Kayaking with coastal wildlife in Sarasota Bay
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
We are the only paddling outfitter with kayak access to this spectacular area in the clear waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, which means no crowds and more exclusive wildlife viewing opportunities!
Wildlife-viewing here is outstanding! Our expert naturalist guides set the gold standard for hospitality in our beautiful corner of the world and are always very respectful of any wildlife encountered on the tour.
While larger groups can easily be accommodated upon request, we always limit our tours to small groups and we are rewarded with a very relaxed and happy group of paddlers. This excursion is perfect for families, couples, groups, and individuals with any level of paddling experience. First-time paddlers are always welcome.
If you are looking for an incredibly relaxed and memorable adventure during your visit to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, this is it!
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Manatees, dolphins, birds, and a huge variety of marine life are the highlights of the Coastal Island Kayak Tour! After making sure our group is very comfortable and ready for our relaxed adventure, we begin our tour in the very calm waters of Bishop's Bayou, directly behind our kayak shop at the meetup location. As we paddle through The Historic Longbeach Village, we will glide by beautiful homes and keep our eyes open for the birds and marine life. We'll make our way into Sarasota Bay and the spectacular, clear waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. This special area is a major wildlife gathering spot where manatees, dolphins, and other marine animals make regular movements between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. We often stop at one of several beautiful spots to get out and stretch our legs. After we soak up enough "life on the coast", we'll head back to our starting location, where you can rinse, refresh, and marvel at the awesome adventure you just had! Epic wildlife-viewing opportunities, pristine white-sand beaches, tranquil sandbars, and endless opportunities for lifelong memories await you on this award-winning tour. Come see for yourself :)
What‘s Included
Dry bag to store your phone and personal items
Coast Guard approved (and comfortable!) life vest
High-quality, comfortable kayak & paddle
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
please bring your reusable water bottle!
Options
Coastal Wildlife Tour
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kayaking
E4609CRsusanp,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jeff was a great guide through the mangroves. His knowledge and stories were very informative. We really enjoyed our time
Such a pleasant experience
pauljS1218SL,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Shawn was great. Super personable and knowledgeable.
We saw Manatees and Dolphins- 5 star tour.
44carriee,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alan was an amazing tour guide, he had fun facts about all of the flora and fauna. He spotted a manatee as we were leaving and we had a close encounter with a manatee scratching it's back on our kayaks on the way back! It hung out for 20 mins. We saw several dolphins, 3 that were jumping and flipping within 5 feet of our kayaks! Beer can Island was just gorgeous. This was a one of a kind, priceless experience. A Happy Paddler tour is a must do if you are visiting Longboat Key.
Fun tour full of wildlife and beautiful sights
Ray D,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on the coastal island kayak tour! Another pair joined, but that was no problem at all because our guide was so personable and made it fun for all of us, while sharing great info/ history along the way. We saw several birds, conchs, sea urchins, dolphins, and a manatee!
A tour thru the mangrove tunnels
NancyOD,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jeff was an excellent guide. He knew his birds, shells and fish. He explained the differences between the. 3 kinds of mangroves. He lives very environmentally.
Lots of fun!
N9658SOdianeh,Jul 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fun family activity we did with our two adult girls. We each had our own kayak on the open water. We had several chances to stop and our guide gave us good, informative information about the area. We also had time to relax and swim at the beach for a bit. It was a great morning workout without being too much. Perfect amount of time. We'd do it again!
Very enjoyable & interesting tour.
alanhJ8370QE,Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our 2nd time using Happy Paddler &, just like the 1st time, we really enjoyed ourselves. Our guide, Jeff, was friendly, ecologically aware, and a fountain of interesting knowledge about the Florida ecosystem. We had multiple Manatee sightings, which was a real bonus! Definitely use Happy Paddler again!
Do not pass up this opportunity!
OnAir00130469148,Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was awesome! To start out and see manatees (one with her calf) almost immediately was pretty spectacular. No dolphins, but that in no way diminished the experience. The cormorants were funny, especially since one popped up next to my kayak with its fresh caught lunch! Jeff, our guide, was knowledgeable, funny and extremely professional. The mangrove tunnels cannot be truly explained without experiencing them. Thank you for making our last day the most memorable of all!
The best tour in Sarasota Area
travel chicx,Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the BEST time with Nick as our tour guide! Loved the fun facts, beautiful tour, all the dad jokes and seeing the fun wild life. Highly recommend!
Family kayak experience
F3671SOjoshp,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The weather was beautiful, that water was perfect! The owner and staff were very nice and more than accommodating even with our daughter who has limited mobility! We saw dolphins within a few feet and manatees just as close! Core memories for our family!
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Operated by Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures