Clear/Standard Kayak Self Guided Island EcoTour Bonita Springs!
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Fort Myers, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
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Overview
Explore the waterways of Bonita Springs near Fort Myers at your own pace on a self-guided kayaking experience. Paddle through mangrove tunnels, quiet inlets, and coastal waterways with premium equipment and easy-to-follow route maps. Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way, with the flexibility to stop, explore, and take in the natural surroundings at your own pace.
- Explore Bonita Springs through an active outdoor experience
- Reach peaceful coastal areas away from the crowds
- Get closer to Florida wildlife than you can from shore
- Quality equipment makes for a smoother paddling experience
What's Included
- Dry Bag
- High Quality Carbon Fiber Paddles
- High Quality Kayaking Vest
- Laminated Maps That You Get to Bring With You
- Free Ice if Requested
- Mesh Shelling Bag
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 946V+82 Bonita Springs946V+82W Bonita Springs, FL, USA
The best way to find us is to enter "Big Hickory Island" on your Google or Apple Maps. We are located on the south bridge that passes Big Hickory Pass after the mansions when coming from Bonita Springs. We're the last bridge if you're coming from the north/Fort Myers Beach! Don't stop at lovers key.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Kelley_L
The workers were very helpful. Aiden did a great job helping us all get in and out of the water and telling us where to go. He was very friendly and we appreciated his help. Beautiful scenery and a very fun experience.
Reviews
4.9
based on 215 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Karen_P, Jun 2026
They give you a map and let you explore on your own. Really enjoyed it. I will say that the last part was a little difficult because the current was trying to take us back out. I got overheated and they were quick to get me hydrated and cooled down. They were very helpful and friendly. I would definitely use them again and recommend them.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed exploring at your own pace. We appreciate you mentioning our team—we're always happy to help when guests need assistance, and we're glad we could get you cooled down and feeling better. Thank you for your recommendation, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure!
Hailey_F, Jun 2026
It was a great activity to do while on vacation or just looking for something to do even if you live in the area! Super relaxing and comes with clear directions of the path to stay on. We stopped on the beach and found some cool shells, along with seeing a dolphin!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad you had a relaxing adventure and enjoyed exploring the waterways. Finding shells on the beach and spotting a dolphin always makes for a memorable trip. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you back on the water again soon!
Amanda_W, Jun 2026
My family had a fantastic time! We went out in the morning before the midday heat and it was beautiful on the water and through the mangroves. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Overall a great experience and I’d recommend to others.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad your family had a fantastic time exploring the mangroves and enjoying the beautiful morning on the water. We truly appreciate your kind words about our staff and your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Doug_B, Jun 2026
Doug was great with assisting us. We enjoyed the nature, beautiful views, seeing the wildlife, the beach area to swim.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed your time with Doug and everything the tour has to offer, from the beautiful scenery and wildlife to the beach stop for a swim. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Christina_M, Jun 2026
They were quick and informative to get us in the water and hassel free when we came back. The map was helpful and the mangrove route added a little adventure. It was a great and not overpriced experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the great review! We're glad the check-in process was smooth, the map was helpful, and you enjoyed exploring the mangrove route. We appreciate your kind words and are happy you found it to be a great value. We hope to see you back on the water again soon!
Abby_G, May 2026
I had car issues and I arrived late and Mike worked with me and was super understanding . However I spent $75 for 3 people and it was not worth 25 a piece maybe 10 or 15 didn’t see a single animal and the trip was literally 20 minutes. Parking sucked get there early to avoid walking a distance. Otherwise super easy trip I don’t feel like it was worth $75.
Response from Host, May 2026
I appreciate your feedback but a lot in this review is disingenuous.
The trip is not 20 minutes long, you guys ended early and didn’t explore the area. The full loop is 2.5 miles and incorporates mangrove tunnels, inlets, bay access into our estuary, along with a private beach stop. We obviously cannot control wildlife, however, exploring the area for 20 minutes is not a great way to see animals.
As far as parking goes, yes on holidays such as Memorial Day the parking lot can be very busy. Normally, it’s very accessible and not a long walk. At most you have to walk 50-100 yards on busy days.
We base our pricing off the quality of our equipment. We have 100$ carbon fiber paddles we supply, the tandems are 899$ and the singles are 849$ a piece. We try to give the best experience to our customers at the best possible price. You are supplied with complimentary dry bags, shelling bags, a laminated map. We even give free ice to those who request it. For 50$ a tandem and 30$ a single for two hours you will not find a better value in the area.
If anyone is offering you 10-15$ a boat they are likely laundering money or you’re renting a cardboard craft.
