Manatee Discovery Anna Maria Island
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Sarasota, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
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.
- Your guide is on hand to make sure you’re safe and having fun
- Look out for other wildlife like dolphins and ospreys too
- Beginners are welcome
- See a side of Florida most tourists won’t
What's Included
- Kayaks
- Paddles
- Life jackets
- Dry bags
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1507 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA
This tour is out of the Captain Scott Moore Boat Ramp at 1507 Gulf Dr S Bradenton Beach, FL 34217. There is additional parking across the street in the Coquina Beach NORTH Entrance.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Travelers should bring their own water and snacks
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Ruth_W
Our tour guide Andrew was fantastic, very knowledgeable.
Explained some unusual vegetation, fish, and saw some different types of crabs. Of course, we caught some starfish, but couldn't keep them. He was also entertaining with his jokes
Reviews
5.0
based on 560 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Heather_B, Jul 2026
Logan was our guide and also the reason we had a great experience. He was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot while kayaking. We saw dolphins and manatees up close and personal. Thank you Logan for giving the Iowans a great Florida experience.
Erynne_M, Jul 2026
Our tour guide was very friendly, funny and knowledgeable about the area. The weather was not on our side for our original date and Tommy did a good job of coming up with a back up plan for us to be able to do our experience.
Sherri_W, Jul 2026
As first time kayakers with 12 and 13 yr olds, we were told this would be easy and doable even as beginners. This was not the case at all. Once we were about half way, according to the guide, we still had a ways to go before returning back. We saw a couple crabs, 1 manatee and 1 dolphin from far away. In the pictures on their website it looks like you will be taken CALM area where you will see the manatees up close and personal...not the case. The excursion was difficult and we barely finished. The guide left the 4 of us behind as he went in to dock. Supposedly this was a 3 mile adventure. The waters were rough even the small boats were having a hard time in the water. I would not recommend taking young children or anyone that is unfit. This was not an easy excursion. Bring your water, snacks, sunscreen, towels, and a back up person to row.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hello Sherri. As the owner, I have personally reached out to you multiple times following this feedback with no success.
I was present when your tour launched and landed to ensure good customer service and organization. Before your tour, you receive life jackets, dry storage, a paddling introduction for beginners, and clear instructions of where the tour was going.
Your group of four had one adult and one kid in each double kayak. The tour of 12 total people had two experienced guides, one in the front of the group and one in the rear. You launched onto the inner coastal next to Anna Maria Island. The water was flat and the wind was light. The only possibility for waves was from a boat passing by.
We are happy you saw some wildlife even if it was from a distance. Your group naturally moved slower than the rest of the tour because the adults were providing a majority of the paddling power with the kids in the front not helping much. As a result, you were not able to get as close to the wildlife as the rest of the tour. To accommodate for your slower speed, one guide stayed back with your group specifically. The tour made stops on multiple sandbar and beach areas where you were able to rest and pick up shells and small marine life.
Your guide stayed with you the whole time on the tour. As you reached the dock at the end of your tour, your guide landed first with you not far behind so he could assist you landing your kayak and offer you a helping hand. At no point were you carelessly unattended on the water. I personally watched this from the dock.
When each kayak on the tour landed, I personally asked everyone how their experience was. I received no connotation from anyone in your group that you had a difficult experience. If you had let me know you had such a hard time, I would have given you further assistance and even refunded you.
I would love to have the opportunity to further connect with you. Please consider reaching out for further customer service.
Brendan_H, Jul 2026
Logan was a great tour guide. We had 2 other guides with us who were also helpful. We saw 2 manatee and dolphin swimming just beneath/beside us. A little walk on an island with some pretty shells was a nice little break before kayaking back. The water was calm. Beautiful views. The whole family really enjoyed it.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Great wildlife encounters!!! We are so happy you enjoyed your tour with Logan and the guides!!! Thank you!!!
