mangrove tours naples fl

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• Manatees and Mangroves
• Kayak Tours
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Schedule: 9:00 am, 1:30 pm
• Cost:  $84/Person
• Ages: 6 & up
• Capacity: 8 Guests
• 24 Hour Cancelation

This is our top-rated tour offered by Naples’s top-rated tour company. Our group size is 25% smaller than any other group tour in the area. As of December 2022, we are the only company running this route. By doing this, we have limited the traffic coming and going through this area, giving each guest a better opportunity to spot wildlife and enjoy the Everglades in a truly serene atmosphere.

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Our Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Tour is by far our top-rated tour. Hands down, there is no other kayak route or company in Naples and Marco Island that offers a better opportunity to spot such a variety of wildlife. Manatees and Mangroves are not even half of what this tour offers. Guests will visit numerous ecosystems, including the Saltmarsh, a heavily visited feeding ground for Wood storks, White Ibis, Tricolored Herons, and the super rare Rosette Spoonbill. As kayakers venture deeper into the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge, they will encounter the county’s most extensive and complete Mangrove tunnels. As of December 2022, we are the only company on this route.

Small Groups & Why is it important?

Large group size is the most common issue causing a negative experience. We have decided to prioritize your experience over selling more tickets. You might find other companies advertising smaller group sizes, but this is primarily a function of their business and is not a decision based on choice. This is the number one tour provided by the top-ranked company in Naples. Tomorrow we could up our capacity to 12 guests per guide, selling 8 more tickets per day, but that would lower the quality of your experience. We are proud of this tour and always try to ensure each experience is precisely what we say it is. We believe that limiting our group size along with the frequency of this tour is the best way for us to control our quality. Below is a list of common issues fixed by limiting the group size.

• I couldn’t hear the guide.
• Some kayakers couldn’t keep up.
• We were constantly in the back.
• We never saw the wildlife.

Why a Shuttle?

This tour launches within the 10,000 Island Wildlife Refuge but ends outside the refuge at a public marina. Utilizing the shuttle allows us to explore multiple types of habitats. Our launch would be considered freshwater in the summer, but our end point would be fully saltwater. Just as changes in salinity will change the fish species found it will also change the plant and tree life which can then change the mammals, reptiles, and birdlife found on the water’s edge.

So what does this mean for you? In a nutshell, within a 3-hour tour, you will experience most of the types of habitats within the Everglades. At the start guests will paddle a channel covered in cattails signaling a high nitrogen content within freshwater. A consequence of farming upstream and the channeling of the historical sheet flow. After passing the cattails, you will travel through the salt marsh and popular feeding ground for log-legged wading birds such as the great egret and great blue heron. As you travel south, heading towards the gulf of Mexico, you will notice a change in the floura going from sedges and grasses to the saltwater-loving mangroves. This is where things really start to get interesting and unique.

By limiting our group size and frequency of our tours we increase your chances of spotting wildlife. This tour consistently spots unique and exciting wildlife. The diversity and rare opportunities to spot unique species is mind-boggling. This tour has everything from black bears to manatees and blue crabs to rosette spoonbills. Like all wildlife tours, it can be slow, but from January through April, guests always have a great chance of spotting the following.

The term mangrove may refer to a specific tree or a forest. One could say this tour paddles through the mangroves, or you might hear your guide state this is a Red Mangrove and notice the roots.

Mangroves can form literal tunnels that cover the canopy above. These tunnels are world-renowned and can not be enjoyed anywhere else in the United States. The mangrove tunnels on our route are narrow long, and explored by no other kayak company. This means on a given day only 16 people will paddle through these tunnels on a given day. The lack of human contact allows for encounters with more elusive critters, such as the river otter.

• Red Mangrove
• White Mangrove
• Black Mangrove

Pictured above are primarily Red Mangroves. The Mangroves will continue to grow thicker and thicker, restricting the water flow. As the mangroves grow thicker the water will ebb and flow faster and faster digging out deeper waterways.

Experienced Guides

As we mentioned the location of the tour is unparalleled, but the environment is only half of the experience. The quality and experience of your guide is what will make your tour memorable. The average time of employment for our guides is 4 years.

25000 Tamiami Tr E Naples, FL 34114

This tour meets at the Port of the Islands Resort. This resort is located South East of Marco Island and Naples. We are sandwiched between the Collier Seminole State Park, the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Reserve, and the Picayune State Preserve.

