BONITA SPRINGS RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Paddle Barefoot: Kayaks and SUPs through Bonita Springs’ mangroves and Gulf shallows
Rent kayaks or paddleboards at Barefoot Beach Preserve for stints from one hour to a full day and explore mangrove backwaters, estuary wildlife, and shallow Gulf waters.
Paddle Barefoot: Kayaks and SUPs through Bonita Springs’ mangroves and Gulf shallows.
At Barefoot Beach Preserve in Bonita Springs, Rising Tide offers kayak and paddleboard rentals that let you thread a mangrove‑lined canoe trail or slip across the shallow Gulf toward the beach — a compact, flexible way to encounter dolphins, shorebirds and abundant marine life.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mangrove canoe trail
Paddle a winding canoe trail through dense mangrove backwaters inside the preserve, where the sheltered estuary frames quiet, close‑up wildlife viewing.
Glide over the Gulf
On a paddleboard you can cross shallow Gulf waters and head toward the beach, trading the maze of mangroves for open water and shoreline vistas.
Dolphins, shorebirds and marine life
Whether tucked into the estuary or floating in the Gulf shallows, expect frequent sightings of dolphins, a variety of shorebirds and other coastal marine life.
What the day feels like
What it feels like on the water
The outing is simple and modular: choose a short jaunt or an extended day, collect a paddle and vest, then either thread the mangrove canoe trail for quiet estuary exploration or stand on a board and slip across the shallow Gulf toward the beach — all geared toward wildlife viewing and relaxed paddling.
THE LANDSCAPE
Mangrove canoe trail
Paddle a winding canoe trail through dense mangrove backwaters inside the preserve, where the sheltered estuary frames quiet, close‑up wildlife viewing.
THE ROUTE
Glide over the Gulf
On a paddleboard you can cross shallow Gulf waters and head toward the beach, trading the maze of mangroves for open water and shoreline vistas.
THE WILDLIFE
Dolphins, shorebirds and marine life
Whether tucked into the estuary or floating in the Gulf shallows, expect frequent sightings of dolphins, a variety of shorebirds and other coastal marine life.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and when to adjust expectations.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
From May through October, rentals are offered only in morning and afternoon hours; for other months, check availability with the operator.
Life vests and paddles are provided with rentals; bring sun protection and water suitable for the length of your rental.
Rental lengths range from 1 hour to a full day, with intermediate options such as 2 hours and a half day (up to 4 hours).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What rental lengths are available?
Options include 1 hour, 2 hours, a half day (up to 4 hours), or a full day.
What equipment is provided?
Life vests and paddles are provided with kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Where can I paddle?
You can paddle the mangrove‑lined canoe trail through the preserve’s estuary or take a paddleboard across the shallow Gulf waters toward the beach.
What wildlife might I see?
Expect sightings of dolphins, shorebirds and a variety of coastal marine life in both the estuary and nearshore Gulf waters.
Are there seasonal time restrictions?
Yes — from May through October, rentals are offered only during morning and afternoon hours.
Who operates the rentals?
The rentals at Barefoot Beach Preserve are operated by Rising Tide.