Top Sarasota Outdoor Activities

Immerse yourself in Sarasota's coastal mangrove forests, look out for dolphins and manatees, and practice kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding skills on this immersive, small-group tour. After departing from the Turtle Beach Boat Launch, paddle out on Sarasota Bay and practice with your equipment. Then, head into the mangrove islands of the Jim Neville Preserve for your best chance to see local marine life including dolphins.

Glide through the water in an illuminated glass-bottom kayak on a private nighttime tour of Sarasota. Learn about Sarasota’s coastal ecosystem as you paddle over mangroves and grass flats, viewing marine life such as dolphins and manatees. Plus, exploring with your own personal guide means you’ll enjoy undivided attention.

You will explore the Gulf Coast and the beautiful back bay. We will cruise the crystal clear waters to look for manatees grazing (seasonal) and dolphins playing. At a low tide you can often view wading birds on the exposed grass flats. Bring your day to a perfect end by watching the sun's magnificent reflection on the water as it slowly sinks beyond the horizon. *We have a 6 passenger minimum for our public tours to leave the dock, in the unlikely event that we do not meet that requirement we will do our best to reschedule you or give you a full refund if your trip is unable to go out.*

Explore the waters of Anna Maria, Florida with the help of an experienced naturalist for a guide to help you spot manatees in the wild. Paddle your way around the waterways with a local to tell you all about the area’s ecosystem as you sightsee on the water. Stop at Beer Can Island to explore on land too.

Explore the waterways of Sarasota Bay, Bird Key, and Lido Key on a compact two-seater catamaran. Discover a new side of Florida on these unique little speedboats, soaking up the sun and scenery. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other marine wildlife as you enjoy the ride.

Increase your chances of spotting manatees and dolphins during an eco-friendly kayak tour of the Lido Key in Sarasota. Ideal for lovers of nature and wildlife, this experience lets you escape the crowds on land and is suitable for both beginner and advanced paddlers. Plus, traveling in a non-motorized vessel means you’re less likely to scare away animals.

Try your luck spotting dolphins in their natural Florida habitat on this group boat tour around Anna Maria Island. And don’t keep your eyes peeled for just dolphins—you’re in with a chance of seeing manatees, eagles, osprey, and more. Whether you’re a Holmes Beach local or you’re just visiting, this is an experience nature-lovers won’t want to miss.

Experience a sunset to remember with this kayaking tour alongside local marine wildlife. Paddle next to dolphins and look out for local species of birds nesting on islands as you pass by. Learn all about the behavior and habitat of these animals from your guide as you observe them and soak up the Florida sunset on the water.

This lesson provides everything beginners need to go parasailing above Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island: all parasailing equipment, safety instructions, and a motorboat with an experienced crew. Meet at Bradenton Beach Marina, get harnessed up, and parasail in groups of two or three on approximately 10-minute sessions. Gratuities are not included.

We have been avid explorers of Myakka River State Park for the better part of two decades and have been operating tours for nearly 5 years so our knowledge and expertise of the park and it's wildlife inhabitants is unmatched! Our guides are also extremely proficient in photography so you will leave with plenty of great photo mementos at no additional cost! Perhaps what makes our experience the most unique is that our top of the line E-bikes allow you to choose how much effort you put into the ride. Put your assist level low and get some exercise or allow the bike to do all the work and see the entire park sweat-free.

Watch the sunset over Anna Maria Island, then paddle into the night in a glowing clear kayak, lighting up the water beneath you as marine life moves below. Glow Boats offers a one-of-a-kind kayaking experience in 100% clear kayaks illuminated with some of the brightest LED lights in the area, allowing you to see the water and marine life beneath you as you paddle through calm coastal waters and scenic mangrove tunnels after sunset. The tours take place near Neal Preserve, making them beginner-friendly and ideal for a relaxed, scenic paddle. The combination of a stunning Gulf Coast sunset, glowing clear kayaks, and peaceful mangrove tunnels creates a unique two-in-one adventure. With small group sizes and knowledgeable local guides, guests enjoy a more personal and immersive way to explore the waters near Anna Maria Island. Glow Boats is a locally owned, female-owned small business.

What makes the activity unique is the expert guides. They will share fascinating insights about the lives and conservation of manatees, making it a fun and educational experience for everyone. Plus, we guarantee a manatee sighting, or your next activity is free! Don't miss out on this opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your family and friends. Book your 30-minute guided manatee viewing activity today and get ready for an experience you'll never forget!

Explore Sarasota’s Gulf Coast on a guided Clear Kayak Beach Hopping Adventure. Paddle crystal-clear waters in a transparent kayak with views of marine life below. This 3-hour tour is great intermediate to advanced paddlers. Launch near Sarasota and paddle calm bays, mangrove tunnels, and open water. Opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees, rays, fish, and coastal birds, then snorkel and relax on secluded beaches. Friendly, experienced guides provide instruction and share insight on the local ecosystem. Guests should have a basic level of physical fitness and be comfortable paddling for extended periods. Safety briefing, gear, and Coast Guard-approved life jackets included. Kayak Info: Our clear tandem (2-seat) kayaks have a 385 lb combined weight limit to ensure proper weight distribution and safety. Solo use is available for guests over the limit or for odd-numbered groups—please contact the supplier after booking. Solo riders must not exceed 325 lb for safety and balance.

