and Pine Island Sound.

From there, it’s a one-hour kayak trip if you loop north and return to Tween Waters.

We took the longer, southern route that circles Buck Key to Blind Pass and then follows the Roosevelt Canal between Captiva and Buck Key back to Tween Waters.  This route takes about three hours.

Kayakers who want a longer trip can continue south across Blind Pass and explore the mangrove islands there, including Wulfert Key.

The highlight of our trip was watching a dolphin feeding on a school of fish with explosive splashes in Pine Island Sound. The dolphin swam so close that when he surfaced the rush of air through his blowhole made a loud whooshing sound.

Osprey were constantly overhead and the trees were full of cormorants, anhinga and pelicans. A variety of heron, egrets and ibis waded in the shallows.

We had been told to watch for otters on Buck Key, but weren’t that lucky.

If you take this route and pack a picnic, as we did, be prepared to eat in your kayak or stand in shallow water next to it to stretch your legs  – there is no place to land.

Kayaking Tarpon Bay from  J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Probably the most popular kayak outing on Sanibel Island puts in at Ding Darling NWR. Either rent kayaks or pay to put in at Tarpon Bay Explorers.

Most kayakers take the two-hour Commodore Creek Trail, a well-marked route through the mangroves where visitors see a variety of birds and the occasional manatee.

There are many other possibilities: Dave of the Dave’s Yak Tales blog paddled Commodore Creek in 35 minutes (and saw otters!) and had a great trip paddling on to the far northern shore.

Exploring Sanibel’s Blind Pass area and Wulfert’s Island 

The only starting point for kayaking in this area is Castaways, a resort and marina just south of Blind Pass. Castaways rents kayaks at reasonable rates. It also permits you to park and put in your kayak there – for a price. (Between kayak and launch fee, it will be $40-$50.)

(In the past, you could park at the Blind Pass lot and launch a kayak on the beach, but this lot is closed because of erosion.)

This launching point gives you the opportunity to paddle around several wild islands and pretty bays on the south side of the pass. This area is especially popular with fishermen.

Paddling from the Sanibel Causeway area

You can paddle the Great Calusa Blueway Trail by starting from the lovely county park on the causeway itself or launching from the City of Sanibel boat ramp just east of the causeway. Starting from the base of the causeway, it would be two miles along the shore before you reached Tarpon Bay. Once in Tarpon Bay, you could paddle the mangrove islands of Ladyfinger Lake on the bay’s eastern edge.

Kayak outfitters and launch options on Sanibel and Captiva

If you want a guided tour, you’re in luck. This is the main business of Sanibel’s kayak outfitters. Guides identify wildlife and help visitors appreciate the flora and fauna.

Here are a several outfitters: 

Adventure Sea Wildlife Tours , located at Tween Waters Inn , 15951 Captiva Drive. 239-472-5161 ext. 3.

• Adventure Sea is well-located for kayaking around Buck Key
• To launch your own kayak at Tween Waters Inn, you have to buy a day pass for the resort.

Captiva Kayak Company , located at McCarthy’s Marina, 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239-395-2925.

• The first environmental education tours on Captiva.
• Captiva Kayaks is also a good spot to start from to kayak Buck Key.
• No personal kayaks can be launched from here.

Castaways Marina , 6460 Sanibel-Captiva Road , 239-472-1112.

• Castaways is a good place to put in to explore Wulfert Key and the Blind Pass bay areas.
• To launch your own kayak, you must pay $15 for parking and a $20 launch fee. You may get a break in fees off-season.

Parking at Blind Pass parking lot

• As of June 2022, this parking lot has been closed because of erosion.

Tarpon Bay Explorers, located inside Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge ,  900 Tarpon Bay Road, Captiva, 239.472.8900.

• Rental options include kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards and pontoon boats.
• There are a variety of guided kayak tours starting at $40 per adults; $35 per child.

Boat launch at Sanibel Boat Ramp , east side of the causeway.

• Parking is $5 an hour and the meters take credit cards.

Things to do in Sanibel Island:

• Tips on how to tour the island by bike.
• What makes Sanibel so special — and nine ways to experience it
• On your way to Sanibel:  Six Mile Slough is a wild boardwalk minutes off I-75

More kayak outings in Southwest Florida:

• Lovers Key: Great beach, kayaking, manatees
• Mound Key Archaeological Park
• Imperial River kayak trail through old Bonita Springs
• The Great Calusa Blueway . Useful maps and a smart-phone app of the whole trail system are free.
• Everglades City: Kayak historic city and get a taste of 10,000 islands
• Collier-Seminole State Park: Kayak trail near Naples
• Kayak Gasparilla Sound for dolphins, white pelicans
• Oscar Scherer State Park
• Cayo Costa State Park

All articles on FloridaRambler.com are original, produced exclusively for our readers and protected by U.S. Copyright law. Any use or re-publication without written permission is against the law. Read more: floridarambler.com/licensing

This page contains affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a small commission if a purchase is made. This revenue supports our mission to produce quality stories about the authentic Florida destinations at no cost to our readers.

