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
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 kayaks, tandem kayaks
Gratuities
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
978 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience!
Brenda B,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was great experience exploring the mangrove tunnels via kayaks. In addition, the tour guide gave us additional tidbits to make it even more interesting.
Wonderful tour!
shannonr232,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour! Rob was very knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and would point out different birds and sea life. Highly recommend!
Great family trip
KATHLEEN T,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Leader was extremely knowledgeable about nature and the mangrove environment. Kayaks were stable and easy to maneuver although the tandem kayakers seemed to have a more difficult time maneuvering through the narrow mangroves. Wonderful to see the mangroves in this way. Great family trip.
Great time, with an amazing guide
557jeaninew,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience kayaking the mangroves, with an amazing guide J.J. He was a wealth of information and had some very interesting stories too.
Great value and fun adventure.
Cheryl O,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We Kayaked most of the time in open water and in a few areas inlets behind nice homes looking for marine life to no avail. Guide was cheerful, knowledgeable and had insights into the ecosystem. At the very end we went through the mango tunnel which was awesome. Wish we had seen and experienced more of the mangrove areas. Overall a wonderful outing on the water for a very fair price. Well run and organized.
Bring sunscreen and a...
John K,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring sunscreen and a towel for the end of the tour. Also solos seem to do better than tandems. But still lots of fun
Perfect Padding
417coreyj,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a beautiful day on the bay and the mangrove tunnels were fun to explore. Our guide Rob was fun and very knowledgeable of the area and the wildlife. It was an easy two hour ride.
Fun time on the water
pammom5,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kimbro was an excellent tour guide. We had perfect weather and it was very enjoyable. Highly recommend
Great way to get outdoors in Sarasota
Tiger-traveller-90,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Took my adult kids ages 23-27 and had a great time on this relaxing paddle. Our guide was funny and informative, a must do if you are looking for things to do in Sarasota.
Fun and adventurous
Arularasu S,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s was excellent and fun. JJ did a great tour. Wort to spend $$$ for 2 hours with family and friends.
From US$59.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by SURFit USA