eco tours sarasota fl

Biotica EcoTours - Day Tours

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Biotica EcoTours - Day Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 Ph: (941) 388-4441 Hours: 10AM - 5PM A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

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• Sarasota Bay Explorers: Eco Boat Tours
• Experiences

Have an exciting, educational and fun experience on the water—guided by experts who can tell you what you're seeing.  Sarasota Bay Explorers , working with Mote Aquarium, offers interactive eco-adventures on the Sea Life Encounter Cruise and private charters aboard the Miss Explorer.

These tours are a fun and fascinating extension of any visit to Mote Aquarium. Our cruises visit Sarasota and Roberts bays and are operated by a U.S. Coast Guard-certified boat captain and narrated by a biologist. Guests have the potential to meet our native marine wildlife—dolphins, manatees, ospreys, eagles and other marine birds in their natural settings—as they learn more about Florida wildlife from the on board biologist.

Boat trip ticket prices:

• Non-members: $36 for adults and $32 for children (3-12)
• Members: $33 for adults and $29 for children (3-12) 

All schedules are subject to change.

Register on the Sarasota Bay Explorers website.

For more information, visit  Sarasota Bay Explorers  or call (941) 388-4200.

(941) 350-4905

Half Day KayakTours

We have kayak & hiking tours available 7 days a week & can help you pick the tour that's right for you, already booked your kayak tour with us, click here for all the details:.

Mangrove Tunnels

​ Perfect for familes, beginners and experienced kayakers alike

$59 per person

​ Myakka River  

Perfect for intrepid travelers that want to get away from it all.

$60 per person

Cedar Point

Oyster Creek/Lemon Bay Suitable for all skill levels. Great tour for birders.

$50 per person

​ Robinson Preserve/Terra Ceia Bay

 Wonderful coastal paddle for those wishing to get away from the crowds.

The Mangrove Tunnels takes you through a series of shallow bays connected by shaded mangrove tunnels. We often see Manatees or Dolphins on this tour.

The Myakka River is one of the few Wild & Scenic Rivers in Florida. Great tour to see alligators, wonderful birds and see the "real" Florida up close.

Wonderful coastal paddle located in Englewood, Florida. Explore the natural beauty of Oyster Creek and Lemon Bay. Great tour for bird enthusiasts. 

Siesta Key Snorkel

Eco tours .

An eco tour of Sarasota Bay never disappoints.  Florida is home to many species of amazing animals and breathtaking scenery.  Our tours offer you a front row seat!

Our boats can accommodate up to 6 people per boat , and we have 3 boats in our fleet.  Bring your own food and drinks.  Alcohol is allowed for guests 21 and up, as long as there are no glass bottles.  Beach chairs/bean bag chairs can be provided if requested.  

Eco tours are $350 for 2 hours  for up to 6 people

Sunset trips can be scheduled at custom times by request.  Call 941-444-9749 for assistance with your booking.

*A deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your time and date*

Dolphins and Manatees 

These marine mammals are some of the most famous residents of Sarasota Bay.  Dolphins are often seen corralling fish and using cooperative hunting methods.  It is not uncommon to see calves learning these methods right alongside the adults.  They are playful, curious, and a familiar sight in our waters.  Manatees are also seen frequently in the shallow areas of the bay.  These giant mammals feed on sea grass and are able to tolerate both fresh and salt water.  They prefer the warmest waters, and take "rests" on the bottom of the sea floor for minutes at a time.  It is illegal to feed/harass marine mammals, so your captain will keep a safe distance while you enjoy the company of these amazing creatures. 

Birds of Florida

Did you know there are over 500 bird species that call Florida home?  Some of the most commonly seen birds in the bay are brown pelicans, egrets, night herons, terns, gulls, roseate spoonbills, ospreys, cormorants, anhingas, and bald eagles.  If you are an avid bird watcher, you don't want to miss this opportunity to observe a plethora of species in one place.  

Sunset trips and Boat Tours

Sunsets in Florida are magical.  Book an evening boat ride with us and let our experienced captains take care of the rest.  These private charters allow guests to relax and unwind on the water without the worry of operating the boat and navigating the bay.  Bring your own food and drinks, and we will provide the coolers, ice, and water.  Sarasota has historic locations and noteworthy sites that can be viewed from the water.  If interested, our captains can show you these places and give you a little bit of local history.

Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures

Kayak eco-tours in sarasota, lido key, & siesta key, fl, sarasota's original kayak eco-tour.

• Most Popular Tour!

Lido Mangrove Tunnels Tour

Paddle with us through otherworldly mangrove tunnels, which are home to a plethora of birds and all sorts of marine life. Encounter manatees and bottlenose dolphins up close!

• Hour Glass 2 hours

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Kayak & sup tours, kayak & sup rentals.

Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures is the original eco-tour in the greater Sarasota area and has been in business for well over a decade. We offer a wide variety of guided kayak tours in many different types of water in Southwest Florida’s coastal and inland habitats for paddlers of all ages, skill levels, physical conditions, and sizes! We pride ourselves on employing guides that truly care about protecting our fragile ecosystems and habitats and actively promote conservation and environmental awareness. Come join us on a kayak tour!

Now Offering Stand-Up Paddle Board Delivery!

When you select a 24-hour paddle board rental, we deliver it to you in the area for free! We also offer half-day paddle board rentals (Lido only). When booking your rental, be sure to select the 24-hour option with delivery, and then just let us know where you want them to be dropped off!

Now Offering Delivery!

24-hour SUP rentals include local delivery!

Discover Paddle Boarding & Kayaking in Sarasota!

Phil (our guide) was great. Very knowledgeable and interesting, and positive! All six of use really enjoyed our day. One of the things we will talk about for years.

Without a doubt the best thing I have ever done. Our guide, Phil, showed us a family of Manatees and lots of different wildlife. Many thanks to Phil and the Heavenly team for such a great time.

Our guide Greg was kind, informative, and coached my grandson through some tricky turns in the mangrove tunnels. The total experience is a memory we will treasure.

Great experience, a must for people to enjoy the outdoors. Great travels through the Mangrove tunnels, close encounters with Manatees, awesome time.

They are always checking to see if your tired, and if you can’t make it the tour guide will tow you. This is the best kayak tour that my wife and I have taken. We always use Almost Heaven Adventures and always will.

Our tour guide Will took us everywhere and was very knowledgeable in all aspects. We had a blast and saw tons of wildlife. Hats off to you Will and the Almost Heaven crew!

• (941) 539-1741
• [email protected]

WELCOME TO ENDLESS SUMMER Eco-Tours & Rentals

In early Spring of 2018 we set out to become Sarasota’s first bicycle tour and rental company to focus exclusively on high-end electric bikes and providing top notch customer service on our range of expertly-curated local tours. With over 200+ 5 star reviews, a #1 overall rated experience on Trip Advisor (Siesta Sunset Tour), glowing write-ups in several reputable publications (Trip Advisor, Visit Sarasota County) and a myriad of other accolades, I would say we’ve done just that! And while we still hang our hat on our now world renowned tours and hourly rentals, we have grown into so much more! We now have a full service bicycle repair shop for all your traditional and electric bicycle maintenance  needs, fully equipped with a waiting area for those traveling long distances and wanting to relax and wait! Considering purchasing a new e-bike but not sure which is best for you? We offer free test rides for those considering purchasing a new bike. So stop by and check out our new showroom floor featuring a wide variety of Rad Power Bikes models and options for accessories! We are a small team and are oftentimes out of the office on tour, rental deliveries or mobile maintenance runs so we respectfully ask that you call to set up an appointment to ensure we have somebody here for you.

HOW IT WORKS

Choose your adventure.

BOOK YOUR RESERVATION

WE DELIVER THE FUN

LEARN FROM THE LOCALS!

SIESTA SUNSET TOUR

The breathtaking views of a Siesta Key sunset coupled with the luxurious ride of our E-bikes create an experience you won’t soon forget! After a quick tutorial on the bikes and safety, we immediately make our way onto the white quartz sandy beaches to soak in the view.  Our guides will take plenty of photos for you so you’ll always have a keepsake from our amazing night! Rated #1 tour on Siesta Key for great reason,  this is our crown jewel and an experience you cannot miss! 

