Top Sarasota Kayaking Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Let a guide lead the way so you don’t have to worry about navigating—instead, you spend the tour focusing on trying to spot dolphins, manatees, and seabirds.

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.

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.

*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. *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 an uncrowded, small-group wildlife adventure, this is the kayak tour to choose!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Glow Boats offers a one-of-a-kind nighttime 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 Anna Maria Island Sound after dark. This unique Night Glow adventure takes you through calm and shallow coastal waters and scenic mangrove tunnels near Neal Preserve, where the glow from your kayak creates a magical view of the underwater world below. With small group sizes, beginner-friendly conditions, and knowledgeable local guides, this experience provides a safe, relaxed, and immersive way to explore the waters near Anna Maria Island at night. Glow Boats is a locally owned, female-owned small business focused on responsible eco-tourism, proudly offering one of the most unique nighttime kayaking experiences along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

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.

Explore the serene waters of Clam Bayou on our clear kayak tours, perfect for adventurers of all skill levels. Paddle beneath a stunning canopy of mangroves with a knowledgeable guide and enjoy the possibility of spotting manatees, dolphins, and birds such as herons and egrets in their natural habitat. Take in the scenic beauty just minutes from downtown St. Pete while learning about the local ecosystem. All gear is provided, including transparent kayaks, life jackets, and paddles. The calm waters are ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers, offering a unique opportunity to see marine life through the transparent kayak hull. 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.

Just west of Sarasota’s city streets, you’ll find the serene shores of Lido Key. Get acquainted with Liquid Blue Outfitters and jump on a unique kayaking tour. You’ll meet at Bird Key Park Preserve where your guide will have a kayak, paddle, and dry bag waiting for you. Explore the marine life around the park, keeping an eye out for marine life swimming nearby.

Upgrade your kayaking experience in a glass-bottomed kayak that lets you see Anna Maria Island's marine life up close. From starfish to manatees, the area is full of exciting sea life you might encounter, and your guide knows the best spots to search for them. A clear kayak ensures you're getting the best view possible.

Sightsee on the water in a clear kayak that gives you a fresh vantage point in every direction with a local naturalist for a guide on this small group tour. Learn all about the Florida ecosystem from your guide while you keep your eyes peeled for a chance to spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and more from the dry comfort of your kayak.

Experience Sarasota in a way tourists never will—in a clear kayak with views above and below the water. You’ll search for sea shells, starfish, manatees, dolphins, and more local wildlife with the help of a local guide. Your guide is on hand to tell you all about the sights you see and to make sure everyone is safe and having fun.

This tour takes guests through Sarasota Bay, scenic mangrove tunnels, and beautiful sunset locations near the Sarasota bridges and islands. Guests may also see dolphins, pelicans, and other local wildlife during the experience. The tour is led by an experienced professional kayaker and is perfect for couples, families, friends, and adventure seekers looking for a relaxing and memorable experience on the water. Professional photos are included to help guests keep unforgettable memories from their tour.

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.

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.