Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour
Overview
Just a few minutes away from all the hustle and bustle of Sarasota is our favorite local beach, Turtle Beach. It is only a few short miles from the main Siesta Key beach to Turtle Beach and the Sarasota County trolley will drop you right there. Not only is this area such a beautiful and quiet place, it is also a great place to paddle!
We start on the intercostal and paddle down a short canal to the Bay. We paddle around the mangrove islands through a mangrove tunnel or two and alongside a bird rookery.
We paddle around the mangrove islands of Jim Neville Marine Preserve and then to a "secret" beach. This beach is only accessible by boat so we may have it to ourselves. Such a beautiful place for a quick swim or just stopping for a few moments to relax. You may want to stay here all day.
This location is home to all kinds of wildlife including manatees (when water temps are warm enough), dolphins, beautiful sea and shorebirds and lots of fish.
What's Included
- Paddles
- Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)
- Single kayaks, tandem kayaks
- Gratuities
- Kayak Launch Fees, Sarasota
- Kayak Launch Fees, Sarasota Bay
Meeting Location
Blind Pass Road
Sarasota, FL 34242, 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
The tour starts at the Turtle Beach Boat Launch. We start by paddling in the intercoastal waters on Sarasota Bay. This is a great place to get used to the equipment and also a great place to see manatees (during spring and summer months, mostly). Our tour takes us through a canal and into the mangrove islands of the Jim Neville Preserve. Stay alert for beautiful shore and seabirds along the way. With fish jumping all around you, our goal is to spot dolphins and manatees that frequent the area to feed. Keep your eye open for ospreys, bald eagles and cormorants--all of which are often hunting for fish. As we wind our way around the mangrove islands and through mangrove tunnels we head toward the highlight of the tour. We pull our boats onshore and wander over the sand dunes to a quiet and isolated beach. This is a great place to stretch your legs, take a swim in the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico or look for shells.
Kids 10 years old and under will be in a tandem kayak with an adult.
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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(10)Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-87414P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 877 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
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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 City Boat Tours‘s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 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).
- Single kayaks, tandem kayaks.
- Gratuities.
- Kayak Launch Fees, Sarasota.
- Kayak Launch Fees, Sarasota Bay.
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 Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour 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 Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. 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)
- Single kayaks, tandem kayaks
- Gratuities
- Kayak Launch Fees, Sarasota
- Kayak Launch Fees, Sarasota Bay
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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
