Private Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Tour — Lido Key

Sarasota, US
91% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (85 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

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    Other
    Paddles
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    Other
    Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)
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    Other
    Kayak (Single or Tandem) or Stand Up Paddleboard
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    Other
    Dry Bag (for phone and keys)

Excluded

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    Gratuities
    Our guides appreciate gratuity if you enjoy the tour.
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    Bottled water
    Please bring your own water.

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.

Meeting point

190 Taft Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236 , United States

End point

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.

Meeting point

190 Taft Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236 , United States

End 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.
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Kayaking SRQ

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Paddle into one of Sarasota’s most beautiful hidden ecosystems on a guided kayak or paddleboard tour through the Lido Key mangrove tunnels. Only about 1/2 mile from Lido Beach and minutes from St. Armands Circle and Downtown Sarasota—this experience is easy to get to, but feels a world away once you slip under the mangrove canopy. This tour is designed around the winding tunnels: shaded corridors, gentle turns, and lots of chances to spot the smaller details that make the mangroves so alive—mangrove crabs, fish, and shorebirds—plus the possibility of seeing dolphins or manatees during many months of the year. Depending on conditions, your guide may also paddle into more open water to look for wildlife. You’ll also stop briefly at a sandbar to stretch your legs, take photos, and soak in the scenery before continuing the paddle. The pace is relaxed and beginner-friendly, with patient instruction and a safety-first approach from start to finish. Choosing between our tours: This is our tunnel-focused tour. If your “must-do” is a longer beach stop with shelling at Midnight Pass Beach, that’s our Mangrove + Hidden Beach Tour, which launches from Turtle Beach on Siesta Key.

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Lido Key

Lido Key offers a picturesque beach getaway in Sarasota, Florida, boasting stunning white-sand beaches, vibrant shops, and a tranquil ambiance perfect for relaxation and exploration.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

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

What our experts say

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    Bring sunscreen, it can get sunny
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    Try to spot ospreys during the tour
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    Grab a snack at nearby Lido Beach
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    Visit Ted Sperling Park before the tour
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    Dress comfortably for paddling

More About this Experience

Introduction

Do you love adventure and exploring unique ecosystems? Look no further than the Paddleboard Tour Through Lido Mangrove Tunnels. This tour offers an unforgettable experience as you paddle through the winding tunnels of the Lido Mangroves, surrounded by beautiful wildlife and stunning scenery.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect to have an amazing time discovering the wonders of the Lido Mangrove tunnels. Our experienced guides will ensure that you feel confident on the water and provide tips to enhance your paddling skills. Throughout the tour, our guides will do their best to spot and point out the diverse wildlife that call this area home, including seabirds, fish, manatees, and dolphins. Immerse yourself in this unique ecosystem and prepare to be awed by its beauty.

Who is this for?

This paddleboard tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers of all ages. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, our expert guides will cater to your skill level and provide a safe and enjoyable experience. Families, friends, and solo travelers are all welcome to join this tour and witness the magic of the Lido Mangrove tunnels.

Why book this?

This tour stands out from the rest due to its unique selling points and advantages. Firstly, our guides are not only knowledgeable about the area and ecosystem, but they are also passionate about sharing their love for it. Their expertise and enthusiasm guarantee an engaging and informative experience. Additionally, we prioritize the comfort of our guests by ensuring small group sizes. With no more than ten vessels per guide, you can be assured of personal attention and a more intimate experience. Discover the hidden gem of the Lido Mangrove tunnels with us and create unforgettable memories.

Good to know

Before embarking on this paddleboard tour, it's important to note that the meeting point is at Ted Sperling Park on Lido Key. Here, you will find our SURFit van for check-in and preparations. If you've never been on a paddleboard before, worry not! This tour is suitable for beginners, and our guides are expert instructors who will teach you the basics. Keep in mind that the highlight of the tour is the paddle through the enchanting mangrove tunnels, where you'll encounter a variety of wildlife. At the end of the tour, your guide will lead you back to the starting point. If some members of your party are not comfortable with paddleboards, we can accommodate them with kayaks. Prepare to be amazed by the natural wonders you'll encounter on this tour.

Reviews

Customers have raved about their experiences on the Paddleboard Tour Through Lido Mangrove Tunnels. They have praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides who provided interesting insights into the ecosystem and made the tour engaging. The chance to paddle through the mangrove tunnels and spot wildlife such as dolphins and manatees has left a lasting impression on many reviewers. Guests also appreciated the small group sizes, which allowed for a more personalized experience. Overall, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with visitors describing this tour as a unique and unforgettable adventure.

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