You guys also tried to nickel and dime me, as well as try to steal one of my dry bags you felt entitled to since you didn’t see any wildlife.
marisol_r, May 2026
Nice relaxing pace. No dolphins or manatees, but jumping fish and many bird sightings. Fun 2 hours. Recommend wearing g water shoes for when you stop at a nearby shore. Lots of shells to enjoy.
Kylee_C, May 2026
So much fun! Will be back! Absolutely a blast going through the tunnels and Mike made it very easy to just follow the map! Super helpful!
Diane_V, Apr 2026
Great experience! Very helpful , friendly.
It was very relaxing and I really enjoyed it.
I’ll definitely be back the next time I come here to visit!
Response from Host, May 2026
“Thank you so much for the kind review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a relaxing and enjoyable experience with us. Our team always strives to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, so it means a lot to hear that reflected in your trip. We truly appreciate your support and would love to have you back out on the water the next time you’re visiting the area!”
Kelley_L, Apr 2026
The workers were very helpful. Aiden did a great job helping us all get in and out of the water and telling us where to go. He was very friendly and we appreciated his help. Beautiful scenery and a very fun experience.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m really glad you had a great experience out there. Aiden does an awesome job making sure everyone is comfortable and taken care of—I'll be sure to pass this along to him. We appreciate you coming out with us and hope to see you back again soon!
Joey_T, Apr 2026
Easy check in process with very helpful staff. We had a great time and the map was also easy to follow. They give you everything you need to be able to relax and see what you want
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much! I’m really glad the check-in process was smooth and that the team was able to help you get set up. The map makes a big difference, so I’m happy to hear it was easy to follow. That’s exactly what we aim for—giving you everything you need to relax and explore at your own pace. We appreciate you coming out with us and hope to see you again soon!
Isabella_C, Mar 2026
We did a tandem kayak for the first time. It was a fun time. Didn’t see dolphins or manatees but did some shelling and loved just being on the water.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for leaving this review! I'm glad you had a fun time on your first tandem kayak adventure with us.
Tandem kayaks are always a blast, especially when you're just enjoying being out on the water and doing some shelling. Sorry you didn’t spot any dolphins or manatees this time, but that just gives you a great excuse to come back and try again soon!
We’d love to have you paddle with us again — hopefully next time the wildlife shows up in full force.
Thanks again for choosing Mike’s Coastal Expeditions!
Mark_B, Mar 2026
This is definitely a "no problem!" outfit. We were late (flights, TRAFFIC) and we were the only ones worried about it. Saw dolphins, found great shells, got stuck in one area of mangroves, ha! Can you kayak in reverse??
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for the awesome review! And hey—no problem at all, we’ve got you! 😄 Travel days can be hectic, so we’re just glad you made it out and had a great time.
Sounds like you got the full adventure package—dolphins, shelling, and even a little mangrove maze moment 😂 And yes… you can kayak in reverse (especially in the Hobies!), but sometimes the mangroves like to keep things interesting!
We’re really glad you had fun and hope to see you back out there again soon!
Josie_A, Mar 2026
Such a fun time! I’ve never done anything like it before and I loved it. Perfect amount of time on the water, and options to stop at a nearby beach (perfect if you like shelling)!!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the great review! I’m really glad you had such a fun time and that your first kayaking experience was a great one. It’s always exciting introducing people to something new out on the water.
I’m happy you enjoyed the time on the water and the option to stop at the beach for some shelling — that’s always a fun part of the trip.
Thanks again for coming out with us, and we hope to see you back for another adventure soon!
Cynthia_B, Feb 2026
Mike and team were great! Helpful with the kids, map and what we were looking to do! Easy booking, send off and return!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the great review! I’m really glad you and your family had a fun time out on the water. It’s always our goal to make the whole experience easy from booking to launch and return, so I’m happy to hear everything went smoothly.
I’m also glad the map and instructions helped you get the most out of your time exploring. Thanks again for coming out with us, and we hope to see you back again soon!
Julie_H, Jan 2026
We booked the 2-hour kayak rental on the single kayaks. Check-in was easy, and they provided everything we needed for the trip. The kayaks were in good shape. We didn’t see much wildlife, but we did find some shells on the beach. In hindsight, I think we would have learned more by doing a guided tour—live and learn!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for coming out and spending time on the water with us! I’m really glad to hear check-in was smooth and that the equipment and setup met your expectations.
Wildlife can definitely be unpredictable on self-guided rentals since you’re exploring at your own pace, but I’m happy you still made it to the beach and found some great shells along the way.
You’re absolutely right — our guided tours are designed specifically to take guests through the areas where we most often see dolphins and manatees, and we share a lot about the ecosystem, wildlife behavior, and the history of the area along the route. It’s a very different experience from the rental side.
