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
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.
Afternoon Tour: Single Kayak
1 Adult = 1 Kayak: Please reserve 1 adult to receive 1 Single Kayak
Reviews
2,543 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nervous Mom had a Blast!
D644NVkatiee,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was nervous doing this as I had never kayaked before, but my daughter really wanted to go. When we arrived, the guys who checked us in joked with us and made us feel at ease. They gave us dry bags to keep our valuables safe. They were very kind about helping us in and out of our kayaks and checking in on me, knowing I was nervous. Kenny was our guide and was fantastic. We went through 3-4 mangrove tunnels and then out into some open water. The open water made me nervous as it was a bit windy,but our guide kept checking on us and we were hoping to find some dolphins or manatees. Although we didn’t see any of that type of wildlife, it was still a great experience!
Great experience
katetH9950OD,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome time! Ian was a great guide. Will do this again!
Great time, highly recommend!
G8644COemilyt,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed the morning tour with my teen daughter. Fun to go through the mangroves, lightly challenging in a good way. The manatees were a treat to watch for and did not disappoint. Kenny was an awesome guide and took pictures for everyone in the group. Side note: im not physically fit and the pace was perfect
Girls Trip
F3083CKruthb,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour guide. Very informative & just a beautiful , peaceful time!! Thank you
Joan Slays Again
626dustint,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joan was an amazing guide. He was equal parts hilarious and informative. He is probably the best tour guide we’ve ever had.
Very enjoyable
leeannh141,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kenny was a very pleasant and knowledgeable tour guide. He was very professional. I would highly recommend Sea Life kayak tours
Kenny Rocked
honeymoonplanner87,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kenny rocked , calm water , plenty of parking
Mangrove kayak
Charlotte L,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Kenny, was great! Mangrove tunnels a one of a kind experience! So glad we did this! Definitely recommend.
Really Fun!
Z2766SMjoanned,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! The mangroves were beautiful and our guide Ian was very funny. We didn't see manatees, but that happens sometimes. We did have a great time watching all of the birds: ospreys and cormorants. The cormorants swam under the kayaks. It was interesting hearing about the local architectures and some famous residents nearby.
Everything we hoped for
tammydZ25OA,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kayak Kenny was patient, humorous, and knowledgeable about the wildlife. We were able to see manatees, dolphins , urchins and whelks. The mangrove tunnels were an amazing experience! Our group would highly recommend!
From US$59.00
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Operated by Sea Life Kayak Adventures