The 16 best spots for kayaking in Sarasota

Great place to launch paddle boards and kayaks. Mangrove tunnels are beautiful and lots of cool places to swim around the corner on south Lido. Bathrooms are always clean. Definitely one of my local happy places.

Great place to launch a kayak or paddle board. There is ample parking available, bathrooms on site, and a place to shower and hose down your equipment.

One of our favorite spots in Sarasota! Definitely not for everyone, but for someone who Who likes to walk on the wild side but still have the convenience of bathrooms and showers and of course, fishing! This is the spot highly recommend to check it out. Beautiful in every way!🐬🏖️😊👍🏻

Our family has a fantastic day at the beach here. We arrived around 9ish am and got a nice spot at the beach and really took advantage of the many shells that were ashore. There’s quite a lot of parking space so if you don’t want to arrive early to secure a spot, you won’t have to. This park also has a variety of amenities; showers, kayak launch, bathrooms, kids playground, picnic tables, nature trail. The day of our visit, the water was super clear and it was the perfect weather for boating so they were pretty much everywhere, oh and jet skis too. Overall, it’s a beautiful beach and great park to spend all day. Highly recommend it.

Me and my family went Kayaking here yesterday and it was awesome. The water through the mangrove tunnels were no deeper then 5ft and crystal clear. We saw tons of fish, different types of birds, crabs in the trees, a large jellyfish, a small starfish by the beach and a momma and baby manatee. Definitely the most sealife we've seen in a single trip. We would definitely come back again.

Love paddling from this park. Gets extremely busy with all the commercial groups, but if you arrive early on a weekday at high tide you'll have quite a treat paddling through the mangrove tunnels here. South lido key beach is also accessible from the park along with a beautiful walking trail through the mangroves

Small Park, well maintained trails. Parking is inside and for the trails you have to come out a little bit. Check out the video I posted!

Underrated park on Lido Key. To get there head north from Lido to Longboat Key. You will come to a traffic light, turn right onto Ken Thompson Parkway. Go till it dead ends at Sarasota Bay. Has a small playground, clean restroom, picnic tables, and a few grills. Plenty of parking. Nice place to take dogs as there is a large grassy area and some trails. The beach, if you call it that, is full of ugly sea shells….however you can definitely swim there (but wear some water shoes).

My Favorite Banyan 🌳 Tree! lovely park ❤️ Plenty of paved sidewalks and beautiful views of the Ocean! Great spot to watch the 🌅 Sunrise!! People do bring their dogs, but most are not leashed🙄

Beautiful view and lots of playground equipment, although it is spread out in three areas. Also adult exercise facilities. Great swimming area for kids too. Shallow and calm. Water shoes recommended since it is a lagoon. Nature boardwalk also well-kept.

Kent Thompson Park is truly an exceptional place to spend time outdoors. The park is spacious, clean, and very well-organized, making it an ideal destination for the whole family. The atmosphere of the park is perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. It’s a fantastic spot for picnics, with plenty of green areas to lay out a blanket and enjoy a meal outdoors. Additionally, there are numerous facilities that allow for a variety of recreational activities, from walking and running to playing on the sports fields. The park is so well-maintained and inviting that it’s always a pleasure to visit. The tranquility and beauty of the natural surroundings make it easy to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and simply relax. Without a doubt, Kent Thompson Park is a place I would return to many times. Whether it’s for spending quality time with family, enjoying a picnic, or just relaxing in a beautiful natural setting, this park has it all. It’s a true gem in the community and highly recommended for anyone looking for a pleasant place to enjoy the outdoors.

Beautiful waterfront park. Nice walking trails and a nice playground. Beautiful view of downtown Sarasota from the other side of the Bay!

The boardwalk in the mangroves is absolutely fantastic. Nice little park to walk around or eat lunch.

Had an awesome morning at Ken Thompson Park walking our dogs. On the way out we met this fella by the boat ramp!