We’d love to have you back out with us for a guided tour sometime so you can see the full experience. Thanks again for choosing us for your adventure on the water!
Vanessa_A, Jan 2026
The most calmest waters I’ve been in a while. So peaceful you forget your problems as the water flows.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much — that’s exactly what we hope people feel out there. There’s something special about being on calm water like that. I’m really glad you were able to unplug and enjoy the moment, and we’d love to have you back out with us anytime at Mike’s Coastal Expeditions.
Tyler_R, Jul 2025
It was our first time kayaking and we had a blast the route was easy to navigate, our group also made it very easy but without them the workers there gave enough information for us to still have a good time
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks so much for joining us and for the great review! I'm really glad to hear you had a blast on your first kayaking trip. We always try to make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident, especially first-timers. Hope to have you back for another adventure soon — maybe next time with dolphins or manatees too!
– Mike
Johana_A, Jul 2025
It was an awesome experience i went with my family and it was super funny. the people taught us well and showed us where to go. It was so fun
Response from Host, Jul 2025
I'm really glad to hear you and your family had an awesome time out on the water! Happy to know it was fun and that our team was able to guide you well. Thanks for choosing us—we’d love to have you back for another adventure anytime.
—Mike
Allyson_M, Jun 2025
There were 8 of us. Mom, dad and adult kids. Chose to do tandem since we were unsure what to expect. It was awesome!! Low key - chose the self guided tour. I’m kind of a scaredy cat and I was very comfortable with! The beach is so worth stopping at. Probably spent a good 30 minutes cooling off and finding all kinds of shells!! Easy to book. And very friendly staff!!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm really glad you and your family had a great time out there — especially on the tandems! It means a lot to hear you felt comfortable and enjoyed the self-guided experience. That beach is one of our favorite hidden gems, and it sounds like you made the most of it with some shell hunting and relaxing. Appreciate you choosing us, and we'd love to have you all back anytime!
– Mike
Shelby_M, May 2025
Mike was so friendly. He was the only kayaking company that I could find that would allow my toddler to come. He provided a toddler life jacket for us. He was very helpful in showing us where to go in order to see wildlife. We saw a dolphin on our excursion, and the kids were so excited! Thank you so much Mike for making our trip the best it could be!!
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you so much! It was a pleasure having you and your little one out for the adventure. I’m really glad you found us and that the dolphin made a special appearance—always a hit with the kids! I know how important it is to make things family-friendly and easy, so I’m happy we could help make your trip memorable. Hope to see you all again soon!
—Mike
Candi_M, May 2025
It was a beautiful scenic trip. Mike explained how to use the oars and provided a map and was very helpful.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the scenic trip—it’s always a pleasure to help folks get comfortable on the water and make the most of the experience. Appreciate you coming out and hope to see you again for another paddle soon!
—Mike
Megan_C, Apr 2025
Do not choose clear bottom boats. They do not maneuver like a traditional kayak. You will feel like a plastic boat bobbing in a bathtub . Also, if self guided, turn into the “tunnel” immediately. Your paddle will be much more enjoyable vs following the guides advice to paddle the outside of the mangrove. Our trip was a disappointment. Because of the difficulty and lack of control of the clear kayaks, we never made it to the beach area.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thanks for saying our advice is Crummy. We always advise our customers with the differences between the clears and regular kayaks prior to launching and you guys opted for the clears. Very sorry you didn't enjoy the experience.
Achim_S, Sep 2024
Really had a good time. Nice experience. Perfect service! Because of bad weather it was no problem to shift the booking a day. Contact within minutes :-)
Response from Host, Sep 2024
I'm so glad you had a great time and appreciated the service! We always do our best to accommodate for weather, and I'm happy we could reschedule for you smoothly. Hope to see you again for another adventure!
Best,
Mike
Rick_H, Mar 2024
We loved kayaking through the mangrove tunnels and around Estero Bay. Mike’s dad was very helpful in selecting the perfect kayaks for our family and explaining the map of Big Hickory, and he answered my texts when we were on the water. We will definitely come back to Mike’s Big Hickory Self-Guided Kayaking again next year!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
I'm so glad to hear that you and your family enjoyed kayaking through the mangrove tunnels and around Estero Bay! It was a pleasure to have you join us for the self-guided tour.
I'm thrilled that Mike's dad was able to assist you in selecting the perfect kayaks and providing helpful information about Big Hickory. It's great to hear that he was responsive to your texts while you were on the water, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and your family.
We would be delighted to welcome you back next year for another kayaking adventure! Thank you for choosing Mike's Big Hickory Self-Guided Kayaking, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Warm regards,
Mike and the Team
From CA$35.93
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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