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#1 Paddling Area

Don Pedro Island

Learn more about Don Pedro Island

Discover adventure while paddling at Don Pedro Island State Park. Kayak through a mangrove forest and explore the waterways of Lemon Bay and Kettle Harbor. This marine estuary is abundant with sea stars, hermit crabs, dolphins and manatees. SUP Englewood offers many ways to get on the water at this location. Explore the waters on SUP Tours, Kayak Tours or with Rental Equipment. Book your experience today! 

What will you discover while paddling Don Pedro Island?

Don Pedro Island is one of the last unspoiled locations in southwest Florida.  This barrier island has no roads or cars and is only accessed by boat or paddle craft.  Amenities on the island include a covered picnic pavilion, restrooms, and charcoal grills.  There are also several walking trails throughout the island that calls for exploration. Boat parking is available for up to 10-boat slips.  Making this location even more exclusive.  The kayak landing is small on the island. Yet, there is ample room for storing your kayak, paddleboard, or canoe.  The State Park offers 1.5 miles of undeveloped and pure natural Florida beachfront.  This beach is situated perfectly between Stump Pass to the north and Little Gasparilla Pass to the south. Though the currents from either pass is not felt, they generate some of the clearest and most pristine water the west coast has to offer.  If you are into shark teeth hunting and sea shell collecting, this is the beach you cannot miss.  With its limited access, the treasures here are combed through far less than beaches with public access.  Many visitors have their best find days here, with caches of 100+ sharks teeth regularly.
 
Paddling to Don Pedro Island is suggested at any paddling skill level.  Launching from the Land Base section of the park, the island kayak landing is roughly 1.25 miles away.  Along the way, there is an abundance of sealife and mangrove jungle to explore.  Our most common sightings consist of dolphins, manatees, live shells, and sea stars.  Expanses of seagrass beds carpet the bottom between Don Pedro Island and the Land Base.  This is home to the smallest of shrimp and crabs up to the largest of gamefish and stingrays.  You will also find plenty of coastal birds fishing in these same areas.  The silence of a kayak or paddle board allows for the opportunity of up-close encounters with wildlife. Witness nature like you have never experienced before.

Services are available by reservation at the Don Pedro Island State Park and include SUP Tours, Kayak Tours, Water Sport Rentals, Kayak Rentals, and Paddle Board Rentals.

Don Pedro Island is nearby Gasparilla Island, Placida, and is located in the greater Englewood area. It is less than an hour from Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Cape Coral and Fort Myers. Which is convenient for locals and vacationers in the area.

Kayak Tours

SUP Tours

Rentals
Trip advisor logo

#1 Kayak Tour Provider for Don Pedro Island

SUP Englewood was rated the best of the best by TripAdvisor travelers in 2022. Our company was founded in 2012 and is the largest paddlesports company in Charlotte County. We take pride in our customer service and strive for a 5-star experience every time you visit us. Our services are all-inclusive, meaning that you’re provided with everything needed for your paddling experience.  Show up with a smile and let us help you on your next paddling adventure!

We had a great time with SUP Englwood. The experience was fun, informative, and our tour guide was the best. We loved it so much we went back a second day... great job!

Don Pedro Island Beach photo of dunes and cabbage palm

Scott R. Google Places

Our tour guide was knowlageable, funny and kind. The tour was incredible and fun! Kayaks were in good shape and all materials were good quality. Well worth the money!

Dolphins are frequently spotted on kayak eco tours

Amanda B. Google Places

Great Guides! Nicole knew absolutely everything there was to know about the area and wildlife. It was relaxing and our family felt very safe navigating the waterways with them. We will be back next year and book again with SUP Englewood. Absolutely, great experience! Thank you!

hermit crabs can steal the spotlight

Rhiannon L Google Places

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Jennifer Parsons
September 3, 2024

We didn’t actually get to do the SUP tour due to weather, but Dan with the company called us early enough that we hadn’t left yet to let us know that the weather was not cooperating. He was apologetic and offered other options (unfortunately we were leaving the next day and unable to reschedule) so he offered a refund that he said could take up to a week to process but it processed the same day. While bummed we didn’t get to paddle board, we appreciated the effort o get us in another day. We will definitely try again next time we are in the area!

google
Karen Schaffer
August 29, 2024

My husband and I were part of a group tour organized by the South Venice Yacht Club. Nichole and the other tour guides at SUP Englewood had nice equipment, good and brief orientation and got us on the water quickly. The tour was excellent and they knew some really good local spots where we could see manatees and dolphins. They were very knowledgeable about the water and local wildlife. Highly recommend!

google
Luke Schnekloth
August 25, 2024

Very easy process and great experience. Good price, even with delivery. Definitely recommend them and will use them again

google
Mehdi
August 17, 2024

A great experience! I took a morning kayak tour and it was incredible. Our guide Jeff made us all immediately feel comfortable. He was knowledgeable, personable, and clearly was having fun. The wildlife was beautiful and a baby manatee bumped into my kayak! Would 100% recommend this tour to anyone in the area.

