Guided Kayak Tours
Boggess Creek - Arcadia, FL
Our destination is a narrow creek in the middle of thick wilderness with partially shaded areas of cypress trees and surrounding vegetation. This scenic fresh water paddle is reminiscent of old Florida and water level varies with the tide. These trips are intended to be easy paddling for kayakers of any skill level. We meet at Lettuce Lake Boat Ramp on the Peace River.
Shell Creek - Punta Gorda, FL
Paddle in either direction on this beautiful creek with deep water and stunning views. See live oaks with Spanish moss, large cypress trees, and turtles basking in the sun. The steep banks are formed from fossils and shells from prehistoric times. There are a few houses and a few fishermen. Several areas have a nice canopy. Access via Hathaway Park kayak launch in Punta Gorda.
Deep Creek Preserve - Arcadia, FL
Go kayaking within the swamp fern wilderness of the Peace River. This 2-hour fresh water paddle explores scenic old Florida and remote areas. We launch into the lower back-country tributary of the Peace River known as Deep Creek Preserve. Our guide uses local knowledge to lead the way through remote areas of wetlands and wildlife habitat. Along the way we look for birds, manatees, and other wildlife. We launch from a public boat ramp next to Nav-a-Gator Bar and Grill on the Peace River.
Deer Prairie Creek Preserve - North Port, FL
If you're looking for a more relaxing outing, want to see this nature preserve in its full entirety. No motor boats are allowed here. Listen to only the sounds of nature. Explore at your own pace and discover whatever awaits. Excellent for fishing, bird watching, wildlife sightings, and picnics. Located at 10201 South Tamiami Trail, North Port. Standard rental rates apply. Requires minimum of 2 kayaks.
Hunter Creek Rookery - Arcadia FL
Our destination is a bird watchers delight. We paddle on Hunter Creek to a spectacular mangrove island of many bird species nesting in their natural habitat. The paddle is easy to moderate, lasting about 2 hours. We launch from a nearby park. Reserve your kayak by calling ahead and select one of our scheduled dates, days and times will vary. Available only during birding months of February, March, and April.
Bird Island - North Port, FL
We launch at Senator Bob Johnson's Landing and paddle to a rookery known as Bird Island on the Myakka River. Sometimes traversing along sawgrass river shores to to reach this protected mangrove island of many bird species nesting in their natural habitat. There paddle has some open water exposed to the wind and usually moderate paddling in one direction, depending on the wind. Best experienced during high tide and the birding month of February, March, and April.
Ponce De Leon - Punta Gorda, FL
This is a favorite for a lot of kayakers because it includes a mile long mangrove tunnel connecting between the outer rim of Punta Gorda Isles and and shoreline of Charlotte Harbor. We paddle a loop which includes some of the shoreline if it's not too windy. Our guide will review tides and weather forecasts before planning this trip. The mangroves provide a lot of protection from wind along with partially shaded areas. The area where we launch has some boat traffic. Facilities within the park include picnic areas and pubic restrooms.
Snook Haven Park - Venice, FL
This fresh water paddle is for kayakers of any skill level and confident they can paddle against and with a light current flow. We paddle up river for about an hour and then return down river with the current flow. This is a fairly easy paddle with picturesque, rustic scenery. We will likely see several birds and possibly an alligator or two. Located on the Myakka River this site was historically known as a fish camp with live music, beer, and bbq. We launch from the public boat ramp . Parking is available in the next parking lot beside the boat ramp if you do not have a trailer.
Curry Creek Preserve - Venice, FL
We enter into a small mangrove area leading to this brackish water creek where you find a mixture of residential areas with preserve areas as the preserve transverses from one side to the other, requiring this park to have two separate entrances. The West entrance has a kayak launch. Shade trees are plentiful. It's possible to see shore birds, manatees, and or an occasional pontoon boat. The parking might have a few pot holes. Plan accordingly. No facilities. We meet at the west entrance located at 1075 Albee Farm Rd.
South Creek - Osprey, FL
This salt/fresh water paddle is for kayakerss of all skill levels. We will launch into South Creek At Shoreland Park, Paddle upstream into Oscar Scheer State Park, take a brief rest, and then paddle downstream back to the launch. South Creek offers one of the most picturesque settings for kayaking in Osprey, FL. Although it is possible, we may see alligators. The chance of encountering any on South Creek is low. This tour paddle will be leisurely pace, is partly shaded, and is ideal for beginners. Experienced kayakers will have the opportunity to explore South Creek at their own pace. There are no restroom facilities within the park.
Blackburn Point - Osprey, FL
We launch from Blackburn Point Park, paddle by the Blackburn Point Swing Bridge and the popular Casey Key Fish House, pass near a pelican rookery, meander amidst leafy mangroves, weave through several short, canopied mangrove channels, stop for a brief rest within a hidden lagoon, and then return to the launch site. This 2 hour salt water paddle is for kayakers of all skill levels but capable of paddling in headwinds. Dryman Bay has a lot of open shallow areas and weekend boat traffic. This trip is best in the early morning with a high tide. The kayak launch has a separate entrance about 300 feet past the boat ramp entrance. Restrooms are available.
Riviera on Alligator Creek - Punta Gorda, FL
This 2 hours salt water paddle is for kayakers of all skill levels, including beginners. We launch into a popular boating waterway on the lower portion of Alligator creek, paddling past the Riviera Grill and keeping near the shoreline of several interconnecting waterways, circumnavigating the shallow waters around mangroves on one side of the island and waterfront homes on the other. This is usually a slow and relaxing paddle that is mostly about the destination for lunch. Plan accordingly. Restrooms are usually not available in the early morning or until after the restaurant opens.
