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.
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.
Single Kayak
Single Kayak : Choose this option if you want a single kayak. Kayaks and paddleboards can be combined.
Reviews
1,022 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Relaxing and beautiful
NorthStar746550,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was so fun and personable. The tour was interesting and slow paced. The mangroves were beautiful and seeing some wildlife was the cherry on top. It was only our guide and the party of three I booked.
Beautiful day Kayaking
lizdanos90,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on this tour. It was fun as well as informative. We unfortunately did not see any manatees but still had a great time seeing other wildlife that lives within the mangroves. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and helpful. We will definitely be going again on our next visit.
Fun day at the mangrove!
Dennis B,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fun time our guide tried to show us all this tour had to offer!
Relaxing day on the Water
cherylsG315TT,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day was beautiful, the guide was personable and informative and we had a great time.
Wonderful water experience
Holly E,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Beautiful, peaceful experience with a knowledgeable friendly guide, Seabiscuit. We enjoyed all the critters and history of the mangrove tunnels. Missed seeing the elusive manatee.
A must do
Amy W,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We seen a manatee as soon as we left. It was an amazing experience. The tunnels were cool to go through
Seabiscuit is the best!!
nicoleeE1841TP,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Today, our family stepped out of our comfort zone and jumped into kayaks! We had a blast with our very special guide, Seabiscuit! He gave us a lesson in history lined with humor! What a great time. I’ve learned that I am a terrible kayak driver but Seabiscuit made me feel like I could do anything! Thanks for that.
Great fun kayaking
588anahitt,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great kayaking experience ever, so easy to follow and such a beautiful scene in the tunnels, and our guide JJ was awesome! Taught us a lot about the wildlife in the area and the waters were so calm and chill to kayak in. highly recommend.
Highly recommend!
connietK3739HV,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sea Biscuit was our guide and he made it so much fun! Knew all of our group's names before we even started and always called us by our names. He shared lots of knowledge with us, made sure we were all safe, always there to give a hand to get each one in and out of their kayaks, and gave us recommendations of places to go. Great to talk with and a funny guy. Made everyone feel they were special. After the tour, we were talking about doing a sunset cruise so he started making some calls to get info for us. The tour was one of our highlights of our trip. Highly recommend!
tour guide was vet infornitive
Q1987LJjohnc,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00great time loved the ride . guide was very good.
From US$59.00
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