Viator Rating : 5 (1207 reviews)
Sarasota
Sarasota Kayak Tour: Mangrove Tunnel Adventure!
120
Overview
Sarasota Mangrove Tunnel Guided Kayak Adventure is a fun way to see Florida's nature up close! This isn't just any kayak trip; it's a journey through winding mangrove tunnels and open Sarasota Bay, where you might spot manatees, dolphins, and lots of cool birds.
The adventure starts with a quick lesson on how to kayak, so everyone feels safe and ready. Then, the group paddles into the open bay, looking for wildlife. The best part is going into the mangrove tunnels, where the water is clear, and the trees make a shady roof. The tour guides know a lot about the plants, animals, and history of the area, and they love to share what they know.
The tour begins and concludes at Ted Sperling Nature Park. This kayak adventure is a unique way to explore Sarasota's natural beauty with expert guides, high-quality equipment, and small groups. 
Highlights
See Cool Wildlife: Keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins, and lots of birds in Sarasota Bay!
Paddle Through Mangrove Tunnels: Explore clear water under a roof of mangrove trees.
Learn from Expert Guides: Friendly guides teach about the plants, animals, and history of the area.
Small Groups for More Fun: Enjoy a personal experience with a small group of kayakers.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers really enjoyed seeing lots of wildlife, like dolphins and manatees.
-
The tour guides are super knowledgeable and fun, making the trip interesting.
-
Many people thought the mangrove tunnels were beautiful and a highlight.
-
The small group size made the experience feel personal.
Some found it difficult to keep up if they weren't experienced kayakers.
-
A few people wished the tour was longer.
The Journey
Ted Sperling Nature Park
The starting and ending point of the kayak tour, where participants receive a detailed paddle lesson on kayak operation and safety.
Sarasota Bay
An open bay area where you'll search for wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, stingrays, bald eagles, osprey, and various bird and fish species.
Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels
Majestic mangrove forests with lazy streams of crystal-clear water, offering a unique kayaking experience under a protective canopy of mangrove trees. Here, guides share insights into the local flora, fauna, and history.
Know Before You Go
This guided kayak adventure includes a coast guard approved life jacket, a high-quality kayak, and a lightweight paddle. A professional guide with knowledge of the area will be with the group. Gratuities are not included in the price of the ticket, and while they are not expected, they are greatly appreciated. The tour starts and ends at Ted Sperling Nature Park.
Hot Tip
Wear clothes that can get wet and bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Also, bring a waterproof bag for your phone and camera to keep them safe!
Review Summary
People find this kayak adventure highly enjoyable due to the knowledgeable and friendly guides who are Florida Master Naturalists, the beautiful and serene mangrove tunnel scenery, and frequent wildlife sightings including dolphins and manatees. The small group size enhances the personalized experience and safety. Occasionally, some travelers mention difficulty locating the exact meeting point and occasional weather-related cancellations, but overall, the experience is praised for excellent equipment, thorough safety briefings, and a peaceful, nature-immersive paddle.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Clearwater
$37
Clearwater Beach: Little Toot Dolphin Adventure!
4.9
(5577 reviews)
Duration: 75
minutes
The Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach offers an exciting way to see dolphins in their natural habitat. This tour takes place aboard the Little Toot, a tug boat known for creating a wake that dolphins love to play in.
The tour provides a narrated sightseeing experience of Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Because the boat sits lower to the water, guests can enjoy closer dolphin sightings. Passengers are welcome to move around the boat freely, with options for seating in the sun or shade.
This experience offers a unique opportunity to witness dolphins playing in the wake of the Little Toot. It includes a guided tour of the harbor and gulf, making it a memorable adventure for all ages.
Naples
$95
Everglades Kayak Adventure: Manatees, Mangroves & Wildlife Encounters!
5.0
(941 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour offers a unique Everglades adventure. Explore salt marshes and mangrove tunnels, spotting diverse wildlife like manatees, birds, and otters. Expert guides navigate the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge, ensuring an unforgettable experience with fluctuating tides and amazing views.
Naples
$70
Bonita Springs Kayak Eco-Tour: Pedal to Paradise!
