Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures
Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures provides a unique experience for those who wish to observe Florida's marine wildlife while staying active and getting a workout. It provides guided tours all over Sarasota's waters, as well as many other parts of Florida. The best tour it has for manatee viewing, however, is known as the South Lido Mangrove Tunnels Tour. This tour will take you through the maze of mangroves in Little Sarasota Bay, frequented by manatees from March to December. The tour launches out of the north side of South Lido Park, one of the Sarasota County Parks, which has a bathroom and changing area, as well as an outdoor shower. The tour lasts from two and a half to three hours and costs $55 per person. The tour is suitable for the whole family and can be paddled in one of Almost Heaven's many kayaks, coming in various styles and sizes.
Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures
200 Taft Drive
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-504-6296
kayakfl.com
Sarasota Bay Explorers Private Cruises
Sarasota Bay Explorers is a popular provider of eco-tours throughout Sarasota Bay. It is the only tour service that has the distinction of working in conjunction with the renowned Mote Aquarium, Sarasota's aquatic research laboratory and aquarium. Although it provides various types of tours, its best bet is the Miss Explorer, a private cruise for charter on a 24-foot Sea Ray Sundeck with a restroom, freshwater shower and an experienced U.S. Coast Guard-certified captain. It will also even provide a biologist to accompany you on your tour at an additional charge to provide more information on the inhabitants, history and folklore of the Sarasota Bay. The tour is fully customizable, so if you want to throw in some snorkeling or a picnic with your manatee viewing, all you have to do is tell your captain. The tour accommodates parties of up to six passengers and is priced by time, not by person. A three-hour trip runs $295; a four-hour trip runs $370; and the five-hour trip is $445.
Sarasota Bay Explorers at Mote Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy.
City Island, Sarasota, FL
941-388-4200
sarasotabayexplorers.com
Reelin & Chillin Charters Photography Trips
Reelin & Chillin Charters is a private charter service that provides tours and fishing trips throughout the Sarasota Bay area. Terry, the boat's captain, is a U.S. Coast Guard-certified master captain with 30 years experience navigating the area. Apart from fishing, Terry has another passion: photography. He incorporates photography into his tours for a truly unique experience. Captain Terry's experience in the area has given him a sense of where the manatees can be found during different times of the year and he plans his nature and photography tours accordingly. You can climb up into the boat's tower for a spectacular view (and shot) of these creatures basking in the hot sun. The boat accommodates up to six passengers and is rented for two, four, six or eight hours with prices ranging from $175 to $475. For an additional cost, you can also have a professional photographer accompany the tour to provide instruction.
Reelin & Chillin Charters, Inc.
3311 Seventh St.
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-228-7802
naturetourflorida.com