The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.

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David Cannon

Sunday 13th of December 2020

Paddled Buck Key today, 12-13-2020. Launched from Wildlife Drive in Ding Darling. Free, with my Duck Stamp. A little over 5 hours on the water. Including going out into the Gulf from Blind Pass before back tracking to get back to the Roosevelt Channel and Buck Key.

captiva waverunner rental

Friday 20th of November 2020

Hello, its nice piece of writing regarding media print, we all understand media is a impressive source of data.

Guided Kayaking on Tarpon Bay at Sanibel Island, Florida

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on February 5, 2024

When people ask about paddling spots, particularly when they’re looking for cool kayaking trails, we often point them to mellow rivers or interesting lakeshores. On Florida’s Gulf Coast at Sanibel Island, you’ll find one of the best places to kayak in South Florida . Kayaking Tarpon Bay and the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a must.

We went out with kayak guides, Tarpon Bay Explorers, and also got to paddle on our own, have explored a fair amount. This sheltered part of the Gulf Coast and Intracoastal Waterway is great for spotting wildlife and getting kids out on the water in a safe, unique place. This is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island . If you have any questions about visiting Sanibel and Captiva or any about kayaking on the Florida Gulf Coast, please leave a comment or send us a note !

Tarpon Bay Explorers Tour

We do a lot of kayak tours in addition to our own paddling, and really enjoy them. The experience can be a missed bag, but if it’s good for us, we try to share what we really enjoy. Doing the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail with Tarpon Bay Explorers on Sanibel Island makes the cut for a quality tour due to the actual guiding, the environment and the solo paddling experience. Here’s the full scoop.

The route for going out into the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge via Tarpon Bay starts at the paddling company’s headquarters, then skirts the edge of Tarpon Bay on Sanibel’s eastern side, before heading into the mangrove streams. While Tarpon Bay itself is actually really large, the majority of this particular kayaking tour goes through the mangrove islands. For people that aren’t used to Florida kayaking, mangrove tunnels and passages might seem strange or uncertain, but they’re actually really fun to kayak through.

The mangrove portion of the Tarpon Bay kayaking tour follows the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail waterway, complete with markers to ensure you don’t get lost in the mangroves. As you enter the creek (actually a saltwater passage), follow the markers 1-17. This will ensure you can find your way out and that you experience the diversity of habitats along the paddling trail.

Book it Here!

What makes the Tarpon Bay Explorers Kayak Tour Unique

Regarding the actual tour we did with Tarpon Bay Explorers, we followed our guide through the many passages and small lakes (still saltwater) until the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail loops to rejoin itself. From there, our guide released us all to paddle on our own, ensuring we knew how to get out of the mangrove islands. It was actually really great to be let loose to explore without the rest of the group.

When you’re doing a guided kayak tour, often there are a fair number of people with minimal experience joining you. This is usually not a problem, but in a destination like Sanibel Island where you have people visiting for all over for the beaches, kayaking here is usually not the primary purpose of the visit. What this means is that when you get a bunch of novice paddlers together in a narrow waterway, they sometimes don’t know how to control their paddle craft properly… turning it into moments of bumper boats.

Because of the amount of greenhorn kayakers on this tour, our we very much appreciated being able to head out on our own after the guided tour portion. We actually were able to keep our kayaks for the rest of the day if we wanted, as the additional time is included with the cost of the tour. I wish more kayaking companies would do this!

One final element of our Tarpon Bay Explorers kayak tour that we loved was our guide. We went with Savannah, a marine biologist, who was ready and willing to share ALL the knowledge about the Gulf Coast ecosystem and the habitats found in Tarpon Bay. She was shard, had a great eye for wildlife and was very patient with the kids and novice paddlers on the tour. Bravo for a well executed paddling trip!

Note: if you don’t often do kayak tours, it is customary to tip your guide. How much you tip is up to you, but for a two hour or less tour we’ll tip about $10 per person, sometimes more. It depends on the technicality, the engagement and the overall experience.

Know Before You Go Out on Tarpon Bay

Kayaking on Tarpon Bay is a mix of both shaded coves and open water. Being prepared with sunblock is HIGHLY recommended. The Florida sun is hot and can really get you if you’re not used to it, or even if you are. We tend to use waterproof SPF 30 for kayaking and it’s kept us burn free on many trips, including when we did the tour for kayaking the 10,000 Islands in Everglades National Park .

Another thing to consider when you’re getting on the water at Tarpon Bay is that you’ll be kayaking into the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This unique area, of both open water and mangrove forest, is full of wildlife. I love bird watching and wildlife photography, so kayaking here is my perfect storm. With photography gear comes the need for dry bags. If they’re offered and you’ve got camera gear you want to keep safe, use a dry bag. 

How are the Mosquitoes on Tarpon Bay?

