Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
There is a reason that the Mangrove Tunnels of Lido Key are a must-do experience when visiting the Gulf Coast. We launch from Ted Sperling Nature Park (190 Taft Dr Sarasota FL) which has clean restrooms, a rinsing shower, and shaded picnic tables. Our amazing local guides from Sea Life Kayak Adventures take you on a tour of Little Sarasota Bay, where you may see manatees, dolphins, a variety of birds and sea life...then finish up in the famous mangrove tunnels, a beautiful canopy that meanders thru an island. The tour usually goes around 2 hours, but we aren't on a strict schedule, so please allow for an extra half hour. We are located just minutes from downtown Sarasota, 20 minutes from Siesta Key, and a half hour from Anna Maria Island and Bradenton (add time for traffic during high season. We meet a HALF HOUR before our tours)
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Come enjoy a wildlife tour through the open waters of Little Sarasota Bay for approximately 2 hours, ending in the beautiful shaded mangrove tunnels of South Lido Bring your camera to photograph manatees, dolphins, rays, birds, and so much other wildlife.
What‘s Included
USCG Life Jacket
Local guide
Professional guide
Lightweight carbon fiber paddle
Gratuities
Options
PM Tour: Tandem Kayak-2 people
2 Adults = 1 Tandem Kayak : Please reserve 2 Adult to reserve 1 Tandem Kayak (which can fit two people). The maximum occupancy for a Tandem Kayak is 2.
Afternoon Tour: Single Kayak
1 Adult = 1 Kayak: Please reserve 1 adult to receive 1 Single Kayak
Morning Tour: Single Kayak
1 Adult = 1 Kayak: Please reserve 1 adult to receive 1 Single Kayak
AM Tour: Tandem Kayak-2 people
2 Adults = 1 Tandem Kayak: Please reserve 2 Adults to reserve 1 Tandem Kayak (which can fit two people). The maximum occupancy for a Tandem Kayak is 2.
Reviews
2,392 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kayaking, mangrove and ... manatees
alexandravO1332YK,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful kayak trip with good advice and detailed explanations from Ian. The manatees were present and we were able to observe them in complete discretion. Two dolphins also crossed the bay. The mangrove is healthy but Ian reminded us how fragile this biotope is. 2 hours very pleasant to recommend!
Fantastic mangrove and manatee kayak trip
S3691XFconnieg,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ian did a fantastic job guiding us through our tour. He was so informative and great sense of humor. We even saw manatees, dolphins and so many birds . Mangrove forest really fascinating. 100% recommend this company and isn’t as a guide.
Fantastic mangrove tour from guide Ian
502abramz,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Ian was great, he was able to notice the signs there were manatees nearby. When we got out to the bay we were able to see a group of the manatees, including a mother and her calf. We then took the remainder of the tour through the shallow waters and mangroves. Ian pointed out all of the species of birds and water dwellers we saw. He also gave us some great facts about the mangroves and how they were affected by the recent hurricanes. Overall was one of the best mangrove tours I’ve taken.
Sea Life - Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
F828PHchristines,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ian did a great job with our family trip out into the mangroves! We were able to see 3 manatees including a mother and calf. He gave us so many cool things to look at and great facts about the area! Thank you Ian! @IanSeaLife
Sea life tour with Ian
T5117UTaaronk,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with Ian! Had fun and even saw multiple manatee! Great wildlife and he was very friendly and informative! Fun time!
Sea life Kayak Tour with Ian
A7017GEkatiek,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00@Iansealife was an awesome guide! We saw multiple manatee and wildlife and he was very informative! Great tour for family and kids.
Awesome trip
mariellep410,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Ian was so funny and knowledgeable. Saw manatees, many birds, and went through multiple mangroves.
A must do
Jayanthi K,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was simply great. Our guides Kenny & Ian were knowledgeable and funny. We has some first time kayakers and they would do it again after this experience. We also saw a manatee
5 star tour with Ian and Kenny
Inspire10257478530,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ian and Kenny were great and we are planning our next tour already. We did the Siesta Key tour a few months ago and I’d recommend this one over that one. Mangroves were better and the company was great
Kenny and Ian were great!
John H,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kenny and Ian were great guides and showed us beautiful nature sights. They even managed to find manatees in December. Great experience!
From US$59.00
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Operated by Sea Life Kayak Adventures