Paddle private mangrove tunnels with a guide and look for Sarasota Bay wildlife
2 hrs
Guide, kayak, paddle
Explore Lido Key's mangrove tunnels and Sarasota Bay on a private guided kayak outing. Start with a short paddle lesson, then move through shallow waters and venture into deeper areas to look for wildlife.
Cancel at least 48 hours before for a full refund. No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours or no-shows. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Product ID: ZQBFV6
Bring water, a towel, sunblock, a hat, and light clothing. Sunglasses are also recommended.
Light rain does not stop the tour. If there is thunder and lightning, departure waits for the storm to pass; if the tour is canceled due to storms and you cannot attend another tour, you will receive a refund.
No. There are no alligators in the mangrove tunnels on Lido Key or in the bay.
Kayaking SRQ trailer at Ted Sperling Nature Park, 190 Taft Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
Kayaking the mangroves around Sarasota is a genuinely special experience, and the guides here seem to be a big reason why. Jordan, Jesse, Steffan, and Brad consistently come up in reviews for being knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely engaged with their groups. These aren't just paddle-and-point tours. Guests walk away having learned local history, ecology, and wildlife facts, all while having a great time on the water. Wildlife sightings are a real highlight, with manatees appearing frequently enough that multiple reviewers mentioned them specifically, along with turtles and birds through the mangrove tunnels. The tours run for a range of group sizes, and at least one reviewer noted ending up with a private experience, which they loved. Repeat visitors show up in the reviews too, which says something about the consistency of the operation. If you're on the fence, the reviews make a pretty convincing case. Several people called it a trip highlight, and one international visitor ranked it among the best experiences of their entire American trip. Asking for a specific guide by name seems to be a popular move, so keep that in mind when you book.
We had a great time! Steffan is your man if you want to learn a lot about the history of Sarasota. He very knowledgeable and he’s funny!
Jamie Anderson
September 6, 2026
We had a great time! Steffan is your man if you want to learn a lot about the history of Sarasota. He very knowledgeable and he’s funny!
Jamie Anderson
September 6, 2026
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Paddle the mangrove tunnels of Ted Sperling Park with a local guide
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