Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

A tour for everyone.

This is THE best paddling eco-tour in Sarasota.  The highlight of the tour is paddling through the winding tunnels cut through the mangroves. The mangrove tunnels at Ted Sperling Park are a very special place.  Wildlife abounds on this paddle with interesting birds, fish, invertebrates, and even marine mammals. Many people say this tour was the best and most memorable part of their Sarasota vacation and for good reason!

This is our most popular tour and is perfect for all ages.  Our launch at Ted Sperling Park gives us immediate access to the Lido mangrove tunnels and the surrounding waterways.  This area provides calm water, protection from the wind, and amazing wildlife.

Our guides want to make sure that you are safe, comfortable and are having fun.  They are experts in planning the tour to make sure to take advantage of what nature has to offer that day.

Tours are offered three times per day (schedule may be modified due to weather and tides).  Each tour is approximately two hours.  Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour to check in.  (Please note that during peak vacation times it traffic and parking may be an issue.  Please give yourselves enough time to account for this.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included?

• Single or double kayaks or stand up paddleboards
• Paddles
• Leashes (for stand up paddleboards)
• Life Jackets
• Dry Bags

What do we need to bring/wear?

• Clothes you don’t mind getting wet (bathing suits, shorts and T-shirts are appropriate)
• Water
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Water Shoes (not needed but you may appreciate having them)
• Cash for gratuities (if you enjoy the tour, our guides appreciate the love)

 What are the tour guides like?

Our guides know these waters well and their only goal is that you have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable time on the water.  Most of our guides have been paddling the Florida waters for over ten years; some for their entire lives.  They have insider knowledge of the local area and wildlife and will offer a unique glimpse into the Florida lifestyle.

We limit our tours in size so that you have a small group to one guide.  We try to keep each tour to between 10-12 people.

Will we see any wildlife?

Ted Sperling Park and the associated mangrove tunnels are the perfect habitat for so much wildlife.  Beautiful shorebirds, invertebrates, and fish greet us on most every tour.  While going through the mangroves is the highlight of this adventure, during many months of the year, we get to see some larger marine mammals (manatees and dolphins).  Occasionally, curious manatees swim up to us and say hello.  This is usually a highlight of the tours.   The entire tour is in salt water, which is not a suitable habitat for alligators.   In the summer, we have seen sea turtles and sea turtle hatchlings–this is always very cool, but pretty rare.

We always practice safe marine mammal and sea turtle viewing.  We keep our distance and try not to disrupt their natural activities.  If they approach us, we stop paddling and just take in the experience.  It never gets old.

I have never paddled before.  Is this tour for me?

Many of our paddlers are first timers.  Our guides are experienced and patient and will teach you the ropes in no time.  They are also safety experts and will ensure every bit of your adventure is safe and comfortable.

Can I combine kayaks and paddleboards on a tour?

Yes, we do this all the time.  Many of our guides lead from a paddleboard as it gives them a better vantage point.

How big are the tours?

We try to limit the tours to 12 people per tour but they are often much smaller.  This seems to be the perfect size so the guides can attend to all participants and ensure everyone is having a great time.

Any other questions or concerns?

Feel free to reach out via phone or text message anytime.  We want to make sure you have the best possible time.  You can reach us at 941-952-8245.

What if the times don’t work for me?

We also have options to explore on your own.  If you would rather do a self-directed tour of the same area, check out our kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals on Lido Key.  We will get the equipment set up for you, you meet us at the launch site and we send you out to explore on your own.  We do provide maps and insider tips before you set out.