We have been to some buggy places, like doing the bioluminescent kayaking at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge or when we’ve been paddling in Wisconsin, but our experience on Sanibel wasn’t bad actually. You think of South Florida in the summer being bad for mosquitoes, but they weren’t actually a problem for us kayaking on Tarpon Bay or in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

We do like to take preventative measures when we’re kayaking though. We use different bug repellent sprays, and recently we even got some deet-free bug repellent wipes. If you’re concerned that the mosquitoes are going to find you, take the precautions you need to before heading out on your kayak tour.

Highlights of Kayaking Tarpon Bay and Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge

We’re always excited to kayak places that are different from our normal paddling trails. We live in North Florida, so spend a lot of time on rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway. Getting into the watery mangrove forests of Sanibel Island was a nice change. Entering the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail was like stepping into a totally different world, and I loved it.

Wildlife to Watch for in Tarpon Bay

When you’re paddling in Tarpon Bay, keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of marine life. Look out for manatees, sting rays of different sorts, sharks, sea turtles and even… wait for it… tarpon (large fish). While some of the wildlife can be elusive if you’re at water-level vs on a SUP with a higher vantage point, you can still have success by keeping your eyes peeled and knowing what to look for. When you see smooth circles on the top of the water, that’s often a “manatee footprint” left by their fluke as they push through the water, and then they often surface with a loud exhale. Sting rays and sharks leave a similar smooth trail when they suddenly swim away quickly.

Since Tarpon Bay is relatively shallow in most parts, you don’t see tons of dolphins, but they do come into the bay. Watching for wild, breaking water and fins to spot dolphins hunting in the shallows. What’s really cool is when you can spot them swimming on their sides and fishing.

When it comes to birdwatching on Tarpon Bay and within the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, you’re in for a treat! Whether it’s ospreys and eagles or spoonbills you’re looking for, you’ll spot something cool when you’re on the water. There are quite a few types of heron and egrets here, which means LARGE birds both wading and fishing as well as swooping low sometimes. If you really look as you paddle, you’ll even find nests with babies.

Paddling the Mangrove Tunnels of Commodore Creek

In addition to the wildife, the other thing we really enjoy about kayaking on Tarpon Bay is the mangrove tunnel area. With tight passages, low hanging branches and some technical turns, kayaking in the mangrove forest is really fun with kids. We’ve seen some really cool things in mangrove tunnels, from humongous spiders high overhead to mangrove crabs and seastars. The shaded, sheltered areas are wonderfully unique and interesting for kayaking.

Gear for Kayaking on Tarpon Bay on Your Own

So, yes, you can explore Tarpon Bay and the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on your own. Wether you pay the launch fee and go out from the Tarpon Bay Explorers ramp or if you enter from another spot, you can paddle without doing a tour. The bay itself is rather broad and there is plenty of mangrove shoreline to poke in and out of, as well as small passages to navigate, but the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail is the highlight.

If you’re sticking to the open bay, either kayaks or standup paddleboards are good for getting out on Tarpon Bay. What gets tricky though is if you’re on a SUP and the tide is going out, as the bay and the managrove passages aren’t very deep. Because SUPs have fins on their underside, low tide and submerged branches make this NOT a great spot for exploring via SUP. We recommend kayaks for paddling Tarpon Bay during any tide level.

Where is Tapon Bay / Sanibel Island?

Sanibel Island is just west of Fort Myers, Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s about a half hour from downtown Fort Myers, about 40 minutes from the Southwest Florida International Airport, and about 45 minutes from Naples and Marco Island . From Tampa, it’s about 2.5 hours’ drive and about 3 hours’ drive from Orlando. You do have to cross the causeway bridge (toll) to access Sanibel Island.

Once on Sanibel, Tarpon bay is on the eastern side of the island, not far from the bridge. To pinpoint even more, the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail is in the northwest corner of Tarpon Bay, adjacent to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge which covers a fair portion of Sanibel.

Can I paddle the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge Other Places?

Great question! Yes, you can access the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refugre for kayaking from a variety of places. Here are five launch sites to go from for accessing the different parts of the refuge:

• Blind Pass Beach (closed currently, 2022)
• Port Sanibel Marina
• Sanibel Boat Ramp
• Dixie Beach Parking
• Castaways Canoe and Kayak Rental

Find more Sanibel / Lover’s Key area kayaking tours here!

More Kayaking Spots around Sanibel Island

Since Sanibel is an island and there are lots of other islands around, there are quite a few spots to launch kayaks. While a lot of these are for more of open water paddling, there a some nice bays and even a few more mangrove tunnels to explore:

• Bunche Beach ( SUP/kayak rentals ; there are kayak tours here too !
• San Carlos Bay Beach
• Causeway Islands Park (north or south island)
• Wulfert Keys Trail end
• Adventure Sea Kayak and SUP (Captiva)
• Mango’s Cafe / Boats and Fun (Captiva)

You can also kayak or SUP from the many beach access points, and if you’re staying at a resort, such as the Sundial Beach Resort , they may even provide kayaks and SUPs for guest use. There are paddling opportunities everywhere!