MYAKKA STATE PARK

If old Florida beauty and  wildlife is more your speed this is the tour for you! Situated a short 15 minute drive East of Sarasota, sits one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks. The majestic Myakka river flows through 58 square miles of vast unspoiled wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands, where you’re guaranteed to see numerous deer, alligators, birds and so much more. The park features over 39 miles of bicycle trails to explore so there is truly something for everyone.  There is $25 delivery fee.

LEGACY TRAIL

E-bikes are officially welcome on the Legacy Trail! This rail to trail ride stretches 12.5 miles from Sarasota to Venice. This is an extremely safe, traffic-free ride with many things to stop off and see including the Culverhouse Nature Park, Oscar Scherer State Park and the Venetian Waterway Park.  There is $25 delivery fee.

RAD E-BIKES

E-BIKE RENTAL

Featuring rad power bikes.

MAINTENANCE

SERVICE/MAINTENANCE

We are equipped with a state of the art service center and all the tools and equipment needed to tackle any of your bicycle maintenance needs! Whether it’s routine, scheduled maintenance, minor adjustments or major repairs, we can handle it all.. No job too big or small, give us a call! Although we are a full-service shop, we specialize in repairing Rad Power Bikes.. We not only are happy to handle your warranty work, but we also keep most back-up parts for all models on hand so there’s a good chance we can get you back on the road, riding rad, the same day! We even have a comfortable waiting area for those traveling long distances and wanting to wait while their bike is serviced! We do ask that you make an appointment as we are often times out of the shop on tour or tending to deliveries.

TEST RIDE PROGRAM

Considering buying an E-bike?? We are confident that we’ve come across the best E-Bikes on the market and we’re even more certain that you too will fall in love with Rad Power Bikes after just one ride! We love helping riders find the bike that’s perfect for them and the joy it brings to their lives! That’s why we offer test rides, COMPLETELY FREE.. Come browse our newly built showroom floor complete with all the latest Rad models, ask our expert staff any questions you may have, get sized and fitted up then take any and all models you’d like out for a test ride. Hourly rentals are available if you want to get a better feel for the bike with a longer ride but the initial consultation and test ride is free. If you decide to move forward with purchasing a Rad you can either have it shipped directly to your home or for a fee of $130 per bike ($150 for wagon) you can have it shipped to our shop where we will assemble, ensure it is all tuned and adjusted to your liking and also do some preventative rust treatments on areas we’ve found to be susceptible to weathering in our incredibly salty and humid climate over the years. Please call ahead to set an appointment, we like to ensure we have sufficient time set aside to answer any and all questions you may have.. This is a big purchase decision and we don’t want anyone feeling rushed or leaving uncertain. 

ABOUT OUR BIKES

We did a ton of research before deciding on our fleet and we’re confident we’ve found the best E-bike on the market. We proudly feature Rad Power Bikes out of Seattle, WA and we’re confident after taking one for a spin you will fall in love with them just as we have! Perhaps the greatest feature of our bikes is the feelings of inclusivity; With in an intelligent five level pedal assist and on-demand throttle, riders of all experience levels can ride together and maintain a comfortable pace effortlessly. This versatile and capable bike features 26” Kenda fat tires which makes it ideal for both the streets of downtown Sarasota and the sandy beaches of Siesta Key. It has a top speed of about 20 mph and the battery range average is between 25-45 miles. Considering buying an E-bike.. We not only offer free test rides but we also have the largest discount code out there to save you some money!

Rad Rover Step-Through

Rad Mini Step-Through

“These bikes are TOO MUCH FUN!!!! Why pedal when these bad boys max out at 20+… can’t wait to go again!!!!” James Hanratty

We had a blast! This was by far the best thing we did on vacation. Derek is a great guide and the bikes are super fun to ride, the sunset was absolutely beautiful, we ended with wine, cheese and fresh fruit. We highly recommend this sunset tour Nikki Shealy

The bikes were AWESOME and Derek gave us an amazing new experience along the shore of Siesta Key at sunset.He knew a lot of background about the are and shared helpful tips and info for our stay here. At the end he provided an awesome picnic with wine, cheese and fruit! If you love the outdoors and trying new things, take Endless Summer’s Electric Bike Tour! We had so much fun!! Brian Lesher

We Are Setting Up Shop!

