Coastal Wildlife Kayak Tour

5.0 (48 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

48 reviews

5.0

Incredible wildlife viewing opportunities on the Coastal Island Kayak Tour! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Explore the sandbars between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Happy Paddler is the only kayak outfitter with private launch access to the beautiful waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, avoiding crowded public boat ramps. This gives you a relaxing start to the adventure and more time to enjoy any wildlife you encounter.

Happy Paddler always limits tours to groups of 12 or less, allowing you to enjoy more time to explore and much better opportunities for manatee and dolphin encounters. Larger groups can be accommodated.

Our expert naturalist guides will lead you through shallow coastal waters, mangrove shorelines and islands while looking for manatees, dolphins, rays, sea turtles and coastal birds. Wildlife sightings vary, but opportunities are outstanding year-round and our guides know exactly where to look.

This excursion is perfect for families, couples, groups, and individuals with any level of paddling experience.

For visitors to Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key looking for the best wildlife adventure, this is it!

Nature and Wildlife Tours Kayaking Tours Whale Watching On the Water Dolphin Watching Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching Small Group

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures

Ages: Children (5–12 years) · Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Dry bag to store your phone and personal items
Included: Coast Guard approved (and comfortable!) life vest
Included: High-quality, comfortable kayak & paddle

Not included

Not included: Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Not included: Bottled water: please bring your reusable water bottle!

Itinerary

Epic wildlife viewing, pristine white sand beaches, tranquil sandbars, and lifelong memories await on the award-winning Coastal Wildlife Kayak Tour! Manatees, dolphins, birds, and abundant marine life highlight this relaxed adventure. After a quick paddling lesson and safety briefing, we’ll set out on the calm waters of Bishop’s Bayou, paddling through historic Longbeach Village and past beautiful waterfront homes while watching for wildlife. We'll make our way into Sarasota Bay and the spectacular clear waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. This special area is a major wildlife gathering spot where manatees, dolphins, and other marine animals regularly move between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Along the way, we’ll have several beautiful spots to get out and stretch our legs. After soaking up the "coastal life," we'll paddle back to rinse and refresh after an awesome adventure! Solo guest or odd-numbered group? We’ll provide single kayaks as needed. Just let us know how many single vs. tandem boats your group prefers by leaving a note in the Special Requests section during booking. Please call with any questions or other special requests.

Stop 1
Longboat Key
Anna Maria Island

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

You can meet us at 522 Cedar Street in the Whitney Beach Plaza, which is located at the north end of Longboat Key. Look for our Happy Paddler Kayak shop in the rear corner of the plaza.

End point

You can meet us at 522 Cedar Street in the Whitney Beach Plaza, which is located at the north end of Longboat Key. Look for our Happy Paddler Kayak shop in the rear corner of the plaza.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.