Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour
Overview
Paddle into one of Lido Key’s most unique eco-adventures: the mangrove tunnels. This guided kayak tour takes you through calm, winding waterways where mangrove branches create shaded “tunnels” overhead—quiet, beautiful, and full of life. Along the way, our friendly local guides share fun, easy-to-understand info about the mangrove ecosystem and help you spot wildlife like coastal birds, fish, rays, and—when they’re around—manatees and dolphins.
Booking is simple: reserve by the number of guests in your group, and the type of watercraft you prefer (single kayaks, tandem kayaks or stand up paddleboards). Our goal is to keep everyone comfortable and having a great time on the water.
What sets us apart: We're Hawaii transplants who brought our love for the ocean to Sarasota. We're the only outfitter offering kids' programs and maintain a 5-star Cool Shore Excursions rating. Note: Guides may make changes to routes and equipment based on conditions and safety.
What's Included
- Paddles
- Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)
- Government Fees
- Single or tandem kayaks or stand up paddleboards (chosen at time of booking)
- Bottled water Please bring your own water. We do not provide it.
- (optional, but appreciated--cash or Venmo accepted at the end of the tour.
Meeting Location
190 Taft Drive
Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Paddle through the unique mangrove tunnel network around Lido Key in Sarasota Bay — a natural maze of winding waterways shaded by mangrove forests and rich in wildlife. Our guides lead you on an engaging and safe 2-hour experience that’s perfect for families, beginners, and nature lovers alike. Along the way, you’ll see shorebirds, fish, crabs, and in many seasons you may spot manatees or dolphins in the bay.
This is a great tour for kids. However, we do not offer a youth rate. Children under 5 can ride along with two adults in a tandem kayak. We do not charge for the ride-along child. Kids under 10 should be in a tandem kayak with an adult.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR BOOKING TIME. The time on your booking is your launch time — when we push off from the beach. Check-in, gear fitting, and your safety briefing all happen before that. If you arrive at your booking time, the tour is already starting.
- Bring water. We do not provide water or snacks. Florida heat is no joke — bring at least 16 oz per person, more in summer.
- Wear clothes and shoes you are comfortable getting wet. Water shoes or flip flops work.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses with a strap.
- We provide a small dry bag for your phone and keys. All other items (towels, change of clothes) should be left in your car.
- Parking is available. However, give yourself extra time during weekends or holiday time periods (i.e. spring break).
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 38 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (13)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-87414P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 1,115 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (13)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022Your safety is Cool Shore Excursions’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Paddles.
- Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes).
- Government Fees.
- Single or tandem kayaks or stand up paddleboards (chosen at time of booking).
- Bottled water. Please bring your own water. We do not provide it.
- (optional, but appreciated--cash or Venmo accepted at the end of the tour.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Paddles
- Safety Equipment (Life Jackets, Leashes)
- Government Fees
- Single or tandem kayaks or stand up paddleboards (chosen at time of booking)
- Bottled waterPlease bring your own water. We do not provide it.
- (optional, but appreciated--cash or Venmo accepted at the end of the tour.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR BOOKING TIME. The time on your booking is your launch time — when we push off from the beach. Check-in, gear fitting, and your safety briefing all happen before that. If you arrive at your booking time, the tour is already starting.
- Bring water. We do not provide water or snacks. Florida heat is no joke — bring at least 16 oz per person, more in summer.
- Wear clothes and shoes you are comfortable getting wet. Water shoes or flip flops work.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses with a strap.
- We provide a small dry bag for your phone and keys. All other items (towels, change of clothes) should be left in your car.
- Parking is available. However, give yourself extra time during weekends or holiday time periods (i.e. spring break).
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 38 travelers