5.0
(356 reviews)
Duration: 150
minutes
Guided Hobie Kayak EcoTour: Premium Eco Experience Bonita Springs lets everyone explore the beautiful waters of Southwest Florida. Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor for outdoor fun, this tour uses the best Hobie kayaks. Enjoy comfortable seats and easy pedal drives as you glide through Estero Bay.
The adventure starts at Big Hickory Pass bridge. Mike, the guide, gives you dry bags and lifejackets. He teaches you how to use the Hobie kayaks, which have pedals and comfy seats. You'll then paddle to either the Gulf or Estero Bay, looking for dolphins, manatees, and birds. The tour includes a stop at a beach full of shells. Mike takes family photos for you.
This tour is great for anyone, even if you've never kayaked before. You'll see amazing views and maybe even spot some dolphins or manatees! This experience provides high-quality equipment and a relaxing way to see nature.
Sarasota
$55
Anna Maria Island: Manatee Kayak Discovery Tour
5.0
(338 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Manatee Discovery Anna Maria Island offers an unforgettable kayaking adventure to see gentle manatees in their natural home. This isn't just any tour; it's a chance to paddle through calm waters with expert naturalists who know where these amazing creatures love to hang out. These small group tours are designed to respect the manatees' environment and offer a personal experience.
The 1.5-hour eco-tour explores the waters around Anna Maria Island and Bradenton, areas known for manatee sightings. While searching for manatees, keep an eye out for playful dolphins, soaring ospreys, and other local wildlife. The tour uses tandem kayaks to reduce environmental impact, with single kayaks available to accommodate solo travelers or odd-numbered groups. This thoughtful approach ensures minimal disturbance to the manatees and their habitat.
With a focus on education and conservation, the Manatee Discovery Tour is more than just a sightseeing trip. It's an opportunity to learn about these incredible animals and the importance of protecting their habitat. Whether a seasoned kayaker or a beginner, the tour provides all necessary equipment and guidance for a safe and enjoyable experience. It's a chance to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
Florida
$400
Everglades Airboat Adventure: Explore Florida's Wild Side!
5.0
(171 reviews)
Duration: 60
minutes
Private River Of Grass Everglades Airboat Adventure offers an intimate journey through America's largest wetlands. With experienced naturalist captains, comfortable airboats suitable for all ages, witness alligators, crocodiles, exotic birds, and more. Learn about the Everglades' complex ecosystem on a thrilling, relaxing ride, a unique and memorable adventure.
Naples
$50
Bonita Springs Eco-Tour: Clear Kayak & SUP Adventure
4.9
(762 reviews)
Duration: 150
minutes
Guided Island EcoTour: CLEAR/Standard Kayak, SUP - Bonita Springs offers an amazing up-close look at Southwest Florida's natural beauty. Experience a guided eco-tour in Bonita Springs, where participants can choose a standard kayak, a CLEAR kayak, or a paddleboard. This tour is perfect for nature lovers of all skill levels and has earned TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards for 2022, 2023, and 2024, placing Paddle Naples tours in the top 10% worldwide.
Paddle through Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, exploring mangrove tunnels, secluded beaches, and prime shelling areas. This is a great place to see dolphins all year and manatees when the water is warm. The tour provides top-quality standard kayaks and paddleboards that are comfortable and easy to use. CLEAR paddleboards and HOBIE pedal kayaks are also available. Complementary photos are included to remember the day!
Join the tour for a relaxed paddle, searching for dolphins, birds, and manatees while learning about the local ecosystem. Paddle Naples is open 7 days a week and promises exceptional service, making it easy to get out and have fun on the water. Their paddling routes are some of the best in Southwest Florida, allowing visitors to experience mangrove trails and tunnels, the Gulf of Mexico, and beautiful island beaches.
Nearby Events
Benchmark International Arena
Jan 31
8:00 PMKings of Leon Tickets: Tampa's Biggest Rock Event
Kings of Leon are set to ignite the stage at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. Fans can expect a high-energy performance featuring their iconic hits and possibly some new material, as the band continues to evolve their sound while staying true to their rock roots. Kings of Leon concerts are known for their raw energy and emotional connection with the audience.
