Top Sarasota Sightseeing Tours in 2026

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.

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 best of Sarasota, Florida as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. Climb aboard your air-conditioned vehicle and see several points of interest including the Ringling Museum and College, Selby Library, and the Sarasota Opera House. While you ride, learn about the vibrant history and culture of the city from your guide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take to the waves and check out Anna Maria Island in a way most tourists don’t get the chance to—from the vantage point of a two-seater catamaran-style boat as you zip over the waves. Follow a guide so there’s no getting lost in this unfamiliar territory, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, and more aquatic wildlife. This tour is not recommended for travelers with back, heart, or neck problems.

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!

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

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.

Experience a stunning sunset cruise on the waters of Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach. This private 90-minute boat tour accommodates up to 12 guests, making it perfect for families, couples, and special celebrations. Your captain will navigate the intracoastal waterways and Gulf of Mexico to the perfect panoramic sunset spots, showcasing scenic views of Anna Maria Island’s coastline 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. Perfect for romantic dates, anniversaries, birthdays, family reunions, proposals, or simply unwinding with loved ones as the sun paints the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks. Book your private Bradenton Beach sunset cruise today and experience Florida's most magical hour on the water!

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.

On this self-guided bicycle tour, you’ll discover how an unlikely cast of characters – from a Fig Newton millionaire, to platform divers who dodged sharks – transformed a barrier island into a beloved community. You’ll encounter the island’s famous “mosquito jail” – a 1927 lockup with barred windows but no glass, where biting insects proved more effective than bars at deterring crime. You’ll pedal past the Roser Memorial Church, built by Charles Roser, who created the Fig Newton cookie and the process to make it then sold his creation Nabisco for a million dollars in 1890 Along the way, you’ll learn about the making of Hollywood’s 1948 film On an Island With You, and explore Bean Point where the island’s first homesteader settled in 1892. You’ll also ride past sites devastated by 2024’s hurricanes and discover how this community of 1,000 residents rallied to rebuild.

Holiday Music + Light Tour! This beloved holiday tour runs nightly from Dec. 7-23 with live musical performances by professional singers, trivia, jokes, stories, caroling down Main St. and a view of many holiday lights in downtown Sarasota and its neighborhoods. Perfect for the whole family!

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!

This private Anna Maria Island boat tour shows you a whole new side of Florida. Let your skipper handle the waves and take you to their favorite dolphin-spotting areas on the water while you relax and enjoy the views. This private tour is fully customizable, meaning you don’t spend any of your valuable vacation time doing anything you don’t want to do.

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!

With Beach Bum Charters you will see the area from a unique perspective as well as get the best guides around!

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.

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!

Experience the Best of Florida’s Backwaters on a Private 3-Hour Eco Tour! Set sail on a private boat adventure through Sarasota Bay, Manatee River, Egmont Key, and Fort DeSoto Park. This 3-hour tour offers an unforgettable mix of wildlife, history, and stunning scenery. Spot dolphins, manatees, and colorful birds in their natural habitats, stroll along pristine beaches, or snorkel over underwater ruins at Egmont Key. With your private captain, you control the pace and focus—relax, explore, and enjoy the beauty of Florida’s hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for adventure, wildlife photography, or a peaceful escape on the water, this eco tour promises an intimate and memorable experience for up to 6 guests. Book now and create your own private Florida adventure!

What makes this sunset cruise truly unique is the unparalleled combination of natural beauty and effortless relaxation, offering more than just a view, but an immersive experience. As the sun dips below the horizon, you're not simply watching a sunset; you're enveloped in the tranquil waters of the Gulf and Sarasota Bay, witnessing the dynamic interplay of vibrant colors reflecting off the water against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sarasota skyline and nearby keys. Beyond the stunning visuals, our comfortable boat, with its ample seating, provides a truly laid-back and intimate environment, perfect for unwinding whether you’re seeking a romantic escape or quality time with loved ones. Adding to this special journey is the potential for magical encounters with playful dolphins in their natural habitat, turning a beautiful evening into an unforgettable moment of wonder.