We loved kayaking with stefan. Our group was only 7 people which was great for us. The mangroves were exciting and we saw lots of bird and crabs. It was smooth and calm and we got to kayak out to a sandbank and see huge hermit crabs it was so beautiful. I was revelling with my 13 and 19 year old daughters and the loved the experience and learning about the history and conservation on the area. My 13 year old managed her own kayak great and the tour was laid back and accommodating. Thanks stefan. We hope to visit again soon.

My son and I decided to try a kayaking tour since it didn’t look too strenuous. It wasn’t bad at all. Plus we got to see dolphins and manatees right where we launched! Jeff was a great tour guide keeping a nice pace so we could see the mangroves and other items on the tour. Learning about the ecosystem was great. Jeff did a fantastic job explaining how it all worked. I would highly recommend the tour for anyone wanting to see a different part of Siesta Key and experience some beautiful nature in the process. If you are doing this in the summer like we did today, I would definitely recommend the morning tour. It was pretty warm when we returned.

I wanted to give a shout out to Steffan Simmons our guide last week from Paradise Adventures /Kayaking SRQ Tours. He was a wealth of knowledge on the history of the waters we were on and the the Sarasota area in general. It was refreshing to have somebody guide us who really seemed to enjoy his job. I would highly recommend this 3 hour tour with Kayaking SRQ to anyone interested in the beautiful and diverse mangroves this area has to offer. Tim Wedge

Jordan's guided kayak mangrove tour was fun and informative. He talked about Sarasota, we went into the bay, then navigated through the mangrove tunnels which is very quiet and peaceful. It's great being on the water, though sunscreen highly recommended, and definitely take water in your boat. Also, single kayaks may be easier to maneuver than double kayaks. We had a great time! Thank you Jordan!

Truly wonderful and memorable experience. The the mangroves are beautiful and full of wildlife. The tour itself is very easy even for beginners but challenging enough to be fun. Our tour guide, Jacob Scott was super knowledgeable, funny, kind, and attentative. We highly recommend this tour. P.S. we saw a pair of bald eagles!

My daughter and I had an exceptional time kayaking with our tour guide Jacob! We we're fortunate to get upgraded to a private tour (highly recommend!!!) We saw a momma manatee and her babies so cute, loved the mangrove tunnels and Jacob was an exceptional and knowledgeable guide. Definitely will book next time we're in town!

We went to both Turtle Beach and Lido! The rental was smooth each time. We did not have a tour guide, so I cannot comment on that. Jeff was great, he gave us some helpful tips for spotting local wildlife. The whole process from renting online to launch to returning was very simple and straightforward. I'd recommend them for kayak rentals if you're visiting Sarasota.

Great beach right off Armand Circle. It wasn’t crowded and easy access.

We love Lido Key. Best sunset view in the beach, clear and calm water. Very clean beach and the restrooms in the public beach are are very clean too. We also love the St.Armands Circle, so much to do in there.

Always an excellent experience n fun beach, free parking n easy access. Not highly congested

Another gem in Sarasota! Easily one of the most beautiful places in Florida. The beach is so clean and nice and the water is always so refreshing. Always top of my list when I'm in the area

My wife and I absolutely love this place! It is our happy place where we fell in love and got engaged. The beautiful white sands and blue waters make this the beach of dreams. There is never overcrowding and the people who come to this beach are mostly locals. The sunsets here are breath taking!

After graduation I moved here 86 87 lived on lido Beach my God it has grown. There was only a few high-rise hotels there alot of time shares starting when I left in 87. I was so fortunate to have had a chance to live at a tiny hotel across the beach ⛱️ for 80 bucks a week. Working for the buttery on Saints circle.

This is one of my favorite places in the entire state of Florida. Despite the fact there was a mild red tide while we were visiting the beach was pristine, the water was crystal clear and very warm. They were plenty of shells to pick up on the beach.

