5 (456)
Fort Myers
Kayak Big Hickory Pass: Guided Tour & Shelling Beach
Overview
The 2.5-Hour Guided Group Kayak Tour on Big Hickory Pass offers a fun way to see Southwest Florida's beauty. Paddle through mangrove tunnels in Estero Bay, a great spot for all ages and skill levels. People can bring their own stand-up paddleboards or kayaks. Even dogs are welcome on this adventure!
What can visitors expect? The tour guide grew up in Southwest Florida and loves the beach. They will share their knowledge while kayaking through the beautiful mangroves. Watch for pelicans, herons, and maybe even dolphins or manatees! A short 15-minute paddle leads to a gorgeous, relaxing private beach loaded with shells. All the kayaks and paddleboards are new and of excellent quality.
The tour includes a kayak or SUP board with paddle, a Coast Guard-approved life vest, a dry bag for phones and keys, and a mesh bag for shells. It does not include any food, drinks, or transportation to the meetup location. 
Highlights
See Amazing Wildlife: Look for dolphins, manatees, herons, and pelicans in their natural habitat.
Paddle Through Mangrove Tunnels: Explore the unique and beautiful mangrove ecosystem of Estero Bay.
Relax on a Private Beach: Discover a secluded beach with plenty of seashells to collect.
All Equipment Included: Enjoy high-quality kayaks or paddleboards, life vests, and bags for your belongings.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing dolphins and other wildlife up close.
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The guide was knowledgeable and friendly.
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Many said the private beach was a highlight.
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Customers were surprised about how beautiful the mangroves are.
Some found the paddling a bit tiring.
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A few wished for more time on the beach.
The Journey
Estero Bay
Discover the enchanting Estero Bay, a sprawling aquatic preserve on Florida's Gulf Coast renowned for its pristine mangrove tunnels and abundant wildlife. Paddle through these intricate waterways and witness the graceful dance of manatees, the playful leaps of dolphins, and the soaring flights of osprey and pelicans. Estero Bay is a sanctuary for diverse species, offering a unique eco-adventure and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a nature enthusiast, Estero Bay promises an unforgettable experience immersed in Florida's coastal wilderness.
Know Before You Go
This kayak tour includes the use of a kayak or SUP board, paddle, coast guard approved life vest, a dry bag for keys and mobile phones and a mesh bag for shells. It excludes food, drinks and transportation to the meetup location. The meetup location is at the address provided after booking.
Hot Tip
Many visitors recommend bringing water and snacks for the paddle, and wearing sunscreen and a hat to protect from the sun. Bring a waterproof camera to capture the wildlife!
Review Summary
People find this 2.5-hour Guided Group Kayak Tour on Big Hickory Pass highly enjoyable for its knowledgeable and friendly guides, well-maintained and high-quality equipment, and the chance to see diverse local wildlife such as manatees and dolphins. Reviewers often praise the serene paddling through mangrove tunnels and the visit to a secluded, shell-rich private beach. Some minor critiques mention the physical demand of paddling for beginners, but most travelers appreciate the well-organized, educational, and scenic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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St Petersburg
$79
Shell Key Clear Kayak Tour: See Dolphins & More!
5.0
(5673 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area lets visitors adventure through Shell Key Preserve in a 100% clear kayak! Guests can see crystal-clear water, lots of sea life, and the underwater world below. This is a kayaking adventure tour great for people who love nature and want to see wildlife.
The tour includes paddling along mangroves, enjoying white sand beaches and sandbars, and exploring a secluded beach. If the water is high, the guide will lead the group through a hidden mangrove tunnel in Shell Key Preserve near St. Pete Beach. Shell Key Preserve offers views of dolphins, manatees, pelicans, crabs, and more while enjoying the pretty mangroves and beaches. Look for manatees or pink Roseate Spoonbills in the summer. White Pelicans live on the sandbars in the winter. Dolphins swim in the clear water all year, and cormorants like to swim by the kayaks. There are chances to see wildlife, but it's not a sure thing.
