Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour

Name: Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour
Price: 59 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.89 (901 reviews)

Overview

Available languages

English

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 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.

What‘s Included

Paddles

Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)

Government Fees

Single kayaks, tandem kayaks

Gratuities

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.

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.

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.

Reviews

4.89

901 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

842

Great time!
Shannon M,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a wonderful experience. Our tour guide was phenomenal and very knowledgeable. We went through the beautiful mangroves, stopped at a beach. It was lovely!
Fantastic fun on the water
carolwW7581ZY,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Guide was brilliant The mangrove tour was lovely The beach stop was fun and good for shark tooth & seashell hunting Overall a lovely tour, well worth doing
Fun kayaking
Diane B,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very nice staff! Fun experience! We did this last year and had so much we invited family and we all had fun!
Had such a great time, first time kayakers!
courtneysN5180HC,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and helpful and gave us a great experience. Would 100% reccomend and do it again. It was the perfect amount of time and felt like a very personal experience.
A Great Way to End Our Vacation
FredfromNB,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a late flight out of Fort Myers and decided to spend the afternoon with Aaron of Surfit USA. Our guide Aaron was a great leader and very knowledgeable about the area. The trip started on time and was able to accommodate paddlers of every level of experience. Even though we didn't get to see a ton of wildlife, we enjoyed the trip immensely and would certainly do it again.
Scenic kayak ride and good guide.
dominicsT3125FX,,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience. It was nice to be out on the water in Blind Pass. Quiet and scenic. Went to the hidden beach which connected to a secluded part of Turtle Beach. Aaron was a great guide and pointed out various flora and fauna to see. We did see a dolphin and a manatee hung around our boats for a bit, too. Would definitely recommend!
Great Kayak Tour
daveW6356XO,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Orion 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
5.00
Had 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
5.00
We 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
5.00
My 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!