Tarpon Bay Explorers Claim this business

steve brotherson Google

a month ago

Jun 4, 2026: our family did the Tarpon Bay Explorers Kayak Tour through the mangroves. This was a great experience for all of us there (including a couple people with no experience kayaking). Fairly priced, easy check-in, plus very friendly and helpful ramp staff who help you launch and assist when you return. Our tour guide and naturalist Austyn was friendly, easy-going and highly knowlegable about all things mangroves (red, black, white) here in Sanibel, along with local wildlife and other trees/fauna. Her expertise, formal education in Biology, and experience here on the island definitely shines through when she discusses biodiversity and mangrove interconnectivity, along with various birds, fish - and manatees. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see a whole lot of animals, but did witness a few: a couple of green herons, leaping mullet fish, mangrove tree crabs, and a few other local birds. The official tour is about 90 mins, with fun and educational stops along the way. Total time is about 2 hours, and they let you keep your kayak if you want to go back out on your own! (included in the reasonably priced fee). HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Note: Bring a little cash to tip your guide and the ramp staff too! We were lucky that the weather was cool and overcast. If it's hot and muggy out though, maybe take extra sunscreen and water... Enjoy!

Ren Joyon Google

3 weeks ago

We did a morning kayak tour with Austyn, and she was an amazing guide! She was very knowledgeable and kind-hearted in her dialogue with our group. We got to see amazing wildlife, including a manatee who popped up right in front our kayak (!!) and a pair of dolphins. Definitely bring water and sunscreen. I would absolutely do this again and would recommend to anybody looking to spend some special time among the mangroves. This was the highlight of our trip to Sanibel!!

Lydia Con Google

3 months ago

We did an early morning guided kayak tour with Austyn. She was a wonderful and knowledgeable person and achieved the perfect balance of providing educational moments while leaving plenty of time for quiet observation as we paddled. Her primer on kayak handling was so helpful. The launch point and building are easy to access from just about anywhere on the island but still feel remote and peaceful. The gift shop was charming. I love knowing that the proceeds from our tour go back into the community and the wildlife refuge. A must do activity while in Sanibel!

Warren Woodon Google

2 months ago

Really a beautiful nature reserve tour. Observed manatees, dolphins, a horseshoe crab, and lots and lots of birds and birds nesting. The evening cruise was wonderful, will definitely be back. Also saw a spoonbill but that was in another nearby nature reserve. Jane was a very informative and helpful naturalists.

helene wolsonon Google

a month ago

This was an awesome adventure. Tour guide (Austyn) was unbelievably knowledgeable about ecosystems, area history, all wildlife and plant life. Great pace, easy to listen, follow, ask questions. Would highly recommend!