For more ideas, check out our picks for clear kayaking on the Gulf Coast , kayaking the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades and great Florida State Parks for kayaking . We love being on the water!

If you have any questions about the Tarpon Bay kayak tour or paddling around Sanibel and Captiva, please let us know. Leave a comment or send us a note and we’ll help you find the right paddling spot for your trip!

Sanibel | 239-472.8900

Explore Tarpon Bay by kayak.

Explore Tarpon Bay on a marked kayak path through the mangroves. You can kayak with a guide in an organized tour or, if you’re familiar with the natural elements of South West Florida, you can skip the tour and just rent the kayaks and go out on your own adventure. The “path” is clearly marked and is a fun and affordable way to see lots of wildlife up close.

Guided Kayaking on Tarpon Bay at Sanibel Island, Florida

W hen people ask about paddling spots, particularly when they’re looking for cool kayaking trails, we often point them to mellow rivers or interesting lakeshores. On Florida’s Gulf Coast at Sanibel Island, you’ll find one of the best places to kayak in South Florida . Kayaking Tarpon Bay and the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a must.

We went out with kayak guides, Tarpon Bay Explorers, and also got to paddle on our own, have explored a fair amount. This sheltered part of the Gulf Coast and Intracoastal Waterway is great for spotting wildlife and getting kids out on the water in a safe, unique place. This is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island . If you have any questions about visiting Sanibel and Captiva or any about kayaking on the Florida Gulf Coast, please leave a comment or send us a note !

Tarpon Bay Explorers Tour

We do a lot of kayak tours in addition to our own paddling, and really enjoy them. The experience can be a missed bag, but if it’s good for us, we try to share what we really enjoy. Doing the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail with Tarpon Bay Explorers on Sanibel Island makes the cut for a quality tour due to the actual guiding, the environment and the solo paddling experience. Here’s the full scoop.

The route for going out into the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge via Tarpon Bay starts at the paddling company’s headquarters, then skirts the edge of Tarpon Bay on Sanibel’s eastern side, before heading into the mangrove streams. While Tarpon Bay itself is actually really large, the majority of this particular kayaking tour goes through the mangrove islands. For people that aren’t used to Florida kayaking, mangrove tunnels and passages might seem strange or uncertain, but they’re actually really fun to kayak through.

The mangrove portion of the Tarpon Bay kayaking tour follows the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail waterway, complete with markers to ensure you don’t get lost in the mangroves. As you enter the creek (actually a saltwater passage), follow the markers 1-17. This will ensure you can find your way out and that you experience the diversity of habitats along the paddling trail.

Book it Here!

What makes the Tarpon Bay Explorers Kayak Tour Unique

Regarding the actual tour we did with Tarpon Bay Explorers, we followed our guide through the many passages and small lakes (still saltwater) until the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail loops to rejoin itself. From there, our guide released us all to paddle on our own, ensuring we knew how to get out of the mangrove islands. It was actually really great to be let loose to explore without the rest of the group.

When you’re doing a guided kayak tour, often there are a fair number of people with minimal experience joining you. This is usually not a problem, but in a destination like Sanibel Island where you have people visiting for all over for the beaches, kayaking here is usually not the primary purpose of the visit. What this means is that when you get a bunch of novice paddlers together in a narrow waterway, they sometimes don’t know how to control their paddle craft properly… turning it into moments of bumper boats.

Because of the amount of greenhorn kayakers on this tour, our we very much appreciated being able to head out on our own after the guided tour portion. We actually were able to keep our kayaks for the rest of the day if we wanted, as the additional time is included with the cost of the tour. I wish more kayaking companies would do this!

One final element of our Tarpon Bay Explorers kayak tour that we loved was our guide. We went with Savannah, a marine biologist, who was ready and willing to share ALL the knowledge about the Gulf Coast ecosystem and the habitats found in Tarpon Bay. She was shard, had a great eye for wildlife and was very patient with the kids and novice paddlers on the tour. Bravo for a well executed paddling trip!

Note: if you don’t often do kayak tours, it is customary to tip your guide. How much you tip is up to you, but for a two hour or less tour we’ll tip about $10 per person, sometimes more. It depends on the technicality, the engagement and the overall experience.

Know Before You Go Out on Tarpon Bay

Kayaking on Tarpon Bay is a mix of both shaded coves and open water. Being prepared with sunblock is HIGHLY recommended. The Florida sun is hot and can really get you if you’re not used to it, or even if you are. We tend to use waterproof SPF 30 for kayaking and it’s kept us burn free on many trips, including when we did the tour for kayaking the 10,000 Islands in Everglades National Park .

Another thing to consider when you’re getting on the water at Tarpon Bay is that you’ll be kayaking into the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This unique area, of both open water and mangrove forest, is full of wildlife. I love bird watching and wildlife photography, so kayaking here is my perfect storm. With photography gear comes the need for dry bags. If they’re offered and you’ve got camera gear you want to keep safe, use a dry bag. 

How are the Mosquitoes on Tarpon Bay?

