Mangroves & Manatees: Your Guide to Florida?s Top Sights

Kayaking in Naples is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature and to get to see a different side of Southwest Florida then the white sand beaches we all know.

When you start talking about nature in Florida, two of the first words you?ll hear are mangroves and manatees. The Florida mangroves are a popular site to see, with several nature preserve areas consisting of mangrove forests you can explore. The Florida manatee is an endangered species native to Southwest Florida that is loved by all.

That?s what makes Mangroves & Manatees kayaking one of the most popular kayak tours to take in Naples. Learn more!

Inside SWFL?s Mangrove Forests

Mangroves are tropical trees that thrive in salty coastal winters with the ebb and flow of the tide. There are 3 types ? red, black and white.

Mangrove forests develop on saltwater coasts, and Florida is one of the only states you can find them. They dominate as coastal vegetation, and once you get off the beaten path of the well-known beaches in Naples, you?ll find the beautiful intricate mangrove forests that make up Southwest Florida?s most popular kayaking areas.

The mangrove forests along the Southwest Florida coasts are one of the most extensive mangrove ecosystems in the world. Fish flock to mangroves, as well as many other animals like loggerhead turtles, birds, and of course manatees - making it a great place to go kayak fishing or simply explore nature.

About the Florida Manatee

The Florida manatee is one of the most beloved creatures, which is a must-see for anyone visiting Naples from out of town. They are even the state?s marine mammal!

Manatee populations have historically been endangered and threatened ? mainly due to boating accidents where they get injured or killed by boat propellers. Kayaking is a great way to see manatees and explore their natural habitat without damaging it or threatening their lives.

Manatees love mangroves, they use them for food and a quiet place to rest and raise their young. When kayaking through the mangrove forests, you?ll often encounter the Florida manatee. Because of their docile nature, you can often get close and see them floating or playing in the water or snacking on sea grass.

Take A Guided Kayak Tour Through the Mangroves (and Maybe See Some Manatees!)

The best way to navigate through the mangrove forests and get up close and personal with a manatee is to take a guided kayak tour led by an expert guide.

Adventure Paddle Tours top-rated Mangroves & Manatee Tunnels Kayak tour is a 3-hour tour out of the Port of Islands Marina ? tucked between Everglades National Park, the Ten Thousand Island Nation Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Park, the Picayune Strand, and Fakahatchee State Preserve.

This unique route is surrounded by mangrove forests where our Florida Certified Naturalist Guide can lead you to unbeatable opportunities to spot manatees, alligators, river otters, and more.

To take a guided kayak tour with Adventure Paddle Tours, book online with us today!


Top Reasons to Kayak Naples, Florida

Naples, Florida is a popular vacation destination in Southwest Florida known for award-winning white sand beaches and luxury shopping and dining. Thanks to the great weather we experience year-round, another great thing to do when you are visiting the area is to explore the outdoors and see the natural ecosystems Southwest Florida has.

While the miles of beaches along the coastland are always popular, there?s more to see in Naples than that. If you are vacationing in Naples, there are also natural gems waiting to be explored further inland ? and you can get a unique experience exploring the unmatched beauty of Florida?s wildlife by kayaking!

For All Ages & Exercise Levels

One of the great things about kayaking is that it?s great for your health! Not only are you getting out in fresh air and sunlight, but you are getting an effective, low-impact workout for your core and upper body. You can choose a leisurely paddle or set a more rigorous pace for more intense exercise. This makes kayaking a fun activity for all age groups, so it?s perfect for the whole family when you?re on vacation.

Immerse Yourself in Nature

Just off the beaten path in Naples, you can find some untouched areas of nature to explore. There are several backwater and mangrove forest areas that you can explore via kayak, that you wouldn?t be able to see on a boat or walking trail.

The Ten Thousand Island Wildlife Refuge is located between Collier County and Marco Island and is a protected area of mangrove forest where you can explore and see over 200 species of fish, 189 species of birds, and innumerable plant species.

Another popular spot is Rookery Bay which consists of 11,000 acres of meandering rivers and mangrove forests of protected land.

Meet Florida?s Native Animals

There aren?t many places in Naples where you can get up close and personal with native animal species of Naples. The unique environment of the mangrove forests, which have a mix of saltwater and fresh water, creates an inimitable mix of wildlife.

In addition to the fish and birds you can see while kayaking, you can see loggerhead sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, the American alligator, and the famous Florida manatee. Because kayaking causes very little disturbance to animals, you're likely to get more up close than you would on a Naples boat tour.

Take a Naples Kayak Tour Led by Expert Guides

The best way to kayak in Naples is to get the full kayak tour experience, led by experienced guides who are Certified Florida Master Naturalists.

Adventure Paddle Tours offers guided kayak tours for small groups up to 8, where your group will be led on the most unique routes in the area by our guides through the Ten Thousand Island Wildlife Refuge, Fakahatchee State Preserve, and Rookery Bay Reserve.

To book a guided kayak tour with us, visit our kayak tour page for more information and book with us today!