Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Paddle into one of Lido Key’s most unique eco-adventures: the mangrove tunnels. This guided kayak tour takes you through calm, winding waterways where mangrove branches create shaded “tunnels” overhead—quiet, beautiful, and full of life. Along the way, our friendly local guides share fun, easy-to-understand info about the mangrove ecosystem and help you spot wildlife like coastal birds, fish, rays, and—when they’re around—manatees and dolphins.
Booking is simple: reserve by the number of guests in your group, and the type of watercraft you prefer (single kayaks, tandem kayaks or stand up paddleboards). Our goal is to keep everyone comfortable and having a great time on the water.
What sets us apart: We're Hawaii transplants who brought our love for the ocean to Sarasota. We're the only outfitter offering kids' programs and maintain a 5-star TripAdvisor rating. Note: Guides may make changes to routes and equipment based on conditions and safety.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR BOOKING TIME. The time on your booking is your launch time — when we push off from the beach. Check-in, gear fitting, and your safety briefing all happen before that. If you arrive at your booking time, the tour is already starting.
Bring water. We do not provide water or snacks. Florida heat is no joke — bring at least 16 oz per person, more in summer.
Wear clothes and shoes you are comfortable getting wet. Water shoes or flip flops work.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses with a strap.
We provide a small dry bag for your phone and keys. All other items (towels, change of clothes) should be left in your car.
Parking is available. However, give yourself extra time during weekends or holiday time periods (i.e. spring break).
What To Expect
Paddle through the unique mangrove tunnel network around Lido Key in Sarasota Bay — a natural maze of winding waterways shaded by mangrove forests and rich in wildlife. Our guides lead you on an engaging and safe 2-hour experience that’s perfect for families, beginners, and nature lovers alike. Along the way, you’ll see shorebirds, fish, crabs, and in many seasons you may spot manatees or dolphins in the bay. This is a great tour for kids. However, we do not offer a youth rate. Children under 5 can ride along with two adults in a tandem kayak. We do not charge for the ride-along child. Kids under 10 should be in a tandem kayak with an adult.
Options
Single Kayak
Single Kayak : Choose this option if you want a single kayak. Kayaks and paddleboards can be combined.
Stand Up Paddleboard
Stand Up Paddleboard: Choose this option if you want to use a stand up paddleboard. Kayaks and paddleboards can be combined on tours.
Tandem-Must Select Two People
Tandem Kayak: This option can only be selected if you have two or more people for the booking.
What‘s Included
Paddles
Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)
Government Fees
Single or tandem kayaks or stand up paddleboards (chosen at time of booking)
(optional, but appreciated--cash or Venmo accepted at the end of the tour.
Please bring your own water. We do not provide it.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,047 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Trip not what was expected
Aaronrendos,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We booked the Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayaking Experience knowing that seeing manatees is never guaranteed, and we completely understand that wildlife is unpredictable. Unfortunately, we didn't see any during our tour. What was more disappointing was how the tour ended. With about 30 minutes remaining, the group was asked whether they wanted to continue looking for manatees or head to the beach. We were outvoted, so the tour ended with everyone sitting on the beach instead of spending the remaining time kayaking and making one last effort to find manatees. We came for the kayaking and wildlife experience, not to relax on a beach, especially since we were already spending the rest of our vacation at the beach. It felt like the experience we paid for was cut short. The guides were friendly and the mangrove tunnels were beautiful, but I think a better approach would be to keep the focus on the advertised tour for the full duration rather than letting a group vote change the experience. Overall, it was a disappointing end to what could have been a much better excursion.
Great nature kayak tour.
36jeanettea,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great Kayaking experience. Our tour guide Cody was engaging and knowledgeable.
Fun experience
Roam18480953676,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was amazing and worth the money, Cody the tour guide was for informative and entertaining. Was able to see a lot of the nature. We will definitely be back again
Exploring!
Patricia T,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring water with you on the kayak and towel after your tour . Our tour guide made our tour fun and exciting! He’s knowledge about all the local wildlife was spot on. He was funny , and engaging with everyone on our tour!
Fantastic experience and...
Marc M,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience and great guide. Amazing to kayak around mangroves and had a manatee swim right under our kayak.
Great tour.
courtneyjN3141GL,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We thought it was a great tour, but had a few too many people in each group... we couldn't hear what the guide was saying. What we could hear was great information and he was very friendly.
Great tour of the mangrove ecosystem!
danielpU7271GO,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Our guide, “Sea Biscuit”, was engaging, funny and knowledgeable. We learned about the eco system, had a great time and will definitely be back!
Day tours are very hot!...
Jessica H,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Day tours are very hot! Bring plenty of water to drink! Wear swimsuits or lightweight clothing! There was a beach area to get out & swim around!
Mangroves
Ladybug3749,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Guides have great personalities and are friendly! We went through several mangrove tunnels, saw a lot of birds and crabs. Disappointed we didn't see manatees. Bring water, wear sunscreen and you can wear swim suits or comfortable clothing.
Great Family Adventure
Ron G,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guides are extremely knowledgeable and patient. It's fun for beginners and experienced kayakers. Highly recommend.
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