Started out in rain but the day soon turned sunny. We saw all kinds of birds, fish and a manatee that swam under our kayak! Tyler our guide was amazing! Super knowledgeable and so nice to everyone. Grandparents to grandkids had an amazing adventure!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND COASTAL KAYAK ADVENTURES!! We booked online and did waivers online. Arrived and parked. Tyler Caporale was there to greet us, and give us instructions. We got our water proof wetbags and met him near the water. He gave us a water proof map, helped us get into the kayaks and pushed us off. We spent a few hours between the mangroves and beach exploring and enjoying the area. I did not do the guided tour as I had been a few times before. This park can be crowded, however there are bathrooms on site and lots of parking . I recommend go early as sun can get intense mid-day. Have a great time!!

This was such a great experience! Tyler was an amazing tour guide. The views were insane and it was so cool to see all the animals and plants up close!

Jack was our guide. He did a great job, was very informative about everything we saw. Beautiful trip. Definitely recommend first the in the morning to avoid the heat.

I had an amazing experience with Coastal Kayak Adventures! Tyler was my guide, and he was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and the mangrove ecosystem. I learned so much throughout the tour—he made it both educational and fun. One of the highlights was seeing a dolphin almost immediately after we got out on the water! The whole trip felt well-organized and relaxed, with beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities to explore. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to get out on the water and learn more about Florida’s coastal environment.

I went out with my friends for my birthday on a private tour and we had the best time! Tyler, was an amazing guide! He was very helpful, informative and made the experience overall great!! We saw a group of manatees as they were going under and all around our kayaks! It was amazing to experience. We loved seeing the beautiful mangrove tunnels, it’s a dream in there! It was worth every bit!! We can’t wait to come back again!!

Our guide was knowledgeable about the sea life and showed us lots of critters from below. He helped us in and out of the kayak and gave us instruction how to make it easy to paddle and maneuver. He had many interesting facts and history he shared with us. It was a great day in the water and we had our own private tour. Going through the maze of the mangroves was a very unique and beautiful experience.

What a spectacular sunset it was! We were playing bingo and chilling with friends. Had lunch and adult beverages and had a fu time.

Beautiful spot with stunning views.

So beautiful. This is a great place to vacation. The people are so friendly. The culture is amazing in terms of food that comes with it. Very clean city

Fabulous birthday, beautiful city!!::))

Amazing place! White sandy beach, great shopping centers, delicious food! Must see!

Loved the area, nice beaches and bars!

I have found a place where I find such confront as the Sarasota Bayside.

This park would get a 5/5 but unfortunately we did get locked in so I had to take one star off. The gates shut and lock at 10 PM so be careful and make sure to get out of the parking lot by then. The wait is not short if you do get locked in. The parks operator was super kind but the process and timing was unclear. It is a great spot for family fun and fishing and the shelling is good some days too. Sunset is beautiful to watch from anywhere on Lido too.

It’s the best spot for parking convenience and relatively easy access to restrooms.

South Lido Beach has become my family's favorite beach in the Sarasota area. It's improved drastically from when I was a youth. Lots of white sand, plenty of parking, and a newer restroom tower make it easily accessible. Also, there are a good number of shells that wash up on the beach so it's fun for the kids to go beachcombing while we're there. There are multiple picnic tables and space for gatherings.

Good shelling g and not crowded. Be careful of the rip current if you enter the water.

Beaches combed regularly. Nice clean restrooms open at 7 and concessions start at 11.

South Lido County Park is a good little park, but WOW! with all the shrubs, trees, and greenery, those pesky mosquitoes are plentiful! Bring your bug spray ‐ they're everywhere!! We were fighting them off nonstop until we finally ended up leaving.. It was miserable! I'm not sure if it was just bad timing or if its always like that, but we definitely caught the brunt of it!

Great spot for people with families with jetsky or boat a lots of parking spots shade and clean bathrooms. I little bit crowded sometimes

Every time we visit Sarasota, we love to turn off the Ringling Bridge and park at Bird Key Park and walk around looking at the water, the birds, the trees, and the Ringling Bridge. There is a nice paved walkway to the bridge. The tourists and locals love to walk down there and just hang out under the bridge. The views are great!! There are benches along the way to rest. The park is well taken care of and very popular with walkers and runners. The parking is along the waterfront with a lot of parking spaces. You can walk your dogs as long as you clean up after them. We usually go there in the morning and again in the evening. Beautiful photo ops also.

