Paddle into one of Sarasota’s most beautiful hidden ecosystems on a guided kayak or paddleboard tour through the Lido Key mangrove tunnels. Only about 1/2 mile from Lido Beach and minutes from St. Armands Circle and Downtown Sarasota—this experience is easy to get to, but feels a world away once you slip under the mangrove canopy.

This tour is designed around the winding tunnels: shaded corridors, gentle turns, and lots of chances to spot the smaller details that make the mangroves so alive—mangrove crabs, fish, and shorebirds—plus the possibility of seeing dolphins or manatees during many months of the year. Depending on conditions, your guide may also paddle into more open water to look for wildlife.

You’ll also stop briefly at a sandbar to stretch your legs, take photos, and soak in the scenery before continuing the paddle. The pace is relaxed and beginner-friendly, with patient instruction and a safety-first approach from start to finish.

Choosing between our tours: This is our tunnel-focused tour. If your “must-do” is a longer beach stop with shelling at Midnight Pass Beach, that’s our Mangrove + Hidden Beach Tour, which launches from Turtle Beach on Siesta Key.