Facts:
Kayaking is for those who’d like to take it slow on the water. No noisy roars of a boat engine, just you and the sounds of nature. There are many opportunities for kayaking especially in the Ten Thousand Islands area where mangrove forests are plentiful or deep in the Everglades where there’s a kayak trail that can last for an entire week. You can rent for a kayak or bring one yourself. Kayaking is much more awesome when paired with fishing and sight-seeing for dolphins, manatees and majestically colored birds. It can also be accompanied by fishing, though there may be certain laws that you have to see through first before casting your line. Kayaking is also popular amongst couples who like to bring their own boats and paddle the serene waters of the Everglades. This can be a perfect romantic getaway with your one true love. Whether you do it in fresh water or out along the shoreline or whether it’s a guided tour or you know what you’re doing and you’re on your own, kayaking is the best way to absorb the beauty of the natural environment of southwest Florida.
History:
The word “kayak” came from the language of Inuit tribe since that’s their word for the canoe while “canoe” was a Spanish term that dates back from the 1500’s. However, the kayak or the canoe itself is as old as there are human civilizations. Human settlements first appeared near bodies of water some five thousand to six thousand years ago. And in these villages, rivers and lakes were a source of food and water as well as a mode of transport, much like today’s highways. In these primitive societies, people took logs, cut them in half and dug out the inside part, making a kind of boat from it, and those are the beginnings of what we know today as the canoe. The designs of the canoe vary from culture to culture, some had tree bark in them, others had it removed, some had animal skin, and others did not. They were used to get people and trading goods from one point to another, and in some cases they were used as boats for war. In any case the dug-out canoe was essential to primitive life.
Tips:
- There are plenty of kayak rental companies to choose from in downtown Naples alone in case you were not able to bring your own kayak.
- There are also kayak companies that offer guided tours and kayaking lessons for those who wish to learn.
- The experiences that you can get while kayaking vary greatly and cater to both beginners and seasoned kayakers. You can get lost in a maze of mangrove tunnels and cypress tree forests for days or you can paddle by the seaside with a trusty guide.
- Watch out for dolphins and manatees that may swim alongside your craft when paddling along. They’re extremely adorable.
- Kayaking while fishing is an intensely rewarding activity. People often customize their kayaks to suit it better for long hours of fishing in the water.