We have been to some buggy places, like doing the bioluminescent kayaking at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge or when we’ve been paddling in Wisconsin, but our experience on Sanibel wasn’t bad actually. You think of South Florida in the summer being bad for mosquitoes, but they weren’t actually a problem for us kayaking on Tarpon Bay or in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

We do like to take preventative measures when we’re kayaking though. We use different bug repellent sprays, and recently we even got some deet-free bug repellent wipes. If you’re concerned that the mosquitoes are going to find you, take the precautions you need to before heading out on your kayak tour.

Highlights of Kayaking Tarpon Bay and Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge

We’re always excited to kayak places that are different from our normal paddling trails. We live in North Florida, so spend a lot of time on rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway. Getting into the watery mangrove forests of Sanibel Island was a nice change. Entering the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail was like stepping into a totally different world, and I loved it.

Wildlife to Watch for in Tarpon Bay

When you’re paddling in Tarpon Bay, keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of marine life. Look out for manatees, sting rays of different sorts, sharks, sea turtles and even… wait for it… tarpon (large fish). While some of the wildlife can be elusive if you’re at water-level vs on a SUP with a higher vantage point, you can still have success by keeping your eyes peeled and knowing what to look for. When you see smooth circles on the top of the water, that’s often a “manatee footprint” left by their fluke as they push through the water, and then they often surface with a loud exhale. Sting rays and sharks leave a similar smooth trail when they suddenly swim away quickly.

Since Tarpon Bay is relatively shallow in most parts, you don’t see tons of dolphins, but they do come into the bay. Watching for wild, breaking water and fins to spot dolphins hunting in the shallows. What’s really cool is when you can spot them swimming on their sides and fishing.

When it comes to birdwatching on Tarpon Bay and within the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, you’re in for a treat! Whether it’s ospreys and eagles or spoonbills you’re looking for, you’ll spot something cool when you’re on the water. There are quite a few types of heron and egrets here, which means LARGE birds both wading and fishing as well as swooping low sometimes. If you really look as you paddle, you’ll even find nests with babies.

Paddling the Mangrove Tunnels of Commodore Creek

In addition to the wildife, the other thing we really enjoy about kayaking on Tarpon Bay is the mangrove tunnel area. With tight passages, low hanging branches and some technical turns, kayaking in the mangrove forest is really fun with kids. We’ve seen some really cool things in mangrove tunnels, from humongous spiders high overhead to mangrove crabs and seastars. The shaded, sheltered areas are wonderfully unique and interesting for kayaking.

Gear for Kayaking on Tarpon Bay on Your Own

So, yes, you can explore Tarpon Bay and the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on your own. Wether you pay the launch fee and go out from the Tarpon Bay Explorers ramp or if you enter from another spot, you can paddle without doing a tour. The bay itself is rather broad and there is plenty of mangrove shoreline to poke in and out of, as well as small passages to navigate, but the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail is the highlight.

If you’re sticking to the open bay, either kayaks or standup paddleboards are good for getting out on Tarpon Bay. What gets tricky though is if you’re on a SUP and the tide is going out, as the bay and the managrove passages aren’t very deep. Because SUPs have fins on their underside, low tide and submerged branches make this NOT a great spot for exploring via SUP. We recommend kayaks for paddling Tarpon Bay during any tide level.

Where is Tapon Bay / Sanibel Island?

Sanibel Island is just west of Fort Myers, Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s about a half hour from downtown Fort Myers, about 40 minutes from the Southwest Florida International Airport, and about 45 minutes from Naples and Marco Island . From Tampa, it’s about 2.5 hours’ drive and about 3 hours’ drive from Orlando. You do have to cross the causeway bridge (toll) to access Sanibel Island.

Once on Sanibel, Tarpon bay is on the eastern side of the island, not far from the bridge. To pinpoint even more, the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail is in the northwest corner of Tarpon Bay, adjacent to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge which covers a fair portion of Sanibel.

Can I paddle the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge Other Places?

Great question! Yes, you can access the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refugre for kayaking from a variety of places. Here are five launch sites to go from for accessing the different parts of the refuge:

• Blind Pass Beach (closed currently, 2022)
• Port Sanibel Marina
• Sanibel Boat Ramp
• Dixie Beach Parking
• Castaways Canoe and Kayak Rental

Find more Sanibel / Lover’s Key area kayaking tours here!

More Kayaking Spots around Sanibel Island

Since Sanibel is an island and there are lots of other islands around, there are quite a few spots to launch kayaks. While a lot of these are for more of open water paddling, there a some nice bays and even a few more mangrove tunnels to explore:

• Bunche Beach ( SUP/kayak rentals ; there are kayak tours here too !
• San Carlos Bay Beach
• Causeway Islands Park (north or south island)
• Wulfert Keys Trail end
• Adventure Sea Kayak and SUP (Captiva)
• Mango’s Cafe / Boats and Fun (Captiva)

You can also kayak or SUP from the many beach access points, and if you’re staying at a resort, such as the Sundial Beach Resort , they may even provide kayaks and SUPs for guest use. There are paddling opportunities everywhere!

For more ideas, check out our picks for clear kayaking on the Gulf Coast , kayaking the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades and great Florida State Parks for kayaking . We love being on the water!

If you have any questions about the Tarpon Bay kayak tour or paddling around Sanibel and Captiva, please let us know. Leave a comment or send us a note and we’ll help you find the right paddling spot for your trip!

Use promo code ENDOFSUMMER25 to redeem your 25% discount

• 239-297-7011
• [email protected]

BUNCHE BEACH

Paddling in the area.

There are many unique destinations to choose from when you launch from Bunche Beach. Heading west toward Sanibel and Pine Island Sound will take you along an all-natural shoreline of beaches and Mangroves. This area is home to a great variety of Wading and shorebirds. You’ll be paddling in water mostly less than 4 feet deep. Or you could head east toward Estero Bay. Here you can explore some of the mangrove-lined canals all along the shoreline. After a short paddle, you will end up in Pelican and Hurricane Bays at the northern end of Estero Bay. Fort Myers Beach is less than a mile from Bunche Beach. You can easily paddle over for lunch at one of the many restaurants or just to hang out on the Beach. If you want to stay close, you could explore Rock Creek and the many mangrove tunnels that meander through the preserve. These are only a few of the great destinations that this location offers within easy paddling distance. There are also many more challenging routes for more adventurous souls. 

The Great Calusa Blueway

Bunche Beach also happens to be the starting point for 2 phases of The Great Calusa Blueway. What’s that you ask? It’s a 190 mile marked Paddling trail through the bays and islands dotting the Lee County Coast. Phase 1 will take you east through Estero Bay, while Phase 2 takes you west to Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass. The Great Calusa Blueway is not just for experts, but for novices as well. It can be paddled in short trips ranging from a couple of hours to all day to multiple days. 

We are open 9am-5pm daily, weather permitting. Our last rentals depart at 2pm. During the summer, we highly recommend morning departure times, because afternoon thunderstorms are a frequent occurrence. Even though we don’t require reservations for rentals at this location, we do encourage them in order to avoid disappointment in case of unavailability. If you would like to go on a guided tour from Bunche Beach, please call ahead or book online so we can guarantee availability.

Come see us for all your Kayak and SUP needs!

USEFUL LINKS

Contact information.

• Bunche Beach: 17950 John Morris Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908
• Pelican Bay: 18450 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33931
• Big Hickory Island: Estero Blvd, Bonita Beach, FL 34134
• 888-925-7496 (Toll Free)

CONNECT WITH US

PELICAN BAY

• 17950 John Morris Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908
• 18450 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33931

BIG HICKORY ISLAND

• Estero Blvd, Bonita Beach, FL 34134

This activity is unavailable due to Hurricane Ian. However, there are activities available at other locations. Please check out our activities at Pelican Bay.

Welcome to Adventure Sea Kayak & S.U.P.

A wildlife tour and eco adventure company located on captiva island, florida.

The Gulf waters off of the coast of Captiva and Sanibel Islands are among the most beautiful in the world, where unrivaled wildlife, fishing, and nature views abound. Get an up close and personal experience with this natural paradise by booking a rental or tour with Adventure Sea Kayak & SUP. Our professional and knowledgeable tour guides provide both serenity and adventure with kayak or stand up paddleboard eco-tours and rentals that are fun, informative, and family-friendly.

As an old Florida family, the guides of Adventure Sea Kayak & SUP love to share their knowledge of the history of these barrier islands; from the culture of the Calusa tribe to the influence of old Cuba fishing on the area, the guides have a lot of information on life on Captiva and Sanibel Islands as well as the Calusa Blueway.

Captiva Adventures is open and ready for fun 7 days a week, weather permitting. Click here to book your island experience today!

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Also, check out our sister company for fishing and boat tours!

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The Inns of Sanibel Discover which of our four unique Inns is right for you!

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• Date format: mm/dd/yyyy Arrival May 5
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Discover the natural splendor of Sanibel Island when you experience our daily guided nature tours and activities.

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DUE TO HURRICANE IAN, WE ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Naturalist – Guided Beach Walk

Did you realize that there is more to our Sanibel seashores than miles of beaches, sparkling waters and expansive skies? The complex ecosystem along our coastline teems with life throughout the year. Sometimes you can just sit back and observe (and we encourage you to do that!), but sometimes you need to know just where to look for our island’s secrets to reveal themselves to you. As our guest, you have the opportunity to see the shoreline through the eyes of a Florida Master Naturalist. You’ll explore diverse habitats, learn about our coastal critters and birds, and, of course, identify some of our world-famous shells! The walk leaves from the Sanibel Inn’s Beach Hut and lasts approximately one hour.