We are beyond happy to announce that we will be moving in to our new shop in Sarasota, on 12 th St. across from Ed Smith Stadium, June 2020, stay tuned for updates on that! Until then, as always, we can be reached at anytime to make an appointment or speak about a reservation so text, call, e-mail or visit us online today!

• [email protected]
• + 1 (941) 539 1741
• Sarasota Florida

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Florida eco-boat tours: science and pleasure.

By Colette Bancroft

It’s a glorious day to be out on the water, a sunny morning with fresh breezes and little jade-green waves rippling across Sarasota Bay.

The Sarasota Bay Explorers eco-boat tour at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is more than a sweet ride, though. It’s an up-close way to learn about natural Florida.

The aquarium itself is a delight to visit, especially with youngsters, and it’s easy to combine a trip here with this boat tour in one day. Eco-boat tours let visitors see marine creatures and other wildlife in their natural habitats, with low-key science lessons on the side.

A little girl and an otter share a moment at Mote Marine Laboratory.

- Conor Goulding

The aquarium is the public face of the Mote Marine Laboratory , an internationally renowned marine research organization founded in 1955 by a famed shark researcher. It’s now the base for more than 200 employees in 20 diverse research programs aimed at helping us to understand the watery parts of our planet.

The aquarium and several of the laboratory facilities are on City Island, between St. Armands and Longboat Key, west of downtown Sarasota .

The tour group gathers in front of the aquarium (lots of free parking there) and meanders through a back lot to the dock. The steady, comfortable pontoon boats hold about 45 passengers on bench seats. There’s a restroom on board. A canvas roof keeps off the sun’s glare, but if you go, you’ll still want sunscreen – the bay reflects the rays.

As the captain turns the boat to head south into Sarasota Bay, a cheerful young marine biologist named Leah starts a running commentary. Keep an eye out, she said, for dolphins and manatees.

“How many of you think manatees are fat?” she asks, and all the little kids’ hands shoot up. (Some of the adults’, too).

“No,” Leah said, “they’re big-boned.” Manatees have much less body fat than humans. Ours runs about 15 percent of our total weight; a manatee’s fat is as low as 2 to 5 percent. Because they’re herbivores, they consume very little fat. That’s why, in cold weather, manatees cluster in warm waters, especially near warm springs and around power plant water outlet areas – they have almost no body fat to keep them warm.

She asks the passengers to guess the average depth of Sarasota Bay, and the estimates start at 25 feet and go up (or down) to 75 feet. Not even close – the average depth of the bay is only 6½ feet. Veer out of the channels of the Intracoastal Waterway while boating and you might run aground.

But the shallow bay also is ideal for dolphin spotting – visitors can easily see their sleek, muscled bodies and curved dorsal fins arcing out of the water, often as they race each other in a boat’s wake. Watch for them along the seawalls of residential areas, Leah said. They have learned to use those walls to catch fish, driving a school into the concrete and stunning them for easy pickings.

Sarasota Bay, an estuary more than 50 miles long, is home to about 200 resident dolphins, Leah said. Mote Marine Laboratory is home base for the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, which began in 1970 and is the world’s longest-running study of dolphins in their natural habitat. It is a collaboration between Mote, the Chicago Zoological Society and scientists from around the globe.

The long-term study has produced a wealth of information about dolphin behavior. Scientists have learned that dolphins form different kinds of groups, such as nursery groups of mothers and calves. There are also bonded male pairs that hunt together and serve as each other’s “wing men” in seeking mates – and, Leah tells us, those pair bonds are formed for life when the dolphins are young calves. “If a male loses his partner,” she said, “he’ll seek out his nursery group to find another one.”

The boat makes a landing on Little Edwards Island, a park off Siesta Key, for a lesson in conservation gone haywire. In 1960, the island and its twin, Big Edwards (which is actually smaller), were created when the bay bottom was dredged. But the sand kept slipping back into the water, so officials planted Australian pine trees and Brazilian peppers to stabilize the land. The trees not only did that; they took over the islands, outcompeting almost all native plants.

