Top Sarasota Dolphin Watching

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.

Ditch the typical Florida boat tour crowds and enjoy a way more personal experience on this private dolphin-spotting experience. Try your luck spotting these beloved aquatic mammals, as well as manatees, with the help of a captain who knows all the best spots on the water—it’s an experience lots of Florida tourists miss out on, but they shouldn’t.

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!

Ideal for marine wildlife lovers vacationing in Bradenton and the wider Sarasota area, this private boat tour shows you a whole new side of Florida. The route is planned specifically to make your chances of spotting dolphins as high as possible, and the whole experience is family-friendly. The boat even has a big bow bimini, which gives you and the kids protection from the sun.

The open water near Sarasota is home to pods of dolphins and manatees—if you know where to find them and can reach them. With this private boat cruise, head out from the North Siesta Key Bridge to search for wildlife while getting comfortable on board. Stop at a sandbar or beach for swimming, sliding, and paddle boarding, and optionally visit a tiki bar and restaurant before returning to shore.

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.

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.

Discover the delectable highlights of Sarasota's thriving dining scene on this small-group, evening tasting tour. Meet your guide in central Sarasota, and come with an appetite: you'll visit several local restaurants, and will enjoy enough samples to add up to a meal (alcoholic drinks additional expense). As you go, soak up the convivial atmosphere, and learn more about Sarasota's unique culture and culinary offerings.

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.

Whether you are a family, group of friends, couples (we have done engagements!) or celebrating a special occasion, we are the best private boat charter on and around Siesta Key! We have been in business 10 years and made incredible memories for the many thousands of guests we have had out. You plan your day! We offer so many fun activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, sandbar and beach hopping, fun fishing, sunsets, dolphin and wildlife watching. Another popular option is lunch at one of the excellent waterfront restaurants between the North end of Sarasota Bay all the way down to Venice. We can help you decide the right one for you. There are also many fun tiki bars to hit by boat! Just let us know what sounds good to you and we will help you make it the perfect day! We are here to answer any questions or help you in the planning.

Florida’s Gulf Coast is an angler’s paradise with this private fishing charter in Sarasota, offering a chance to cast a line just off the John Ringling Causeway. Arrive early when the fish start biting or fish during an evening sunset. The captain customizes your tour to target specific fish, and a small sightseeing tour can be arranged if you want a break from fishing.

Gulfcart Charters thrives to give each and every guest a fun, funny, informative fishing or tour experience! No idea how to fish!?!? NO PROBLEM! We teach young and old anglers alike how to fish and care for gear!

Your private boat charter with captain for the day! You'll have the best time experiencing our beautiful waters around Siesta Key and Sarasota. We will help you make it the best day of your vacation, making amazing memories. You will nearly always see dolphins and manatees up close, sometimes getting the dolphins to play and chase the boat! Experience fun sandbars and beach stops for swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding. Just want to enjoy a cold drink and float in the pristine waters while enjoying your music? That's fine too! Maybe you would like to stop at a fun tiki bar or excellent restaurant on the water for a drink or bite. There are so many fun options for your day. You will leave wishing you had more time and we will hope to see you again!

Led by an experienced and friendly captain. Comfort and Convenience: Standout features of our boat are a spacious bathroom, an optional large bow bimini, to provide protection and relief from the sun's intensity and a dive ladder to safely and comfortably get on and off the boat. Family Friendly Adventures: We believe in creating memorable experiences for all ages. Our sandbar and island tours are safe, accessible, and relaxing for everyone.

See Florida’s Anna Maria Island from a different perspective as you soar above in a parasail. Join a small group and set sail from the marina for the perfect location to begin your flight. Then, gear up and feel the wind beneath you as you soar high above the water, taking in the panoramic views.