This tour gives people a close look at nature and a fun time on the water. This clear kayak tour is an unforgettable way to see Shell Key Preserve's beauty. The tour includes kayaks, paddles, seats, dry bags, lifejackets, and whistles, but does not include tips or bottled water.
St Petersburg
$80.25
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4.9
(1648 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
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What to Expect: The adventure begins with a relaxing cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway and Shell Key Preserve, known for dolphin sightings. The boat will stop at Sand Dollar Island (Outback Key), for shelling and sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico. As night falls, experience the Skyway Bridge's spectacular $15 million light show.
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Naples
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Naples' Biologist-Led Kayak Adventure: Explore Mangrove Tunnels & Mudflats!
5.0
(770 reviews)
Duration: 150
minutes
Join local biologist guides for a kayak tour through Rookery Bay Reserve, a top-rated US kayaking destination. Paddle through mangrove tunnels and mudflats, spotting wildlife. Enjoy free HD photos. Perfect for all skill levels, this unique tour offers an immersive exploration of Southwest Florida's backwaters with expert biologists.
Naples
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5.0
(330 reviews)
Duration: 150
minutes
Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion takes guests on a memorable adventure through the beautiful waters of The 10,000 Islands and Everglades National Park Mangrove Forest. This private tour offers an intimate experience, away from the crowded tourist spots, at a similar cost.
Guests can expect to see wild dolphins swimming and playing up close. The boat then stops at secluded barrier islands covered in beautiful and unique seashells. Everyone can fill buckets with shells to take home – a perfect souvenir! This 2.5-hour trip is great for families with kids and groups of friends who want to explore The 10,000 Islands. This tour includes bottled water, buckets, and bags for collecting shells, and a cooler filled with ice. It excludes snacks, a $10 parking fee, and towels.
Explore the Everglades National Park Mangrove Forest, one of the key stops along this adventure. The tour gives everyone a chance to see nature up close and collect amazing shells. It’s a fun and easy way to experience the beauty of the 10,000 Islands!
Sarasota
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4.9
(1064 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
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Fort Myers
$65
Dolphin & Manatee Adventure Tour - Fort Myers Waterways!
4.9
(2075 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers takes people on a fun trip to see cool sea creatures in Fort Myers Waterways! It's an adventure that anyone can enjoy, no matter how good they are at paddle boarding. Fort Myers is one of the few places where you can see West Indian Manatees, so it's a special treat! People from kids to grandparents have all had a blast on these tours.
Get ready to see dolphins and manatees up close! The tour guides know a lot about the area and the animals, so people can learn a lot. The tour provides paddle boards, paddles, and life vests. Just bring yourself and get ready for some fun! The tour does not include other things.
This amazing tour has even been on TV! The Travel Channel called it one of the best tour companies on the East Coast. Because it's so popular, the tours get filled up fast. So, book your Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour today!
Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
Dec 26
7:00 PMGary Owen Comedy Show in St Petersburg Dec 26
Gary Owen: Back 2 Basics brings one of America's most beloved comedians to the Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St Petersburg on December 26th. Known as Black America's Favorite White Comedian, Gary Owen has been entertaining sold-out audiences for over a decade with his side-splitting, high-energy stand-up comedy that resonates across all demographics. This performance promises the authentic, raw humor that has made Owen a household name and fan favorite throughout the nation.
Gary Owen's career trajectory from Navy serviceman to comedy icon is remarkable—after just one year of performing stand-up, he was named Funniest Serviceman in America, leading to appearances on BET's ComicView and eventually hosting the show himself as the only white man to ever do so. The Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater, located in the heart of downtown St Petersburg, is an intimate yet state-of-the-art venue known for hosting premier comedy and theatrical performances that deliver world-class entertainment experiences.
