If you are looking to see a manatee in a kayak this is best location and the best chance to see the elusive manatee in a kayak. We are only one of two outfitters that go on the unique route in search for the manatees giving it more solitude the other rivers while paddling thru the maze of sawgrass prairies and mangrove tunnels. At the end of the trip we will spend around a half an hour looking for alligators and manatees in the port of the isle canal. The manatees love this area because of the warmer water. We are the only company in Florida to have the "triple crown" of the Permits in Everglades, Naples and Marco Island. Our small group size, best tour choices, most comfortable kayaks and the best guides in the industry have led the "Golden Standard" of this kayak industry for the last 17 years.

• See some of the well known and also hidden Appleton spots
• Choose a private tour option if that appeals to you
• Learn about Appleton’s history and culture from your guide
• Stay hydrated sipping provided bottled water along your tour

What To Expect

We offer a variety of kayak tours, but if you are looking to kayak amongst the majestic manatees, this is the best area in Southwest Florida to do it. (For the true Everglades experience, however, check out our Mangrove Tunnel Tours*). On this adventure we paddle through a sawgrass prairie, mangrove tunnels, and small open lakes on our search for wildlife, hoping to see wading birds feeding on fish, alligators basking in the sun, and the elusive manatee.

We do want to mention that this trip is different from our Everglades trips in a few ways. First of all, the wildlife is not as predictable and there tends to be slightly less biodiversity. Secondly, there are tides and winds that can make the paddling require more energy than our slow water Everglades trips. Finally, the end of the tour will take us to a small, quaint neighborhood canal in Port of the Islands. This is the place where we (as well as other companies) see the most manatees in the Naples/Marco Island area. They love to bask in the warm water here. That being said, this tour is very unique and very beautiful. It offers serenity and solitude and beautiful sandy island beaches to paddle by.