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3020 Woodside Ave, Naples, FL, 34112

• Manatees & Mangroves Tour
• Everglades East River Tour
• Rookery Bay Sunset Tour
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Mangrove Tunnels Kayak Tours in Naples, FL

Kayaking Locations in Naples & Marco Island

• (239) 216-1540

EXPLORE THE REAL TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS

Explore the real ten thousand islands.

Discover the allure of Florida’s natural wonders with Mangrove Explorers at Historic Port of the Islands Marina. Embark on our thrilling dolphin and manatee excursions, complete with island stops boasting comfortable chairs and umbrellas. Experience the magic of sunset with our private island cruises, offering three unique beach destinations to choose from. Delve into the rich history of the region with our Island shell mound walking tours. Your unforgettable adventure awaits!

Departing From Port Of The Islands Marina:

525 Newport Drive Naples, FL 34114

*Click here Inquire in the form below for Private All Day Charters anywhere in the Marco Island/Goodland Area!

Dolphin & Manatee Sightseeing Islands Tour

Daily at 9:00AM & 1:00PM

Great for all ages!

Up to 6 guests

*20% Discount for Veterans

*Fishing Rods are available on every trip! No fishing License requried!

Private tour is $350+tax.

Relax as we cruise down the Faka-Union canal. In search of West Indian Manatees, American Alligators, as well as various speices of shorebirds. As Tarpon roll and the Bullsharks cruise, we make our way to the Gulf in search of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin! A stop at an Island for some Beachcombing for seashells as Capt. Ryan give you the history of the islands and their local inhabitants past and present!

*Complimentary bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages are provided!

(BYOB or Food Responsibly Please!)

Cooler and Ice Pack is provided.

Ten Thousand Island Sunset Tour

Daily at 6:00PM (as of 04/23/2024)

Private tour is $300+tax.

Sunsets are different in the Ten Thousand Islands! Come with us down to one of our three favorite spots to watch the sun go down!

White Horse Key’s north beach, a home to Clam Diggers back around the 1900’s. The west beach and north point of Panther Key, the home of self proclaimed Pirate Jaun Gomez. Hog Key, if you are feeling ambitious we can walk the sandbar saddle to the west beach for a 10K Sunset!

Ten Thousand Island Boat Tour & Island History Walk

Daily at 10:00AM. (Availibility based on tides. Please call: (239 )216-1540

Private tour is $400+tax.

Come with us on a Journey through time! We will depart from the historic Remuda Ranch(known as Port of the Islands today!) The Heart of the Florida Land Scam that took place back in the 1960’s. It was the nucleus of the Golden Gate Estates Subdivision development. Capt. Ryan has a vast knowledge of the failed development and its effect on the eco-system and what is being done now to restore the damage it caused.

We will make our first stop at Fakahatchee Island

An indian shell mound that dates back thousands of years. More recently people lived on the island until the 1950’s when it became part of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. We will land on the island and take a walk through winding trails, passing by relics of the past still left on the island. The Botany and Flora is first class! Bring your Camera, Long pants & closed toed shoes are a MUST! So is Insect repellent!

On to Dismal Key!

There is another shell mound island that had Native American inhabitants as well as a farmer and a couple of squatting Hermits! Foster Atkinson and later “The Phony Hermit” Al Seely on Dismal Key! We can visit the former home site and the still exsisting cistern that lies on the island to this day!

Book A Tour Today!

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of the Ten Thousand Islands. Book your island tour adventure with Mangrove Explorers now, and let me guide you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Islands!

Captain Ryan “Boots” Boetsma & his “Firstmate For Life” Kristi “Lu” Boetsma

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This Tour of Naples, Florida Takes You Through Stunning Mangrove Tunnels — on a Kayak or Paddleboard

And you might see dolphins along the way.

With more than 600,000 acres of mangrove forests in Florida, they're the backbone of the state's ecosystem — and one of the most spectacular sights along its waterways. There's no better way to see them up close than through the Mangrove Tunnels Kayak and Paddleboard Eco Tour , so it's unsurprising that travelers have ranked this tour the No. 1 experience in the U.S. in the inaugural 2022 Viator Experience Awards .

The two-hour adventure run by La Vita e'Bella allows travelers to take their choice of a kayak or paddleboard through the dense mangrove forests in Naples. Under the canopy of the endemic plants that grow here, the marine life thrives too, as dolphins and manatees also live in the area.

