LIDO (SARASOTA)
MANGROVE TUNNELS TOUR

If you are looking for outdoor things to do in the Sarasota area, then this family-friendly, kayak eco tour is for you. Come travel through the exotic mangrove tunnels, and explore Sarasota Bay, which is frequented by manatees and dolphins. This tour is a favorite for all ages and skill levels.

Will I see mantees and dolphins?

Manatees are frequently seen from March through December, when the waters are warm. The remaining months of the year, manatees can be seen, but it is less frequent.  Dolphins may be seen year round as they feed and travel through the surrounding mangrove islands and channels.

The Lido (Sarasota) Mangrove Tunnels Tour is ideal for all ages. For children, we have smaller life vests and lighter paddles. We also suggest tandem (double) kayaks, so that an adult can sit in the back of the same kayak with his/her child, and help with paddling.

No…we get this question all the time! There are no alligators on the Lido (Sarasota) Mangrove Tunnels Tour. However, our Myakka River Tour has lots of alligators.

Yes, this tour is great for beginners, as well as advanced kayakers.  We start each tour with on-water paddling instructions for those who need it. Then your guide will provide feedback and help along the way.

What kinds of birds are on this tour?

Depending on the time of year, a wide variety of tropical birds can be seen on the Lido (Sarasota) Mangrove Tunnels Tour. Osprey, Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, White Egrets, Yellow-crowned Night Herons, Snowy Egrets, Little Green Herons, Tri-colored Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, Cormorants, Pelicans, and occasionally Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Reddish Egrets, Bald Eagles, White Pelicans, and that’s only to name a few.

There are an abundance of live shells on the Lido (Sarasota) Mangrove Tunnels Tour that can easily be seen in these shallow protected waterways. The Florida Horse Conch (the state shell), Lightning Whelks, True Tulips, Banded Tulips, Clams, Scallops, and Crown Conchs are quite common. In addition to these beautiful live shells, you can also view Sea Stars (Starfish), Sea Urchins, Sea Anemones, Sea Cucumbers, and many more invertebrates. We stress the word “live“ because the shells are living creatures. They’re protected and must stay in the water and can’t go home with you. But you can certainly enjoy them on your tour.

Will my tour be cancelled if it rains?

Your safety is paramount. So cancelling a tour depends on the weather conditions. If the forecast is a light drizzle, then the tour will launch at the regularly scheduled time. If there are thunderstorms or any hint of lightning, then the tour will be postponed or cancelled. However, if you choose not to go on the tour due to weather conditions, or if your tour is cancelled, your credit card will not be charged.

This tour is in the swallow, protected waters of Sarasota Bay, so there is limited influence from wind and currents. The water is usually very clear which makes it great for viewing sealife.

The cost of this tour is $55 per person; children five years old or younger are $40.  It can be paid in advance by credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover) at the time you BOOK your tour. Since this tour launches from a Sarasota County Park, we are unable to accept payment or make reservations within the launch location. Please note that your card will be pre-approved upon registration, but will not be charged until the day of your tour. That way if we have weather issues, or you can’t make the tour, just give us a call and you will not be charged anything.

Although our guides appreciate this kind gesture, they're unable to accept cash (including a tip) at this tour location (since it is in a Sarasota County Park). If you would like to tip your tour guide we have three options. #1) Include a tip during your reservation on a credit card. #2) Call our shop after your tour and ask that a tip be added to your credit card. #3) Post a positive comment on TripAdvisor, Google, Yahoo, Facebook or other social networking site.

The Lido (Sarasota) Mangrove Tunnels Tour launches from the NORTH entrance of South Lido Park, referred to as the South Lido Nature Park on Lido Key (100 Taft Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236). It’s located about one mile off of St. Armanda’s Circle. Some people confuse this location with the south entrance of Lido Park that is located at the south end of Lido Key. Please note that this is not the physical address of Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures. This is a Sarasota County Park. Detailed directions can be found on the map below.

The nearest address for the Lido (Sarasota) Mangrove Tunnels Tour launch is
100 TAFT DR., SARASOTA, FL 34236. Once you arrive at this location, take a left onto Taft Drive and go straight into the South Lido Nature Park. This road dead ends into a small parking lot.

We have kayaks for all shapes and sizes. We will assist you with finding the right kayak at the time of your tour. Our goal is to make sure that you are comfortable and enjoy your adventure.

We highly recommend bringing a bottle of water and items that you would normally have while you are in the sun (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses). Cameras are okay, but we suggest putting them in a zipped plastic bag if they are not waterproof.

What should I wear?

Most people wear t-shirts, shorts and/or bathing suits. During the winter months we suggest a light wind breaker or a sweat shirt depending on the temperature and the wind conditions. The most important thing is to be comfortable. As for shoes, wear something that you don’t mind getting wet - flip flops, water shoes, or old sneakers are ideal.

This tour is ideal for anyone interested in having fun while learning more about one of our more popular local ecosystems. It’s a hands-on experience that is perfect for all ages, skill levels and physical conditions…making the Lido (Sarasota) Mangrove Tunnels Tour our most popular kayaking adventure. Depending on the time of year, manatees and dolphin frequent this area. If you never have had the opportunity to experience manatees up close and personal, here’s your chance!