About Mike’s Coastal Expeditions
Southwest Florida’s premier kayak tour and paddleboard rental company, founded by Michael Furman in 2023 and based on Big Hickory Island in Bonita Springs.
Southwest Florida’s premier kayak tour and paddleboard rental company, founded by Michael Furman in 2023 and based on Big Hickory Island in Bonita Springs.
Mike’s Coastal Expeditions was founded by Michael Furman in 2023 out of a deep, lifelong connection to the waterways of Southwest Florida. Michael grew up on these coastal waters, spending years paddling through the mangrove tunnels of Estero Bay, learning to read the currents, winds, and wildlife patterns that define this unique stretch of the Gulf Coast. What started as informal paddle trips with friends and visiting family turned into Bonita Springs’ top-rated kayak tour company.
Today, MCE Tours operates a full fleet of premium vessels—Hobie pedal kayaks, Crescent kayaks, clear kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards—offering guided kayak tours, paddleboard rentals, wildlife eco tours, sunset paddles, and private group excursions. We launch from Big Hickory Island along County Rd 865, seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The heart of MCE Tours is our guide team: Mike, Buzz, Nick, and Ethan. Every guide is ACA-certified (American Canoe Association), holds current First Aid and CPR credentials, and brings deep local knowledge of tides, wildlife, and waterways around Big Hickory Island and the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Our guide-to-guest ratio never exceeds 1:12, and for wildlife-focused tours we maintain a tighter 1:8 ratio.
We invest in premium gear because it directly affects your experience on the water. Our fleet includes Hobie pedal kayaks (premium tier), Crescent sit-on-top kayaks, clear kayaks, carbon fiber paddles, and premium SUP boards. Every piece of equipment is regularly inspected, maintained, and replaced on schedule. All tours include equipment, PFDs, dry bags, and instruction in the price.
MCE Tours operates within the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve using human-powered vessels with zero emissions. We follow Leave No Trace principles, maintain safe distances from wildlife per NOAA and FWC guidelines, and encourage reef-safe sunscreen. Our mission is to help people experience Southwest Florida’s coastal beauty while protecting it for future generations.