3 Kayak Tours in Tampa & St Petersburg That Earn the Road Trip

1.Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,800 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79Our pick

Paddle a tandem clear kayak from Tierra Verde to Shell Key Preserve with a guide such as Alessia, Jenna, Ben, or Chris. Expect mangroves, shallow water, seabirds, fish, dolphins, and a beach stop for shells. The two-hour tour suits beginners and families, but wind can make open-water paddling strenuous.

“Insanely beautiful! Jada was very knowledgeable and shared great fun facts about all of the wildlife we saw. Would definitely recommend. Also very much appreciated the cold water provided”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,440 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59Best value

Meet Sea Life Kayak Adventures at 190 Taft Dr for a two-hour guided paddle through Little Sarasota Bay and South Lido’s mangrove tunnels. Choose a single or tandem kayak, with Ian, Kenny, Joe, Dinko, or another guide leading the way. Expect calm water, local ecology, and possible manatee, dolphin, ray, and bird sightings.

“Do it! We had a great time and our guide was very knowledgeable about the native plants and aquatic life.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Sarasota Mangrove Tunnel Guided Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,217 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Launch from Ted Sperling Nature Park for a two-hour guided kayak trip across Sarasota Bay and into Lido Key’s mangrove tunnels. You’ll learn basic paddling and safety first, then look for dolphins, manatees, stingrays, birds, and fish. Guides including Cody, Jordan, Patrick, Jacob, and Steffan add local history and humor along the way.

“Patrick was a great and very informative guide. Saw lots of nature and wildlife. Would highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review