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 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
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.
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.
Reviews
919 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great experience
stephensT7721ZS,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience! Aaron and Matt were excellent guides - knowledgeable, personable and fun. Can’t recommend this tour highly enough.
Very fun. Wish we could have seen manatees but the water was to cold. Our guide was great!
Brad W,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our time was fun. Some of the currents are tough to paddle but other than that good. Beautiful area and little things you would never get to see or do with out a guide and the know.
Wonderful!
alexsG2785ZK,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was nice and relaxing and the tunnel was fun! We loved the break on the beach along with all the shells at the water’s edge.
Not worth the price or time
leahtJ4788BR,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00It was not worth $60 a person. We weren’t told until part way through the tour that there was no chance of seeing manatees given the time of year. The guide was not particularly knowledgeable about the area or any flora and fauna. We kayaked through a small mangrove patch and went to a beach that would be easily accessible from walking down the public beach access. We spent too long sitting at a beach and not kayaking, especially given there were no standout views. I would not pay the advertised rate.
Great experience!
Daphne L,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely fantastic experience! Mike was an incredible tour guide. We had the best time exploring and kayaking. Will definitely be back!
Fun experience
Safari43160344239,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mangrove Tour was great. The guide was very good. I would definitely do this again as the Mangroves were great to kayak through.
Beautiful beach and exercise!
Monica C,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were gladly surprised there is no charge for parking here—big plus in Florida! Our tour guy was on time and we went on a nice tour around huge mangroves to end at a beautiful beach with very few people around for like half hour. Strongly recommend if you’re looking for beach time and some exercise.
Perfect Day
lynnec521,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect kayak trip on a beautiful day. Aaron made sure we were all set with everything needed for our 2 hr trip. We stopped for a beach break in the middle. Aaron pointed out sites & in & around the water. The mullets were so fun jumping all around us. The kayak was very comfortable.
Orion was a great tour...
Remy F,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Orion was a great tour guide with an environmental college background, so he was very knowledgeable! We even saw a manatee and its baby in January.
Great guide but not as advertised
T782YUkevinh,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Aaron was great - very easy going and knowledgeable. The trip itself wasn’t quite as advertised? We didn’t go through any Mangrove paths? We went out the intercoastal into another canal and to a beach and back? There weren’t any manatees or much wildlife at all for that matter. It was a relaxing kayak but was oversold for sure.
From US$59.00
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