6 Great Kayak Trips On Florida’s Paradise Coast

Welcome to the ultimate paddler’s paradise! Whether you’re seeking a leisurely paddle around a sunny lagoon or a long trek through backwaters and mazes of mangroves, Florida’s Paradise Coast is a kayaker’s dream come true. With countless launch spots, you’re always moments away from some of the most breathtaking waterways imaginable.

Hardcore kayakers will find plenty of challenges in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, while newbies can easily rent a craft and take a lesson or a guided tour. Check out our top six must-paddle kayaking adventures and experience the best Paradise has to offer!

Caxambas Park: Gateway to Ten Thousand Islands

Located on the southern end of Marco Island, Caxambas Park is the perfect launch point to explore the Ten Thousand Islands. This vast network of mangrove islets offers endless adventure through Southwest Florida's most beautiful, unspoiled waterways. The abundant sandbars in this area invite you to leave your kayak and search for unique shells, like conch shells and sand dollars. For the best shelling, we recommend paddling during low tide to fully enjoy the exposed sandbars.

Keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees, too! You can also take a shorter jaunt through the channels around Caxambas and Barfield Bay, or head west for a quick paddle to the Gulf and along Marco Island beach.

Turner River Paddling Trail: A Hidden Gem in the Everglades

Many kayakers consider the Turner River Paddling Trail to be the best paddling excursion in the Everglades. Located in the Big Cypress National Preserve, this river actually runs through three different ecosystems: cypress swamp, mangroves, and sawgrass.

The trail is 8.5 miles from the Turner River Launch to Chokoloskee, or 11 miles for the whole Halfway Creek-Left Hand Turner-Turner River loop. With this in mind, plan to spend 5-8 hours here! Whether you paddle the entire trail or choose a shorter section, the convenient launch points at US Hwy 41, Chokoloskee, and the Gulf Coast Visitor Center offer easy access to a day of thrilling exploration and natural beauty.

You’ll pass through long, often narrow, mangrove tunnels (where hardly any sun gets through and the temperature noticeably cools), go by majestic cypress trees, and behold the wide-open “sea of grass.” Known for its raw, untamed beauty, this trail offers an exhilarating experience like no other. Just be sure to check the water levels before you set off, as the waterways can become impassable if they are too high or too low.

You can rent kayaks or book a guided kayaking excursion here through Everglades Adventures!

Gordon River: Paddle in the Heart of Naples

For a very convenient paddling adventure, try this route that runs through Naples. You’ll launch your kayak from Allyn Family Lagoon at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, three miles north of downtown and just south of the Naples Zoo.

From there, you can paddle the Gordon River, making your way through the Gordon River Greenway. More adventurous types can continue to the Golden Gate Canal, which flows into Naples Bay, then seven miles downstream to Gordon Pass, and on into the Gulf of Mexico. Parking is free, and there are restrooms close to the launch.

To access kayak rentals at the Conservancy, membership is required–but don't worry! Anyone can join the thrilling guided kayak tours at this location. Explore the stunning Gordon River with an expert Conservancy Naturalist, discovering the area's hidden wonders and vibrant wildlife. To secure your reservation, call 239–213–2500 at least 24 hours ahead of time.

Clam Pass Park: Calm & Natural

Explore the 35-acre Clam Pass, just six miles north of downtown Naples. Starting at the small kayak launch in the parking lot, you’ll paddle through a six-mile loop into lush mangroves and Inner and Outer Clam Bay.

For the truly adventurous, continue north through Clam Pass into the open Gulf and enjoy a front-row seat to stunning sunsets. Naples Grande Beach Resort guests can rent kayaks on-site here.

Isle of Capri Paddlecraft Park: Natural Beauty Restored

Once a trash site hidden amid mangroves, Isle of Capri Paddlecraft Park was developed by the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Center in 2012 specifically for non-motorized watercraft. The park provides safe and easy access to one of the most intricate mangrove tunnel systems in the 110,000-acre Rookery Bay.

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Also, there are many shallow “mud flat” areas that are habitats for sea stars, urchins, and marine snails that can grow to more than two feet in length. The park, 15 miles south of downtown Naples, includes a ramp, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and a kayak wash rack.

Go Bird-Spotting in Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Think of this 166-acre barrier island as a paradise within our Paradise. The park is so unspoiled that it feels like wilderness, even though it’s only 12 miles north of downtown Naples.

From the inland boat ramp, kayakers can take a casual cruise around Turkey Bay or venture into the winding Cocohatchee River and surrounding backwaters. A bonus: Delnor-Wiggins is prized for its birdwatching.

For a guided kayaking tour through Delnor-Wiggins, consider booking a clear kayak excursion with Get Up And Go Kayaking!

Renting A Kayak On Florida’s Paradise Coast

Florida’s Paradise Coast has a slew of vendors that rent kayaks and gear, some offering lessons and tours. Most will deliver the crafts, paddles, etc., to where you’re staying and pick them up—at no extra cost. Here’s a list with links by location:

Naples

Marco Island

Everglades

Everglades Adventure Tours
Everglades Adventures Kayak & Eco Tours

Explore the incredible variety of kayaking experiences on Florida’s Paradise Coast and discover the perfect adventure that suits your paddling style. When it comes to unforgettable kayaking trips, Only Paradise will do.