By: Gillian Birch

The most fun way to explore Naples is on two wheels – and that means Segway of Naples! Visitors can combine the novel experience of riding a Segway while driving around the highlights and historic attractions of Naples on a one-hour guided tour. The initial orientation takes a further 30 minutes, so allow at least 90 minutes for this fun and informative activity.

Riding a Segway

These eco-friendly electric vehicles add a sense of adventure to any tour around the town. Motion sensitive, they are propelled purely by the driver’s balance, so the tour starts with an essential “driving test” as you learn how to go forward, turn left and right, and most importantly stop! It’s fun for all ages, and is a great thing to do that spans all generations from teenagers (14 and up) to grandparents.

Each rider is provided a helmet and earpiece and then given a lesson in the parking lot before setting off. Riders learn how to stand on the gravity-defying Segway, which seems to balance upright as if by magic on two broad and sturdy wheels. Leaning forward with your weight on your toes makes the Segway move forward; leaning back and putting your weight on your heels stops it. A slight lean to left or right while moving gets the Segway to respond accordingly. You can even turn through 180 degrees once you’re proficient!

These 21^st century machines can reach speeds of up to 12mph, although the tours usually reach around 8mph. The Segway tour covers a lot of ground with surprising ease and time flies as you concentrate on the trip and learning about Naples, Florida. The one thing you can’t do on a Segway is take photographs, for safety reasons!

Segway of Naples Tour Highlights

Segway of Naples offers an excellent tour which includes headsets so you can hear about the history and fascinating local stories of Naples as you ride around the town and explore the waterfront. It is the only AAA approved tour in Collier County and is proud to hold Segway’s approval for safety.

Naples Segway Tours run four times a day, which shows how popular they are. It’s necessary to book your place in advance and tours start on 6^th Avenue South near Tin City.

These informative tours are in small groups of up to 16 riders with an experienced and knowledgeable instructor leading the way. Follow your guide along quiet streets, through parks, and interesting locations and learn about how Naples developed over the last century or so. Highlights you will see include the Olde Naples Seaport and docks, historic Naples Pier, Third Street South area, past Palm Cottage (the oldest surviving building in Naples and home to the Naples Historical Society), along 5^th Avenue South for a block, through Cambier Park, and back to the base.

Private Segway tours make a great way to celebrate a birthday or have fun as a family or group. So whether you want to learn more about Naples settler history or just want to have the experience of riding a Segway, this eco-friendly city tour of Naples is a must-do!