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
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.
Options
Afternoon 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.
Morning Tour: Single Kayak
1 Adult = 1 Kayak: Please reserve 1 adult to receive 1 Single Kayak
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.
What‘s Included
USCG Life Jacket
Local guide
Professional guide
Lightweight carbon fiber paddle
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,673 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesomeness!!!
X702ZAtinag,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A nice kayak tour through the mangroves on the Sarasota Bay and Lido Key
Trip into the mangroves
phillipsP6229YJ,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joan was a great guide with so much knowledge to share. We had a great experience and highly recommend!
The best time saw dolphins, manatees, and a sea turtle
F6990JXericar,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best time saw dolphins, manatees, and a sea turtle
Manatees, Dolphins and beautiful mangrove tunnels
JBJ571,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ian was a wonderful guide - he had a deep knowledge of the local history and ecosystem. That made our trip much more interesting. I really appreciated how he engaged the group. The mangrove tunnels were terrific but the highlight were the manatees and dolphins. It was incredible to see them in the wild and learn about their patterns from Ian. I’d recommend Ian and the trip.
Don't pass on this experience!
lisanF879CZ,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a very nice tour. Was hoping for more upclose dolphins. Our Guide Ian knows the information as if he grew up on Sarasota bay. Extremely impressive knowledge.
Don’t miss experience.
FellowTraveler251451,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ian was a great guide!! Saw manatee, dolphin, fish and birds.
No Manatees Spotted
Catherine S,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We did not spot any manatees on our tour but it was still worth it. Seeing the mangrove and the other animals was an amazing experience. This was a little difficult with a 10 year old though, after about an hour they got very burnt out from kayaking. We got through it and we all still really enjoyed the experience.
Fun and relaxed mangrove paddle.
sethrV1105OF,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kenny was great. Informative and relaxed. Gave a nice review of the ecolology of the area. Highly recommend.
Great morning
208peterv,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour guide. Ian was entertaining and knowledgeable
Wonderful, unique experience
Q7041YKmatthewc,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ian was amazing. We got to see manatees and the mangroves were truly unique. Such fun!
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Operated by Sea Life Kayak Adventures