Siesta Key attractions

On this Gulf Coast cruise into the back bay, you'll glide across crystal-clear waters while taking in the coastal scenery. Along the way, you may spot manatees grazing (seasonal) and dolphins playing nearby. At low tide you can often see wading birds on the exposed grass flats, adding to the variety of wildlife and views as you move through the bay. The trip finishes with a calm waterfront moment as the sun's reflection shimmers on the water and slowly sinks below the horizon. There is a six-passenger minimum for public tours to leave the dock. If that minimum is not met, the operator will do their best to reschedule you or provide a full refund if the trip cannot go ahead.

This guided kayak tour on Lido Key takes you into the mangrove tunnels via calm, winding waterways. Mangrove branches arch overhead to form shaded “tunnels” that feel quiet and sheltered. As you move through, friendly local guides will share clear, easy-to-understand information about the mangrove ecosystem and point out the plants and animals that make this habitat special. Along the way you may spot coastal birds, fish and rays, and—when they’re around—manatees and dolphins. You can choose single kayaks, tandem kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to suit your group. The operators are Hawaii transplants who brought their love of the ocean to Sarasota and are the only local outfitter to offer kids’ programmes; they also maintain a 5‑star TripAdvisor rating. Guides may alter routes or equipment choices depending on conditions and safety, so experiences can vary slightly to ensure everyone stays comfortable and safe on the water.

In Sarasota, Florida, the most popular offering is the Clear Kayak LED Glass Bottom Night Tour. Each clear kayak has a glass bottom and a 10,000-lumen LED light that brightens the seafloor beneath you, giving a close view of what’s below as you glide across the water. You’ll take a slow, relaxed paddle and use nets provided to collect shells along the way. As you move through the shallows you may spot manatees, dolphins, conch and other local sea life; sightings are not guaranteed but the clear hull and powerful lighting give you a great window-seat view. The experience is gentle and suited to taking in the scenery and wildlife at a steady pace. Wear clothing you don’t mind getting wet.

Sea Rocket parasailing launches from Bradenton Beach Marina, where you will rise up to 400 feet — the maximum altitude allowed in the Greater Tampa Bay area. From that height you will enjoy extensive coastal views you may not get with other operators. As you float, you can control whether to stay dry or take optional water dips, from gentle toe-skims to full dunks. The activity is open to participants aged 5 and over and no prior experience is needed. Safety and equipment are central to the experience. USCG-licensed captains run brand-new CWS Ocean Pro boats and use hydraulic winch systems designed for smooth, controlled takeoffs and landings. Sea Rocket notes a long track record of safe operations, with more than 15 years of experience and over 6,000 five-star reviews across its locations. The marina has free parking and is within walking distance of Bridge Street’s restaurants, so you can easily combine your flight with nearby dining or sightseeing.

In Siesta Key, Florida, the most popular tour is the Clear Kayak LED Glass Bottom Night Tour. Each clear kayak is fitted with 10,000 lumens of LED light to brighten the seafloor beneath you, giving you a window-like view as you paddle at a relaxed pace. The tour includes nets for collecting shells and offers a slow, quiet paddle where you may spot wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, conch and other sea life. As you move through the water you'll be able to peer through the glass bottom and see the illuminated seafloor up close. Wear something you can get wet.

You will launch from Ted Sperling Nature Park (190 Taft Dr, Sarasota FL), where there are clean restrooms, a rinsing shower and shaded picnic tables. Local guides from Sea Life Kayak Adventures will lead the trip, keeping the experience relaxed and focused on the natural surroundings. Your route takes you across Little Sarasota Bay, where you may spot manatees, dolphins and a variety of birds and other sea life along the way. The tour finishes in the famous Mangrove Tunnels of Lido Key, a peaceful canopy that meanders through an island and offers a close-up look at this unique coastal habitat. The pace is unhurried, giving you time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife as you move through the tunnels and the bay.

You’ll explore the waters around Anna Maria Island and travel along its seven-mile strip of pristine white beaches. As you coast through the crystal-clear waters, you’ll take in views of both the Gulf and the calmer back bay. The setting is relaxed and scenic, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the island’s shoreline from the water. The experience centres on the resident bottlenose dolphins, and there’s a good possibility of encountering playful dolphins throughout the outing. Along the way you may also spot sea turtles, seasonal manatees, bald eagles, osprey and other coastal wildlife. Expert guides with an intimate knowledge of the island will be on hand to position the boat for the best possible views and to share insight about the animals and their natural habitats, helping you understand what you’re seeing without promising specific sightings.

On Florida's Gulf coast around Anna Maria Island (AMI), Bradenton and St. Pete, you'll paddle a kayak through clear blue waters as the sun moves toward the horizon. The setting will cast a golden glow over the shoreline, and along the way you'll have the opportunity to encounter pods of dolphins up close. As you move through the calm coastal waters during the sunset hours, the combination of light, sea and wildlife will create a quietly memorable atmosphere. Knowledgeable guides will accompany you and will provide insights into dolphin behaviour and habitat, explaining what you see and why these animals gather in certain areas. Along with watching dolphins, you'll explore the coastal environment around AMI, Bradenton and St. Pete and learn about the marine life that makes this part of the Gulf Coast special. The tour is intended to be an intimate, informative experience that pairs a sunset paddle with wildlife viewing.

On this paddleboard adventure, you will explore the mangrove tunnels of Ted Sperling Nature Park with a local guide. To start the tour, you’ll get a chance to master the basics of paddleboarding in the calm waters of Sarasota Bay. Then, you’ll venture into the winding mangrove tunnels in search of local wildlife, including seabirds, manatees and dolphins. As you paddle through the park, your guide will share insights into this unique ecosystem and help you identify birds and sea creatures.

Sarasota's BEST City Sightseeing Tour offers an easy way to get to know Sarasota, whether you are a longtime resident, a newcomer or a visitor. The tour focuses on practical local knowledge and history, helping you learn where to eat, shop and visit while also sharing points about Sarasota’s interesting past. You will travel in an air‑conditioned trolley as the guide points out neighbourhoods, dining spots and shopping areas. Along the way, you will hear about the city’s background and the places locals recommend for food, retail and sightseeing. The trolley provides a comfortable way to move around while you take in the sights and pick up useful tips for exploring Sarasota on your own.

At Shell Key Preserve in Tierra Verde, Florida, near St. Pete Beach in the Tampa Bay area, you will paddle a 100% clear kayak across crystal-clear water. As you move through the preserve you will glide past mangroves, white sand beaches and sandbars, and explore a secluded beach. If the tide is high, your guide will lead the way through a hidden mangrove tunnel, giving you a different view of the shoreline and sheltered channels. The clear hull lets you observe the underwater world beneath your kayak as you travel. Along the way you may see a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, pelicans and crabs. In summer be on the lookout for the pink Roseate Spoonbills, while White Pelicans often use the sandbars during winter. Dolphins commonly frolic in the waters year-round and cormorants may swim alongside your kayak. Sightings are random and not guaranteed, but the rich marine habitat and scenic mangroves offer plenty to watch and enjoy as you paddle.

In Venice, FL — known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World — you will explore calm coastal waters and pristine beaches while snorkelling, paddle boarding and joining a hunt for prehistoric shark teeth. As you move through shallow reefs and along the shore, you may spot a variety of marine life and will learn about the local underwater ecosystems from the crew. Personal guidance comes from PADI Instructors and Divemasters who will prioritise safety and enjoyment. An optional upgrade may include Huka diving, which is a 40‑minute dive, or scuba diving with up to 2 hours of dive time. Along the way you will have chances to practise skills, ask questions, and enjoy a family‑friendly mix of fun and educational experiences suitable for families and adventure seekers alike.

You’ll travel by ferry from Fort De Soto to Egmont Key State Park aboard the Hubbard’s Ferry, a large blue boat. Along the way you may see dolphins, sea turtles and sometimes even manatees, and sea birds are often spotted during the crossing. On Egmont Key you can enjoy shelling and swimming and find plenty of space for relaxed exploration. The island also features Fort Dade, a fort dating back to the Spanish–American War, which you can explore as you move around the park. Egmont Key is home to a large population of endangered native gopher tortoises, so you may see these animals while you’re on the island. Snorkelling is sold separately on the day and is not always guaranteed; availability depends on water quality, weather and the presence of predator fish.

The kayak adventure takes you to an island oasis where you'll paddle through clear, wildlife-rich waters. Along the way you may spot playful dolphins and gentle manatees. Birds and fish are common sights, and you’ll see plenty of shells along the shore. The journey focuses on experiencing marine life from the water, so keep your eyes on the surface as you move through. Once you arrive at the island oasis, you’ll explore the shallow, clear water and have the chance to snorkel and observe the colourful life beneath the surface. You’ll also have opportunities to search for beautiful shells on the beach. The trip suits adventurous paddlers and combines paddling, wildlife watching and snorkelling opportunities in a single outing.

At Myakka River State Park you will join guides who have spent almost two decades exploring the area and who have been running tours for nearly five years. Their long experience means they bring deep knowledge of the park and its wildlife, and they are also highly proficient in photography. Along the way, your guide will take photos so you’ll leave with plenty of great photo mementos at no additional cost. You will travel on top-of-the-range e-bikes that let you choose how much effort you put in. Set the pedal assist low for a bit of exercise, or let the bike do most of the work and see more of the park sweat-free. As you move through Myakka River State Park, you will explore its landscapes and observe the wildlife inhabitants with the benefit of experienced commentary and practical photography help.