Travelers will meet at Capri Paddlecraft Park in Naples, where they'll get a short introduction and orientation to the equipment as well as the area's flora and fauna. Equipment rental and use of a life jacket are included in the price, which starts at $60 per person. The price also includes digital photos of the experience.

The company describes it as a "quiet relaxed tour" and adds that "you can enjoy the sound of nature while kayaking." But one visitor says what really stands out is the team running it, noting, "Our guide was kind, helpful, funny, and so knowledgeable about nature and animals." The visitor also loved that her guide took photos of everyone and sent them to the guests after the tour.

The experience is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those who are pregnant or suffer from back and heart problems, as well as other serious medical conditions. A "moderate physical fitness level" is also suggested.

This American experience is just one Viator's top global experiences. Their recent awards ranked activities in various countries: A Quebec City Walking Tour was the No. 1 activity in Canada, a Food and Mixology Tour in Puerto Vallarta topped the experience charts in Latin America, and a Private Pyramids Tour in Egypt was the best-ranked tour in the Middle East and Africa. For the complete list, visit the 2022 Viator Experience Awards page.

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Rising Tide Explorers

Kayak tours, kayak rentals, boat tours & shelling with local biologist guides.

Naples & Marco Island

• Most Popular!

Mangrove Tunnels & Mudflats Kayak Tour

Join a local biologist on a journey through the beautiful estuaries of Southwest Florida in search of unique wildlife as you explore winding mangrove tunnels, oyster reefs, mudflats, and hidden bays.

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Heart of the rookery bay kayak tour.

Paddle into the heart of the Rookery Bay Reserve to explore the remote backwaters of its mangrove lined bays with a local biologist as your guide!

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Sunset Bird Rookery Cruise

Head out of Shell Island Road and experience evening in the estuary with on of our biologist guides! Watch over 1,000 birds return to rest for the night on Rookery Bay’s famous bird rookery island!

Essence of the Estuary Eco-Cruise

This 3-hour nature cruise captained by a local biologist will allow you to immerse yourself into some of the most beautiful areas of wild Southwest Florida.  Learn about the history and ecology of the Rookery Bay Reserve as you cruise among the mangrove and barrier island systems in search of local wildlife like birds, dolphin, and more!

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Explore Naples & Marco Island with Local Biologists

Free hd photography with every kayak tour.

Rising Tide Explorers gives you the opportunity to experience some of Naples & Marco Island’s most beautiful natural areas with kayak rentals and exciting adventures led by the region’s only team of 100% active local biologist guides .  Go exploring on a family friendly guided kayak tour for a paddle into the mangrove tunnels, a relaxing guided boat eco tour to unique and restricted areas of Rookery Bay, and catch sunset at the famous bird rookery island as over 1,000 birds return to their roost for the night, all led by the local biologists who study the areas unique ecology and wildlife.

• #1 Rated Tours, Naples –  TripAdvisor
• Best of the Gulfshore 2017-2020 – Gulfshore Life Magazine
• Best Kayaking Tour 2017-2020 – Best of Naples
• #1 Kayaking Tour in the USA – USA Today 10Best
• Marco Island Must Do Activity – MustDo SWFL
• Best Everglades Kayaking – TravellinMad
• Biologist Guided Tours – Coastal Breeze, Marco Island
• #1 Kayak Company in the USA – Naples Illustrated
• Best Things to do in Marco Island, Florida – Southern Living Magazine
• HGTV Smart Home 2021 – Naples, FL – HGTV

A percentage of the proceeds from our adventures and rentals goes to support the Friends of Rookery Bay .

Our guides are the real deal.  Check out their backgrounds and read about their local research projects on our About Us page!

Launch Locations

KAYAK TOURS & RENTALS

Isle of Capri Paddlecraft Park 

1295 Capri Blvd.

Naples, FL 34113

Shell Island Road Kayak Launch

1 Shell Island Rd

Rookery Bay Field Station – Shell Island Rd.

10 Shell Island Rd

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Enter code “ EXPLORE ” at checkout for 5% off online bookings. Free photography is included with every tour.

because you can't see Florida from a lounge chair...

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Rated "Excellent" by Over 1,000 Visitors!

"I have been on a lot of kayak tours in SWFL and around the world, but this experience was unique from all of them. As an engineer and outdoorsman, I consider myself well versed in the environment around me. Listing to our guide take her Marine Biology Masters Degree and make colorfully accurate correlations between ecology and the familiar, you can't help but have your inner explorer come out. If you want to paddle and be bored in 30mins, book a tour elsewhere. If you likes to be captivated by a truly awesome biologist and adventurer, hang with Rising Tide Explorers.