google
Melissa Wables
August 11, 2024

What a great experience. Danny was our guide and he did an amazing job. We seen dolphins, manatees and much more. I highly recommend SUP Englewood for your kayaking adventures.

google
Alexandra Filandrianos
August 10, 2024

SO MUCH FUN!!!!! SUP Englewood was so much fun for my cousins and I. We all chose to paddle board for four hours and it was a BLAST. It felt like we were swimming with dolphins with how close they were to us. SUP also provided dry bags for our phones and things. The boards were of great quality. If you’re looking for a SPECTACULAR day out, look no further. Thanks for a great time SUP!!!🌊🦀🐠

google
Kate Drew
August 8, 2024

We enjoyed our kayak tour of Lemon Bay/Stump Bass Beach State Park with Nicole this past weekend! Be sure to call over the phone - Nicole was able to offer us dates that were unavailable to book digitally on their website. Nicole is SO knowledgeable of the area (she said she spends more time out there than most marine biologists!), kind, and welcoming. She offered us water bottles, dry bags, and sunscreen prior to the tour. Nicole spent time educating us on the history of the area, conservation efforts, and of the wildlife. I only wish she had a personal microphone so that we could hear about everything she was saying more (the teacher in me appreciate all you did!)! We stopped along the mangroves where Nicole let us hold some urchins (she also found some deceased ones and let us keep them!) Further along, we came across a spider crab along the sandbar, which Nicole picked up and told us all about him. She also took videos and pictures the entire tour - so put your phone away and enjoy the hidden gems that this area has to offer. Our vacation was cut short due to an impending tropical storm, but we cannot wait to be back in the area. We want to book the tour for Don Pedro State Park next. Nicole said there is so much more wildlife to be seen down there! Thank you, Nicole and team, for making our vacation special!

google
Naomi
July 29, 2024

Had a great time and was able to see dolphins and manatees. Our guide was very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. Overall a very relaxing and enjoyable experience!

google
Tara Kline
July 28, 2024

Was an awesome experience! We got to kayak amongst dolphins, manatees and even got to hold a jellyfish! The tour guy was very knowledgeable and fun!

google
mercedes carli
July 22, 2024

Once again, an exceptional experience! Nicole and Ty are always friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable about the area and where to see all the sea life. We saw so many dolphin and even manatee! The kayaks are in great shape and we even received two bottles of water and a dry bag for our personal items. This is the best kayak rental in Englewood, launching from Don Pedro State Park which has been the best spot to see sea life. Will be returning again soon! Thank you for the most wonderful day!!!

google
Shauna Platt
July 21, 2024

Had a great time. I scheduled private two hour SUP lesson. I had never tried it until today but have been wanting to for over a year. Danny my instructor was fabulous. Learned so much in two hours. I will definitely sign up for a tour or rental. They supply everything you need. Enjoyed the added bonus of seeing dolphins and manatees.

google
Krysten Franks
July 17, 2024

We had a memorable experience during our kayak tour! Jeff was a fun and knowledgeable tour guide. We saw dolphins, manatees, other amazing wildlife along the way. If you have the opportunity to take a kayak tour, I would highly recommend taking one with SUP Englewood.

google
Sam Giroux
July 11, 2024

Fantastic experience for our entire family! Danny did a great job with us “beginners” and took us to some amazing locations. We saw dolphins, manatees, and even some cool jelly fish. It was a super chill atmosphere and we cannot wait to come back.

google
Maier Goldberg
June 28, 2024

Renting from, or going out on a guided adventure with SUP Englewood is always a wonderful experience. Owner, Nicole, is a state-certified naturalist guide, and you can expect to learn about the area's habitat and wildlife, how to paddle safely and efficiently, and, importantly, have tremendous fun while doing all those things. Beyond that is her kindness and empathy, which make out-of-towners as well as locals immediately comfortable. SUP Englewood rates are reasonable, the same as I've experienced in the half-dozen other Florida cities in which I've rented. A recent article in the local newspaper had a spread on SUP Englewood winning the "2024 Partner of the Year" award from the Punta Gorda Englewood Beach Tourism Bureau. SUP Englewood was also recently granted an official on-site concession status by the Florida State Parks. SUP Englewood is very much the go-to firm for everything kayaking and stand-up paddling.

google
neil foster
June 23, 2024

Four of us took a morning guided kayak tour, Danny our guide was very knowledgable and engaging which made the experience a good one. Kids thoroughly enjoyed. Good standard of kayaks and equipment. Would recommend and will rent kayaks from SUP Englewood on our next visit in 2025.

google
Kathryn Dale
June 22, 2024
google
amber stephenson
June 9, 2024

Very knowledgeable and professional! Their kayaks are in great condition and they delivered to us and told us the best place to go to see dolphins and manatees. We would definitely use them again.

google
Jason Bartone
June 7, 2024

I took my wife and kids on the kayak tour and we had a blast! Our guide was super knowledgeable of the area and very helpful for our first-time kayakers with our children. We will definitely do this again when we come back to Englewood!! Highly recommend!!

google
Laura Edwards
June 6, 2024

We had a super time on our kayak tour! Mike, our tour guide, was knowledgeable, aware, and thoughtful. He would make sure to check in to ensure we were all good, to get our opinions to determine our next place to check out and just make sure we were having an enjoyable time. Loved learning tidbits of information from him as well. Would highly recommend if you are looking for something to do!

google
Kyrsten Lemke
June 6, 2024

What an incredible trip! Ty, the tour guide, was incredibly knowlegeable about the wildlife and knew just where to go to see them. We saw dolphins feeding, a curious baby manatee, nesting birds. and we even held a jellyfish. Truly awesome! Will go again!

google
Angie P
June 4, 2024

Nicole was such a good host! We were able to see dolphins and manatees right where she said we would. The bobcat was kind of a surprise, but what can ya say, NATURE! We had a great time! Thank you!

google
Kyrsten Lemke
June 2, 2024

What a fantastic experience! Kayaking on a gorgeous day is awesome all by itself. Add to that a knowledgeable guide and this was a trip to remember. We saw dolphins, held upside-down jelly fish, and got very up-close and personal with a curious baby manatee! Ty knew just where to go. I'll be back many times! Thanks SUP!

google
Steve Gulotta
May 30, 2024

What a great experience. From the moment we pulled up to the welcome area to the end of our trip, the staff was EXCEPTIONAL. When we pulled up to the welcome area we were greeted with friendly and knowledgeable staff. The offered us cold water, suggestions on how to stay hydrated, a dry bag and a map on where to go. We received a quick briefing on the do and don'ts of the kayak and then a tutorial of how to paddle and stay safe. Directions on where to see the wildlife were spot on and we experienced everything that the staff told us about. Even my 13 year old daughter had a good time!

google
Sara Hendrickson
May 29, 2024

Great experience! Highly recommend the kayak tour.

google
Tana germundson
May 28, 2024

My SUP Englewood experience surpassed expectations. The check in process was made easy by the professional checking me in. He made me feel comfortable before starting, and made sure I had what I needed, (sunscreen and water). Jeff, my instructor/guide was extremely patient, knowledgeable and interesting. He truly wanted to provide a great experience and show me as much of the wildlife as possible. We saw a Manatee come up right in front of us, amazing! Jeff pointed out different vegetation, birds, an Upside Down Jelly Fish and more. I would highly recommend Sup Englewood.

google
Darlene Lupo
May 24, 2024

What a great kayaking tour off Don Pedro Island! Wonderful guides and amazing wildlife! So many manatees and dolphins on a beautiful day in the water! Highly recommend SUP Englewood!

google
Gary S from Oasis
May 21, 2024

My wife and I had a great time Kayaking around Lemon Bay with our very knowledgeable guide Jeff. We were pretty much able to move at our own pace and saw jumping fish everywhere along with Dolphins that like to play in the water behind boats going through the channel. Plus it was great exercise for the two of us. I might also had that Nicole who handled our reservation and greet us in the Don Petro State Park was great to work with and very helpful. Thank you SUP Englewood.

google
Lisa Leibig
May 20, 2024

Danny and Nicole were extremely knowledgeable, pointing out unique marine life, and we got an amazing experience with manatees and dolphin. One of the best guided kayak trips I’ve been on!

google
Connie Weiss
May 18, 2024

We scheduled a group Don Pedro Kayak Tour with Nicole, and she went above and beyond organizing us! We saw multiple dolphins, several manatee, jellyfish, conch shells with live snails (I forget the names), blue crabs, stone crabs, we paddled through mangroves, and more. She and Danny were SO full of amazing useful knowlege, rules of the road, conservation information, I will definitely book with them again!! Thank you for an absolutely amazing and beautiful day on the water. I highly recommend SUP Englewood!

A friend and I had a really fun kayak tour with SUP Englewood from their Don Pedro Island location. Our guide, Nicole, was awesome. We saw birds, jellyfish, MANATEES, and of course - lots of mangroves 🙂 If you're looking to get out onto the water and see some cool wildlife, I highly recommend booking with them!

google
Jay Lewis
May 4, 2024
google
John Gammel
April 27, 2024

Our house guests from northern Minnesota like to kayak when they visit us in Englewood. My wife decided to try a rental from SUP at Don Pedro rather than her previous choice elsewhere. The group was very satisfied with this choice. They found they equipment to be good and they enjoyed seeing the manatees from a distance (it's mating season so best not to get too close). They found the life jackets to be OK but would have preferred something that didn't ride up.

google
Ron & Cheryl Lemle
April 16, 2024

Great trip , guide was very knowledgeable and personable (Jeff) . Paddled around with him for over 2 hrs , he pointed out all the sea life and of course dolphins and manatees . Highly recommend this place as it is not full of jet skiers and power boats. Even pointed us to a local watering hole for a Bloody Mary afterwards. Again great trip .

google
Macala Campbell
April 14, 2024

Great experience for me, and my parents, who are in their 60s. The crew was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and fun! My mom & I enjoyed the tandem together and learning about the local sea life.

Had a wonderful time kayaking with Ty. He was very fun, knowledgeable, and hands on which we loved. Saw manatee, dolphins, jellyfish, starfish, crabs, and many different birds. We would highly recommend this company. This was our second yearEveryone is super nice!😁

google
Alan Blunt
April 7, 2024

Excellent, well led 2 hours around Don Pedro. Dolphins jumping out the water. Ospreys and a range of birds. Gentle paddling through the mangrives to hidden coves. Interesting local knowledge. Highly recommended.

google
Joan Brown
April 6, 2024

Great day on water. Tour guides knowledgeable helpful and personable. Equipment in Great shape. Would definitely go back to and recommend this company

google
Betsy Elsmo
March 30, 2024

This was such a great experience. Our tour guide, Nicole, was so engaging and wonderful with my two kids, ages 8 and 5. I wasn’t sure my kids would enjoy the whole two hour tour, but they loved it and could have stayed out even longer. we saw dolphins, manatees, starfish, jelly fish, crabs. I highly recommend the Eco Tour!

google
maddi coffman
March 30, 2024

They are absolutely amazing ! I’ve been to tours where they rush you and expect you to be pro paddlers and this was the complete opposite.We had 2 tour guides and they were so incredibly kind and helpful. Not to mention made sure we were happy with everything we saw before ending the tour.

google
Jen Schaefer
March 24, 2024

Our trip with Danny on 3/20 was great! The weather was perfect and we saw so many manatees! These gentle giants are so neat to see, I could have stayed watching them all day. We also saw starfish in the Mangrove tunnel. Danny's knowledge of the area and animals was vast. I would definitely do this trip again!

google
adair empson
March 22, 2024

Highly recommend! My Aunt of 75 came who had never kayaker, our guide was so encouraging, very knowledgeable, have done for 3 yrs now and are never disappointed. Always super friendly folks.

google
Mason Parks
March 14, 2024
google
Jaden Petersen
March 12, 2024

My wife and I had an outstanding experience with our kayak tour, it was the highlight of our honeymoon. We saw dolphins and tons of other wildlife! Jeff was our guide and he did an outstanding job directing our group and was very knowledgeable. Rick also was awesome, accomodating a quick schedule change for us. Both knew the area well and gave us great recommendations for beaches and places to eat. Definitely join them for a morning tour!

google
Kim Scanlan
March 9, 2024

Incredible experience!! One of the guides was so helpful and recommended the best spots to kayak through and it did not disappoint! We saw multiple dolphins who came up to us and played around our kayaks! We were able to find a gorgeous hidden beach behind the mangroves. It was an adventure from start to finish! Highly recommend for anyone who wants to experience all the wildlife Florida has to offer!

google
Carol Cameron
March 8, 2024

We highly recommend SUP KAYAK tours! We all enjoyed it, ages 18 to 69! We will definitely do it again!!!

google
Claudia Cayne
March 5, 2024

Mike, our naturalist guide, pointed out and educated us about the many creatures and plants we saw. Without him, we would have missed most of the life beneath the water. He also passed some of these creatures around before returned them gently to their underwater homes. I highly recommend SUP for a fun learning experience.

google
SkyAnch
March 4, 2024

Mike showed me and my mom around the waters, we learned so much about the flora and fauna around the area and we were so enchanted by everything that we ended up staying on the water for 3 hours! Highly recommend for tourists and locals!

google
Katherine Clarke
March 4, 2024

I have paddled and kayaked with SUP Englewood several times and absolutely love the ECO Tours! I highly recommend this company. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and I always learn something new about Florida flora and fauna!

Reviews

google

We didn’t actually get to do the SUP tour due to weather, but Dan with the company called us early enough that we hadn’t left yet to let us know that the weather was not cooperating. He was apologetic and offered other options (unfortunately we were leaving the next day and unable to reschedule) so he offered a refund that he said could take up to a week to process but it processed the same day. While bummed we didn’t get to paddle board, we appreciated the effort o get us in another day. We will definitely try again next time we are in the area!

Jennifer Parsons September 3, 2024
google

My husband and I were part of a group tour organized by the South Venice Yacht Club. Nichole and the other tour guides at SUP Englewood had nice equipment, good and brief orientation and got us on the water quickly. The tour was excellent and they knew some really good local spots where we could see manatees and dolphins. They were very knowledgeable about the water and local wildlife. Highly recommend!

Karen Schaffer August 29, 2024
google

Very easy process and great experience. Good price, even with delivery. Definitely recommend them and will use them again

Luke Schnekloth August 25, 2024
google

A great experience! I took a morning kayak tour and it was incredible. Our guide Jeff made us all immediately feel comfortable. He was knowledgeable, personable, and clearly was having fun. The wildlife was beautiful and a baby manatee bumped into my kayak! Would 100% recommend this tour to anyone in the area.

Mehdi August 17, 2024
google

What a great experience. Danny was our guide and he did an amazing job. We seen dolphins, manatees and much more. I highly recommend SUP Englewood for your kayaking adventures.

Melissa Wables August 11, 2024
google

SO MUCH FUN!!!!! SUP Englewood was so much fun for my cousins and I. We all chose to paddle board for four hours and it was a BLAST. It felt like we were swimming with dolphins with how close they were to us. SUP also provided dry bags for our phones and things. The boards were of great quality. If you’re looking for a SPECTACULAR day out, look no further. Thanks for a great time SUP!!!🌊🦀🐠

google

We enjoyed our kayak tour of Lemon Bay/Stump Bass Beach State Park with Nicole this past weekend! Be sure to call over the phone - Nicole was able to offer us dates that were unavailable to book digitally on their website. Nicole is SO knowledgeable of the area (she said she spends more time out there than most marine biologists!), kind, and welcoming. She offered us water bottles, dry bags, and sunscreen prior to the tour. Nicole spent time educating us on the history of the area, conservation efforts, and of the wildlife. I only wish she had a personal microphone so that we could hear about everything she was saying more (the teacher in me appreciate all you did!)! We stopped along the mangroves where Nicole let us hold some urchins (she also found some deceased ones and let us keep them!) Further along, we came across a spider crab along the sandbar, which Nicole picked up and told us all about him. She also took videos and pictures the entire tour - so put your phone away and enjoy the hidden gems that this area has to offer. Our vacation was cut short due to an impending tropical storm, but we cannot wait to be back in the area. We want to book the tour for Don Pedro State Park next. Nicole said there is so much more wildlife to be seen down there! Thank you, Nicole and team, for making our vacation special!

Kate Drew August 8, 2024
google

Had a great time and was able to see dolphins and manatees. Our guide was very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. Overall a very relaxing and enjoyable experience!

Naomi July 29, 2024
google

Was an awesome experience! We got to kayak amongst dolphins, manatees and even got to hold a jellyfish! The tour guy was very knowledgeable and fun!

Tara Kline July 28, 2024
google

Once again, an exceptional experience! Nicole and Ty are always friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable about the area and where to see all the sea life. We saw so many dolphin and even manatee! The kayaks are in great shape and we even received two bottles of water and a dry bag for our personal items. This is the best kayak rental in Englewood, launching from Don Pedro State Park which has been the best spot to see sea life. Will be returning again soon! Thank you for the most wonderful day!!!

mercedes carli July 22, 2024
google

Had a great time. I scheduled private two hour SUP lesson. I had never tried it until today but have been wanting to for over a year. Danny my instructor was fabulous. Learned so much in two hours. I will definitely sign up for a tour or rental. They supply everything you need. Enjoyed the added bonus of seeing dolphins and manatees.

Shauna Platt July 21, 2024
google

We had a memorable experience during our kayak tour! Jeff was a fun and knowledgeable tour guide. We saw dolphins, manatees, other amazing wildlife along the way. If you have the opportunity to take a kayak tour, I would highly recommend taking one with SUP Englewood.

Krysten Franks July 17, 2024
google

Fantastic experience for our entire family! Danny did a great job with us “beginners” and took us to some amazing locations. We saw dolphins, manatees, and even some cool jelly fish. It was a super chill atmosphere and we cannot wait to come back.

Sam Giroux July 11, 2024
google

Renting from, or going out on a guided adventure with SUP Englewood is always a wonderful experience. Owner, Nicole, is a state-certified naturalist guide, and you can expect to learn about the area's habitat and wildlife, how to paddle safely and efficiently, and, importantly, have tremendous fun while doing all those things. Beyond that is her kindness and empathy, which make out-of-towners as well as locals immediately comfortable. SUP Englewood rates are reasonable, the same as I've experienced in the half-dozen other Florida cities in which I've rented. A recent article in the local newspaper had a spread on SUP Englewood winning the "2024 Partner of the Year" award from the Punta Gorda Englewood Beach Tourism Bureau. SUP Englewood was also recently granted an official on-site concession status by the Florida State Parks. SUP Englewood is very much the go-to firm for everything kayaking and stand-up paddling.

Maier Goldberg June 28, 2024
google

Four of us took a morning guided kayak tour, Danny our guide was very knowledgable and engaging which made the experience a good one. Kids thoroughly enjoyed. Good standard of kayaks and equipment. Would recommend and will rent kayaks from SUP Englewood on our next visit in 2025.

neil foster June 23, 2024
google
Kathryn Dale June 22, 2024
google

Very knowledgeable and professional! Their kayaks are in great condition and they delivered to us and told us the best place to go to see dolphins and manatees. We would definitely use them again.

google

I took my wife and kids on the kayak tour and we had a blast! Our guide was super knowledgeable of the area and very helpful for our first-time kayakers with our children. We will definitely do this again when we come back to Englewood!! Highly recommend!!

Jason Bartone June 7, 2024
google

We had a super time on our kayak tour! Mike, our tour guide, was knowledgeable, aware, and thoughtful. He would make sure to check in to ensure we were all good, to get our opinions to determine our next place to check out and just make sure we were having an enjoyable time. Loved learning tidbits of information from him as well. Would highly recommend if you are looking for something to do!

Laura Edwards June 6, 2024
google

What an incredible trip! Ty, the tour guide, was incredibly knowlegeable about the wildlife and knew just where to go to see them. We saw dolphins feeding, a curious baby manatee, nesting birds. and we even held a jellyfish. Truly awesome! Will go again!

Kyrsten Lemke June 6, 2024
google

Nicole was such a good host! We were able to see dolphins and manatees right where she said we would. The bobcat was kind of a surprise, but what can ya say, NATURE! We had a great time! Thank you!

Angie P June 4, 2024
google

What a fantastic experience! Kayaking on a gorgeous day is awesome all by itself. Add to that a knowledgeable guide and this was a trip to remember. We saw dolphins, held upside-down jelly fish, and got very up-close and personal with a curious baby manatee! Ty knew just where to go. I'll be back many times! Thanks SUP!

Kyrsten Lemke June 2, 2024
google

What a great experience. From the moment we pulled up to the welcome area to the end of our trip, the staff was EXCEPTIONAL. When we pulled up to the welcome area we were greeted with friendly and knowledgeable staff. The offered us cold water, suggestions on how to stay hydrated, a dry bag and a map on where to go. We received a quick briefing on the do and don'ts of the kayak and then a tutorial of how to paddle and stay safe. Directions on where to see the wildlife were spot on and we experienced everything that the staff told us about. Even my 13 year old daughter had a good time!

Steve Gulotta May 30, 2024
google

Great experience! Highly recommend the kayak tour.

google

My SUP Englewood experience surpassed expectations. The check in process was made easy by the professional checking me in. He made me feel comfortable before starting, and made sure I had what I needed, (sunscreen and water). Jeff, my instructor/guide was extremely patient, knowledgeable and interesting. He truly wanted to provide a great experience and show me as much of the wildlife as possible. We saw a Manatee come up right in front of us, amazing! Jeff pointed out different vegetation, birds, an Upside Down Jelly Fish and more. I would highly recommend Sup Englewood.

Tana germundson May 28, 2024
google

What a great kayaking tour off Don Pedro Island! Wonderful guides and amazing wildlife! So many manatees and dolphins on a beautiful day in the water! Highly recommend SUP Englewood!

Darlene Lupo May 24, 2024
google

My wife and I had a great time Kayaking around Lemon Bay with our very knowledgeable guide Jeff. We were pretty much able to move at our own pace and saw jumping fish everywhere along with Dolphins that like to play in the water behind boats going through the channel. Plus it was great exercise for the two of us. I might also had that Nicole who handled our reservation and greet us in the Don Petro State Park was great to work with and very helpful. Thank you SUP Englewood.

google

Danny and Nicole were extremely knowledgeable, pointing out unique marine life, and we got an amazing experience with manatees and dolphin. One of the best guided kayak trips I’ve been on!

Lisa Leibig May 20, 2024
google

We scheduled a group Don Pedro Kayak Tour with Nicole, and she went above and beyond organizing us! We saw multiple dolphins, several manatee, jellyfish, conch shells with live snails (I forget the names), blue crabs, stone crabs, we paddled through mangroves, and more. She and Danny were SO full of amazing useful knowlege, rules of the road, conservation information, I will definitely book with them again!! Thank you for an absolutely amazing and beautiful day on the water. I highly recommend SUP Englewood!

Connie Weiss May 18, 2024
google

A friend and I had a really fun kayak tour with SUP Englewood from their Don Pedro Island location. Our guide, Nicole, was awesome. We saw birds, jellyfish, MANATEES, and of course - lots of mangroves 🙂 If you're looking to get out onto the water and see some cool wildlife, I highly recommend booking with them!

google
Jay Lewis May 4, 2024
google

Our house guests from northern Minnesota like to kayak when they visit us in Englewood. My wife decided to try a rental from SUP at Don Pedro rather than her previous choice elsewhere. The group was very satisfied with this choice. They found they equipment to be good and they enjoyed seeing the manatees from a distance (it's mating season so best not to get too close). They found the life jackets to be OK but would have preferred something that didn't ride up.

John Gammel April 27, 2024
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Great trip , guide was very knowledgeable and personable (Jeff) . Paddled around with him for over 2 hrs , he pointed out all the sea life and of course dolphins and manatees . Highly recommend this place as it is not full of jet skiers and power boats. Even pointed us to a local watering hole for a Bloody Mary afterwards. Again great trip .

Ron & Cheryl Lemle April 16, 2024
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Great experience for me, and my parents, who are in their 60s. The crew was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and fun! My mom & I enjoyed the tandem together and learning about the local sea life.

Macala Campbell April 14, 2024
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Had a wonderful time kayaking with Ty. He was very fun, knowledgeable, and hands on which we loved. Saw manatee, dolphins, jellyfish, starfish, crabs, and many different birds. We would highly recommend this company. This was our second yearEveryone is super nice!😁

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Excellent, well led 2 hours around Don Pedro. Dolphins jumping out the water. Ospreys and a range of birds. Gentle paddling through the mangrives to hidden coves. Interesting local knowledge. Highly recommended.

Alan Blunt April 7, 2024
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Great day on water. Tour guides knowledgeable helpful and personable. Equipment in Great shape. Would definitely go back to and recommend this company

Joan Brown April 6, 2024
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This was such a great experience. Our tour guide, Nicole, was so engaging and wonderful with my two kids, ages 8 and 5. I wasn’t sure my kids would enjoy the whole two hour tour, but they loved it and could have stayed out even longer. we saw dolphins, manatees, starfish, jelly fish, crabs. I highly recommend the Eco Tour!