Kia Center
Apr 17
8:00 PMCamilo Live in Orlando: Latin Pop at Kia Center
Camilo takes the stage at Kia Center in Orlando, bringing his signature Latin pop sound to Florida audiences. The six-time Latin Grammy winner and three-time Grammy-nominated Colombian singer-songwriter performs his chart-topping hits, including "Tutu" (certified 10X platinum), "Vida de Rico," and collaborations that have dominated streaming platforms with over 2.3 billion combined streams. Known for his romantic lyrics and distinctive treble voice, Camilo's live performances showcase the artistry that made his 2019 debut album "Por Primera Vez" debut at number one on Billboard's Latin Pop Album Chart and achieve 4X platinum certification in the US.
Camilo's evolution as one of Latin pop's greatest contemporary champions continues with his recent album "De Adentro Pa Afuera," which garnered over 1.6 billion streams and peaked at number six on Billboard's Latin Pop Albums Chart. His ability to craft compelling pop anthems while collaborating with artists like Shakira, Pedro Capó, and Karol G demonstrates his influence across the industry. Kia Center, Orlando's premier venue for world-class entertainment, provides the perfect setting for this unforgettable night of Latin music.
Kia Center
May 29
8:00 PMWeird Al: Bigger & Weirder Tour at Kia Center!
Get ready for "Weird Al" Yankovic's Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour, a comedic and musical extravaganza at the Kia Center in Orlando. Fresh off his recent successes, including the critically acclaimed biopic and continued musical parodies, "Weird Al" promises an evening of hilarious lyrics, polka beats, and unforgettable stage presence. This show is part of his unique tour, blending classic hits with new surprises, ensuring fans both old and new will be thoroughly entertained.
"Weird Al" Yankovic has solidified his place as a pop culture icon, known for his clever parodies and energetic performances. The Kia Center, a premier entertainment venue in Orlando, provides a state-of-the-art setting for this unique concert experience, known for hosting big names and delivering quality entertainment.
Kia Center
Dec 31
7:00 PMOrlando Magic vs. Pacers - New Year's Eve NBA
The Orlando Magic ring in 2025 with an electrifying New Year's Eve matchup at the Kia Center in downtown Orlando, Florida. This NBA basketball game offers fans the perfect way to celebrate the holiday while watching their home team compete at the highest level of professional basketball. The Magic, Orlando's NBA franchise since 1989, have established themselves as a competitive force in the league with six division championships and two Eastern Conference Finals appearances, making every game a showcase of elite athletic talent and team strategy.
The Orlando Magic bring decades of championship pedigree and community commitment to every game they play. Beyond their on-court success, the team gives back more than $2 million annually to the local community through sponsorships, donated tickets, and grants, impacting an estimated 100,000 kids each year. The Kia Center, a gleaming 875,000 square-foot world-class arena that opened in 2010, hosts the games with amenities including ample seat space, excellent sight lines, spacious concourses, and unique food and drink options, all anchored by its iconic 180-foot tower that serves as a beacon on the downtown skyline.
Benchmark International Arena
Jan 30
7:00 PMBert Kreischer Permission to Party Tampa 2026
Bert Kreischer brings his Permission to Party World Tour to Benchmark International Arena in Tampa on January 30, 2026, delivering an evening of high-energy comedy from one of the world's highest-grossing stand-up comedians. Known as Rolling Stone's "Number One Partier in the Nation," Kreischer has evolved into a powerhouse entertainer recognized by Forbes as "one of the best storytellers of his generation," commanding sold-out arenas globally with his signature storytelling and authenticity.
Kreischer's comedic empire extends far beyond stand-up, encompassing hit Netflix specials like "The Machine" and upcoming projects including the Netflix series "Free Bert." In 2024, his tour ranked as the sixth highest-grossing comedy tour worldwide despite performing for only half the year. Benchmark International Arena, Tampa's premier entertainment venue, provides an ideal setting for this anticipated performance.
Ruth Eckerd Hall
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Billy Ocean's legacy as an R&B and pop trailblazer spans decades, with unforgettable songs like "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going" showcasing his influence in music and film. Ruth Eckerd Hall, renowned for its intimate ambiance and exceptional acoustics, offers the perfect setting for Billy Ocean's Clearwater debut, promising an evening of musical excellence and nostalgia.
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