"This is the second time I have done a tour with Rising Tide Explorers, and I learned even more about the area than I did the first time. Ryan is so knowledgable, professional and passionate about educating people, that you can't help but take away new knowledge about the waterways and wildlife of Collier County. I will definitely be taking more tours with Rising Tide Explorers, and will be bringing friends and family to enjoy this unique experience."

"This was a birthday gift for me and what a great one it was! I had a wonderful time. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about local flora and fauna and I was so grateful that he took pictures so we didn’t have to. It was an experience I’ll never forget and I hope to go on another adventure with them in the future!"

"Myself & my boyfriend are travelling from NZ and staying with my Aunt & Uncle in Florida, and my aunt organised us to go for a tour with Ryan who is super knowledgeable, we learnt heaps about birds & the ecosystem and had a good day paddling. It was super hot so take some water with you. We also saw dolphins which was so awesome!!!! Highlight of the morning. Loved it."

"Exceptional guide in Capt. Ryan. Very educational and enjoyable at the same time. So much great info on Florida fish, fauna, and fowl. Every Floridian should take this tour! We also saw dolphins which was a real treat! Highly recommend the tour and the company to get a real Florida experience that takes you back in time, not just another tour boat experience."

"The team at Rising Tide is world-class. Their professionalism is balanced by a genuine joy for sharing the experience and beauty of the estuary with guests. Our tour guide was a biologist who couldn’t be stumped by any question, and told the story of the ecosystem in a way a non SWFLA native like me could appreciate. We witnessed an abundance of wildlife and it was truly a special day. Thank you Rising Tide!"

"If you are considering booking this experience....just DO IT! You wont regret a second. The tour lasts 3 hours and by the time it's over, you are not ready for it to end. The staff of Rising Tide are not the typical tour guides, these are extremely knowledgeable/highly educated Biologists that clearly love what they do. They go above and beyond to make the trip fun. A five star rating is just not high enough for this group!"

"We really enjoyed the tour! It was fantastic to have a real biologist as a guide. So often you get someone who really does not know what they are talking about but that was not the case here. The guides had the knowledge and was able to keep us all, my wife and I, our 11 and 8 year-olds hooked. The scenery was beautiful and the time was simply wonderful. We would strongly recommend to anyone. Best kayaking experience in SWFL by far!

A portion of the proceeds from your tour or rental goes to support the research, education, and conservation efforts of the Rookery Bay Reserve!

FREE ADMISSION! Get free admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center for everyone in your party when you book a guided kayak tour or boat tour with Rising Tide Explorers! *Must visit within 24-hours of your tour. Open 9am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday, closed for the month of September.

Looking for a kayak, paddleboard, or gear for your next adventure? Stop by our shop Naples Outfitters and browse SWFL's largest selection of Hobie Kayaks, Eddyline Kayaks, Ocean Kayaks, Old Town Kayaks, SIC Paddleboards, and top brand outdoor apparel, footwear, gear, and accessories!

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Home » Places To Go / Destinations » Exploring Florida’s Magical Mangrove Tunnels

Exploring Florida’s Magical Mangrove Tunnels

Last Updated on November 1, 2023

Now is the perfect time to venture into the mystical, magical world of Florida’s Mangrove Tunnels. Experience Florida’s unique ecosystem while admiring wildlife above and below the canopied waterways.

For the outdoor enthusiast, paddling through Florida’s mangroves is a very unique adventure many enjoy along the state’s coastline. 

Mangroves are found in coastal areas from as far north as Cedar Key on the Gulf coast to Cape Canaveral on the Atlantic coast all the way to the tip of the Florida Keys.

We consider them Florida’s Tree of Life because they create a unique ecosystem that supports many inhabitants.

Mangroves serve as nurseries for fish, oysters, crab, and shrimp. Snook, mangrove snapper, tarpon, jack, mullet, sheepshead, and a large variety of other Florida fish feed on this tropical plant.

Its branches and boughs become nesting rookeries for many species of birds and its root system helps prevent erosion and stabilize the shoreline.

Mangrove Species in Florida

Three mangrove species are in Florida: the red, black, and white mangrove. The red mangrove is the best known, found closest to the water, and distinguished by its prop root system.