Naturalist – Guided Bike Tour

Our Florida Master Naturalists will guide you through an adventure in one of Sanibel’s beautiful nature preserves. This off-roading preserve is a wetland habitat for many birds and often alligators and bald eagles! You’ll learn about local wildlife and various plants in this habitat. Please wear footwear that can get dirty/wet, as during the rainy season paths may be flooded. Also, bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen, this tour is for adults only (age 18+). Helmets and binoculars will be provided. Meet at the Sanibel Inn front desk at 9:00 a.m. on scheduled tour days. This round-trip ride lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Bowman’s Beach Kayak Tour* (Temporarily On-Hold)

We will travel through a saltwater pass, lined with red and black mangroves. Mullet are often observed jumping to clear their gills, and there are plenty of birds to enjoy along the way. Ospreys are abundant, as our Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets, Bald Eagles are also fairly common as we pass by one of their nests. We paddle to a secluded beach where we disembark from the kayaks to enjoy the tranquility and beach treasures. Link up at Beach Hut at 9:00am on Monday and Friday and convoy to Bowmans Beach. Parking is $15.  *Guests must arrange their own transportation via taxi or rented car to and from Bowman’s Beach. 

Meet your Guide

Maggie Ciufo

Naturalist Interpretive Guide – Sanibel Inn

Certified Coastal Florida Master Naturalist

NAI Certified Interpretive Guide

ACA Certified Kayak Instructor

NOTE: Due to Hurricane Ian, the hotels are temporarily closed. 

The Inns of Sanibel are temporarily closed while rebuilding after Hurricane Ian.

For news on our progress, visit our HURRICANE IAN UPDATE BLOG

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12 Must Visit Sanibel Island Kayaking Trails

Home » News » 12 Must Visit Sanibel Island Kayaking Trails

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Have you ever explored the natural beauty of Southwest Florida by exploring Sanibel Island kayaking trails? Known as an island destination to get away from it all, you can take the serenity of the area to an entirely different level when you enjoy the island from the view of a kayak.

The Sanibel Island kayaking trails and spots you must visit on your next adventure include: 

• Lover’s Key State Park
• Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
• J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
• Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve
• Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail
• Bunch Beach Preserve 
• Manatee Park 
• Koreshan State Historic Site

Grab a paddle as we provide you with Sanibel Island kayaking tips.

Sanibel Island Kayaking Locations for Newbies

Are you a novice kayaker? There is nothing to worry about because the region in and around Sanibel Island is full of kayak spots for those with no experience. Beginners should take a kayak trip when the wind is below 10 mph. 

Where Can You Kayak on Sanibel Island?

• The Lovers Key launch area allows you to try the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail in less than an hour.
• Bunch Beach Preserve is a south Fort Myers preserve that protects you from entering the more difficult-to-maneuver Sanibel Causeway.
• Manatee Park allows you to launch from a canal that turns into the Orange River, which is a tributary of the Caloosahatchee River. This park is also a great place to spot some manatees.

Tarpon Bay is part of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge that is protected by wind. DIng Darling kayaking is a must on your next vacation.

All of your Sanibel Island kayaking needs can be accommodated at Port Sanibel Marina.

Places to Kayak With Kids

Are you planning a kayaking adventure with children? A kayak is a great place for children to see up close and personal views of dolphins, manatees, fish and other marine life. Try these locations with your kids:

• Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve is a great place to see dolphins swim alongside your kayak or possibly catch dolphins jumping out of the water.
• Lovers Key State Park offers a concession stand and bathrooms. This is a great place for a picnic and bathroom break.
• Paddle your kayak in J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and paddle under and through mangroves while you see a variety of birds and wildlife in a shady trail.
• The Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve at Pine Island allows you to see mullet jump in and out of the water over and over again. Locals call them the “magic mullet.”

Places for Advanced Sanibel Island Kayaking Adventures

Are you an intermediate or advanced kayak paddler? Try these spots for some fun and more challenging Sanibel Island kayaking excursions:

• Estero River launches from Koreshan State Historic Site . Paddle into Estero Bay and Mound Key for a trip that can last six hours.
• Paddle the back of Buck Key to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge , taking a break at Blind Pass for a four- to six-hour trip.
• Looking for a two-day kayaking and camping excursion? Launch from Pineland or Jug Creek Cottages with camping gear to Cayo Costa State Park , where you can spend the night if you make reservations ahead of time .

Discover The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail

The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail , a 190-mile kayak and canoe trail, is a great spot to paddle through the natural environment. You’ll have a front row seat to the area’s wildlife, shore birds, marine life and crustaceans. This paddling trail attracts both experienced and novice kayakers. Plan your paddling adventure with this trail map . There are also tips and paddling stop recommendations to help you plan your Great Calusa Blueway paddling trip.

Sanibel Kayak Launch Locations

Many people ask where you can launch your kayak on Sanibel Island other than at a marina. There are a ton of great kayak launch locations, including:

• Bowman’s Beach Kayak Launch
• The Commodore Creek Trail inside the J.N. “Ding Darling” National Wildlife Refuge
• Public beach access points throughout Sanibel Island
• Kayak launches exist along Wildlife Drive

Enjoy Sanibel Island and its peaceful surroundings from the view of a kayak.

Sanibel Island Kayaking Tips and Tricks

Whether you’re kayaking near Sanibel Island for the first time or you’re a beginner, follow these Sanibel Island kayaking tips in case you encounter any kayaking problems on your journey:

• The waterways for kayaks are typically 4-feet in depth so if you roll over, stay calm and try to stand once you flip.
• State law requires you have U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices on board your kayak for you and all passengers. 
• Life vests are required to be worn by all paddlers under the age of six.
• Check tides.
• Review wind patterns before your trip.
• Avoid paddling alone whenever possible.
• Create a plan with a map before you head out. 
• Bring a flashlight for sunrise and sunset paddling journeys.
• Stay a safe distance away from marine life

Kayak Tours Sanibel Island

Is this your first trip to Sanibel Island? Sometimes it’s best to plan ahead and plan for boat cruises and tours to survey the area.

At Port Sanibel Marina, you can plan the following boat tours:

• Sea Life Encounter
• Backwater Fishing
• Shelling and Lunch Excursion to Cayo Costa
• Morning Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise
• Afternoon Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise
• Sunset Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

Rent a Kayak at Port Sanibel Marina

All of your Sanibel Island kayaking, canoe and other water sport rental activities for your island adventure can be accommodated at Port Sanibel Marina. The marina offers kayaks, canoes and Sanibel Island boat rentals .

You can also schedule a charter for fishing or a leisurely eco tour or sunset charter for your friends and family. Need a place to stay? Book a fully furnished condo at Royal Shell Vacation Rentals . Call us at (239) 437-1660 to plan your trip and water sports activities today!

Schedule a hassle-free boat launch.

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• Nature Tour & Cruise Schedule

Currently we offer the Kayak Trail Tours  and Tram Tours (Reservations Recommended).

• Breakfast Cruise
• Evening Cruise
• Free Deck Talks
• Kayak Trail Tour
• Low Tide Kayak Tour
• Nature & Sealife Cruise
• Refuge Tram Tour
• Standup Paddleboard Tour
• Sunset Rookery Paddle
• Touch Tank Exploration
• Refuge Tram Tour 10:00 am - 11:30 am
• Refuge Tram Tour 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
• Kayak Trail Tour 10:00 am - 11:30 am

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Captiva Kayak Rentals at Jensen’s Marina™

Spending time on the water while on a Florida vacation is the key to a memorable vacation. Here at Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages™, you can enjoy a serene boating experience by taking advantage of Captiva kayak rentals. 

Jensen’s Marina™ has access to kayak rentals that let you see Captiva Island and the surrounding area like you’ve never seen before. Leave the rest of the world behind and come take advantage of kayak tours like kayak rentals and wildlife tours to see the area up close and personal. It’s a great way to see manatees and dolphins from the comfort of a gliding kayak.

Kayak Rental and Tour Options

Captiva kayak rentals include 1 person kayaks and 2 person kayaks. These kayaks are available for individual rental use for exploring, fishing and seeing the surrounding area. You can also make marina reservation plans for guided kayak tours. Renting a kayak at Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages™ is the perfect way to see Old Florida upfront in a peaceful environment without the sound of a boat motor spoiling the sounds of the water rippling, the birds chirping and the fish splashing as they jump out of the Gulf. A guided kayak tour ensures you get a personal experience and knowledge from the area from guided tour captains that know the area well and are excited to tell you stories and give you tips about Captiva Island, Sanibel Island, Pine Island Sound and other beautiful locations that can make your vacation even better.

Enjoy a Captiva Kayak Rentals Today at Jensen’s Marina™

Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages™

15107 Captiva Drive Captiva, FL 33924

OUR SERVICES

Lunch tours, costa rica all-inclusive.

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Guided Island Eco Tour - CLEAR or Standard Kayak or Board

• PFDs, dry boxes, map + wildlife guide
• Complementary tour photos
• Free Parking
• Paddle Naples - CLEAR & Standard Kayaks & SUPs - Bonita Springs, Big Hickory Island, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, USA Our primary launch is at the public kayak launch in the middle of Big Hickory Island. Load "26.366976 N, 81.856623 W" into your phone map to drop a pin and get directions! LOOK FOR THE WHITE PADDLE NAPLES VAN. Free Parking. Gratuities appreciated by your hard-working guides!
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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Guided Island Eco Tour - CLEAR or Standard Kayak or Board provided by Paddle Naples

Discover The Manatees

Long known as Florida's "gentle giants" manatees are beautiful, graceful, and curious creatures present year-round, and often swim within a few feet of visitors on our kayak tours in Little Sarasota Bay.

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See Marine Life Up Close

The Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels are one of Florida's best-kept secrets, with access to a diverse set of small fish and marine life and shore birds, including ospreys, herons, dolphins, and stingrays.

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From Roseate Spoonbills, to Frigatebirds, the Sarasota area offers a stunning array of wildlife, and our founder and expert guides share the inside track on where and how to discover it all.

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