Topwater Kayak Outpost — Local services in Gulfport

If you are looking for an amazing kayaking experience through the waters surrounding Fort DeSoto, this is the first and only place you need to stop. We've been coming to Topwater Kayak Outpost for years. We consider no others. They are located just inside of Fort DeSoto Park. Turn right at the stop sign by the giant flag.

Eric and Kristi are knowledgeable, friendly, welcoming, and exceedingly patient. They greet return guests like family, and give you their undivided attention for as long as you need.

We rented a two person kayak and headed out for a couple of hours. A map is provided, so you don't get lost. We especially love that you go out on your own and can kayak at your own pace, no trying to keep up with a group.

We headed out and were only paddling for about 10 minutes when we came upon an open area with no less than six manatees casually moving back and forth. One actually swam directly underneath our kayak. Not much later we spotted two dolphin and had the thrill of one coming out of the water about two feet in front of us.

There are numbered spots that correspond with trail information on the map, if you choose, through which you can learn more about the area. We just meandered along our own path, watching mullet leaping out of the water, and peeking into some really neat mangrove openings. The resident osprey are on their nests and were quite vocal.

Do yourself a favor and skip the overpriced kayak rentals you will pass on the side of the road. Topwater has been there for YEARS and consistently provides fair rates, expert and professional assistance, and a friendly atmosphere. It's perfect for families, couples, young and old alike. You will be...

Can’t recommend this place enough!! Kristi & Eric are beyond nice and made my experience very memorable. They were both helpful and knowledgeable about the area and manatees. They’ll give you a map and tell you exactly where the wildlife has been spotted lately. While kayaking I got to see a few dolphins, one of which was playing around with my boat. I unfortunately dropped my phone in the ocean while looking for manatees. I thought the phone was a goner but Eric & Kristi helped me devise a plan and I was able to retrieve it! (Those new iPhones really are waterproof) Kristi was exceptionally kind and personally helped me in my desperation to find my drowning phone after poking around for a hour by myself. During this time I got to talk with her and she even spotted some manatees for us to watch. These two are some of the kindest humans you’ll ever be lucky enough to meet. The kayaking experience was amazing, highly recommend for anyone who wants to be in the park without a...

My mom and I were recommended, by a different kayak tour place, to check out TopWater since I am a bit over the weight limit for sit inside kayaks, sit on top kayaks work better for me (what Topwater has). Their prices for rentals is very reasonable (the have single and doubles) and you're provided with a map of the trail. There are also markers in the water along the route so you know you're going the right direction and can have an idea of where you are on the route. I definitely recommend wearing water shoes, since the water has clams on the bottom. The employee we worked with, Aaron, was absolutely phenomenal. He took care to make sure we were safe and felt comfortable on the boats and was accommodating limited knowledge of kayaking. This definitely something you should add to your To-Do In...