The black mangrove has finger-like projections that are found in shallower water while the white mangrove usually grows upland of the other species and has yellowish-green leaves with no visible aerial root systems.

Mangroves grow in tidal salty environments and are able to obtain freshwater from saltwater.

Popular throughout Florida are “mangrove tunnels” – small waterways under a canopy of mangroves that create a tunnel effect.

Many of the tunnels were originally ditches dug years ago for mosquito control. The strategy did not work, and the ditches left behind eventually canopied over to become a mangrove arbor.

Other mangrove tunnels have formed naturally where tidal waters ebb and flow. Mangrove tunnels are often maintained by parks, conservationists, and eco-tour outfitters to give paddlers a unique and enjoyable eco-adventure on the water.

Paddling Mangroves

Paddling a mangrove tunnel is a magical venture. Whether on a kayak or paddleboard, it is a quiet and cool, almost ethereal, escape where the light is subdued, the breeze flows through the shady overhang, and wildlife, above and below the waterline, flourishes.

Consider paddling mangrove tunnels on your own or with an eco-guide. Many experts recommend you consider a guided tour for your first time on a trail. Eco-tours vary between 2 – 4 hours depending on the route.

Guides carefully explain the magical ecosystem that is an essential part of Florida’s environment. Costs range from $30 to $55 per person, with special rates for kids.

Be sure to take your time and enjoy all the beauty of this unique experience and let your paddle do the work. Florida has many areas to discover mangrove tunnels. Here are some to get you started (scroll to the bottom of the page for a linked guide to outfitters):

The Florida Keys

Florida Bay Outfitters offers tours to Key Largo’s Dusenbury Creek, located on the boundary of the Everglades National Park. The tour offers access to side creeks with “old growth” mangrove tunnels, considered some of the most beautiful in Florida.

Along the way, enjoy the exceptional and colorful marine life of the Florida Keys.

At Tavernier Key see more old-growth mangroves with “Kayak David” of Paddle! The Florida Keys . He is a veteran guide who welcomes any level of paddler and will guide you on a three-mile leisure paddle ride through lagoons and mangroves.

Leave from Sombrero Beach, and along the way you are likely to see birds, jellyfish, dolphins, manatees, raccoons, tarpon, lobsters, and turtles.

Legendary Robbie’s Marina, where visitors feed the tarpon, is also home to the Kayak Shack which provides kayak rentals for self-guided tours within easy reach of extensive mangrove tunnels.

Or try the three-hour red mangrove eco kayak tour where Marathon Kayak Tour takes you through stunning old red mangroves amidst the tidal lagoons of uninhabited Boot Key. Osprey fly overhead, and cormorants perch on branches, their wings spread to dry as they watch you enter this hallowed space.

Or book a tour with Bill Keogh, author of Florida Keys Paddling Guide , at Big Pine Kayak Adventure . Start at No Name Key’s Old Wooden Bridge Fish Camp for a tour through local mangrove tunnels. You’re likely to see the petite Key Deer or even a Great White Heron, both protected within the National Wildlife Refuges.

Sup Key West and Kayak Kings host a two-hour guided tour leading from Low Key Channel between Stock Island and Key West, paddling to Rivera canal and through the salt ponds. Along the way see manatees, rays, fish, and crabs as you enter a mystical world of mangrove ecosystems.

After your Keys adventures head up Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Turner River, Everglades , Everglades City

Everglades Area Tours takes you through several different habitats from Cypress swamps to the coastal estuary where the freshwater Turner River meets the saltwater Gulf of Mexico. The mangrove tunnels here are natural waterways through the wilderness of Florida’s Everglades.

Look for alligators, otters, freshwater turtles, and shorebirds along with tropical fauna of bromeliads and orchids. The nearby Collier-Seminole State Park also provides easy-to-access mangrove tunnels where you can rent canoes for self-guided tours, or you can go with a park ranger from mid-December through March.

Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers, Pine Island

Sanibel’s Ding Darling Preserve sets the stage for this excursion. Enjoy a trip with Tarpon Bay Explorers through Sanibel’s Commodore Creek. This 90-minute tour through the heart of a mangrove forest with an expert will teach you about the amazing ecosystem and also how integral it is to the island’s conservation efforts.

Nearby Captiva Island is home to a short mangrove tour of Buck Key with Adventure Sea Kayak & SUP . Ft. Myers also is home to many mangrove tunnels by accessing the Calusa Blueway trail map for self-guided exploration.