Bird Key Park in Sarasota, Florida, is a phenomenal destination for dog owners seeking a scenic and engaging spot to enjoy with their furry companions. Nestled along the picturesque Sarasota Bay, this pet-friendly park offers a blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities that cater to both dogs and their humans. One of the standout features of Bird Key Park is its dog-friendly environment. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park, allowing them to explore the walking paths, relax under the pavilions, or enjoy a picnic alongside their owners . The park's open spaces and waterfront access provide ample opportunities for dogs to engage in light exercise and socialization. The park's amenities enhance the experience for visitors. Paved walking paths meander through the park, offering serene views of the bay and the surrounding landscape . Picnic tables and pavilions provide shaded areas for relaxation and outdoor dining. Additionally, the park features drinking fountains to keep both pets and their owners hydrated during their visit. Bird Key Park's location adds to its appeal. Situated near the John Ringling Causeway, it offers easy access and stunning vistas of the water, making it a popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewing . The tranquil setting, combined with the gentle bay breezes, creates a peaceful atmosphere ideal for unwinding with your dog. In summary, Bird Key Park stands out as a top choice for dog owners in Sarasota. Its welcoming environment, coupled with thoughtful amenities and breathtaking views, make it a perfect place to spend quality time with your canine companion. Whether you're seeking a leisurely walk, a picnic by the water, or simply a serene spot to relax, Bird Key Park delivers an exceptional experience for both dogs and their owners.

Great place to bring the dog for a on-leash walk. Water fountain for the pups and poop bag stations. Free parking and friendly crowd. Picnic spots, kayak launch, benches and lots of shade and a beautiful breeze.

Absolutely wonderful. We are so lucky to live in a city that offers many wonderful outdoor spaces! Bird key park is no exception. The views are incredible! Even from your parked car overlooking the water, you can enjoy a beautiful scene. Walk on the paved sidewalk under the bridge and you’ll find people fishing and relaxing. There are many benches and places to sit and a few picnic tables if you want to have a bite to eat by the water. Walk a bit more (under and around the bridge) and you’ll be at a little beach with seating. Our pup LOVES to play fetch there. Every dog he’s encountered has been friendly and playful. We’ve only had friendly and kind people sharing the space there as well. There are pet waste bags too, in case you forget, and usually a few tennis balls to throw for the pups! Note: parking during busy season and on weekends (except summer) can be a challenge. We sometimes have to wait 5-20 min for someone to leave so we can get a spot. It’s typically closer to 5 min but can be disappointing when we can’t find a place to park. Popular time is sunset for sure, so if you want to guarantee a spot, give yourself extra time in case it’s crowded.

nice park, good spot for fishing... also for romantic walk.... its worth it....

What a beautiful park to take a stroll in especially when the weather is just right. It was 75 degrees this morning and it felt awesome! I love the views of the water and the sound of the waves. Beautiful scenery. There are dog stations, even water fountains for your dog, and benches to sit on.

Perfect spot to park and walk the bridge. My favorite morning and evening stroll.

We are in vacation in Sarasota for the first time. We were absolutely taken away how beautiful and clear the water is with gorgeous emerald color. We went during day Tuesday May 20th. Was not packed and plenty of parking in the parking lot on the south end as well as if you desire to go to lido beach on the more northern side. Parking was free on the south end. There is also a wash station and bathrooms if needed. No lifeguards on duty but we watch our children well. Lots of shells for our toddlers to collect. You can wade out in the water as an adult pretty far waist deep. Seen others fishing, snorkeling and sailing on their surf boards. Locals were very kind and friendly that we came across. Water is a lovely warm temperature. So far our favorite beach in the area that we have been too. We prefer less crowded areas.

