Things to do in Cortez

    Discover amazing Cortez activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Cortez, Florida is a quiet fishing village where the past is preserved in every breeze off the bay. Nestled on the mainland just east of Anna Maria Island, this historic waterfront community offers a salty blend of maritime heritage, fresh seafood, and unspoiled views of Sarasota Bay.

    Popular Activities in Cortez

    Public Dolphin Sightseeing Eco Tour

    See non-migratory dolphins and unique wildlife while exploring the bays of Manatee and Sarasota.

    4.5 724 reviews
    $30/ person

    Private Two Hour Dolphin Sunset Tour

    Experience a private dolphin tour and enjoy scenic views while learning about local wildlife.

    4.5 724 reviews
    $390/ private tour

    Public Sandbars and Dolphins Excursion

    Cruise to local sandbars and spot dolphins while learning about unique island wildlife.

    4.5 724 reviews
    Contact for pricing

    Private Three Hour Sandbar Tour

    Discover Jewfish Key and local sandbars on a private excursion with swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

    4.5 724 reviews
    $511/ private tour

    Tritoon Boat Rental for Groups on Sarasota Bay

    Cruise Sarasota Bay with friends or family and enjoy flexible rental durations.

    4.5 724 reviews
    $425/ rental

    Public Sandbars Dolphins and Sunset Excursion

    Experience dolphins, sandbars, and a relaxing sunset cruise in the bays of Anna Maria Island.

    4.5 724 reviews

    Public Egmont Key Express Tour

    Discover Egmont Key’s history and wildlife on a relaxing boat cruise with snorkeling and shelling.

    4.5 724 reviews
    $75/ person

    Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island Parasailing Adventure

    Soar up to 800 feet for a thrilling 10-minute parasail flight with an expert crew over the Gulf of Mexico

    5.0 1.1K reviews
    $65/ person

    Parasailing Adventure Above Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach

    Soar up to 800 feet over the Gulf on a 10-minute flight during an easy 1.5-hour parasailing outing.

    5.0 1.1K reviews
    $65/ person

    Private Inshore Sport Fishing Charter

    Experience inshore sport fishing with an expert captain and a fully equipped boat.

    $475/ charter

    Paddleboard Yoga Experience on Calming Waters

    Practice yoga on a paddleboard and connect with nature in a tranquil setting.

    5.0 561 reviews
    $75/ person

    Mangrove Kayak And Paddleboard Eco Tour

    Explore mangrove tunnels by kayak or paddleboard with experienced guides in Neal Preserve.

    5.0 561 reviews
    $55/ tour

    Lido Key Kayak And Paddleboard Rentals

    Explore Lido Key’s mangrove tunnels with included gear and a map for a self-guided adventure.

    5.0 596 reviews
    $45/ kayak

    Longboat Pass Kayak And Paddleboard Rentals

    Explore scenic waters with included gear, map, and lesson for a fun half-day adventure

    5.0 596 reviews

    Bayfront Park Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals

    Explore Longboat Key’s mangrove islands at your own pace with fully equipped half-day rentals

    5.0 596 reviews
    $45/ rental

    Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels Kayak Tour

    Paddle Sarasota's serene mangrove tunnels with a naturalist guide and spot birds, manatees, and dolphins.

    5.0 596 reviews

    Coastal Island Kayak Tour on Longboat Key

    Paddle crystal-clear bays to spot dolphins and manatees with expert naturalist guides

    5.0 596 reviews

    Private Coastal Island Kayak Tour

    Paddle clear waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key with a dedicated guide and flexible itinerary.

    5.0 596 reviews

    Jet Ski Rentals

    Ride the latest 3-seater jet skis and enjoy hassle-free fun on the water.

    4.9 134 reviews
    $120/ hour

    Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

    Enjoy a self-guided paddle adventure with a versatile inflatable board.

    4.9 134 reviews
    $35/ hour

    Sunset Horseback Ride on the Water

    Watch vibrant skies while riding gentle horses through shallow coastal waters at dusk.

    4.9 406 reviews
    $165/ person

    Beach Horseback Ride and Swim in Palma Sola Bay

    Ride a gentle horse along the sand, then cool off with a unique swim in Palma Sola Bay.

    4.9 406 reviews
    $155/ person

    Beach Suite Cabana

    Relax in comfort with a private beach suite cabana for your group of six.

    5.0 163 reviews
    $550/ cabana

    Beach Suite Picnic Experience

    Relax with a customizable beach picnic suite, perfect for groups or couples seeking a unique outdoor meal.

    5.0 163 reviews
    $450/ group

    Sunchaser Geneva 24' Pontoon Rental

    Cruise with up to 13 friends on a spacious pontoon equipped for sandbar hopping

    5.0 121 reviews
    $599/ boat

    Sea Life Encounter Cruise

    Experience marine life up close on a comfortable pontoon cruise for all ages.

    4.9 345 reviews
    Contact for pricing

    Pedal Kayak Rental at Bird Key Park Sarasota

    Rent a pedal kayak and explore Sarasota Bay with all gear and safety equipment included.

    4.9 184 reviews
    $45/ kayak

    Guided Pedal Kayak Tour in Bird Key Park

    Pedal effortlessly through Sarasota Bay and encounter vibrant marine life on a small-group guided adventure

    4.9 184 reviews
    $69/ person

    Six Hour Party Boat Fishing Adventure

    Enjoy a fun-filled fishing trip with all gear included and expert crew guidance.

    4.4 308 reviews
    Contact for pricing

    Big Catch Private Deep Sea Charter

    Experience custom deep sea fishing with comfort and flexibility on a private charter.

    4.4 308 reviews
    St. Armands Stroll & Gourmet Tasting Tour

    St. Armands Stroll & Gourmet Tasting Tour

    Savor Sarasota’s flavors and history in one unforgettable afternoon!

    4.8 103 reviews
    $119/ person

    Sarasota City Sightseeing Trolley Tour

    Explore Sarasota's historic neighborhoods and cultural landmarks on a 90-minute air-conditioned trolley ride.

    4.5 222 reviews
    $55/ person

    Sarasota Architecture Tour of Iconic Styles

    Discover Sarasota’s unique architectural styles on a guided 90-minute air-conditioned tour.

    4.5 222 reviews
    $55/ person

    Murder Mystery Trolley: Who Killed The Circus Queen

    Solve a circus-themed murder mystery on a rolling trolley with interactive fun and complimentary drinks.

    4.5 222 reviews
    $59/ person

    Mangroves and Secret Beach Kayak Tour

    Paddle through Jim Neville mangroves to a secluded beach accessible only by boat

    5.0 2.9K reviews

    Kayak and Paddleboard Rental at Siesta Key

    Explore calm Turtle Beach waterways at your own pace with quality kayaks or paddleboards

    5.0 2.9K reviews
    $45/ rental

    Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve

    Glide over shallow seagrass beds in a transparent kayak and spot marine life in Shell Key Preserve.

    5.0 642 reviews

    Shell Key Preserve Clear Kayak Tour

    Paddle crystal-clear Tampa Bay waters in see-through kayaks to explore mangroves, beaches, and vibrant marine life.

    5.0 5.9K reviews
    $59/ person

    Shell Key Preserve Evening Clear Kayak Tour

    Paddle crystal-clear kayaks with LED lights to witness Shell Key’s sunset or glowing nighttime waters.

    5.0 5.9K reviews
    $74/ person

    Siesta Key Sunset E-Bike Rental Experience

    Ride along Siesta Key at sunset and enjoy a scenic, traffic-free bike adventure.

    5.0 25 reviews
    $100/ person

    In-Home Experiences

    Golf Cart Rental

    Explore Anna Maria Island with a street-legal golf cart rental for easy island travel.

    4.9 390 reviews
    $350/ cart
    The Sarasota Signature Chef’s Table

    The Sarasota Signature Chef’s Table

    A custom chef‑curated feast celebrating bold local flavors and dietary wellness—served right in your home or rental

    5.0 105 reviews
    $150/ guest

    Private Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve

    Customize your paddle through mangroves, beaches, and birdlife with expert guides on a private 3-hour adventure.

    5.0 5.9K reviews
    Zen & Flow Yoga Retreat

    Zen & Flow Yoga Retreat

    Stretch, unwind, and rejuvenate—right in the comfort of your vacation rental.

    $125/ guest

    Discover More in Cortez

    Cortez is one of Florida’s last true working waterfronts, where commercial fishing boats still dock with the day’s catch and weathered cottages line narrow streets. It’s a place where you can slow down, take in the smell of salt air, and enjoy the rhythm of life by the water. Start your day with a walk through the Florida Maritime Museum, where the village’s rich history comes to life through boat-building exhibits and stories of generations who lived off the sea.

    Afterward, head to the docks for the freshest seafood imaginable—Grouper sandwiches, stone crab, and shrimp right off the boat. Dine with a view at a local fish shack or grab a basket to go and picnic at nearby Coquina Beach, just over the bridge. For those looking to get on the water, kayaking through the mangrove tunnels or booking a casual fishing charter offers the perfect way to explore the bay’s quiet beauty.

    Greetwell guests can enjoy curated experiences like guided seafood tastings, eco-boat tours through Sarasota Bay, or walking tours that trace Cortez’s storied past.

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