Those two trees are now understood to be aggressively invasive species that are very difficult to get rid of. Leah leads the group down a shady path to show us some mid-sized Australian pines and explains that their wood is so dense that cutting down one of them can use up three chainsaw blades. And right behind those trees is a grove of dozens of saplings springing up. The pines and peppers cover almost all of the islands; the only native plant with much presence is a vigorous hem of black mangroves, with their strange little roots rising out of the water. Those mangroves, Leah reminds the group, are essential nurseries for marine life.  If you ate seafood for dinner, it almost certainly began its life among mangrove roots.

Still moving south, the boat passes near a rookery island where hundreds of seabirds nest. Brown pelicans and great blue herons fly by with bundles of twigs in their beaks, landing next to their squawking mates among the branches. Cormorants dry their wings, a glimpse of pink means a roseate spoonbill, and here and there above the greenery the distinctive white crown of a snowy egret waves in the breeze.

Those lovely feathers, Leah notes, almost doomed many Florida bird species a century ago, as plume hunters killed them by the millions to harvest their feathers for fashionable hats. Their robust rebound is a conservation success story.

On the way back to the dock, Leah casts a net over grass flats and hauls aboard small creatures for the passengers to examine. She passes around tubs and jars holding a tiny sea cucumber, a strange-looking sea hare (a type of sea slug), delicate jellyfish and a couple of cranky-looking crabs.

For each one, she delivers a description of its place in the bay’s ecosystem. All the specimens will go back into the water, she notes. And the tour’s passengers will go home with a better understanding of the living bay.

When you go… Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Eco-Boat Tours Up to 45 passengers can tour Sarasota and Roberts bays on a covered pontoon boat, with a captain and a marine biologist. Sarasota Bay Explorers at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota.

Here’s a selection from the many eco tours available around Florida.

(Many have lower ticket prices for children, seniors and/or veterans. And, it’s always a good idea to book in advance.)

Keyz Charters

One-hour or 2-3 hour eco tours through mangrove islands and shallow flats around Indian Key, Lignumvitae Key, Alligator Lighthouse and Everglades National State Park. Wildlife may include saltwater crocodiles, dolphins and iguanas. The captain of the 21-foot deck boat is a marine biologist. Private charter, prices vary. Robbie’s Marina, 77522 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

Sunshine Wildlife Tours

Tours of one of the state’s most diverse estuaries on a 35-foot covered pontoon boat. Captain is a Coastal Florida Master Naturalist with 20 years’ experience in Indian River Lagoon. Wildlife may include dolphins, manatees, sea turtles; each tour visits a bird rookery and nets microscopic sea life for viewing. Pirate's Cove, 4307 SE Bayview St, Stuart.

St. Johns River Eco Tours

Two-hour nature tours explore the river twice daily on a 35-foot hybrid catamaran that accommodates 28 passengers. Wildlife may include alligators, manatees, deer, raccoons, bobcats and black bears; many birdwatching opportunities. Highbanks Marina, 488 W. Highbanks Road, DeBary.

Southern Star Dolphin Cruises

Cruise the Gulf of Mexico or Choctawhatchee Bay in an 80-foot, double-decked, glass-bottomed boat that holds 149 passengers. Wildlife on the two-hour tours may include dolphins, sharks, rays and sea turles; seabird feeding is featured. Harborwalk Village, 100 Harbor Blvd., Destin.

Pure Florida Naples

The three-hour tour of Naples Bay and the waters around Keewaydin Island showcases mangrove forests, manatees, dolphins and opportunities to go shelling. 1200 Fifth Avenue South, Naples.

Florida Aquarium Wild Dolphin Tour

Take a 75-minute tour of Tampa Bay aboard a 72-foot catamaran. Dolphins are featured; other wildlife night include manatees, sharks and seabirds. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa.