This beach is more private, but there are a lot of boats here and a lot of jellyfish in the water. Be careful, I got stung by a jellyfish here

This is a great park WHEN you come on an off day. Like a Monday AM or a Wednesday AM. If you come during peak hours like Friday, Saturday, Sunday it's a mess and NOT worth coming too. Lot of craziness, cops, etc. . I can't stress enough the only time to come here is when it's a time people aren't partying. Clean for the most part but some people are just rude with leaving trash around. Clean bathrooms. Nice sandy beaches and clear water. At times I have seen some shady individuals hanging around maybe that's why I see a lot of cops hanging here most of the time. Overall I would highly recommend this place it's super fun and has great beaches. Also has a kids small play park.

Love South Lido beach! - More private / quiet / lowkey - Water is really clear - Sand is a bit rocky but worth the trade for privacy - Parking is easier to find - Restrooms and showers are nearby - Great sunrise location on the channel side

Paradise as our lil kids call it very calm, clear water. Less crowded as well, it is located at the very end of Lido Key.It has its own parking, restrooms,picnic tables, and even playgrounds for your kiddos to enjoy. The walk to the beach is not far at all compared to other beaches. We love the seagulls in the shores. And if you go early, guarantee you'll find so many beautiful shells. Come check this beach, and we promise you, you and your family would love it! Our photos are not professional taken. it's just my cellphone, so the photos are very real, and that's how truly this beach looks like. https://youtu.be/H3kNJYgt-WQ?si=uZYLqFnnCJvNyuaF

Great park, great fishing and boat beaching. I sure hope when it finally reopens that they do a better job at maintaining their parking lots. They have the worst water filled pot holes of any park making it difficult to get to your car without first walking through mud. Park is still closed as of Jan 19, 2025. Update: As of April 1, 2025 this park is still not open. While other community parks and beaches have been cleaned up and refurbished since last year's hurricanes, Sarasota Parks says it's waiting for the FEMA to sign off on it which might be by the end of 2025. A painfully slow process so why did parks with just as much damage or more get reopened so quickly while some of Sarasota Parks are closed with little to no progress. Can anyone please explain why South Lido Beach Park will take over a year to reopen? I've been back out to south Lido. It is open and looks great. Looking forward to visiting it many times. You may need shoes as the beach is very course with shells.

Absolutely beautiful beach! One of my favorite beaches in the areas. Super safe big park with plenty of parking and clean restrooms.

It was a really fun trip, lots to see. We went when the tire was still low so you had to get it and walk a little to get into the mangrove tunnels, but definitely worth it. We were out 3hrs and had thought we would only be 2 tops

This was a terrific guided tour to go on. Met up with the guy who was very friendly and very knowledgeable about the local scenery and the local history of Sarasota. He was able to spot manatees from a long way away. He actually had us approach one of them very slowly and my wife got the thrill of her life. When it swam underneath her kayak. He said it was a baby only 700 lb. Lol. Kayaking was very easy, no problems. If you're a little claustrophobic, the mangrove may not be your thing. It is a little tight but it's fun as well. Especially when your wife is stuck in the middle of it and laughing her head off trying to get out. The guy even had us pause as a group and he took a picture for us which was fantastic. A great memory. Can't remember his name. I think it was Travis. But look me up if I got the name wrong correct me because the guy was a terrific guide and a true conservationist and diplomat for your beach and town.

Had a great time, and the guide was very professional and knowledgeable. Got to see manatees, dolphins, sea stars, crabs and jellyfish. Very cool and highly recommended.

Sea Biscuit was the best kayak guide. Very knowledgeable of the delicate ocean ecosystem. Was as educational as it was fun! He made sure all of us on his tour were taken care of and checked in frequently to ensure everyone was having a great time!

We had a blast. Great guide through the mangroves and the bonus of seeing the manatees. A perfect day in nature. Highly recommend Bobby.

Awesome kayak experience! Our guide Larry from I kayak Sarasota was fantastic😁 He created such a fun, relaxed trip that included gorgeous mangrove exploring and manatee sightings- so cool!!😎

Very good tour with our tour guide named Bobby. My mom randomly drove us here because we were complaining that we had nothing to do.My mom didn't go on the tour but I went with my brother and sister. We went in this lake area and saw birds, dolphins, crabs and jelly fish. You also kayak through mangrove forests which is really cool. Amazing tour but kinda pricey as it's 55 USD per person but it's really worth it. Also you can only get here if you have a car or Uber here so if you don't have a car or don't want to Uber don't come here because you basically can't. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable and great to talk with and I would definitely come here again.

