Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
We've been guiding tours from Turtle Beach for 13 years—longer than anyone else in the area.
While most tourists crowd the main Siesta Key beach, we launch from quiet Turtle Beach, just a short trolley ride from downtown Sarasota.
Our route takes you through protected mangrove tunnels, past bird rookeries, and around mangrove islands where dolphins and manatees feed daily. We know exactly where to find wildlife and which routes are safest.
The highlight? Last year's hurricanes naturally reopened Midnight Pass, creating some of the clearest water on Florida's Gulf Coast. We stop at either a boat-access-only beach or a stunning sandbar—both with water so clear you'll think you're in the Bahamas.
What sets us apart: We're Hawaii watermen who brought deep safety expertise to Florida. We're the only outfitter offering kids' programs and maintain a 5-star TripAdvisor rating. Our guides know these waters and create experiences you'll remember.
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‘s Included
Paddles
Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)
Government Fees
Single kayaks, tandem kayaks
Gratuities
What To Expect
Paddle through mangrove tunnels, spot dolphins and manatees, and experience the crystal-clear waters of the newly reopened Midnight Pass on this guided Sarasota Bay kayaking tour. We start in the calm intercoastal waters of near Turtle Beach on Siesta Key. Our eco tour takes us through scenic canals and into the mangrove islands of the Jim Neville Preserve. Keep your eyes open for dolphins and manatees feeding in the area, and watch for ospreys, bald eagles, and cormorants hunting overhead. With fish jumping all around you, there's always something to see as we wind through the mangrove islands. Midnight Pass reopened naturally during back-to-back hurricanes last year, transforming the area with incredible water clarity—you'll feel like you're in the Bahamas. Your experienced guide will choose the best stop based on current conditions that day: either a beautiful beach or a stunning new sandbar with crystal-clear Gulf of Mexico waters. Both spots are ideal for stretching your legs and soaking in the scenery. Family-friendly and safe: Kids 10 and under paddle in tandem kayaks with an adult. Our trained guides monitor conditions and choose the safest route. All skill levels welcome.
Options
Tandem Kayak
Tandem (Double Kayak): Chose this option if you want to paddle in a double kayak. Kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards can be combined in a tour.
Stand Up Paddleboard
Chose this option if you want to use a Stand Up Paddleboard on the tour. Kayaks and Paddleboards can be combined in a tour.
Kayak
Kayak : Select this option if you want to use a single kayak on the tour. Kayaks can be combined with paddleboards on a tour.
Reviews
895 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Kayak Tour
daveW6356XO,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Orion was a great guide. It was a good kayak trip to Midnight Pass. Unfortunately, the water levels were to low for us to go through the mangrove tunnels, but Orion was very knowledgeable about everything on the trip. I would definitely go again.
Great two hours!
Q1861YRpeggyh,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time. Got to explore the area and stopped at a beach. The guide was great and I enjoyed the experience. A nice time.
Beautiful day for a kayak and an ecology lesson!
SLPbirder,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time kayaking with Orion. He was very knowledgable and personable. No manatees for us, but lots of great birds and a beautiful day on the water!
Ended up as a Private Tour!
Emily Z,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had a great time! It was supposed to be us and another couple, but the other couple turned back early on, so it was just my husband and I for the tour. Aaron was wonderful in helping us with kayak tips, pointing out scenery, and the hidden beach was wonderful. We definitely would do this again!
Tandem sisters!
Eileen A,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.001st timers! 1st time kayaking in the ocean. Lucky we had low current. Saw the bubbles of the manatees but water to dark to see. Ocean beautiful on other side of beach we stopped at. Enjoyed thoroughly. Would do again!
Perfect tour, exactly as described and better!
clairebH3841LG,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was exactly what it says it's going to be! We saw all of the 3 items listed in the title and could not be happier with our experience. Our tour guide, Billy, was great about sharing history of the area at different points of the tour and was very knowledgeable and helpful for the entire experience, especially talking the group through navigating the mangroves! Would recommend this to anyone considering!
Great Kayak Trip
Barbara R,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great kayak tour with a great tour guide. This was our third time taking this tour and it’s always a wonderful experience.
Florida canals are incredible from a kayak POV
melissaaX4019FY,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible way to learn about the Florida landscape from a knowledgeable guide, Billy. He absolutely made our experience!!
Mangroves Kayak Tour
71kristenk,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was a fun 2 hour kayak around the waterways and canals looking for some manatees. Unfortunately, we didn't see any on our day, but that's wildlife! The reason I didn't give this tour 5 stars is that our guide didn't give us a lot of information about the local area. He pointed out a couple birds and gave us a fact about the mangroves but other than that, we either couldn't hear him or he didn't say much. For a 2 hour tour, I would have like to have learned a little more about the wildlife in the area. Even though we didn't see manatee, I would have like to learn about them.
Kayaking together
monsy61,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Orion was our guide and since the moment we arrived he was friendly, courteous and very professional. He explained rules well and provided some amazing information along the tour. He ensure the group was engaged and did t leave anyone behind! Looking forward to the next one
From $59.00
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