Home > Mangrove Mazes Of Matlacha Pass Kayak Tour
Mangrove Mazes of Matlacha Pass Kayak Tour
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Overview
Near Cape Coral, North Fort Myers and Pine Island
Rates
$60 per person
About
GAEA Guides uses tandem kayaks that handle like a single if you are alone in one. We do this to limit the number of kayaks in the environment that may annoy the wildlife. We also do it because there is better communication between the guide and the clients if there are fewer kayaks. We only take a small group on each tour. The kayaks are sit-inside kayaks with comfortable seats and plenty of leg room.
All tours include all the necessary equipment and a Certified Florida Master Naturalist as your guide. For environmental reasons we ONLY use tandem kayaks - comfortable sit inside kayaks with nice seats and plenty of leg room. (Acadia by Perception). This way the guide can communicate with the clients more easily than if there were double the number of kayaks. Another VERY important reason we use tandems is to avoid the intrusion of twice as many kayaks in the animals' environment. These kayaks handle like a single if you are alone in one.
Upon making your reservation you will receive the directions to the launch site.
Matlacha Pass is where we wander through these fascinating Mangrove Tunnels that have shady, clear water creeks. This area is home to some of the most interesting and unusual plants and animals in all of North America. Among the red, black and white mangrove trees and the tropical seagrape, you may find anything ranging from endangered wood storks and white pelicans to dolphin and manatee. We do frequently see dolphin here and sometimes the rare, endangered manatees. This is an area that generates much interest and we at GAEA Guides-Guided Kayak Nature Tours would love to have you join us as we explore the mysterious tunnels and mazes of Matlacha Pass.
The Mangrove Mazes of Matlacha Pass Kayak Tour is a 3 hour kayak tour wherein you Will:
- Visit the "Nature's Cathedrals" of Matlacha Pass
- See birds, fish and many other creatures in the tunnels and throughout the waterways
- Learn about the this unusual environment from an expert guide
Duration
- 4 hours
- The entire experience takes about 4 hours, and we'll be on the water for 3 hours. Upon meeting at the appointed time we will sign in, go over some safety information and then get the equipment in the water. This takes approximately ½ hour. At the completion of the tour we allow another ½ hour to get all the equipment put away.
What to Wear
We ask that you dress for the Weather:
- Usually a t-shirt and shorts will do.
- Shoes that will get wet as you get in and out of your kayak (ideally, not flip flops).
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- A hat.
- Bug repellant may also be necessary if we are out in the evening.
Cancellation Policy
Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event. The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.
Meeting And Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Meeting point
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Additional Info
All guests must have signed the online liability waiver BEFORE meeting for the tour.
- All participants (including minors) MUST sign the electronic waiver prior to arriving at the tour. Those under 18 (minors) will NOT ONLY need to sign a waiver and have a responsible adult sign for them, but a responsible adult must participate with them as well.
- Follow this link
- Read the waiver and sign it as soon as you get this. We must have this electronic waiver in our system prior to your coming to meet us.
Detailed Directions
You will meet your tour guide at 4577 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha, FL 33993. After you cross the Matlacha Pass Bridge you go about 2 city blocks and will see the brown signs for Matlacha Community Park. Parking is free at the meeting location. If you are running late or lost, please call your tour guide at (239) 940-3255.
Driving Directions
Click Here for a map
From I-75
- Take exit #143 – Bayshore Rd (State Road 78) approximately 15 miles west (Bayshore Rd will turn into Pine Island Road)
- After crossing Burnt Store Road you will enter the little fishing village of Matlacha
-After you cross the Matlacha Pass Bridge you go about 2 city blocks and will see the brown signs for Matlacha Community Park to the left. Once you are in the park, meet us at the GAEA Guides van and trailer in the parking lot somewhere near the boat ramp.
What to Bring
- Bring water, or something non-alcoholic, to drink.
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Shoes that will get wet as you get in and out of your kayak (ideally, not flip flops).
- Your lunch or a snack, as we will stop to eat midway during the tour.
- Complete your electronic waiver beforehand at: https://www.smartwaiver.com/v/gaea/
- Gratuity is not included in your ticket price, and not expected, but greatly appreciated and lets the guide know that you enjoyed the tour. Also, this is how we keep our rates so low.
What NOT to Bring
Do NOT bring anything that you cannot afford to get wet, unless you have it in a dry bag.
Parking
Parking is free at the meeting location.
Notice
BE SURE TO READ THESE POLICIES - THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS
You have certified that you understand that EVERY adult MUST be able to assist with the unloading and loading of the kayaks. ALL adult participants are responsible for getting the kayaks off the trailer and into the water and when the tour is over, back onto the trailer, including the guide's kayak while the guide is getting all of the other equipment into the kayaks. In agreeing to this we feel confident that YOU will be physically able to participate in the group kayaking activity. This applies to ALL adults, unless prior arrangements are made. PLEASE BE SURE THAT EVERYONE IN YOUR GROUP IS AWARE OF THIS POLICY! ANY EXCEPTIONS to this policy MUST be discussed with GAEA Guides prior to meeting for the tour.The main objective of our tours is to observe nature, so the tours are relatively leisurely, but we do have to contend with wind and currents.
Other Tips & Guidelines
- Please arrive on time to find parking, as tours start promptly.
- If you are not at the site by 15 minutes PAST the meeting time and have not made contact with the guide, the tour will start without you.
- Cell phone # to use in case you are lost or running late is 239 940-3255.
Cancellation Policy
Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event. The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.