With this small-group tour, get on the water and kayak along Sarasota Bay to the world-famous Lido Key mangrove tunnels. After a detailed paddle and kayak operation lesson, venture into the open water. Search for wildlife encounters with manatees, dolphins, stingrays, eagles, and other animals before kayaking through clear water under the protective canopy of mangrove forests.

Enjoy a fun-filled, active excursion—and get up close and personal with Lido Key's spectacular mangrove forests—on this stand-up paddleboarding tour. Pick from several morning and afternoon start times, meet at the departure point in Ted Sperling Park, and set off after a brief introduction. You'll paddle out on Sarasota Bay; will head into the Lido Mangrove Tunnels; and will look out for wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and bald eagles.

We are the only paddling outfitter with kayak access to this spectacular area in the clear waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, which means no crowds and more exclusive wildlife viewing opportunities! Wildlife-viewing here is outstanding! Our expert naturalist guides set the gold standard for hospitality in our beautiful corner of the world and are always very respectful of any wildlife encountered on the tour. While larger groups can easily be accommodated upon request, we always limit our tours to small groups and we are rewarded with a very relaxed and happy group of paddlers. This excursion is perfect for families, couples, groups, and individuals with any level of paddling experience. First-time paddlers are always welcome. If you are looking for an incredibly relaxed and memorable adventure during your visit to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, this is it!

The Bradenton area is home to various fish species and great fishing spots, including the Skyway Bridge, Egmont Key, Manatee River, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach and Sarasota Bay. The most common and sought-after sport fish are Snook, Snapper, Redfish, Trout, and Triple Tail. Fishing in Bradenton is fun for the whole family. With calm shallow waters, abundant wildlife and a shoreline that’s always in sight, Bradenton, and Sarasota fishery is an ideal location for a family fishing vacation. At Tailing Tales, we accommodate all levels of Bradenton fishing experience, from first-timers ages five years and up to seasoned pros. Whether you can hold a fishing pole (or not), you are welcome to come along. Enjoy a private fishing charter for up to 6 guests, starting at $700 for 2 people, with a $50 additional cost per extra guest.

Explore the waters of Anna Maria Island Sound in 100% crystal-clear kayaks, offering unique views of marine life both beneath and above the surface. Paddle through serene mangrove tunnels surrounding peaceful Neil Preserve, where dolphins, manatees, conchs, and coastal birds are often spotted in their natural habitat. Choose from relaxing daytime paddles, vibrant sunset glow kayak tours, or magical nighttime glow kayak experiences illuminated by LED lights. Led by local expert guides, this family-friendly adventure offers an intimate way to experience Florida’s coastal ecosystem while supporting responsible, low-impact eco-tourism.

Enjoy one of Florida's best beaches at sunset on an electric bike tour. With 5-level pedal assist and an on-demand throttle, the electric bike allows you to put in as much or as little effort as you want as you ride along Siesta Key. All experience levels are welcome. Booking in advance ensures you won't miss out on this small-group tour.

What makes this Sarasota Restaurant/Pub Dock Hop truly unique is its seamless blend of culinary exploration and scenic cruising directly along the intracoastal waterways. Unlike traditional dining experiences, you'll embark on a delectable journey by boat, effortlessly hopping between a diverse array of waterfront restaurants, casual beachside eateries, upscale establishments, and vibrant tiki bars – all accessible directly from the water. The breathtaking cruise itself becomes an integral part of the adventure, offering stunning views of the Sarasota coastline, nearby islands, and the chance to witness a spectacular sunset as you navigate between stops. Adding to its distinctiveness, the tour is entirely customizable, allowing your group to tailor the duration and number of stops to your preferences, ensuring a perfectly paced and personalized libation and culinary exploration.

Spend a few hours out on the water aboard a private boat during this half-day inshore fishing trip in Sarasota. Target Florida species including snook, redfish, and the 'silver king' tarpon as well as snapper, grouper, and trout. This tour doesn't require any prior fishing experience and beginners are encouraged to come out and learn the sport.

Everyone has kayaked during the day—but at night, it’s a whole new experience. Your easy-to-maneuver kayaks are equipped with powerful LED lights that illuminate the water beneath you, allowing you to see underwater sea life in a whole new light (pun intended). This family-operated tour offers the perfect balance of serenity and adventure as you paddle through Sarasota’s beautiful waterways while searching for marine life below. With the water glowing beneath your kayak, you may spot fish, crabs, stingrays, and other fascinating sea creatures. No two tours are ever the same, making every trip a unique experience. Come discover Sarasota’s nightlife - on the water.

Experience a whole new side of Florida on this private guided kayaking tour around the waters of Siesta Key. The LED lights fitted to the bottom light up the nighttime waters and the transparent kayaks let you see under the water like never before. Keep a lookout for manatees, dolphins, and other marine wildlife while you paddle through the night.