Viator Rating : 5 (479 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.7/10 (Verified Excellent)
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. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Crowd Density (8 - Empty / Light) : Very few people, free movement
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (9 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
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.
-
The guide was knowledgeable and friendly.
-
Many said the private beach was a highlight.
-
Customers were surprised about how beautiful the mangroves are.
Some found the paddling a bit tiring.
-
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.
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
St Petersburg
$79
Shell Key Clear Kayak Tour: See Dolphins & More!
5.0
(5771 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
St. Pete Sunset & Skyway Light Show Boat Cruise
4.9
(1831 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show - 3hr Boat Cruise in St. Pete offers an unforgettable evening on the water. This scenic boat tour, perfect for families and sightseers, explores the beautiful St. Pete Waterfront Estates, Gulf Port, and Pinellas Bayway Bridge.
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.
The cruise includes access to an on-board bar and restroom. Outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted. This catamaran cruise provides a unique perspective of St. Pete's beauty.
Naples
$475
Shelling & Dolphin Tour: 10,000 Islands Adventure!
5.0
(332 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!
Fort Myers
$65
Dolphin & Manatee Adventure Tour - Fort Myers Waterways!
4.9
(2142 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!
Sarasota
$71.43
Sunset Electric Bike Adventure: Siesta Key's Unforgettable Ride
4.9
(1072 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour offers a unique exploration of America's top beach. Effortlessly glide with pedal-assist or throttle, suitable for all ages and skill levels. Enjoy the sunset views with provided bottled water and safety gear. An exceptional way to experience Siesta Key's beauty.
Sarasota
$145.78
HydroCats: Sarasota's Thrilling CraigCat Catamaran Sightseeing Adventure
5.0
(250 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
HydroCats offers a unique 2-hour CraigCat sightseeing tour in Sarasota, Belize. Experience the thrill of driving your own compact power catamaran. Enjoy side-by-side seating and easy controls for a memorable adventure on the water. Includes essentials for a safe and fun excursion.
Nearby Events
Raymond James Stadium
Sep 12
7:00 PMBruno Mars Romantic Tour Tampa Tickets 2026
Bruno Mars – The Romantic Tour at Raymond James Stadium brings the multi-GRAMMY-winning superstar to Tampa for his first full headlining stadium tour in nearly a decade, celebrating his new album The Romantic* with a high-energy pop, funk, and R&B spectacular.[1][2][3] Fans can expect his trademark live showmanship, complete with The Hooligans band, intricate choreography, and a setlist that blends new material with globally loved hits like “Uptown Funk,” “24K Magic,” and “That’s What I Like.”[3][6]
Bruno Mars is joined on The Romantic Tour by acclaimed British singer-songwriter RAYE and close collaborator Anderson .Paak performing as DJ Pee .Wee on select dates, creating a powerhouse pop and soul lineup for fans.[2][3] Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and known for major concerts and large-scale events, transforms into an open-air stage built for stadium-sized sound, lights, and a truly immersive live music experience.[4]
Hard Rock Live Orlando
Nov 20
8:00 PMJonathan Van Ness: Hot & Healed Orlando Tickets
Jonathan Van Ness: Hot & Healed brings the Emmy-winning television personality and celebrated hair guru to Hard Rock Live Orlando for a captivating night of comedy and self-expression. Known widely for his role on Netflix's acclaimed series Queer Eye and as the voice behind the popular Getting Curious podcast, Jonathan Van Ness delivers a unique blend of humor, storytelling, and heartfelt insights in this engaging live show.
Jonathan Van Ness has captivated audiences globally with his authentic style and empowering message, following successful comedy tours and bestselling books. Hard Rock Live Orlando, a premier venue known for hosting world-class entertainment events, offers the perfect setting for this extraordinary performance, promising a memorable night filled with joy, laughter, and inspiration.
Events Center at Osceola Heritage Park
Nov 07
10:00 AMKissimmee Home & Holiday Market Tickets
Kissimmee Home & Holiday Market at the Events Center at Osceola Heritage Park brings a festive indoor shopping experience to Kissimmee, blending holiday décor, home inspiration, specialty vendors, and unique gifts under one roof. With the market returning as a weekend destination for seasonal shopping, it appeals to families, gift hunters, and anyone looking for an easy way to kick off the holidays in Central Florida.
The Kissimmee Home & Holiday Market is designed as a browse-and-discover event, with vendor booths centered on seasonal merchandise, Christmas décor, wreaths, and home-focused finds. The Events Center at Osceola Heritage Park is a flexible indoor venue in Kissimmee that regularly hosts large community events, making it a practical setting for a crowded marketplace and a comfortable day out.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Sep 13
7:30 PMRon White (18 and Over)
Tropicana Field
Sep 18
7:10 PMRays vs. Red Sox: St. Pete Baseball Spectacle!
Major League Baseball Event: The Tampa Bay Rays will face off against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field. Experience the thrill as the Rays showcase their impressive fielding skills and powerful batting lineup against the Red Sox's calculated strategies and skilled players. This MLB event is a showcase of athleticism, teamwork, and unwavering determination, providing a chance to see elite athletes competing at the highest level. Tropicana Field, the Tampa Bay Rays' home stadium, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The venue features climate control, offering a pleasant environment regardless of the weather outside, and a diverse range of seating options to suit different preferences. The stadium's design prioritizes clear sightlines, ensuring optimal viewing angles from every seat. Beyond the on-field action, fans can explore a variety of food vendors offering classic ballpark fare and discover interactive zones that add to the overall excitement. This event at Tropicana Field offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of live baseball while enjoying a wide array of amenities. Whether you're a loyal Rays supporter or a devoted Red Sox fan, the upcoming game promises to be a captivating display of Major League Baseball at its finest.
Hard Rock Live Orlando
Nov 18
8:00 PMDante Gebel World Tour Despedida 2026 Orlando
Dante Gebel - World Tour Despedida 2026 brings the acclaimed Argentine comedian and motivational speaker to Hard Rock Live Orlando for what promises to be a landmark farewell tour performance. Known for his dynamic storytelling, humor that resonates across cultures, and powerful messages of personal transformation, Gebel has built a devoted global following through decades of performances that blend comedy with profound life lessons. This special tour represents a significant moment for fans to experience his distinctive comedic style and inspirational philosophy in an intimate arena setting.
Dante Gebel's career spans multiple continents and has made him one of the most recognizable figures in Spanish-language entertainment, with a reputation for sold-out shows and deeply engaged audiences. Hard Rock Live Orlando, one of Florida's premier entertainment venues, provides an ideal setting for this high-energy performance experience.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Tampa
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Tampa From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Private Drivers & Sports in Tampa. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Tampa Activities