(Translated by Google) Excellent service, a very attentive and correct guide, showed us excellent views, patiently waited for us while we were behind, showed and told us very interesting mangroves and tunnels, we were delighted with the two-hour walk, swam with manatees was especially exciting) (Original) Великолепное обслуживание, очень внимательный и корректный гид, нам показал отличные виды, терпеливо ждал нас пока мы отставали , показал и рассказал очень интересные мангровые заросли и туннели, мы в восторге от двух часовой прогулки , особенно увлекательно поплавали с ламантинами)

Incredible excursion with Skye this afternoon! He was very helpful with one of my kids in need of extra assistance. The pedal kayaks were very easy to use and Skye’s personality kept the trip entertaining. Greatest 3 hours of exercise and outdoor time for the kids they loved Skye and this activity!

Phenomenal experience! From the moment my family and I met Kelly, we knew we were in great hands. He was fun, energetic and very knowledgeable about the mangroves and the environment around us. We were a family of 3 plus 1 solo (basically a private tour) because the weather was cool and all others canceled. Their loss-our gain! Will definitely go again and request Kelly as our guide!

Fantastic experience. Upon arrival, my teenage daughter had a complete panic attack meltdown due to being scared of the water. Instead of pressuring her, Sky was incredibly understanding and willing to proceed with my dad and son while my daughter and I stayed back. We had caused him extra work in getting the kayaks all the set for no reason and he didn’t complain at all. After the trip, my son kept telling me how Sky was the nicest guy ever and how they could never have asked for anyone for anyone better. Sky even gave him some shark teeth he had found as a souvenir. Next time, we will leave my daughter at home but we will definitely book with this company again.

Kelly is a fantastic tour guide, he knows what to look for when looking for dolphins and manatees. The tour itself was really fun, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is comfortable on the water. An amazing experience I will not soon forget.....Thanks Kelly and capt. Mike

Amazing day on the water! Skye was excellent to work with…Informative, timely and really nice! Equipment was in excellent condition. We saw dolphins, manatees, starfish and even a small water snake…Thanks Skye for our best experience on the water in Sarasota!

Had an amazing time with Kelly as our guide! We were a smaller group than all the other tours and Kelly was SO knowledgeable about the wildlife, birds as well as the plants we saw along the way. We saw a bunch of dolphins and the mangrove tunnels are absolutely stunning. I couldn't have asked for a more positive and awesome guide. I would 1000% book another tour with them.

Took my family on the Anna Maria tour and we all had a great time. Sky was an awesome guide. Explained a lot to us and answered all of our questions. Thanks again.

Great place but crowded! Go when it's not snowbird season and it's perfect.

Nice place to kayak. Expect dark water and mangrove trails.

Went to kayak. Softwhite sand. Nice tour guide. Almost heaven kayak tours. AWESOME!!!

This park was awesome. It was a little crowded with the kayak rental company jam packed. But overall I rate it a great place to kayak.

Great time kayaking and paddle boarding! Great 2 hour tour, did not see any manatee or dolphins.

You have to watch out for some branches not to get hot in the face, otherwise, beautiful.

Fantastic afternoon of family fun! I would recommend a guided tour with I Kayak.

We have been coming to Siesta Key for a long time. This is 2nd time at Phillippi Creek and we had terrible experience. We were party of 8 and 5 of us was seated at the nice table on the other side away from the bar to begin with. We waited on our family of 3 to order food. We were asked to move over to bar area with the view due to party of 40 people who will be very loud which was not true. Lady that moved us promised free appetizer due to making us move which we never got. Well at the other side we were seated in the middle at their look like picnic table in very loud area. So many drunk people who were yelling and walking around. It was so cold and not comfortable at all. Lisa was our waiter and she was awesome other then that this was horrible experience. Food was overpriced for what you get. I would not recommend this place anymore and we won't be going back.