The authentic Pine Island offers many trails, as veteran guide Carmen Driscoll of Carmen’s Kayaks  takes you on a custom tour leaving Matlacha while paddling into a pristine estuary. Meet dolphins and manatees while admiring a wide range of bird species, especially at low tide while gliding over oyster shoals.

Englewood’s Don Pedro State Park, Charlotte Harbor

Continuing up the Gulf Coast, paddle pristine mangrove waterways with SUP Englewood , guided by master naturalists .  Spot dolphins on the way and then, with a cooling breeze flowing gently through the tunnels, observe starfish, jellyfish, sponges, horseshoe crabs and live shells within a hidden lagoon.

The lunch destination is Englewood’s Don Pedro Island State Park , with its stunning beach and azure blue water. Swim in the Gulf, enjoy shelling, or also look for the famous shark teeth found here.

(Note: Another favorite paddling trail is the Woolverton Trail in Placida but locals report it has not been maintained for safe passage.)

Sarasota & Bradenton

Sarasota’s Lido Key mangrove tunnels are also a very popular spot. Island Style Sports provides activities for visitors who want to experience an exotic adventure in southwest Florida.

Next door is Manatee County, home to the Robinson and Emerson Point Preserves and also more tunnels. For a cool magical ride try Kayak Jacks Paddle Sports.

Weedon Island, St. Petersburg

Tampa Bay’s most popular mangrove tunnel trail offers a two or four-mile loop, both with a cool ride through shady mangroves. Sweetwater Kayaks provides a guided tour where you may see a fever of stingrays or also a pod of dolphins, plus fish, manatees, and many birds.

At the end of the tour, be sure to climb the 45-foot observation tower for a magnificent view, or check out the Weedon Island Preserve Center to learn about the area’s rich archaeological past as well as its recent history.

Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach

Minutes away from Cocoa Beach, enjoy an “old Florida” mangrove tunnel called “The Amazon” in the Thousand Islands with Cocoa Beach Kayak as a naturalist guide that provides insight into this magical world.

Before entering the network of tunnels you are likely to see dolphins and manatees. And once exploring the depths of the mangrove forest, you may encounter many birds including Roseate Spoonbills, Ibis, Great Herons, and Green Herons.

Kayaking mangrove tunnels has to be one of Florida’s most unique experiences. They are truly special places. Once you have experienced one, you’ll discover an enchanting serenity.

It’s a feeling you don’t want to miss.

The Following Represent Authentic Florida Reader Favorite Mangrove Tunnel Suggestions, with Recommended Eco-Tour Guides

Southeast florida.

• Turner River, Everglades ( Everglades Area Tours )
• Everglades National Park (Everglades Area Tours)
• Fakahatchee Strand State Park, East River
• Key Largo ( Florida Bay Outfitters )
• Tavernier Key (Paddle! The Florida Keys)
• Islamorada, at Robbie’s (Kayak Shack)
• Marathon, (Marathon Kayak Tour)
• Big Pine Key (Big Pine Kayak Adventure)
• Key West (SUP Key West, Kayak Kings)
• Stock Island (Lazy Dog Kayaking)

Central East Florida

• Cocoa Beach (Cocoa Beach Kayaking, Sobe Surf)

Southwest Florida

• Bradenton Emerson Point Preserve ( Kayak Jack’s )
• Sarasota Lido Key Tunnels ( Economy Tackle  for rentals; Note: we did not list all the recommended Sarasota outfitters but there are many good ones to choose from)
• Bradenton Robinson Preserve ( Kayak Jack’s )
• Bradenton, Little Manatee River, Cockroach Bay ( Canoe Outpost)
• Great Calusa Blueway , Ft. Myers
• Cape Coral, 4 Mile Cove Eco Preserve ( Cape Coral Kayak Shack )
• Naples, Collier-Seminole State Park (ranger-led tours)
• Sanibel Island, Ding Darling Preserve, Commodore Creek ( Tarpon Bay Explorers )
• Captiva Island, Buck Key ( Adventure Sea Kayak & SUP)
• Pine Island ( Carmen’s Kayaks )

Central West Florida

• Weedon Island (Sweetwater Kayaks)
• Dunedin Caladesi Island State Park (outfitter in the park)
• Fort Desoto (outfitter in the park)
• Clam Bayou, St. Pete ( Kayak Nature Adventures )

Please also feel free to let us know of any mangrove tunnels you have enjoyed and if you recommend an outfitter to help you with the tour in the comments below.

Here are a few suggested articles you might enjoy:

• Two Florida Beaches Named in “Dr. Beach” 2022 Top 10 Best Beach List
• Top 10 Best Beaches in Southwest Florida
• Punta Gorda: A Perfectly Authentic Getaway
• The Best Florida Girls’ Getaway Adventure in Southwest Florida
• Looking for an Outdoor Getaway? Check Out These Road Trip Apps!

2 thoughts on “Exploring Florida’s Magical Mangrove Tunnels”

I have a mangrove tunnel by me in Treasure Island, FL John’s Pass I can send a photo.

Hi Julie! We’d love to see it. Please send it to [email protected] .

Comments are closed.

• Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

per kid (4–10)

50 min tour

2-3 hour visit

Zip through the world-famous twisting mangrove tunnels of Everglades City as your captain amazes you with knowledge of Everglades plants, animals, and history. Watch out for alligators—they may have their eyes on you! Then check out the Everglades City Boardwalk, Animal Sanctuary, and alligator show, all included with your tour.

5 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator Show

Hug an Alligator

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• Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

Add Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

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• On a 50-minute Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour (the tour you're looking at now), you'll zip through Everglades City's twisting mangrove tunnels, world-famous waterways shared by multiple tour companies. Boats seat a maximum of 6 guests.
• Add a 30-minute Grassland Airboat Tour to explore an exclusive mangrove and grassland preserve under wide-open sky. Boats seat about 15 guests.
• Add a 30-minute Swamp Buggy Tour to explore exclusive grasslands and cypress forests from a raised buggy, which seats about 20 guests.
• For the shortest wait, we'll seat you on the first available airboats, which may have 6 or 10 seats.
• We try to keep groups together, but we may split your group onto multiple airboats.
• Other people may be seated with you.
• Infants must be assigned a seat, even if they sit on your lap.
• A Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour ensures your party gets an entire airboat to yourself to see Everglades City's famous mangrove tunnels.
• On all other airboat tours, you might be seated with other guests, or be split onto multiple airboats if there aren't enough seats on one airboat.

Guests Love Us!

“There is something about flying down narrow alleys of mangrove trees that is just a rush. I could never get tired of it. The guides always give more than just a ride. You learn so much about the Everglades and the total ecosystem that it is. We most certainly will be back!

—C. from Florida

“The mangrove tour was so much fun! We saw a family of dolphins swimming along the boat, several alligators, and a few fish jumping out of the water. Riding through the mangroves was beautiful and a fun way to see the Everglades. I would recommend to anyone.”

—J. from Massachusetts

“We really enjoyed seeing the alligators. The captain of the airboat gave a lot of information about the Everglades and habitat. The addition of the two-way headsets let us all communicate during the tour. This was really a highlight of having friends down visiting us new Florida residents. Plan to bring other guests."

—K. from Florida

“We did the combo package and it was amazing! Great way to experience all 3 ways to 'see' the Everglades! Would highly recommend. All the captains for each segment were fantastic! Had a great time!"

—J.T.

Why Choose Captain Jack’s?

Local Roots

Safety & Experience

Two-Way Headsets

Alligators & animals.

Quietest & Comfiest

Personal & Popular

Refreshments & Gifts

Top questions.

• 45 minutes from Naples
• 75 minutes from Fort Myers
• 90 minutes from Miami
• 3 hours from Tampa
• 4 hours from Orlando

Don't use Uber, Lyft, or other ride-sharing services. They can't pick you up when you're done!

• Yes, all ages are welcome on all our tours.
• Any passengers aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by at least one passenger who is aged 18 or older.
• Coast Guard regulations require everyone, even infants on your lap, to buy a seat.
• Consider bringing sunblock, bug spray, and comfortable shoes and clothes.
• You might get a little wet from small splashes and spray.
• If rain is forecasted, we recommend bringing a poncho.
• Many guests see wild alligators, birds, and other wildlife on their airboat and buggy tours, but Mother Nature makes no guarantees, so neither can we.
• You will definitely see alligators and other rescued animals in our Animal Sanctuary , an attraction included with all our tours.
• Our tours run rain or shine, except when there's a thunderstorm.
• We don't refund bookings if you cancel too close to a tour's departure time (check the policy when booking).
• Sometimes we need to delay due to thunderstorms or other unforeseen circumstances. We'll do our best to reschedule or issue a refund.
• Our airboat docks are handicap accessible, but wheelchairs can’t be loaded onto our airboats.
• If anyone in your party is using a wheelchair, please be sure they can move from the wheelchair onto the airboat.
• For everyone's safety, pets and service animals are not allowed in the Animal Sanctuary , near the boat launch, on airboats, or on swamp buggies.
• Service animals are allowed only in the gift shop, restrooms, and picnic areas.

