Private Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Tour — Lido Key
Overview
This is a fully private tour — no other guests join your group. That means your guide's attention, the pace, and the route are tailored entirely to you.
Families get hands-on support for kids without holding up a larger group;
Nervous or first-time paddlers can take their time without pressure;
Experienced paddlers can go further and explore deeper into the area;
You choose the craft — kayak, paddleboard, or both within your group
Owned and operated by SURFIT USA, a local company rooted in marine conservation.
The launch location is hard to beat: We meet at Ted Sperling Park on Lido Key, close to Lido Beach, St. Armands Circle, and Downtown Sarasota
This tour is filled with wildlife: birds, fish, invertebrates, and the chance to spot dolphins/manatees (seasonal and conditions permitting).
What's Included
- Paddles
- Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)
- Kayak (Single or Tandem) or Stand Up Paddleboard
- Dry Bag (for phone and keys)
- Bottled water Please bring your own water.
- Our guides appreciate gratuity if you enjoy the tour.
Meeting Location
190 Taft Drive
Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Explore Lido Key's mangrove tunnels at your own pace on a fully private eco tour, with a guide focused entirely on you and your party.
Launching from Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Key, you'll wind through shaded mangrove tunnels and open bay waters, watching for manatees, dolphins, wading birds, sea turtles, and rays along the way. Your guide is a trained naturalist who'll share the ecology of the estuary, point out wildlife you'd otherwise paddle past, and adjust the route and pace to what your group wants most — more learning, more wildlife spotting, more swimming, or more distance.
Choose kayaks, paddleboards, or a mix of both. Whether you're a family with kids who need extra guidance, a first-time paddler easing in, or an experienced paddler ready to go further, this tour is built around your group — not a fixed itinerary.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Operated by a business
Frequently Asked Questions
(11)Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-87414P5
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 82 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Looking for an adventure that really showcases what the waters of Sarasota have to offer? Captain James Gibson is an inshore fishing fanatic, and he...
$660
Experience the magic of a Gulf Coast sunset aboard your exclusive private two story charter. Bring your own drinks, connect your playlist, and explore the...
$409.99
Our most popular Tour is the Clear Kayak LED Glass Bottom Night Tour in Sarasota Florida. We use 10,000 Lumens of LED Light to brighten...
$70
Explore Sarasota’s Gulf Coast on a guided Clear Kayak Beach Hopping Adventure. Paddle crystal-clear waters in a transparent kayak with views of marine life below....
$80
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
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...
$63
Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour
Experience America's number 1 beach in an incredibly unique manner! Our electric bikes are top of the line and feature both a 5 level pedal...
$75.43
City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota
Sarasota's BEST City Sightseeing Tour, a wonderful way to learn where to eat, shop and visit, and about Sarasota's interesting past, whether you are a...
$89.61
Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour
Paddle into one of Lido Key’s most unique eco-adventures: the mangrove tunnels. This guided kayak tour takes you through calm, winding waterways where mangrove branches...
$63
Frequently Asked Questions (11)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
Filter by:
The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is Cool Destinations’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
- Paddles.
- Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes).
- Kayak (Single or Tandem) or Stand Up Paddleboard.
- Dry Bag (for phone and keys).
- Bottled water. Please bring your own water.
- Our guides appreciate gratuity if you enjoy the tour.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Private Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Tour — Lido Key is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Tour — Lido Key will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Paddles
- Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)
- Kayak (Single or Tandem) or Stand Up Paddleboard
- Dry Bag (for phone and keys)
- Bottled waterPlease bring your own water.
- Our guides appreciate gratuity if you enjoy the tour.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Operated by a business
