Kayak and eco tours in Tampa Bay
The best parts of Tampa Bay's shoreline are the parts you can't drive to: mangrove tunnels, shallow seagrass flats and quiet creeks where manatees rest. A guided paddle gets you there in two or three hours, no experience needed.
Good for
- First-time paddlers who want a guide and stable boats
- Families with kids old enough to sit still in a tandem kayak
- Birders and anyone who wants to see manatees up close
- Visitors who've done the beach and want something quieter
- Small groups who'd rather paddle than sit on a boat
- A morning that's active but not strenuous
Paddles we arrange
Mangrove tunnel tours
Marked paddling trails through the mangroves at Weedon Island in St. Petersburg and the preserves of upper Tampa Bay.
Manatee paddles
Cool-season trips to the warm-water spots where manatees gather, including the waters around Apollo Beach.
Bioluminescence and night paddles
Summer evening trips when the water glows, with lit kayaks and a guide who knows the route.
Clear kayak and paddleboard tours
See-through kayaks and stand-up boards on the clearer flats near Clearwater and the Gulf beaches.
River paddles
Shaded trips on the Hillsborough and Alafia rivers for turtles, herons and the occasional alligator at a distance.
What to expect
- Meet at the launch. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets and a dry bag are waiting. Guides give a short lesson before anyone pushes off.
- Paddle with the guide. Two to three hours at an easy pace, with stops to look at whatever shows up.
- Head back. Same launch, and the guide handles the boats. Bring a towel for the drive home.
What affects the price
- Single or tandem kayak, or a paddleboard.
- Tour length and whether it's a group or private tour.
- Night and bioluminescence tours over daytime trips.
- Park entry fees where they apply.
You get the full price, including fuel, gear and fees, before anything is booked.
Paddling around Tampa Bay
Weedon Island Preserve, Caladesi Island and the preserves along upper Tampa Bay have marked mangrove trails that are only reachable by paddle, and the tides decide the route, so guided trips are timed to the water. Manatees move into the bay's warm spots when the Gulf cools in late fall and stay until spring; summer brings the bioluminescent nights instead. Mornings are the comfortable window from May through September, before the heat and the afternoon storms.
Common questions
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. The boats are wide and stable, guides teach the basics at the launch, and the routes are chosen for calm water.
When can we see manatees?
Mostly from November through March, when they gather in warm water. Guides keep a legal distance and don't let anyone touch or chase them.
What should I wear?
Clothes that can get wet, water shoes or sandals with a strap, a hat and sunscreen. Leave the phone in the dry bag unless it's in a waterproof case.
Is there an age minimum?
Most tours take children around six and up in a tandem with an adult. Night paddles usually have a higher minimum.
Related services
Areas we serve
Kayak and eco tours across Tampa and these nearby communities: