Yes, reservations are required for all kayaking tours.

• All kayak equipment is loaded down to the water by our staff
• Reservations allow for a smooth check-in process when you arrive at the park
• Please let us know about any equipment changes as soon as possible.

Singles Kayaks hold up to 350 pounds.

Double Kayaks can hold up to 550 pounds. These kayaks can be modified for a single paddler.

SUP Englewood takes pride in offering family-friendly services. All ages are welcome and we provide the following guidelines to ensure that everyone has a positive experience.

Children under 50 pounds

• We recommend using one of our tandem kayaks and having your child sit in the middle of the kayak
  • Paddling a tandem kayak without enough weight in the front of the kayak can be physically exhausting.
  • We have two styles of tandem kayaks, duos and quartos. Both support up to 550 pounds
    • Duos fit up to 2 adults and 1 child in the middle
    • Quattros fit up to 2 adults and up to 2 small children in the middle

Children under 12 years old 

• We recommend tandem kayaks for children in general, this is especially true for children under 12 years old
• Kayaking is a physical activity and requires endurance to complete the tour

What if my child insists on kayaking independently? 

• We recommend a private tour

What if I book a single kayak for my child and arrive for the group tour? 

• If possible, you will be offered a tandem kayak for you and your child.
  • This depends on equipment availability and timing.
  • You can decline this option
• You will be provided a tow rope to assist in towing your child in the event your child becomes fatigued
  • This is much harder than paddling a tandem kayak with your child
  • In the event of an actual emergency on the water our tour guides must be able to swiftly react and use their equipment for water rescue.
  • Our tour guides cannot be slowed down by towing a healthy individual during a guided eco tour.

Other considerations: 

• The heat in Florida can be overwhelming, especially when doing a physical activity
  • Consider picking an earlier time
• Sometimes young children do better with shorter times on the water
  • Private tours are a good option for some families
•  Packing a small cooler filled with snacks and favorite drinks is helpful

Other Kayak Tour options

• Private Tours
  • Perfect for families with younger children that are looking to see the most wildlife and paddle at their pace.

Kayak tours

Allow you to experience the Don Pedro Island State Park like never before! Here’s what you can expect:

• All tours are led by certified Florida Master Naturalists
• Tour guides are environmental educators and provide fun facts along the way
• Expect to see more wildlife and have up-close experiences with smaller marine life such as sea stars, conch shells, hermit crabs and other species.
• Learn about ways that you can help local conservation efforts
• Tour guides maintain a safe paddling ratio of 1 guide to 8 participants
• All staff is certified in CPR, First Aid and trained in water rescue
• Perfect for all ages and skill levels

Kayak Rentals

Kayak rentals are perfect for people that want to venture out on their own. Here’s what’s provided to go solo. Paddlers must be able to return independently to the kayak launch starting point. Also recommended for paddlers without medical conditions.

• Maps of the paddling area
• Dry Bags
• Safety overview of boat lanes and laws of the waterways
• Paddling orientation for first timers
• Highlight of things you may see along the way

We have 3 options for payments:

• Book online and pay in advance
• Book over the phone and pay via an emailed link (pay in advance)
  • Partial payments available for groups that are splitting cost
• Book over the phone with option to hold a card.
  • The same card must be used for payment
  • Payment is due when services are rendered
  • This makes the most sense for weather concerns
    • You do not have to worry about a refund for weather cancellations

We reserve the right to cancel during the following conditions:

• Lightning within 15 miles of the paddling area
• Winds over 15 mph
• Storms with lightning visible on radar that appear to heading to our direct area
• Extreme cold