Tidewater Tours

Various eco tours, ranging from one-and-a-half to four hours, take passengers through the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge, the Suwannee River and coastal marshes. Captains of the company’s vessels are historians and naturalists. Wildlife may include dolphins, sea turtles and migratory shorebirds. 302 Dock St., Cedar Key.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Sea Life Safari & Dolphin Eco-Boat Tours

Experience scenic eco-boat cruises that include searching for wild dolphins, sea birds and other marine life as CMA’s marine biologists narrate the tour of Clearwater Bay. Stop at Shell Island to collect seashells and take part in citizen science with a net pull and sea creature presentation aboard the Sea Life Safari tour, or learn about members of our local dolphin population through the  Wild Dolphin Research Program during the Dolphin Adventure tour.  249 Windward Passage, Clearwater.

Kayak Amelia 

Explore the salt marshes of Talbot Island State Park with a naturalist-led kayak ecotour. This starts a short paddle instruction and planned to go with the current. Commonly seen: Egrets, herons, rosette spoonbills, skimmers, sea turtles. Kayak Amelia  13030 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville

Everglades Area Tours

In operation since the 90's, this is one of the original tour providers certified by the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism. Offers nearly two dozen authentic  eco-educational experiences ... by walking, boating and padding.  All tours are led by formally trained Florida Master Naturalists.  238 Mamie St., Chokoloskee Island.

Located in Wewahitchka, situated at the northern tip of Gulf County in Northwest Florida, Dead Lakes invites you to join them on a journey back to the past, where you can experience nature in an untouched, serene state. While the Tupelo and Cypress trees may look desolate, the Lakes are full of life. Gliding through the water, you’re likely to see an osprey or an eagle roosting on a branch. Maybe a wild pig or an alligator will watch you from the shore of a tiny island that won’t be there tomorrow. And the way the sun plays with the fog, you’ll swear it’s alive, too. Check out www.visitgulf.com/wewahitchka/ and www.visitgulf.com/dead-lakes/ to find tour operators.

Paddle Florida

Paddle Florida  is a non-profit that promotes water conservation, wildlife preservation, springs restoration, and waterways protection via fun and educational multi-day paddling trips in Florida’s most spectacular river and coastal environments. Through a partnership with Florida’s State Parks System, Paddle Florida stages supported paddling events across the Sunshine State in each of Florida’s five water management districts from October to April each year. 

Places to remember

Parasailing - Siesta Key

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STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS

Siesta Sunset Tour

Bike rental service.

• Testimonials

Welcome to Endless Summer Eco Tours and Rentals , the first bike tour and bike rental company in Sarasota, FL , and the surrounding areas. Our beach tours feature all the beautiful locations in Sarasota. Our expert tour guides know all the best spots and are happy to show you around.

Our bike rental services are available hourly, half days, or full days, and our multi-level pedal assist-e-bike makes it incredibly easy for riders of all experience levels to ride together at a comfortable pace. We provide everything you need for a fun-filled adventure, including safety helmets, lights, bike locks, light snacks, and water. We will deliver and pick up bike rentals directly to your hotel, beach rental, condo, or residence. Our amazing bikes and locally famous Siesta Sunset Tour have made us an instant Siesta Key's favorite bike rental company!

For more information about our bike rental shop or our beach tour services, contact Endless Summer Eco Tours and Rentals today!

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• Expert Guided Tours
• High-End Electric Bikes
• Sarasota's First Bicycle Tour Program
• Lido Key, FL
• Sarasota, FL
• Siesta Key, FL
• Surrounding Areas

Biotica Ecotours provides guided kayak tours for all skill levels. They specialize in small groups and all of their tours are led by biologists, naturalists and experts in the field. Tours offered in:

• Mangrove Tunnels
• Turtle Beach/Jim Neville Wildlife Preserve
• Robinson Preserve/Terra Ceia Bay

Happy Paddler guides are expert naturalists and certified paddling instructors who have dedicated their lives to exploring and educating others about our watery world. They offer:

• Coastal Island Tour
• River Safari Tour
• Sunset Tour
• Moonlight Tour

Flow Kayak and Paddle Tours designs customized kayak or stand-up paddleboard outings in Sarasota Bay, Florida suited to your abilities and interests. They also offer combined kayak/yoga or paddle/yoga classes.

Join Mote for an evening paddle as they explore Sarasota Bay at dusk. Discover the animals that bring the bay to life at night while taking a relaxing paddle on the moonlit water. Kayaking equipment and instruction are provided.