Jeff_D, Jun 2026
Fun couple of hours kayaking the bay and walking the beach/shoreline looking for manatees and dolphins. Kinsey was a great guide, very informative and easy going. We spotted a baby dolphin learning to hunt with its mother as well as a few manatees. Even without the wildlife, the kayaking alone was worth the money. 10/10 would recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Excellent!!! We are so excited about the baby dolphin and manatees!!! Thank you!!!
Danielle_K, Jun 2026
We loved this day! We saw manatees and got to hold sand dollars! Andrew was the best! Two thumbs up!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Amazing!!! Thank you!!!
Elizabeth_K, Jun 2026
Very knowledgeable and lots of fun 👍 saw lots of manatees and crabs ..laughter all about.. kudos to Jack and Collin 👍👍👍
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Wonderful!!! Thank you!!!
Haley_M, Jun 2026
Andrew was our guide along 2 other guides. Our kayak trip was fun and entertaining. We took our 2 kids with us and got to see dolphins, a couple manatees, and other wildlife. We also got out of the kayak at a sand bar. We had a great time!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Outstanding!!! We are so excited you saw manatees and dolphins with Andrew and the other guides!!! Thank you!!!
Chris_K, Jun 2026
Fun way to see nature! We were able to see manatees and dolphins. The guide was knowledgeable and very polite.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Excellent!!! We are so excited you had a great encounter with manatees and dolphins!!! Thank you!!!
Kelli_A, Jun 2026
ReBooked the tour online the night before. No problems. Ben was our guide and he did not disappoint. Very informative on the tour and his excitement was contagious. Would highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Wonderful!!! We are happy you had a great trip with Ben!!! Thank you!!!
Allison_G, May 2026
The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and welcoming. They also were very conscious about protecting the wildlife which we loved! We got to live our life long dream of seeing manatees in the wild. Additionally, we saw dolphins, fish and all kinds of wildlife!! Blaze was epic.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Amazing!!! We are so excited to fulfill your dream of seeing manatees in the wild!!! Thank you so much!!!
Darci_S, May 2026
This experience was the highlight of our vacation and we got to see 5 different manatees!! The tour guides did a wonderful job and provided fun facts and information about the different animal species we encountered. 10/10 experience!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Spectacular!!! We are thrilled about your manatee sightings!!! Thank you so much!!!
jeremy_M, May 2026
We joined Ben and Jackson on the tour and they were superb guides.
Both super helpful, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate in imparted all their knowledge and love for the area and its abundant wildlife.
We saw Manatee, dolphins, crabs, Conch and other interesting creatures which without going on this tour we would have been oblivious.
Ben gave us a great tip on where to see further manatee and it proved to be brilliant.
We all had a great time.
Thanks guys.
Jay, Esther, Jorge, Tom and Georgie
Response from Host, May 2026
Outstanding!!! We are stoked about the plethora of wildlife you encountered with Ben and Jackson!!! Thank you so much!!!
Michael_W, May 2026
Ben and Jackson did a great job engaging with our kayak tour. They were knowledgeable and made sure we had a great trip. They were able to find us great manatee sightings. Be prepared for some work paddling, especially if it’s windy.
Response from Host, May 2026
Great!!! We are so happy you had great manatee sightings!!! We always do our best to take specific tour routes to explore calm areas if the wind is a little high. Thank you!!!
Diane_K, May 2026
This was not a leisurely trip, it was scenic but be prepared to work hard. We saw a couple manatees from a distance… don’t be fooled by the photos in the ad we were not allowed to get close enough to take pictures like that the entire trip felt rushed… the
Tour guides were very friendly, but at the end they left my daughter and I behind, and were too busy asking for tips to notice. :( we stopped at a pretty beach, but again it felt very rushed by the time we had water and ate a quick snack it was time to get back on the water.
Response from Host, May 2026
Diane, I have tried reaching out to you since you left this review but received no response.
I as the owner was personally guiding the tour that launched before your tour. I spoke with each guide involved in your tour experience to gather the details of your tour.
Your group arrived late and held up the rest of the guests. The tour got launched nearly 30 minutes late as a result. You brought two adults and three young kids. We put one adult in a triple with two of the kids and you with your daughter. You and the other adult were providing most of the paddling power for the whole tour with young kids in the kayak. The adults in your group did a great job paddling for your group! Near the end of your tour the guides landed first so they could provide assistance to everyone getting out of the kayaks. You and your daughter were behind the group with another one of our tour groups while this was happening. You were not left alone and the guides communicated with the tour guide behind them to watch you and your daughter because you were naturally moving a little slower. As for the manatee sightings, I (the owner) personally guided the first manatee tour of the day. We spotted two manatees on the coast and immediately communicated the wildlife location to your tour guides. We made sure your group was able to kayak to see them. I personally saw the two manatees near your tour group and your tour guides pointing and engaging the guests. The manatees did not come under your kayaks like many of the photos online. Manatees are very protected and we have to respect their space. During most of your interaction the manatees were next to a set of boulders on the beach. We are not going to disrespect the manatee's space and pin them between our kayaks and the rocks. It is our duty to observe them without changing their behavior.
To recap, I happy you were able to see manatees and scenic area we love! I (the owner) am proud of the extra work and communication the guides made to accommodate your group's extra needs and give everyone on your tour the best service and wildlife encounters within our power! Please reach back out to me if I can further assist you. Thank you!
Rebecca_N, May 2026
We had an incredible time seeing the wildlife of Florida. The guides really made the experience so much more enjoyable with their knowledge and quick wits.
Response from Host, May 2026
Amazing!!! We are so excited about your experience!!! Thank you!!!
Jon_H, May 2026
Very friendly and knowledgeable guides working together to maximize our experience, we highly recommend booking an outing.
Response from Host, May 2026
Awesome!!! Thank you!!!
Kelly_S, Apr 2026
Guide was very knowledgeable, committed to finding lots of wildlife for us to see. Location was beautiful.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Wonderful!!! Thank you!!!
SarahE_W, Apr 2026
My 3 friends and I had a great time seeing manatees, dolphins, finding sand dollars and crabs on the sandbar, and enjoying the views of the Bay. Tour guides were local and had great personalities. We kayaked 3 miles, so be prepared for a great arm workout! Made for a great memory on our Anna Maria girls’ trip!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Excellent!!! We are so happy to have provided a great memory on your girls trip!!! Thank you!!!
Lori_M, Apr 2026
Great and fun experience! Tour guides were fun and helpful! Was a fun experience to do friends, quite the arm workout:)
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Great!!! Thank you!!!
Ruth_W, Apr 2026
Our tour guide Andrew was fantastic, very knowledgeable.
Explained some unusual vegetation, fish, and saw some different types of crabs. Of course, we caught some starfish, but couldn't keep them. He was also entertaining with his jokes
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Fantastic!!! Thank you!!!
DebbieWeinbel, Apr 2026
Great day on the water! Lots of paddling so I was happy to share a kayak with my husband. The guides were so friendly and knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Awesome!!! Thank you!!!
Jacqueline_D, Apr 2026
This was my favorite part of my whole vacation to Anna Maria Island. Seeing manatees in the wild was amazing, especially to see them so close
To our kayaks. We followed two manatees to an island which was truly breathtaking. The guides were friendly, and made the experience awesome. Definitely recommend!!’
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Phenomenal!!! We are thrilled this was your favorite part of your vacation to Anna Maria Island!!! We are so excited about your manatee encounter!!! Thank you!!!
susanne_s, Apr 2026
This was worth every penny! Guides were so fun and knowledgeable. Saw manatees and dolphins plus beautiful seabirds
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Excellent!!! We are so excited you saw manatees and dolphins!!! Thank you!!!
Edith_B, Apr 2026
The tour was amazing! We traveled down the coast on our kayaks with a herd of 13 manatees swimming under us and around us. It was so cool! Lachlan, our guide was so friendly and informative. He made it an adventure! He even let me wear his polarized sunglasses so that I could see the manatees and the other sea life crystal clear. I suggest wearing polarized sunglasses! Great experience!! Prior to launching, I shared with the group that I had just gotten news of the death of a friend the day before and this was the last thing that we talked about, so I was determined to do it. Ben, the other gentleman with the tour, came up to me a few minutes later and told me that they were refunding the cost of my tour. These are compassionate, kind human beings. Thank you, Ben and Lachlan!!.❤️❤️❤️
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We are thrilled you had a great experience with the manatees and guides!!! We are sorry for your loss and are happy to have made your day better!!! Thank you!!!
Sandra_A, Apr 2026
We had a great experience on the Manatee Discovery tour! Locklin and Blaze were both incredibly knowledgeable and made the whole outing really enjoyable. Even though we didn’t end up seeing manatees at the first spot, they went out of their way to offer taking us to another location afterward to make sure we had the opportunity—such a kind and thoughtful gesture.
Highly recommend this tour! Just note that you do need to be somewhat active to fully enjoy the experience.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Great!!! We are very happy about your experience with Lachlan and Blaze!!! We are excited you used our second opportunity to make sure you saw manatees with us!!! Thank you!!!
April_W, Apr 2026
We had a great morning kayaking through Robinson’s Preserve. Due to windy conditions, we met there and enjoyed seeing lots of birds and a snake. Unfortunately, we did not find any manatees but the guides offered a second spot where we could see a few (we did not go). Andrew and Blaze were fun and informative guides.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We are glad you had a great morning kayaking through Robinson Preserve!!! We always do our best to help make sure you see manatees with us and will happily take the extra step to go with you to a second location to make sure you see manatees!!! Thank you!
Sara_J, Apr 2026
We had a fantastic time! My husband and I took our 3 young kids and the company was more than accommodating! The guides (Ben, Jackson and Andrew) were amazing- very knowledgeable about the area/wildlife and also so kind/interactive with our kids! We were lucky enough to see both dolphins and manatees on our tour. Would highly recommend for a family activity!!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Fantastic!!! We are so happy you saw dolphins and manatees with us!!! Thank you!!!
Candice_R, Apr 2026
Kayaking can be strenuous at times but overall great experience.
Saw dolphins and manatees. Tour guide very knowledgable about wildlife. Went to spots that were picturesque.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Excellent!!! We are thrilled you had an exciting encounter with manatees and dolphins!!! Our tour guides do their best to help you navigate the currents and take you to picturesque locations! Thank you!!!
Mellissa_M, Apr 2026
This is not a leisurely kayak trip. You will have to work it at times, not like white water rafting, but when going past the bridge the current is strong. Our guide, Ben, was so knowledgeable about the area, the wildlife and even about the snail and some huge clam like thing we found on the sandbar. He was so nice, funny and really seems to enjoy what he does. He made sure that nobody got left behind, that everyone was okay, when we had moments to slow down, he encouraged everyone to drink some water. He even made sure everyone had water and kept offering us his- if someone didn't have enough. We were able to see a manatee, even if only for a few seconds. But it's wildlife, so they can't control it. The guide that went out before us would call Ben and tell him where they saw one, so that's where we headed. We stopped on the sandbar, that was really nice as well. It was a great adventure ( even our 18 year olds enjoyed it!) and I would definitely recommend!!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We are very happy you had a great adventure with Ben as he guided you through the waters and showed you the different wildlife and scenery the area has to offer! Thank you!
Likely to Sell Out
From $55.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Manatee Discovery Anna Maria Island
560
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$55.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Sarasota, USA
More attractions near Sarasota, USA