Private Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Tour — Lido Key

4.9 (85 reviews) Sarasota, USA
Duration2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

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).

Options

Tandem Kayak

Tandem Kayak (Two Person)

Single Kayak

Single Kayak

Stand Up Paddleboard

Chose this option if you want to use a Stand Up Paddleboard on the tour. Kayaks and Paddleboards can be combined in a tour.

What's included

  • Paddles
  • Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)
  • Kayak (Single or Tandem) or Stand Up Paddleboard
  • Dry Bag (for phone and keys)
  • Our guides appreciate gratuity if you enjoy the tour.
  • Please bring your own water.

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.

  1. Lido Key

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Once you enter the park, you will see kayak companies on the left hand side. We will be the last two trailers, directly across from the restroom building. You will be looking for SURFIT USA.

End point

Once you enter the park, you will see kayak companies on the left hand side. We will be the last two trailers, directly across from the restroom building. You will be looking for SURFIT USA.

Additional information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (85)
From
$85.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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