Explore scenic waters with included gear, map, and lesson for a fun half-day adventure
4 hrs
Paddling equipment, map, lesson
Discover the beauty of Longboat Pass as you paddle through clear waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Enjoy a half-day rental with all equipment and guidance provided for a relaxing and memorable outing.
Single kayaks are best for individuals at least 12 years old. Triple kayak middle seat passenger must be under 50 pounds. Dress to get wet and bring sun protection and water.
Guests may cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled activity for a full refund. Operator cancellations due to weather or unforeseen circumstances receive a full refund or credit. No-shows are charged the full price.
Longboat Pass, Longboat Key, Florida
With a flawless reputation among recent visitors, this kayaking operation clearly knows what they're doing. Guides like Jeff, Nick, and Shane consistently earn praise for being knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely engaging. People love how the guides share expertise about local birds, marine life, and the mangrove ecosystem while keeping the vibe relaxed and fun. The tours take you through stunning mangrove tunnels and out to beautiful sandbars and beaches, with frequent dolphin sightings and occasional manatee encounters making the experience memorable. Equipment quality stands out as a major plus—multiple reviewers specifically mention how well-maintained the kayaks are compared to other rental operations. The staff handles logistics smoothly, from clear instructions to flexible rescheduling when weather doesn't cooperate. Families particularly appreciate the kid-friendly approach. This is the kind of place where people become repeat customers, often making it an annual tradition when visiting Longboat Key.
We had a fantastic time kayaking on a Happy Paddler guided tour! Don't hesitate - book your spot now (yes, really!) Our guide, Jeff was helpful, thoughtful, and funny. He also easily rebooked us when the weather wasn't in our favor. We saw a ton of birds and fish, and had the pleasure of watching a mother dolphin teaching her baby how to hunt. We made friends with cormorants and had a good time exploring the beach and sandbar. We didn't get lucky enough to see a manatee, but maybe next time, Longbay is beautiful - we'll be back!
Allison Seyler
September 11, 2025
We had a fantastic time kayaking on a Happy Paddler guided tour! Don't hesitate - book your spot now (yes, really!) Our guide, Jeff was helpful, thoughtful, and funny. He also easily rebooked us when the weather wasn't in our favor. We saw a ton of birds and fish, and had the pleasure of watching a mother dolphin teaching her baby how to hunt. We made friends with cormorants and had a good time exploring the beach and sandbar. We didn't get lucky enough to see a manatee, but maybe next time, Longbay is beautiful - we'll be back!
Allison Seyler
September 11, 2025