By Kevin and Amanda Mims

Nature lovers will delight in a few hours spent paddling the waters of Lido Key, an island off of Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf coast known for pristine, white-sand beaches, blue water, and a bay that’s full of wildlife.

Follow this itinerary to paddle the bay and explore the mangrove tunnels of Lido Key.

You’ll start your day at Kayaking SRQ, which is on the south end of the island next to Ted Sperling Nature Park. Once you’re checked in, you’ll begin your adventure with a quick kayaking lesson before heading out on Sarasota Bay. The bay is protected and kayaking in this area is generally easy to do, even for beginners.

For the next two hours, you’ll paddle the bay and meander through mystical mangrove tunnels. Your guide will point out wildlife, including pelicans, crabs, starfish, and jellyfish, so have your camera ready. And while sightings aren’t guaranteed, it’s not uncommon for guests to see dolphins splashing or manatees gliding through the water.

If time permits, your guide will take you out to a secluded beach, where you’ll have a chance to swim and look for shells.

When you’re back on dry land, you can walk or drive a half-mile to check out Lido Beach, which has concessions. Then head to St. Armands Circle to visit the area’s best restaurants and shops.

Time Allowance

This itinerary takes a half-day to complete.

Distance from Population Centers

Lido Key is just west of Sarasota, 35 minutes south of Bradenton, and an hour south of Tampa.

Walking/Driving Distance Between Things to Do

A hub for shopping and dining, St. Armands Circle is about a mile from Kayaking SRQ, and Lido Beach is within easy walking distance.

What to Bring

Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing appropriate for water activities and bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and drinking water. To capture memories from your day, bring a waterproof case for your phone and/or waterproof camera. A dry bag to secure your phone and keys will be provided.

What to Expect

This is an easy, beginner-friendly and family-friendly paddle through the mangrove tunnels of Lido Key. You’ll see lots of wildlife, including birds, fish, and crabs, and have a chance of spotting dolphins or manatees. Most of the tour takes place in shallow water.

Physical Demands

Participants must be able to get in and out of a kayak and maintain control of it. Single and tandem kayaks are available. Tandem kayaks are good for parents to paddle with younger children.

Accessibility Enhancements/Inclusion Highlights

At Lido Beach, beach wheelchairs are available by inquiring at the lifeguard towers any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Visitors who need a beach wheelchair outside of those hours can contact the Sarasota County ADA coordinator three days in advance and make an accommodation request. The coordinator can be reached at 941-861-5000 or adacoordinator@scgov.net.

Trip Highlights

Seeing a pod of dolphins frolicking in the bay is a memorable experience. Spotting wildlife from a kayak and meandering through mangrove tunnels is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Lido Key nature.

Awards and Recognition

Kayaking SRQ received Tripadvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice award.

Lodging and Accommodations

There are plenty of options for places to stay in the area. Lido Beach Resort, Sandcastle Resort at Lido Key, and Limetree Beach Resort are all within walking distance of Kayaking SRQ.

Culinary Adventures

Along St. Armands Circle, you’ll find an abundance of dining options, including the famed Columbia Restaurant, which is 1.5 miles from Kayaking SRQ and about a mile from the public beach. The Columbia Restaurant serves Cuban and Spanish cuisine and is known for its 1905 Salad and sangria. Speaks Clam Bar and Venezia Italian Restaurant are also nearby and within 1.5 miles of Kayaking SRQ.

When To Visit and Seasonal Differences

In the summer months, rain and thunderstorms are common, especially in the afternoons. While light rain might not be enough to affect a tour, in cases of dangerous weather, tours will be postponed until the storm passes or rescheduled if necessary.

If you want to spot manatees, your best chances will be between April and December.

Surprises/Bonuses

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see manatees and dolphins while out on the water. Manatee sightings can happen at any time of year, but you’re more likely to see them between April and December.

Cormorants are common here and are known to swim alongside kayaks.

Stick around the island until evening to watch a beautiful Gulf coast sunset.

Rules

Guests are allowed to bring small coolers.

Advice

While you’re in the area, take some extra time to visit nearby attractions. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are just four miles away on the other side of the bay. The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is less than three miles away.

How to Book

Go to the Kayaking SRQ website to book this and other kayaking tours.

Places to Remember