Private Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Tour — Lido Key
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).
What's Included
- Paddles
- Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)
- Kayak (Single or Tandem) or Stand Up Paddleboard
- Dry Bag (for phone and keys)
- Bottled water Please bring your own water.
- Our guides appreciate gratuity if you enjoy the tour.
Meeting Location
190 Taft Drive
Sarasota, FL 34236, 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
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-87414P5
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 85 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon 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 Balloon Tours’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 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 (EST).
- Paddles.
- Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes).
- Kayak (Single or Tandem) or Stand Up Paddleboard.
- Dry Bag (for phone and keys).
- Bottled water. Please bring your own water.
- Our guides appreciate gratuity if you enjoy the tour.
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 Private Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Tour — Lido Key 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 Private Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Tour — Lido Key will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon 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 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Paddles
- Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)
- Kayak (Single or Tandem) or Stand Up Paddleboard
- Dry Bag (for phone and keys)
- Bottled waterPlease bring your own water.
- Our guides appreciate gratuity if you enjoy the tour.
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
