Frequently Asked Questions

commonly asked questions for rentals, Guided tours, and lessons.

  • Simply decide which tour you would like to participate in and book online! If you have more questions feel free to give us a call. After making your reservation you will get a confirmation email with all the details for your upcoming trip.

  • It is certainly customary in the United States to give a gratuity to service personnel who have done a good job, just as you would at any other venue. Not required, but always appreciated! Remember that your tour guide is checking the weather tides, loading and unloading the kayaks or boards and working hard to find wildlife on your adventure. Our team works hard to provide the most memorable and fun experiences in Southwest Florida, so be sure to show them some love if they helped you to love this place as much as we do!

  • There are alligators in Florida. In areas we explore, it is rare to see one as they do not prefer salty environments. If you want to truth…gators want nothing to do with you anyway! Remember also that gators really just want to eat, sleep and make more gators. Homo sapiens are not on the menu, and they usually eat things like fish, turtles, and other things familiar to them.

  • Ideally you should protect your skin from the sun, either with sun block or sun protective clothing. Sun protective hats and clothing are available in our retail store, Naples Outfitters, at 3570 Bayshore Drive in Naples. NaplesOutfitters.com

  • We have both! When you book your tour, the booking software will ask you if you would like singles or doubles. Children under 12 will ride in a tandem kayak with an adult. Tandems are great if you have endurance concerns or want to have a fun ‘team building’ experience with your partner! ;)

  • Always! In fact, on nature tours our guides will require you to wear one.

  • Our guides are also instructors. Your tour will be a beginner lesson and a tour!

  • There are quite a few months in SW Florida that getting rained on can be just wonderful. However, you guide has been checking the weather carefully in an attempt to avoid lightning. If we can’t go for safety reasons, or if it will be just too wet then we will gladly provide a refund or reschedule. Florida’s weather can be unpredictable and ever changing, so rain in the area does not necessarily mean it will be in the areas we are paddling. Feel free to give us a call if want more detail!

Recommended Safety Tips

some recommended saftey tips for rentals, lessons, and Guided tours.

  • Are strongly recommended for all routes. Do not rely entirely on GPS units.

    Take a tide chart and check conditions before you depart.

  • Weather conditions change rapidly in the summer. Be prepared for intense sun, rain, and strong winds.

    Be prepared for lightning; do not stay in open water during storms, move near land staying low in your boat.

    Carry a weather radio if possible.

  • Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be numerous and aggressive. Insect repellent, bug jackets, or long pants and long sleeved shirts are recommended.

    Raccoons will do nearly anything to get food and water. Store both in hard sided containers or aboard a boat.

  • Plants, animals and artifacts are protected in National Parks

    Collecting is prohibited.

  • One gallon per person per day is the minimum recommendation. No fresh water is available.

    Boating in Everglades National Park is challenging. Safely exploring this area requires the ability to “read the water”, as the shallow areas are not usually marked. Knowing the draft (depth) and limits of your boat is critical, as is the ability to read and utilize nautical charts.

    Tides and winds can make paddling difficult. Most experienced paddlers plan to travel between 8-12 miles per day. If this is your first trip, choose a short trip and travel well marked routes.

  • Flamingo Visitor Center (Everglades National Park: (239) 695-2945

    Gulf Coast Visitor Center (Everglades National Park): (239) 695-3311

    File a trip plan with a friend or relative before leaving. If you do not return home on time, that person should contact Everglades National Park 24hr dispatch at (305)242-7740. In the park, dial #NPS from your cell phone.

The bottom line is that we want you to enjoy your guided kayak nature tour! It is really one of the great things to do in southwest Florida.

Our guided kayak nature tour FAQ is an attempt to answer as many questions as possible, but please feel free to call us at 239-262-6149 or email us at naplesoutfitters@gmail.com.