Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour
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).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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.
Options
Tandem-Must Select Two People
Tandem Kayak: This option can only be selected if you have two or more people for the booking.
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.
Reviews
1,006 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kayaking Fun
Amanda B,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome kayaking lots of fun with a very knowledgeable guide. We learnt about the local wildlife then were taken to a secluded beach paradise with lots of shells.
Sarasota fun
Geroca,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great trip, not hurried and very relaxing. Our tour guide JJ was great in explaining the wildlife of what is both in and above the water.
Super fun! Great relaxing...
Amy G,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Super fun! Great relaxing paddle, our 4 year old LOVED it! JJ was an awesome tour guide and taught us all about the creatures and plants in the mangroves! We even spotted an otter!!
Best Part of Our Trip!
Q1602MHlaurab,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00100% recommended! We had Aaron as our guide. While we didn't see any manatees, it was the best part of our trip. Aaron was so knowledgeable about the wildlife and surrounding area. We saw some beautiful birds and beautiful scenery. The mangroves was probably my favorite part. I wish we spend more time in there buy we would definitely paddle again when we return. Note, since we booked thru TripAdvisor and they get a cut, I made sure to tip Aaron separately.
It was quiet and so peaceful. Matt did a great job telling us about the ecosystem and wildlife.
Expedition526518,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience! Our guide, Matt, was awesome!
Kayaking the mangroves!
Ann-Marie B,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mangrove kayaking trip - Surfit made it so much fun. Matt, our guide was awesome. Knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommend!!
Fun Morning PAddle
RobTR11,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00HAd a great time. Rob was our guide. Very informative, knowledgeable and fun! Enjoyed our morning very much.
Mangrove Kayaking with family!
Janice B,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a fantastic experience. We didn’t get to see any Manatees because they hadn’t arrived this time of year, but the kayaking through the mangroves was cool! Our guide was knowledgeable and showed us different critters in the area.
Great tour for parents & 2 teens!
Coastal58934574330,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Even though it was windy, so we didn’t get to see manatees or dolphins, we had a great time in 2 tandem kayaks weaving through the mangrove tunnels. Our guide- Rob - was great; knowledgeable & entertaining!
Great tour and guide-...
Elizabeth Y,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour and guide- even though it was windy and a bit rough in places he knew how to make it enjoyable.
From US$59.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by SURFit USA