I have eaten here 5 other times, all good. Tonight was not good. We ordered oysters, gumbo and Roy’s platter. Oysters were excellent. The other items were ice cold and horrible. Server was rushed us. The meal was Not acceptable. They gave us 2 drinks. Which was nice. What we really wanted was a hot meal. Lots of places to eat. I do t have to eat here. $100 bucks later. I would have rather stayed home.

You get one star because the food tasted great however for what I paid for my meal I shouldn't leave hungry, and I'm not a big eater. Smallest portion of fish I've ever been and tiny little sides. You'd think that if your in Florida where grouper is abundant you could give you more and for less than $33 NOT WORTH THE PRICE!!!! It's become a tourist trap!!!

I think Phillip Creek is one of the best places to eat and hang out in all of Sarasota/Siesta Key. It is all about the people working there. You have the msot lovely and friendly (and gorgeous) waitress Gabby (Gabirela) and behind the bar there are a number of gopod people - Sam, Jasmine, Justin , etc. The manager is very nice and obviously requires perfection from her staff which is always good. The food is terrific and they have an excellent happy hour - 3 to 5:30. I go there as often as I can while I am in this area for 6 months a year. And, I am in love with Gabby but that is another story :-).0

If they ask you if you want a window seat, politely decline. For $100 for two people (no alcohol) food was ok. However, it was hard to enjoy because we were so busy swatting millions of little gnats away. By the way, the windows were closed. Alcohol may have improved the circumstances.

We loved Phillippi Creek. They have a great daily happy hour with a good selection of food. The food was excellent and the service was great. We sat outside next to the creek and the view was beautiful. I highly recommend Phillippi Creek.

I have eaten here every time I come to Sarasota since 1998. A trip to Sarasota is never complete without dining at Phillipi Creek. So many great memories with family and friends around the wonderful food and drinks at this place!

This was such an incredible experience! Our tour guide, Jeff, was so knowledgeable about the wildlife. He was friendly, and we had such a nice time learning and seeing the mangroves. The sit-on-top kayaks were easy to maneuver and get on/off too! They also provided two different styles of dry bags we were able to use to keep our belongings in, which was great.

Great morning on the water with our guide Jeff exploring the mangrove tunnels! It was a picture perfect day, lots of sightings - manatee, dolphins, playful cormorants and varied fish and birds. Jeff was knowledgeable and fun. Thanks!

I can’t say enough great things about this company! Both times I have worked with them their staff have been extremely friendly and helpful. I work with individuals with exceptionalities and today we went kayaking! Kadin was so helpful and kind. Our non profit, Adventure For All, is looking forward to working with them again in the fall.

Our party had a great time kayaking the mangrove tunnels and around Otter Key. So many fish and dolfins. Great kayaks with back support. You just show up and go after a short and informative instructions. Such a fun day. Highly recommend.

This was our 5th time renting a kayak from Happy Paddler, and we have always enjoyed the experience. Shane is very helpful and accommodating, and the equipment is in good condition.

Kayaking in the mangroves was an awesome experience! Jeff was knowledgeable, humorous and very professional. Although we didn’t see any dolphins, we did see some manatees (one with her calf) and some pretty funny cormorants (one that popped up next to my kayak with lunch in its mouth!). I highly recommend this company and the staff. Thank you for making our last day in the area the most memorable of all!

Jeff was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable on the local marine and plant life. We really enjoyed the Mangrove tour and look forward to the Coastal Island Tour! Thanks again!

Scott led a great tour. Our group was just 8 people (my family of 4 and another) - we saw other groups 2 and 3 times that size going out which would not have been as much fun nor as personal. Scott is exceptionally knowledgable of the area and is a wildlife enthusiast. He stopped many times and pointed out things and brought sealife from the bottom of the bay to show us. His calm and careful instructions made navigating the twists and turns of the mangrove tunnels easy for a novice. Highly recommend!

Exhilarating time for the whole family! The guide was very skilled, knowledgeable and engaging. Nature exploration at its best. Beats Disney any day. My highest recommendation!