This is the real deal in kayaking. “Touring” or “Sea” kayaks are the reason that people think that kayaks are “tippy”. What most people don’t realize is there are many different styles of Touring Kayaks, and some are quite stable. In addition, with a little bit of instruction, you can learn how to properly enter and exit a touring kayak, and paddle it safely.

This is a safe and hands-on introduction to kayaking. We start the class at our shop in South Punta Gorda. There, we will teach safety and review the equipment needed for a fun and safe experience. We will then travel to our private launch site, only one mile away from the shop.

Charlotte Harbor is surrounded by the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. There is approximately 80 miles of shoreline in the preserve. We have a couple of private launch sites that allow us access to areas of the preserve that otherwise would take hours to get to by kayak.

Matlacha is known worldwide as a wonderful kayaking destination. A little island community surrounded by miles of kayaking, boating, and fishing. Our tours provide you with an education of the area as we paddle down sections of the famous Great Calusa Blueway.

Punta Gorda is a mostly residential area, but just south of town are miles of waterway filled with wildlife, mangrove tunnels and calm water. This is our backyard.  We know this area very well and can get you in practically untouched waters.

Kayak Fishing has become one of the most popular uses for a kayak these days. We will take you to prime fishing locations in areas that most power boats can’t reach.

We have guides that range from avid fisherman to tournament winning professional fisherman. Either way, you’ll have a great time!

Manatee are one of the most prized visitor that we get here in SW Florida. These big “Sea Cows” are slow moving and playful. They are not afraid of kayaks and will most of the time approach the boat very close.

Best times for viewing is in the winter, but they are around all year long.

We are really blessed that our backyard is the east coast of Charlotte Harbor. All along this coast is an area called the Burnt Store Sandbars. These are shallow sandbars that offer protection to all sorts of marine life. You’ll see tons of fish, sand dollars, crabs, rays, and many birds.

To paddle out toward a sunset, then home to a full moon is an experience everyone should have. We have a perfect location for that. Give this a try!

Just about the time the Moon is in full effect, the water gets nice and calm. We will provide lights and all safety gear. Due to the tour taking place at night, previous kayak experience is required.

Stand Up Paddleboarding, or “SUP” has become very popular these days. Imagine a large surfboard that you paddle while standing. It’s very safe, and very fun, not to mention fantastic exercise!

We’ll launch you from calm waters and teach you everything you need to know to enjoy SUP. GIve it a try! 2 Hour Class.

We have SUP’s for rent and offer tours as well. In fact, all of the tours above can be done in a stand up paddleboard. Yes, including fishing!

Fishing from a paddleboard is amazing. While standing, the visibility is much greater, and easier to spot fish farther our. Give it a try! It’s a blast!

The tour is once a Month during full moon.  Plan 2-3 hours. Very easy paddling. Most of the time is spent floating and watching the view.

The on-water portion of the class will start in a very calm canal. From there, we will head into Charlotte Harbor and paddle around the Charlotte Harbor Preserve in Punta Gorda.

You will finish this class with the confidence and ability to safely kayak without a guide. We use VERY stable recreational kayaks for our intro class. See the “Native Ultimate 14.5 solo” on our “products” page. That is our most commonly used intro kayak. If it’s stable enough for a fisherman to stand up and cast, it’s certainly stable enough for beginners!

Allow 4 hours for the class. Approximately 1 hours of classroom and 3 hours of on-water.  We will provide the kayak, Life-vest (PFD), Paddle, and all safety gear.  Bring quick-drying clothes or swimwear, shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water and snack bar just in case hunger hits!

Intro to Touring Kayaks

Intro to Kayaking

So if its a little harder to learn, then why do it? The reward is magnificent! A touring kayak is a very fast and efficient boat. With just a sweep of a paddle, you will be covering a lot of water quickly and efficiently. The experience is very peaceful, and serene. A touring kayak is very quiet as it cuts through the water with ease. No splashing or barging through the water like a recreational kayak. Your exposure to marine life is unparalleled. You will glide unnoticed over fish and marine life, giving you the opportunity to view them from very close. In addition, because of the speed and efficiency, you will travel much farther in a shorter time. More to see!

Once you’ve been in a touring kayak, you’ll never go back. This IS kayaking, and you will be hooked forever!

Charlotte Harbor Kayak Tours

Punta Gorda Kayak Tours

Experience shallow waters fringed by mangroves. These areas provide amazing opportunities to view wading birds, manatees, dolphins, and other wildlife.

We offer 2 hour tours, or 4 hour tours for every level of paddler.

We offer 2 hour tours, or 4 hour tours for every level of paddler.

Matlacha Kayak Tours

We offer 2 hour tours, or 4 hour tours for every level of paddler.

Kayak Fishing Tours

These are half day (4 hour) and Full day (8 hour) sessions.

Contact for Price.

Manatee Kayak Tours

Depending on water temperatures, manatee will move locations. We ALWAYS know where they are. The location of these trips will depend on the movement of the manatee.

An experience of a lifetime!

Burnt Store Sandbar Kayak Tours

We offer 2 hour tours, or 4 hour tours for every level of paddler.

Full Moon/Sunset Tours

Intro to Stand Up Paddleboarding

Stand Up Paddleboarding Tours

The Historic Village of Boca Grande, on the island of Gasparilla, is located at the southern tip of the Cape Haze Peninsula on Florida’s Southwest Coast midway between Sarasota and Ft. Myers.

Boca Grande Kayak and SUP Tours

We offer 2 hour tours, or 4 hour tours for every level of paddler.

Nature has blessed this lush barrier island with seven miles of powdery white beaches stretching the entire Gulf side and surrounded it with cerulean waters—the kind one usually finds only in the Caribbean. The adjacent estuaries fed by the Myakka and Peace Rivers converge to form one of the most pristine and productive coastal ecosystems in the world.

Pine Island Sound is located on the West Coast of Pine Island. Shallow water, many islands, and an abundance of sea and wildlife make it a popular destination for paddlers.

Explore areas of Pine Island Sound that can only be reached by Kayak.

Pine Island Sound Kayak Tours

Popular stops include Cabbage Key, and Cayo Costa’s “Lover’s Lagoon”. This is usually a longer paddle, so experience is necessary. 

We offer 4 hour tours, or 6 hour tours for Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa.