Things to do in Longboat Key

    Discover amazing Longboat Key activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Longboat Key is a picturesque barrier island renowned for its pristine beaches, upscale amenities, and lush natural beauty. This idyllic destination invites visitors to unwind with leisurely strolls along the Gulf’s soft sands or indulge in fresh culinary offerings at waterfront restaurants. With its blend of serene ocean views and luxurious charm, Longboat Key offers a quintessential coastal escape that refreshes both spirit and soul.

    Popular Activities in Longboat Key

    Longboat Key Mangrove Kayak & SUP Rentals

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

    5.0 912 reviews
    $51/ rental

    Longboat Key Kayak Tour with Dolphin Spotting

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

    5.0 912 reviews

    Half-Day Longboat Key Paddling with Gear & Map

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

    5.0 912 reviews

    Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels Kayak Tour

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

    5.0 912 reviews

    Lido Key Mangrove Kayak & Paddleboard Rental

    Explore Lido Key’s mangrove tunnels with included gear, map, and a brief lesson

    5.0 912 reviews
    $51/ kayak

    Longboat Key Private Kayak Tour Between 2 Islands

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

    5.0 912 reviews

    Private Inshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton FL

    Fish inshore waters with a US Coast Guard–licensed captain on a 2019 Sea Pro, tailored for all ages

    Private Sunset Dolphin Tour with Wildlife Guide

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

    4.5 730 reviews
    $390/ private tour

    Sarasota Bay Tritoon Rental for Up to 12 People

    Cruise the Intracoastal with room for up to 12 and flexible 4–8 hour rentals

    4.5 730 reviews
    $547/ boat

    Private Sandbar Tour with Snorkeling at Jewfish Key

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

    4.5 730 reviews
    $511/ private tour

    Bradenton Beach Dolphin & Sandbar Sunset Tour

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

    4.5 730 reviews

    Bradenton Beach Dolphin & Wildlife Eco Tour

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

    4.5 730 reviews
    $34/ person

    Egmont Key Express Boat Tour from Bradenton Beach

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

    4.5 730 reviews
    $86/ person

    Dolphin Watching & Sandbar Cruise in Bradenton

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

    4.5 730 reviews
    $63/ person

    Parasailing in Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria

    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
    $90/ person

    Bradenton Beach Parasailing: 800 Foot Flight

    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

    Beach Horseback Ride & 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
    $175/ person

    Stand Up Paddle Board Rental in Bradenton FL

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

    4.9 134 reviews
    $35/ hour

    Horseback Riding at Sunset in West Bradenton

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

    4.9 406 reviews
    $186/ person

    Private Boat Tour to Egmont or Passage Key from Anna Maria Island

    Customize a private 3–6 hour cruise to Egmont or Passage Key with snorkeling and sightseeing led by experienced captains

    5.0 349 reviews

    Holmes Beach Picnic with Setup & Cleanup

    Customize a 3-hour beach picnic with setup and cleanup included

    5.0 163 reviews

    Holmes Beach Glamping Cabana Setup for 6

    Enjoy a full-day beach suite for six with cabanas, chairs, towels, games, and a cooler—set up and cleaned up for you.

    5.0 163 reviews

    Sandbar Excursion with Swimming and Shelling

    Enjoy a 2.5-hour sandbar outing with swimming, shelling, and chances to see dolphins

    4.9 1.7K reviews
    $73/ person

    Sarasota Dolphin & Wildlife Boat Tour

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

    4.9 345 reviews
    $33/ person

    Small Group 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

    AMI Jetcar Rental on Palma Sola Bay

    Pilot a Corvette-inspired watercraft with instruction and gear included for a thrilling cruise around Anna Maria Island

    5.0 2 reviews
    $168/ jetcar

    Sarasota Party Boat Fishing with All Gear & License

    Fish 11–14 miles offshore with gear, bait, and license included

    4.4 311 reviews
    $95/ person

    Deep Sea Fishing Charter Sarasota Private Boat

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

    4.4 311 reviews
    St. Armands Circle Food & History Walking Tour

    St. Armands Circle Food & History Walking Tour

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

    4.8 103 reviews
    $119/ person

    Sarasota Mangrove Kayak to Hidden Beach

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

    5.0 2.9K reviews

    Explore Turtle Beach Waters by Kayak or SUP

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

    5.0 2.9K reviews
    $51/ rental

    Downtown Sarasota Dinner Tour

    Visit four restaurants and stroll historic Sarasota with tastings and stories on a relaxed 3-hour evening tour

    4.8 105 reviews
    $141/ person

    Downtown Sarasota Lunch Tour

    Taste local flavors at four restaurants while your guide shares Sarasota’s downtown history

    4.8 105 reviews
    $119/ person

    Historic Sarasota: 90-Min Narrated Trolley Tour

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

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $66/ person

    90Min AC Tour of Sarasota's Architectural Gems

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

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $55/ person

    Sarasota Murder Mystery Trolley with Drinks

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

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $59/ person

    Amish Experience Tour: Bridges To Understanding

    Visit Pinecraft to learn about Amish traditions and culture

    4.8 1.5K reviews

    6-Passenger Golf Cart Rental in Anna Maria

    Explore Anna Maria Island with a street-legal 6-seater and included delivery

    4.9 390 reviews
    $254/ cart

    Siesta Key Sunset E-Bike Rental

    Bypass traffic and enjoy a Siesta Key sunset with convenient e-bike drop-off and pickup

    5.0 99 reviews
    $100/ person

    Siesta Key Boat Tour to Sandbars & Shell Beaches

    Explore pristine sandbars, collect shells, and relax on a fun 3-hour boat excursion

    4.9 1.2K reviews
    $57/ person

    In-Home Experiences

    Private Chef Dinner in Your Sarasota Rental

    Private Chef Dinner in Your Sarasota Rental

    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 Yoga Session at Your Sarasota Rental

    Private Yoga Session at Your Sarasota Rental

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

    $125/ guest

    Explore the Charms of Longboat Key

    Longboat Key is a serene barrier island known for its pristine beaches, upscale amenities, and tranquil atmosphere. Located between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this destination offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and refined leisure. Unlike busier nearby spots like Siesta Key or Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key provides an exclusive retreat where visitors can unwind in style.

    Begin your day with a sunrise walk along Coquina Beach's soft sands or rent a bike to explore miles of scenic paths that weave through lush landscapes. For those interested in marine life, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is just across the bridge—an ideal spot for families to learn about local sea creatures up close. The calm waters around Longboat Pass are also great for kayaking or paddleboarding adventures.

    Dining on Longboat Key is as much about ambiance as it is flavor. Savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants while enjoying spectacular sunset views over the Gulf. Don’t miss out on visiting St. Armands Circle nearby—a vibrant hub offering boutique shopping and diverse dining options set amidst charming architecture and tropical landscaping.

    Whether you're lounging by crystal-clear waters or indulging in culinary delights under swaying palms, Longboat Key promises an unforgettable escape filled with relaxation and discovery.

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