Manatee County Department of Parks and Natural Resources offers guided paddles during the day and on full moon nights in Manatee County’s parks and preserves.

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources offers virtual and in person kayak tours through Sarasota County Nature Preserves. Lemon Bay Park has seasonal, free, guided paddle tours. 

Hiking and Walking

The Sarasota Audubon Society leads birding walks and bike rides at the Celery Fields and local parks, as well as Climate Walks series exploring the local impacts of climate change. The Nature Center is open daily 9 am-Noon October through May.

The Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department offers guided nature walks during the day and at night in various parks and preserves throughout Sarasota County.

Manatee County Department of Parks and Natural Resources offers guided walks and outdoor education programs for all ages. Learn about native plants, mushrooms, lizards, tortoises, and more!

The Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension Program offers EcoWalks through environmentally sensitive lands that have been preserved in Sarasota County. Learn what makes these ecosystems so unique and important.

Oscar Scherer State Park offers ranger guided hikes, eagle viewing, and more. They also partner with the Sarasota and Venice Audubon Societies to host bird walks throughout the park.

The Venice Area Audubon Society leads guided bird walks in state and county parks and beaches throughout Sarasota.   

Manatee County Audubon Society offers guided birding trips and tours to parks and preserves throughout Manatee County.

The Serenoa Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society offers field trips to botanical gardens, state parks, demonstration yards, and more!

Launched in 1978, the Carefree Learner has been operating for over 30 years on Sarasota Bay as a valuable educational resource for students and adults. Field trips aboard the Carefree Learner give participants the opportunity to observe organisms living in and around the bay through hands on activities.

Have an exciting, hands-on, educational and fun on-the-water experience. Sarasota Bay Explorers , working with the aquarium at Mote, offer interactive, hands-on eco-adventures on the sea life encounter cruise, guided kayak tours, nature safari and private charters aboard the Miss Explorer.

Set sail on a campus-to-campus boat tour with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in tribute to the coastal heritage of the region and of Selby’s two campuses located downtown Sarasota and at Historic Spanish Point. Experience “old Florida” from the water with interpretive narration along the way & lunch at Historic Spanish Point.

Many of our partner tour operators and organizations are  Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism (FL SEE) certified.  In fact, the Sarasota-Manatee area has more certified eco-destinations and guides than any other region of Florida AND we have the only two Platinum certified guides in the State !

FL SEE is a statewide certification program that encourages an awareness and stewardship of Florida's natural and cultural heritage by:

• Endorsing compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding the protection of natural resources and customer safety.
• Providing environmental education and awareness which encourage behaviors that contribute to the sustainability of Florida's natural ecosystems and resources.
• Promoting professionalism and integrity within the ecotourism industry by providing and maintaining a certification/recognition program for ecotour providers.

Thank you to our partners for attaining FL SEE certification and encouraging environmental stewardship in everything you do!

Reservations Open Four Weeks in Advance

SARASOTA PRIVATE CHARTERS - LARGE GROUPS

Quick Details

• Users Ages: All ages
• Hour Glass Duration: Custom
• Users Passengers: Max of 40 people

Privately Charter the Sarasota Bay Explorers for Any Event

Welcome to your own private pontoon boat charter in Sarasota, Florida, where you and up to 40 passengers can enjoy a fun and comfortable ride on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With our private pontoon boat charter, you’ll have access to a spacious and well-equipped vessel that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event, hosting a corporate outing, or simply looking to explore the stunning coastline of Sarasota.

Our pontoon boat features a range of amenities to ensure you and your guests have the ultimate boating experience. With comfortable seating, ample shade, and a large deck area, there’s plenty of room for everyone to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Great for school field trips, family reunions, weddings, and work outings. Maximum of 40 guests on the boat. Plenty of room to move around.

Please give us a call for more information and to reserve a private charter for your event!

RELATED TOURS

• most popular!
• Clock Arrive 30 min before departure
• Hour Glass Approx. 2 hours
• Users All ages

Sea Life Encounter Eco Tour

Observe our Florida manatees and resident population of bottlenose dolphins on this approximately 2 hour sea life cruise while learning about the ecology, history, and folklore of the area.