Mangrove Coupon

Get a $3.33 discount, free Alligator Hugs, and free admission to our alligator show and Animal Sanctuary when you sign up for our email newsletter!

We'll email the Mangrove Airboat Tour coupon to you:

• Total Everglades Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & National Park Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Mangrove Maze Ultimate Combo
• Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour
• Grassland & Buggy Combo
• Grassland Airboat Tour
• Lodging Nearby
• Total Everglades Stay & Play
• Online Gift Shop
• Animals & Alligator Show
• Everglades City Boardwalk

• Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour

per adult (11+)

per kid (4–10)

5 attractions

50 min tour

2-3 hour visit

5 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator Show

Hug an Alligator

Upgrade your tour.

+ Add Grassland & Buggy

+ Add Grassland Airboat

+ Add Swamp Buggy

+ Add Lodging, Grassland Airboat & Buggy

• Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

+ Add Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Choose the right tour.

• On a 50-minute Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour (the tour you're looking at now) you'll explore Jungle Erv's exclusive mangrove maze where no other boats can go. It's similar to the mangrove tunnels in nearby Everglades City, but with less traffic. Boats seat about 12 guests.
• On a 50-minute Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour , you'll zip through Everglades City's twisting mangrove tunnels, world-famous waterways shared by multiple tour companies. Boats seat a maximum of 6 guests.
• Add a 30-minute Grassland Airboat Tour to explore an exclusive mangrove and grassland preserve under wide-open sky. Boats seat about 15 guests.
• Add a 30-minute Swamp Buggy Tour to explore exclusive grasslands and cypress forests from a raised buggy, which seats about 20 guests.
• A Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour ensures your party of 6 or less gets an entire airboat to yourself to see Everglades City's famous mangrove tunnels.
• On all other airboat tours, you might be seated with other guests, or be split onto multiple airboats if there aren't enough seats on one airboat.

Guests Love Us!

Why choose erv's.

Local Roots

Safety & Experience

Two-Way Headsets

Alligators & Animals

Quietest & Comfiest

A Timeless Classic

Refreshments & Gifts

Top questions.

• 45 minutes from Naples
• 75 minutes from Fort Myers
• 90 minutes from Miami
• 3 hours from Tampa
• 4 hours from Orlando

Don't use Uber, Lyft, or other ride-sharing services. They can't pick you up when you're done!

• Yes, all ages are welcome on all our tours.
• Any passengers aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by at least one passenger who is aged 18 or older.
• Coast Guard regulations require everyone, even infants on your lap, to buy a seat.
• Consider bringing sunblock, bug spray, and comfortable shoes and clothes.
• You might get a little wet from small splashes and spray.
• If rain is forecasted, we recommend bringing a poncho.
• Many guests see wild alligators, birds, and other wildlife on their airboat and buggy tours, but Mother Nature makes no guarantees, so neither can we.
• You will definitely see alligators and other rescued animals in our Animal Sanctuary , an attraction included with all our tours.
• Our tours run rain or shine, except when there's a thunderstorm.
• We don't refund bookings if you cancel too close to a tour's departure time (check the policy when booking).
• Sometimes we need to delay due to thunderstorms or other unforeseen circumstances. We'll do our best to reschedule or issue a refund.
• Our airboat docks are handicap accessible, but wheelchairs can’t be loaded onto our airboats.
• If anyone in your party is using a wheelchair, please be sure they can move from the wheelchair onto the airboat.
• For everyone's safety, pets and service animals are not allowed in the Animal Sanctuary , near the boat launch, on airboats, or on swamp buggies.
• Service animals are allowed only in the gift shop, restrooms, and picnic areas.
• Mangrove Maze & National Park Combo
• Mangrove Maze Ultimate Combo
• Mangrove Maze & Grassland Combo
• Mangrove Maze & Buggy Combo
• Mangrove Maze Ultimate Stay & Play
• Mangrove Tunnel Ultimate Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour
• Lodging Nearby
• Animals & Alligator Show
• Everglades City Boardwalk