Top Sarasota On the Water

Explore the waters around Bradenton Beach, Florida with the help of a to show you around the best spots in the area. Paddle your way to an island in your kayak, where there’s a chance to go snorkeling to check out what life looks like under the water. Your guide is on hand the entire time to make sure everyone is safe and having fun.

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.*

Discover a side of Florida most tourists will never see on this guided nighttime kayaking tour around the waters of Anna Maria Island. The LED lights fitted to the bottom of these transparent kayaks light up the dark waters and let you see the world hidden below. A guide is on hand to make sure everyone is safe and having fun.

Happy Paddler is the only kayak outfitter with private launch access to the beautiful waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, avoiding crowded public boat ramps. This gives you a relaxing start to the adventure and more time to enjoy any wildlife you encounter. Happy Paddler always limits tours to groups of 12 or less, allowing you to enjoy more time to explore and much better opportunities for manatee and dolphin encounters. Larger groups can be accommodated. Our expert naturalist guides will lead you through shallow coastal waters, mangrove shorelines and islands while looking for manatees, dolphins, rays, sea turtles and coastal birds. Wildlife sightings vary, but opportunities are outstanding year-round and our guides know exactly where to look. This excursion is perfect for families, couples, groups, and individuals with any level of paddling experience. For visitors to Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key looking for the best wildlife adventure, this is it!

You and your party of up to 6, will experience an unforgettable time on the water, whether you decide on a 2 hour day trip or sunset (sunset times will vary throughout the year), You choose how to make the most of the time. Kick back and relax, enjoying the local sea life up close, many times getting the dolphins to play in our wake. During your charter, you will see gorgeous homes, SeaLife, beautiful scenery and Siesta Keys amazing sunset, if that is the charter you prefer. You will ride in comfort in our 25ft Cobalt deck boat. The boat is equipped with Bluetooth so you can enjoy your own playlist. We will bring the bottled water and light snacks like PB crackers and granola bars... but feel free to bring anything else fun to eat or drink! We depart from Siesta Key, making it convenient for tourists and locals alike! After 10 years in business, we know how to show you the BEST time on the water!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Look out for local wildlife above and below the water from your seat on a clear kayak on this small-group paddling tour through the Sarasota mangroves. This intermediate-level tour requires physical fitness due to strong currents, so you can focus on spotting dolphins, manatees, and seabirds without worrying about navigation.

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.

Discover the beauty of Sarasota's mangroves with a self-guided or guided kayak rental from Lido Beach. Perfect for all ages, our 2-hour kayak tours take you through calm waters and winding mangrove tunnels, allowing you to explore at your leisure. With no prior experience required, you'll receive a brief orientation to ensure a comfortable paddling experience. Enjoy the chance to spot local wildlife and learn about the unique ecosystem from our experienced guides. - Choose between single or double kayaks for your adventure - All necessary equipment including kayaks, paddles, and life vests provided - Ideal for families, beginners, and nature lovers - Explore hidden beaches and scenic coastal areas during your 2-hour Guided Tour

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.

Experience a whole new side of Florida on this 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.

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.

Discover the calm waterways around Siesta Key, just outside of Sarasota, on this small-group excursion. Choose a kayak or stand up paddleboard, whichever you are more comfortable with, for your journey. Then, follow your guide through the Jim Neville Marine Preserve observing mangrove islands and local wildlife while you paddle towards a secret beach.

Discover the beauty of Anna Maria Island on this 2.5-hour Public Sandbar Trip. Cruise through the beautiful local waters to Jewfish Key or another popular sandbar, depending on tides and conditions. Once there, swim, wade in the shallow water, or simply relax and enjoy time with family and friends. Dip nets are provided for guests who want to explore the shallow waters and see what they can find. You’re welcome to bring drinks and a small cooler. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views and keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, rays, sea turtles, and coastal birds. Wildlife sightings are always a bonus and cannot be guaranteed. A fun, laid-back way for all ages to experience Anna Maria Island from the water. 2.5-hour public sandbar trip Swim, float, wade, and relax Visit beautiful local sandbars Family-friendly and great for groups

Experience the magic of a Gulf Coast sunset aboard your exclusive private two story charter. Bring your own drinks, connect your playlist, and explore the beautiful Gulf Waters. Navigate the intracoastal waterways to the perfect panoramic sunset spots, showcasing scenic views of Tampa bay, the Manatee River, and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other coastal wildlife as you cruise through their natural habitat. Enjoy a route designed to highlight the best of AMI, bring your own beverages and snacks (BYOB), and create unforgettable memories as the sun sets over 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 the Bradenton Beach Marina, get harnessed up, and parasail in groups of two or three, soaring up to 400 feet (120 meters) in the air—the highest allowed locally.

Discover the mangroves of Florida with the help of a guide to take you through the waterways of Robinson Preserve on this group kayaking tour. Learn all about the area from your guide and keep your eyes peeled for a chance to spot native birds, fish, and even manatees while you paddle. Your tour guide will also take you up an observation tower to take photos of the scenery.

Experience the best of the Bradenton waterways while indulging in luxury and comfort. Our fully equipped boat features top-class amenities like air conditioning (not all vessels have, confirm availability), premium audio systems, and spacious lounging areas. Whether you're soaking up the sun, enjoying breathtaking views, or exploring the vibrant wildlife of St. Petersburg, every moment is tailored to your dream day on the water. Join us for an unforgettable journey—book your luxury boat adventure today!

Embark on a thrilling adventure into the Gulf of Mexico. We will target a variety of fish, grouper, kingfish, redfish, cobia, amberjack, tarpon, and an occasional shark caught by our clients. Book a trip with Master Captain Bill Phillips for an unforgettable experience on the water.

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.