Betsy Elsmo March 30, 2024
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They are absolutely amazing ! I’ve been to tours where they rush you and expect you to be pro paddlers and this was the complete opposite.We had 2 tour guides and they were so incredibly kind and helpful. Not to mention made sure we were happy with everything we saw before ending the tour.

maddi coffman March 30, 2024
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Our trip with Danny on 3/20 was great! The weather was perfect and we saw so many manatees! These gentle giants are so neat to see, I could have stayed watching them all day. We also saw starfish in the Mangrove tunnel. Danny's knowledge of the area and animals was vast. I would definitely do this trip again!

Jen Schaefer March 24, 2024
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Highly recommend! My Aunt of 75 came who had never kayaker, our guide was so encouraging, very knowledgeable, have done for 3 yrs now and are never disappointed. Always super friendly folks.

adair empson March 22, 2024
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My wife and I had an outstanding experience with our kayak tour, it was the highlight of our honeymoon. We saw dolphins and tons of other wildlife! Jeff was our guide and he did an outstanding job directing our group and was very knowledgeable. Rick also was awesome, accomodating a quick schedule change for us. Both knew the area well and gave us great recommendations for beaches and places to eat. Definitely join them for a morning tour!

Jaden Petersen March 12, 2024
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Incredible experience!! One of the guides was so helpful and recommended the best spots to kayak through and it did not disappoint! We saw multiple dolphins who came up to us and played around our kayaks! We were able to find a gorgeous hidden beach behind the mangroves. It was an adventure from start to finish! Highly recommend for anyone who wants to experience all the wildlife Florida has to offer!

Kim Scanlan March 9, 2024
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We highly recommend SUP KAYAK tours! We all enjoyed it, ages 18 to 69! We will definitely do it again!!!

Carol Cameron March 8, 2024
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Mike, our naturalist guide, pointed out and educated us about the many creatures and plants we saw. Without him, we would have missed most of the life beneath the water. He also passed some of these creatures around before returned them gently to their underwater homes. I highly recommend SUP for a fun learning experience.

Claudia Cayne March 5, 2024
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Mike showed me and my mom around the waters, we learned so much about the flora and fauna around the area and we were so enchanted by everything that we ended up staying on the water for 3 hours! Highly recommend for tourists and locals!

SkyAnch March 4, 2024
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I have paddled and kayaked with SUP Englewood several times and absolutely love the ECO Tours! I highly recommend this company. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and I always learn something new about Florida flora and fauna!

Katherine Clarke March 4, 2024
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Great customer service, very personable and professional…lots of great spots that they tell you about and you get to see manatees

Dusty P March 1, 2024

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🛶 Kayak Rentals & Eco Tours
🏄‍♀️ SUP Rentals | Lessons | Tours
📍Don Pedro Island | Stump Pass Beach
🛶 Clear Bottom Kayak Tours

🌿 Wildlife Wednesday: The Red-Shouldered Hawk 🪶

If you’ve ever visited Don Pedro Island State Park, you know the beauty of its wildlife is truly unmatched. You never know what you might see while exploring the park! At night, our cameras have captured glimpses of elusive mammals like bobcats, raccoons, and even coyotes. But during the day, the park comes alive with the sights and sounds of birds, and one frequent visitor is the Red-Shouldered Hawk.

We’re so thrilled to witness the park’s recovery post-Hurricane Ian. It’s a joy to hear the songbirds return and see the natural balance restored. This week, we’re highlighting the Red-Shouldered Hawk, which we spot almost daily, often crying out or perched on one of the Slash Pines. These beautiful birds are always on the lookout for small prey like palm rats, squirrels, and moles—plenty of which call the park home.

The pine flatwood environment of the park is the perfect habitat for these hawks and supports an incredible biodiversity that enriches our eco-tours.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Red-Shouldered Hawks are highly territorial and will return to the same nesting site year after year. These hawks build large, bulky nests high up in the trees, often reusing and adding to their nest overtime. They are also known to fiercely defend their territory from other raptors, making them guardians of their domain. 🪹

Come see for yourself—there’s always something amazing to discover at Don Pedro Island State Park!

#Explore #GetOutside #Hike #Trails #Kayak #Paddle #EcoTours #EnglewoodFL #ThingsToDo #Placida #FLStateParks #ChamberBuddy #CharlotteCounty
🌊 Amazing Wildlife Sightings Today at Don Pedro Island State Park! 🌊

We had an incredible time on the water today, with dolphins and manatees making special appearances during our wildlife tour. 🐬🛶 Check out the photos below!

🚤 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: CLOSURE TOMORROW 🚤

Tomorrow is the highly anticipated H2O Music Festival on the Boca Grande sandbar! 🎶 According to an article in the Boca Beacon, over 50,000 people are expected to be on the water. Due to this massive influx of boating traffic and for public safety, we’ll be closed on Saturday. Crossing boat channels in these conditions can be extremely challenging, especially in our kayak launch area.

