Tarpon Bay Explorers is the only licensed concessionaire for the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, FL, offering a variety of recreational tours and rentals including kayaks, boats, and standup paddleboards. Customers appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable staff, who assist with check-ins and help with kayaks. The guided tours are highly recommended, especially for beginners, as guides provide valuable information about the wildlife and environment. Visitors have reported seeing a wide range of marine life, including manatees, alligators, and various birds, making each trip an exciting adventure. The experience is suitable for all levels of experience and is especially enjoyable for families with children over eight years old. Those who prefer to explore independently can rent kayaks and navigate the well-marked mangrove trails. Many reviews highlight the great exercise and team-building opportunities available through kayaking, whether alone or with a partner. Tarpon Bay Explorers also contributes 15% of its proceeds back to National Wildlife Refuges, making it a meaningful choice for eco-conscious visitors. Overall, it is considered a must-do activity while vacationing in Southwest Florida, ensuring a memorable experience in nature. For more information and reservations, visitors can check the website or call the gift shop.
We booked the tram and kayak tour with Tarpon Bay. Both gave a wonderful overview of the national wildlife refuge. We loved having our tour guides point out birds and aquatic animals as well as give us detailed information about the ecosystem. Would highly recommend if you want a more personal experience at Ding Darling!
April 2024
We had a great time on the guided kayak tour. Ty was very knowledgeable about the area. The check in was very smooth.
March 2024
Amazing experience ! Wendy was a fantastic tour guide - knowledgeable and friendly. We saw osprey, crabs , heron, various fish. We also spent additional couple of hours after the tour to paddle and see more birds and fish. Great exercise and team building activity (try it out with your partner in a tandem kayak aka „divorce... read full comment