Benchmark International Arena, a premier venue, is renowned for hosting world-class events and offers state-of-the-art facilities. The arena's impressive acoustics and spacious layout ensure an unforgettable concert experience for all attendees, making it the perfect place to witness Kings of Leon's powerful performance.
Addition Financial Arena
Feb 27
8:00 PMKatt Williams: The Golden Age Tour Orlando Tickets
Katt Williams brings his much-anticipated Golden Age Tour to Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, FL, delivering a night of sharp, high-energy comedy. Known for his fearless storytelling and rapid-fire punchlines, Williams’ 2026 tour features all-new material that reflects his signature blend of social commentary and incisive humor.
The Golden Age Tour marks another milestone in Katt Williams' two-decade career, showcasing why he remains a top figure in stand-up comedy. Addition Financial Arena, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and modern facilities, provides the perfect stage for this dynamic comedy event in Orlando.
Benchmark International Arena
Apr 03
8:00 PMSee We Them One's Comedy Tour at Benchmark Arena Tampa
We Them One's Comedy Tour brings a vibrant night of stand-up comedy to the prestigious Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. Recognized for hosting a broad range of major entertainment events, this tour features a diverse roster of comedians delivering sharp, engaging humor that resonates with contemporary audiences.
The tour's eclectic lineup showcases rising stars and seasoned comedians alike, offering a dynamic blend of wit and observational comedy. Benchmark International Arena, home to the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, stands out with its modern facilities and impressive capacity, making it an ideal venue to experience this unique comedic event in the heart of Tampa's lively entertainment district.
Camping World Stadium
May 08
3:00 PMRolling Loud Orlando 2026 Tickets & Festival
Rolling Loud 2026 brings the world's largest hip-hop festival to Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, marking a historic shift from its longtime Miami home. This three-day celebration of hip-hop culture promises explosive performances, jaw-dropping stage production, and an unmissable atmosphere that has defined the festival since its 2015 debut. The move to Orlando represents a fresh chapter for the brand, with organizers emphasizing the city's emergence as one of the country's strongest festival markets and its superior infrastructure to support tens of thousands of traveling fans.
Rolling Loud has established itself as a proving ground for hip-hop's biggest breakout stars over the past decade, hosting legendary performances and discovering emerging talent. Camping World Stadium, built for scale and accessibility, provides the perfect venue for this flagship U.S. experience. With organizers promising exclusive events and experiences throughout the festival weekend, attendees can expect the same high-energy production and cultural significance that has made Rolling Loud a cornerstone of the hip-hop community.
Kia Center
Jun 08
8:30 PMBuy ROSALÍA Tickets: LUX TOUR 2026 in Orlando
ROSALÍA brings her highly anticipated LUX TOUR 2026 to the Kia Center in Orlando, FL, delivering a vibrant live music experience that showcases her innovative blend of Latin pop, flamenco, and urban influences. As a global music sensation, ROSALÍA captivates audiences with her powerful voice and genre-defying style, making this concert a must-see for fans and newcomers alike.
Known as one of Orlando’s premier entertainment venues, the Kia Center offers cutting-edge technology and seating for up to 20,000 guests, hosting some of the biggest names in music and sport. The arena’s modern atmosphere complements ROSALÍA’s dynamic performance, ensuring an unforgettable night in the heart of downtown Orlando.
Benchmark International Arena
Jan 30
7:00 PMBert Kreischer Permission to Party Tampa 2026
Bert Kreischer brings his Permission to Party World Tour to Benchmark International Arena in Tampa on January 30, 2026, delivering an evening of high-energy comedy from one of the world's highest-grossing stand-up comedians. Known as Rolling Stone's "Number One Partier in the Nation," Kreischer has evolved into a powerhouse entertainer recognized by Forbes as "one of the best storytellers of his generation," commanding sold-out arenas globally with his signature storytelling and authenticity.
Kreischer's comedic empire extends far beyond stand-up, encompassing hit Netflix specials like "The Machine" and upcoming projects including the Netflix series "Free Bert." In 2024, his tour ranked as the sixth highest-grossing comedy tour worldwide despite performing for only half the year. Benchmark International Arena, Tampa's premier entertainment venue, provides an ideal setting for this anticipated performance.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Tampa
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Tampa From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Private Drivers & Sports in Tampa. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Tampa Activities