8 Great Places to Go Kayaking in Fort Myers

Looking to go kayaking in Fort Myers and nearby Sanibel and Captiva Islands? We’ve got you covered with a list of the best places to go!

Kayaking isn’t just a wonderful way to enjoy the waterways in a private self-propelled transport, it’s a great low-impact activity which offers immense health benefits as well.

Home to an endless array of secluded bays, meandering creeks, and calm saltwater inlets, the Southwest Florida region around Fort Myers and Sanibel is truly a paradise for paddlers.

Kayaking and other paddling like stand up paddle boarding are some of the best things to do in Fort Myers Florida if you love the local nature and outdoors.

Kayaking Fort Myers and the Surrounding Area

Fort Myers has its share of historic and family attractions, but it’s the watery setting here that draws naturalists.

With an average of 240 sunny days a year, it’s no wonder that Southwest Florida should be the first stop for those who want to explore the natural beauty of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island in a kayak.

The serenity of this happening destination reaches new heights from the comfort of your kayak.

Even if you have never stepped in a kayak or canoe, the area around Fort Myers is full of spots for those with little to no paddling experience.

The waterways for kayaks are never more than four feet deep, so even if you roll over, you just need to stay calm and stand.

The best part is that you can stop and start at will in case you want to admire the surroundings or take pictures of wildlife.

If you’re unfamiliar with the geography of Fort Myers, the city of Fort Myers sits at the end of the Caloosahatchee River — it’s not actually on the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s close to the eastern end of Sanibel Island, southern Pine Island, and the city of Cape Coral, and the four places huddle together like family to comprise one of southwest Florida’s most popular coastal communities.

Fort Myers is an easy hour from Naples or Marco Island and makes one of the best day trips to visit a city with a different, more retro feel.

Now that you know all the great kayaking potential near Fort Myers, let’s get to the worthwhile places to go.

Here are some of the best spots for kayaking in Fort Myers, with plentiful rental activities, which are perfect both for the novice and veteran paddlers alike. 

Best Places to Go Kayaking in Fort Myers

MANATEE PARK

10901 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers

If you want to see the endangered Florida manatee off the bow of your kayak (it is against the law to touch or feed them) arrive early at Fort Myers Manatee Park for a mesmerizing experience.

This is one such place, where warm water is specially discharged to create a cozy environment for manatees and avoiding the freezing Gulf waters.

The natural environment around Manatee Park features picnic shelters, viewing areas and butterfly gardens, apart from kayak rentals and a launch to the Orange River.

All this makes Manatee Park kayaking some of the best in Fort Myers.

Kayak rentals Manatee Park: Kayak rentals at Manatee Park are provided on-site by the Manatee Kayaking Company. The park is open daily from 8am to sunset.

THE GREAT CALUSA BLUEWAY

3410 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers

The Great Calusa Blueway is one of America's greatest waterways for kayakers as it charts a number of excellent paddle trails over its length of 190 miles and it’s right here in southwest Florida — truly one of the best places for kayaking in Fort Myers.

The route begins on the freshwater Caloosahatchee and Imperial Rivers, winding its way through Estero Bay and meanders around many coastal islands.

The trail is ideal for novices, avid paddlers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

From wading birds to sea turtles and river otters, wildlife along the Calusa Blueway is abundant.

The Calusa trail also offers opportunities for young paddlers to earn points by taking part in races organized by The Calusa Kids Race Team. 

Tropical Point Park

3401 Tropical Point Dr, St James City on Pine Island

The warm Gulf waters of Florida offer endless opportunities to venture away from the shore in a kayak around the barrier islands region.

The calming effect provided as you paddle to an isolated place with only the sound of the mullet splashing the water for company is an unforgettable feeling.

If you’re keen to explore some more remote waters around Fort Myers, and where the Caloosahatchee River meets the sea, head to secluded Pine Island.

Tropical Point lies just north of St. James Creek on Pine Island where there is a wide mangrove trail for paddlers who want to immerse themselves in the peace and quiet.

Relax and watch the sunset or follow a pod of dolphins at play and take home memories that will last you for the rest of your life.

The tiny island of Matlacha lies between Pine Island and the mainland, and makes a good stop for lunch or to explore the rows of inlets dotted with colorful houses and salty bars. the bridge between the two islands is the Fishingest Bridge in the US according to locals.

Not sure if this is true, but they do land a ton of fish from this bridge, and it makes quite a site to see as you paddle beneath the bridge.

J.N.”DING” DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel

Sanibel Island kayaking is surely one of the best things to do on this barrier island across from Fort Myers, and the the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the place to go.

