Coastal Wildlife Kayak Tour
Overview
Happy Paddler is the only kayak outfitter with private launch access to the beautiful waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, avoiding crowded public boat ramps. This gives you a relaxing start to the adventure and more time to enjoy any wildlife you encounter.
Happy Paddler always limits tours to groups of 12 or less, allowing you to enjoy more time to explore and much better opportunities for manatee and dolphin encounters. Larger groups can be accommodated.
Our expert naturalist guides will lead you through shallow coastal waters, mangrove shorelines and islands while looking for manatees, dolphins, rays, sea turtles and coastal birds. Wildlife sightings vary, but opportunities are outstanding year-round and our guides know exactly where to look.
This excursion is perfect for families, couples, groups, and individuals with any level of paddling experience.
For visitors to Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key looking for the best wildlife adventure, this is it!
What's Included
- Dry bag to store your phone and personal items
- Coast Guard approved (and comfortable!) life vest
- High-quality, comfortable kayak & paddle
- Bottled water please bring your reusable water bottle!
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Meeting Location
522 Cedar Street
Longboat Key, FL 34228, 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
Epic wildlife viewing, pristine white sand beaches, tranquil sandbars, and lifelong memories await on the award-winning Coastal Wildlife Kayak Tour! Manatees, dolphins, birds, and abundant marine life highlight this relaxed adventure.
After a quick paddling lesson and safety briefing, we’ll set out on the calm waters of Bishop’s Bayou, paddling through historic Longbeach Village and past beautiful waterfront homes while watching for wildlife.
We'll make our way into Sarasota Bay and the spectacular clear waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. This special area is a major wildlife gathering spot where manatees, dolphins, and other marine animals regularly move between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Along the way, we’ll have several beautiful spots to get out and stretch our legs. After soaking up the "coastal life," we'll paddle back to rinse and refresh after an awesome adventure!
Solo guest or odd-numbered group? We’ll provide single kayaks as needed. Just let us know how many single vs. tandem boats your group prefers by leaving a note in the Special Requests section during booking. Please call with any questions or other special requests.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (13)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5505054P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 35 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 (13)
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 2022As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Coastal Wildlife Kayak Tour. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 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).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Dry bag to store your phone and personal items.
- Coast Guard approved (and comfortable!) life vest.
- High-quality, comfortable kayak & paddle.
- Bottled water. please bring your reusable water bottle!.
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).
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 5. 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 Coastal Wildlife Kayak Tour is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Coastal Wildlife Kayak Tour 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
- Dry bag to store your phone and personal items
- Coast Guard approved (and comfortable!) life vest
- High-quality, comfortable kayak & paddle
- Bottled waterplease bring your reusable water bottle!
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