🌟 Fun Tag-A-Friend Challenge! 🌟

Are you or someone you know heading to the H2O Fest? Tag a local friend in the comments who’s planning to be there! We’ll be out on the water in our boat, so give us a wave 👋 if you see us!

We’ll be back open for business on Sunday and Monday during our regular hours. If you’re looking for a quieter, more serene paddle, we’ll be here to help you get on the water. 🌅

Stay safe, have fun, and don’t forget to tag a friend who’s ready to party at the sandbar tomorrow! 

#Manatees #Dolphins #Sandbar #BeachVibes #Boating #Kayak #Locals #ShopLocal #BocaGrande #KayakTours #KayakSafety # DonPedroIsland #SandbarParty #EcoTours
🌊 Paddle with a Friend Giveaway! 🚣‍♂️🚣‍♀️

We’re celebrating the joy of paddling with friends by giving away a FREE paddleboard or kayak rental for you and a friend to share an unforgettable adventure! Whether you’re catching sunrises or exploring serene waters, it’s always better together!

Here’s How to Enter:

	1. Like this Post: Show some love to beautiful paddling adventures! ❤️
	2. Follow Us: Make sure you’re following @SUPEnglewood on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay updated on all our adventures and giveaways!
	3. Tag a Friend: In the comments, tag a friend you’d love to bring on this paddle adventure. 🏄‍♂️🏄‍♀️
	4. Get Them to Follow: Have your tagged friend follow us too for your entry to count!

Bonus Entry:

Share this post on your stories for an extra chance to win, and don’t forget to tag us so we see it!

In-Store Fun:

Stop by our shop and show us you’ve entered the giveaway on your phone to grab a free sticker or koozie! Just show your tagged comment at the check-in area. 🎁

Prize:

🏆 Win a free paddleboard or kayak rental for both you and your tagged friend! Winners will be chosen randomly and announced on September 26th so keep your paddles ready and your notifications on! We will post a live of the drawing! 

Get ready to paddle into paradise with your best pal by your side! 🌴🌞 #PaddleWithAFriend #SUPenglewoodGiveaway #AdventureAwaits #Giveaway #Kayak #PaddleBoard #FLStateParks #CharlotteCounty #BestSideOutside #DonPedroIand #EnglewoodFL #BocaGrande #Placida #ThingsToDo #Vacation #Staycation #ShopLocal #SupportLocal #ChamberBuddy #VocalAboutLocal

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About Author

Founder and driving force behind SUP Englewood since its inception in 2012, I'm a native of Englewood, FL, deeply committed to both ecological conservation and promoting ecotourism in the Southwest Florida region. Over the years, I've worn multiple hats—paddleboard instructor, kayak guide, champion of responsible ecotours, and staunch advocate for the protection of our local waterways. Today, I co-manage our thriving business alongside a dedicated team and my supportive husband. My heart beats for environmental stewardship, the joy of paddling, sharing insights through my blog, and championing sustainable tourism.

Address: 8450 Placida Road Placida, FL 33946

Open: Wednesday to Sunday 8 AM to 5 PM

Reservations Required

Please call ahead or book online for same day reservations

Don't See What You're Looking For?

Call: 941-26KAYAK | 941-265-2925

Email: Contact@supenglewood.com

Meet the Team
Janda leading a guided kayak tour at Don Pedro Island state park

Janda H.

Janda is always willing to jump into action on guided eco tours. She is certified Florida Master Naturalist in Coastal Waters. Janda has many years of experience as a kayak and SUP guide.

person holding upside down jellyfish

Michael W.

Mike is an experienced kayak guide and birder. Find him leading tours with SUP Englewood and the Audubon Society in Venice, FL. Expect to learn as you paddle with Mike.

tour guide holding live shell leading Don Pedro Island Tour

Logan E.

Logan leads with her heart and is always happy to be on the water. Find her in her element on SUP tours. She has an extensive resume in safety, waterways, and the environment.

people on the beach at Don Pedro Island

Beth M.

Beth is ACA certified as a SUP Instructor and she is also certified as a Coastal Florida Master Naturalist.Find Beth on her paddle board looking for manatees and dolphins. She’s also a registered nurse and prepared for any emergency at all times.

FAQ's About Don Pedro Island

How do you get to Don Pedro Island?

Don Pedro Island is only accessible by boat. Luckily there’s a land base side to this Florida State Park. That’s where SUP Englewood meets all participants. 

The Don Pedro Island State Park Land Base is located at 8450 Placida Road, Placida FL 33946. Discover more information about this park on our blog

Do People Live on Don Pedro Island?

Don Pedro Island State Park is the central area of a larger barrier island. People live to the north and south of the boundaries of this Florida State Park. 

Is Don Pedro Island Closed?

Don Pedro Island is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM!

The kayak road at Don Pedro Island is closed and that is confusing to visitors. The public is allowed to walk down the road to the water. It is about 1000 feet. We recommend that the general public bring wheels to commute their kayaks.

SUP Englewood loads all kayak rental and tour equipment to the water for participants. No carrying anything! Just show up and have fun!

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