This is one of the top things to do on Sanibel Island — we’re talking bucket list good!

Located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico, the pristine nature habitat with the curious name is one of the best places for kayaking in Fort Myers.

The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States.

It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations.

While it’s not located in the city of Fort Myers itself, it’s just a short hop across the causeway from the city.

There are two designated kayak/canoe launch sites along Wildlife Drive.

Kayak rentals Sanibel Island: Guided kayak, canoe, and SUP paddle board tours of Commodore Creek and Tarpon Bay are offered by the official concessionaire at JN Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve by Tarpon Bay Explorers. A canoe/kayak trail through Buck Key off Captiva Island also runs nearby and is worth a visit.

LOVERS KEY STATE PARK

8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

Conveniently nestled between the city of Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, paddlers who want to go kayaking Fort Myers Beach will be amazed by the beauty and tranquility of the Lover's Key Trail.

Estero Island has pristine natural areas and some of the best beaches in southwest Florida.

The mangrove protected estuary at Lovers Key is 2.5 miles of winding waterway trails through serene landscape and native wildlife all around.

As ospreys dive in the water to catch their fish and manatees swim alongside your kayak, you’ll be transported into a surreal watery world lined with mangroves.

The rewarding five mile round trip reveals some excellent bird and manatee sightings.

The occasional alligator has also known to be spotted here.

Kayaking buffs from far and near have vouched that there is no better paddle in the whole of Florida. Moreover, the Lovers Key launch is a great way to try the Great Calusa Trail in less than an hour.

Lovers Key kayak rentals: You can rent kayaks from Lovers Key Bait and Adventures located at the Lovers Key boat ramp on the bayside of Lovers Key State Park. They have both single and tandem kayaks available as early as 6:30am.

PUNTA RASSA COVE

14341 Port Comfort Rd., Ft. Myers

There are several miles of smooth paddling trails, just a little way from Port Sanibel Marina in the Punta Rassa Cove area, which is located between the mainland and the islands of Pine and Sanibel.

A kayak trip will provide a memorable way to explore lagoons, bays and mangrove forests with sulphurous places unlikely to be found anywhere else.

The main marina here is Port Sanibel Marina, located in the extremely well sheltered harbor in Punta Rassa Cove, with the entrance marked on the east side of the channel.

Whether you want to see marine life, alligators or bird species, this is the place to go.

The trail is clearly marked and easy to navigate and allows for a thrilling encounter with manatees who love to come and frolic next to the kayaks.

Punta Rassa kayak rentals: Kayaks can be rented daily at the Port Sanibel Marina from 8 AM until 2 PM. Reservations are also available for groups of 10 or more.

BUNCHE BEACH PRESERVE

18201 John Morris Rd, Fort Myers

A part of the 731 acres San Carlos Bay, the Bunche Beach Preserve is home to pristine forests of mangroves in a totally natural environment consisting of salt flats, forests and sandy beaches.

There are a number of paddling trails to choose from when you launch from Bunche Beach towards Sanibel and Pine Island.

Since the waters around Bunche Beach are less than four feet deep, the area provides shelter to a large variety of wading birds.

Alternately, you can paddle up to Estero Bay and explore the mangrove lined waterways and even venture beyond Hurricane and Pelican Bay.

For those who do not want to paddle far, there are a number of mangrove tunnels to explore at nearby Rock Creek.

Kayak Rentals Fort Myers Bunche Beach: Local kayak tour company Kayak Excursions has a rental location at the Bunche Beach activities center, located next to the Parking area just after the little bridge on John Morris Road.

They offer kayak, SUP rentals and tours, and guided kayak fishing trips. Open 9am-5pm daily, weather permitting with the last rentals at 2pm.

SHELLING TIP: Look for the popular King’s Crown shells when you’re paddling around here — Bunche Beach is a great place to find them by the handfuls!

SIRENIA VISTA PARK

3916 Ceitus Pkwy, Cape Coral

The 8 acre Sirenia Vista Park recreational area is located at the southernmost tip of the North Spreader Waterway.

There are three trails here from where you can launch a kayak, namely Orange Trail (easy 3.4 miles), Blue Trail ( medium 4 miles) and Yellow Trail (very easy 1 mile). The blue and yellow trails begin at an inlet just across the launch, while the orange trail is a bit to the right.

The name sirenia literally translates to manatees, so one can be assured to see many ripples in the water of these inquisitive creatures.

The kayaking trails have been developed keeping the interest of both the experienced and inexperienced paddler.

The blue trail is the best for those wanting to access the mangrove forests.

This is our handpicked list of best spots for kayaking in Fort Myers — what are yours?

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