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Don Pedro Island State Park

Paddle Board & Kayak

Don Pedro Island in Placida, FL

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#1 Attraction in Placida

Eco Tours | Rentals | Lessons

Discover why Don Pedro Island State Park is the top attraction in Placida, FL. Kayak through a mangrove forest, and explore a barrier island with limited traffic. This marine estuary is abundant with sea stars, hermit crabs, dolphins and manatees. Explore the waters on SUP Tours, Kayak Tours or with Rental Equipment. Book your experience today! 

Paddle Board and Kayak to Don Pedro Island

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.

Wildlife Sightings:

  • Dolphins
  • Manatees
  • Osprey
  • Bald Eagles
  • Sea Stars
  • Crabs
  • Mullet
  • Great Blue Herons
  • Great Egrets
  • Hermit Crabs
  • Lightning Whelks
  • Horse Conchs

Top rated beach in Southwest Florida

Discover 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.

Beach Features

  • Clearest Water
  • Secluded paradise
  • Sharks Teeth
  • Other fossils
  • Shells
Services by Reservation:

SUP Tours, Kayak Tours, Water Sport Rentals, Kayak Rentals, and Paddle Board Rentals.

Convenient location

Don Pedro Island is located in Placida, FL which is nearby Gasparilla Island, Manasota Key and 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
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SUP Englewood is a Travelers Choice 2022 Award Winner!

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

Discover why so many people fall in love with this Florida State Park

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. Making this location even more exclusive. The kayak landing is small on the island. Yet, there is ample room for storing your kayak, paddle board, or canoe. 
Amenities & Park Features:
  • covered picnic pavilion
  • restrooms
  • charcoal grills
  • boat parking up to 10 slips
  • kayak rack
  • walking trails

Location

Address: 8450 Placida Road Placida, FL 33946

Open: Daily 8 AM to 5 PM

Reservations Required For Tours. Call ahead for kayak and paddle board rentals to ensure a speedy transition to the water. Walk-ins welcome before 12 PM. 

Call: 941-265-2925

Email: Contact@supenglewood.com

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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. We use paddle crafts such as kayaks or paddle boards to arrive on the island. 

Where do we meet?

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

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!

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. 

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