Mangroves, Manatees & a Hidden Beach Kayak Tour (Siesta Key)
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 around mangrove islands and thru mangrove tunnels, spot dolphins and manatees, and experience the crystal-clear waters of the newly reopened Midnight Pass on this guided kayak or paddleboard 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. There is 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
930 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Most of time was spent...
Robert Y,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Most of time was spent getting too and from the "hidden beach", which we never got on because of boat parking. Looked for shark teeth on a small sand bar, but found none. All that said our guide, Michael, was excellent.
Do it!
denisemT7768II,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Michael was great! The disappointment was there were no manatees due to cold water.
Michael was an excellent...
Stacy A,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Michael was an excellent guide, personable, knowledgeable of the area and fun! Our group had a great time and would book here again!
Nice Paddle!
Marie N,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful, easy paddle on the canal and IC waterway- saw a nice secluded beach and some sea loving birds - egrets and a heron. Michael, our guide was knowledgeable, relaxed, helpful and personable. It was a gorgeous day weather wise. The place was easy to find with close parking.
Good time
L8089BGkimm,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Recommend bringing a water and a waterproof pouch to keep phone amd keys in
Can't recommend this tour highly enough!
danieljS2094SV,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Can't recommend this tour highly enough! Guide said since midnight pass opened back up it is thriving but no one's found out about it yet. A secret gem. I mean it was like a natural amusement park or something. We stayed with www.gertruderentals.com on the beach only 2 miles away, so easy to get to!
Kayak with SURFit
Geody V,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful mangrove tunnels, wildlife all around. Terrific guide. We highly recommend taking a kayak tour with SURFit
Very Enjoyable
rachaeld538,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Aaron was very knowledgeable, helpful, and entertaining. Cool mangrove "tunnel", lots of Florida birds, fun shelling on the sand bar beach.
If the group is to large...
Sharon A,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If the group is to large You won't be able to hear the tour guide. They will repeat the information. We saw Osprey collect material and add it to a nest. Also, catch a fish
Scenic and fun!
Curious370809,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was knowledgeable and fun. A great day on the water! We enjoyed the break on the beach looking for shells and shark teeth.
From US$59.00
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