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Nature & wildlife · Sarasota

Top 9 nature & wildlife things to do in Sarasota

Wildlife, forests, gardens, and the green pockets of Sarasota that make it bearable in monsoon and beautiful by November. Day trips and short drives where the landscape is the point.

  1. Sarasota dolphin watching and beach sandbar cruise, Sarasota1

    1. Sarasota dolphin watching and beach sandbar cruise

    5.0· 8 reviews

    Half-day boat cruise through the Gulf — observe dolphins, wildlife, and enjoy a stop at a sandbar.

    Carmen and Captain Dudlley are wonderfully kind and caring individuals. Their communication is excellent, and they are quite flexible. This tour was the perfect addition to our Florida trip, and it is the most affordable private boat tour available. I highly recommend it; they even took some photos and videos for us to keep as memories.Desiree_M
  2. Private sunset cruise for 12 in Anna Maria Island, Sarasota2

    2. Private sunset cruise for 12 in Anna Maria Island

    5.0· 3 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Ninety minutes on the water — private boat cruise from Anna Maria Island, coastal views, dolphin sightings, and BYOB for a relaxed sunset experience with friends and family.

    We had an incredible time celebrating a 40th birthday! We brought our own champagne and snacks, enjoyed our favorite music from a DJ, and took in the beautiful dolphins and sunset. Highly recommend this experience!Elizabeth_W
  3. Four-hour private boat charter in Siesta Key, Sarasota3

    3. Four-hour private boat charter in Siesta Key

    5.0· 2 reviews· 4 hours

    Four hours on a private charter for groups, offering activities like snorkeling, beach hopping, dolphin watching, and lunch at waterfront restaurants.

    Captain Mike and his wife Donna were exceptionally accommodating. The communication was the best we've ever encountered with a private charter. Captain Mike maintains an immaculate boat that runs perfectly. With two young children, safety was our top concern, and he made us all feel very comfortable and welcomed. His knowledge is impressive, and he navigates the waters expertly. We enjoyed swimming, fishing, and getting up close to dolphins. As experienced boaters, we recognized we had discovered a real gem. I strongly encourage you to book with Key Life Charters. You’ll regret it if you don’t. My wife and I are already planning our next trip to Siesta Key, and booking our next charter with Key Life Charters will be our priority.I8730WLpault
  1. Guided kayak tour of the Mangrove Tunnels in Sarasota, Sarasota4

    4. Guided kayak tour of the Mangrove Tunnels in Sarasota

    5.0· 2637 reviews· 2 hours

    Two-hour kayak tour, launching from Ted Sperling Nature Park — explore marine life and glide through scenic mangrove tunnels with local guides.

    It was my first experience kayaking, and I absolutely enjoyed it. Our guide Ian was fantastic. I will be returning and highly recommending this to others.Garrett_A
  2. Manatee Discovery kayaking tour at Anna Maria Island, Sarasota5

    5. Manatee Discovery kayaking tour at Anna Maria Island

    5.0· 477 reviews· 2 hours

    Two-hour guided kayaking tour in Sarasota — observe manatees, dolphins, and local wildlife on a small group excursion led by naturalists.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time observing Florida's wildlife. The guides greatly enhanced the experience with their expertise and sharp humor.Rebecca_N
  3. E-bike safari at Myakka River State Park, Sarasota6

    6. E-bike safari at Myakka River State Park

    4.9· 475 reviews· 2.5 hours

    Two-hour guided tour of Myakka River State Park on electric bikes, with professional photography included.

    This is our second time, and it was fantastic. Derek, our guide, is exceptional and has extensive knowledge about Florida's history and the State Park. I would definitely recommend this experience.julie156
  4. Mangrove tunnel kayak tour in Sarasota, Sarasota7

    7. Mangrove tunnel kayak tour in Sarasota

    4.9· 1033 reviews· 2 hours

    Two hours of guided kayaking through mangrove tunnels — spot wildlife like birds, fish, rays, manatees, and dolphins with local guides.

    Paddling through the mangrove tunnels and bays was a wonderful experience for us. Matt proved to be an excellent and knowledgeable guide. We strongly suggest this tour company.F6522YAdonaldm
  5. Parasailing over Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island, Sarasota8

    8. Parasailing over Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island

    4.8· 224 reviews· 1.5 hours

    10-12 minutes of flight time, soaring to 400 feet above Bradenton Beach, with options for water dips and USCG-licensed crew safety.

    Parasailing with the team at Sea Rocket was an incredible experience. The crew was humorous, friendly, and supportive, helping to ease our nerves and making the outing truly worthwhile.ericasC4269DO
  6. Kayaking tour of Sarasota’s mangroves and Turtle Beach, Sarasota9

    9. Kayaking tour of Sarasota’s mangroves and Turtle Beach

    4.8· 100 reviews· 2 hours

    Three hours on the water — kayak through mangrove tunnels and enjoy a secluded beach, with potential wildlife sightings like dolphins and manatees.

    It was an excellent tour. One person in our group had never kayaked before, and our guide was very supportive and helpful throughout the experience.emilywJ7603ZZ

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