Coastal Island Kayak Tour
Kayak with the coastal wildlife of Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key
Coastal Island Kayak Tour
Kayak with Manatees, Dolphins & Birds
Epic wildlife-viewing opportunities, pristine white-sand beaches, tranquil sandbars, and endless opportunities for lifelong memories await you on this award-winning experience. Come see for yourself!
From $65 / person
Best For:
Friends, families, couples, and groups (ages 5+), no paddling experience required.
Included:
All equipment, safety gear, dry bags, instruction.
Bonus:
Limited to 12 paddlers for a more personal and immersive experience (private tour option is available as well).
If kayaking alongside coastal wildlife is on your bucket list,
this is the tour for you...
This is often called the ‘manatee kayak tour’ because, especially in the spring and summer months, manatees are a common sight if you know where to look. Manatees are often curious enough to swim over and investigate our kayaks. If we’re lucky, we might even spot a mating herd – a group of males trying to swoon a female. This is when we get to see these gentle animals at their liveliest.
Kayaking with dolphins is another favorite on the Coastal Island Tour. Dolphins will occasionally put on a spectacular show for us! On especially happy days, they might jump out of the water and play some of their favorite games with each other (like “mullet smacking”).
The fun doesn’t stop with the manatees and dolphins though. We are always on the lookout for smaller but sometimes even more fascinating creatures. Animals like sea horses, sea stars, conchs, crabs, fishes and birds add so much color to this trip!
From our gallery:
Tour Details...
1. Welcome & Check-In
Arrive at the launch site about 10 minutes early to allow time to use restrooms and put sunscreen on.
Meet your expert guide and receive paddling and safety instructions.
Gear up with high-quality kayaks, paddles, life vests, and dry bags.
2. Guided Paddle Begins
After making sure our group is very comfortable and ready for our relaxed adventure, we begin our tour in the very calm waters of Bishop’s Bayou, directly behind our kayak shop at the meetup location.
Paddle at a relaxed pace with interpretive guidance from naturalist instructors.
As we paddle through The Historic Village of Longboat Key, we will enjoy gliding past beautiful homes, birds, marine life, and mangroves.
3. Coastal Break
We’ll make our way into Sarasota Bay and the beautiful, clear waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key where manatees, dolphins, and other marine animals gather feed, mate, and play!
- Take a break to stretch your legs, enjoy the scenery, and snap a few photos at one of our favorite coastal rest stops.
4. Return Paddle & Cool Down
- After we soak up enough “life on the coast”, we’ll head back to our starting location, where you can rinse, refresh, and marvel at the awesome adventure you just had!
A lesson is provided at the beginning of each tour so that all are comfortable, safe, and happy on the water. All necessary paddling and safety equipment is included with the tour, along with dry bags for your camera, phone, keys, etc. Our equipment is top-of-the line and our tours are typically kept to a maximum of 12 paddlers. Larger groups can easily be accommodated upon request and Private Tour options are available to book. There are full restrooms, an outdoor hot-water shower, and plenty of parking at the meet-up location.
$10 discount for each child under the age of 12
Wondering what to wear, bring, or expect? Don’t worry—we’ve heard it all! Take a peek at our FAQ at the bottom of this page.
Private Coastal Island Tour
For guests booking the private version of the Coastal Island Kayak Tour, we offer several premium enhancements to elevate your experience. You’ll enjoy flexible start times, a personalized pace, and a dedicated guide focused solely on your group’s interests—whether it’s wildlife photography, a romantic paddle, a team-building adventure, or an educational outing for the group. We can tailor your route to include more time at the sandbar or a secluded beach stop, making your adventure truly one-of-a-kind. You also have the option to add bottled water, sparkling drinks, cold towels, and photo packages to your private tour.
The Coastal Island Kayak Tour has been our most popular kayak tour for the past 10+ years!
here's why...
Our unique location provides outstanding opportunities for wildlife-viewing – it is a major wildlife gathering area where manatees, dolphins, and other marine animals make regular movements between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.
No big crowds! We are the only kayak outfitter with private launch access to this beautiful area between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, avoiding crowded public boat ramps and giving our small groups a peaceful start to the adventure.
Our expert naturalist guides set the gold standard for hospitality and will have you smiling through the whole adventure. All guides are certified in wilderness safety and have many years of experience paddling our local waters. They are really just incredible human beings!
As always, our guides are very respectful of wildlife encountered during the tour. In turn, manatees and dolphins are usually very relaxed around our small group of paddlers, letting us watch and learn from them as they go about their busy (and fun) day.
While larger groups can easily be accommodated upon request, we always limit our tours to a small group of paddlers (typically no more than 10 people on a tour) and we are rewarded with a very relaxed and happy group of paddlers.
This excursion is perfect for families, couples, business groups, and individuals with any level of paddling experience. First-time paddlers are always welcome.
5-star reviews
Happy Paddler has received consistent 5-star reviews since 2013 and this kayak tour has been our most popular kayak tour for more than 10 of those years!! Manatees, dolphins, birds, and a huge variety of marine critters are the highlights of this kayak tour and our expert guides know just where to spot them.
Traveler's Choice Awards
Ranked as the most popular on-water adventure across Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, this kayak tour is consistently reviewed as an absolutely unforgettable adventure!
Lifelong memories made
Okay, we are guessing on this one… However, each Coastal Island Tour is a completely unique experience filled with loads of opportunities to get a peek into the ways and wonders of life in the coastal waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. It’s the perfect backdrop for making incredible memories!
Common Questions:
What is the Coastal Island Kayak Tour?
The Coastal Island Kayak Tour is a guided eco-tour that explores the clear waters, mangrove shorelines, beaches, and sandbars between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key in Sarasota Bay. Guests paddle stable sit-on-top kayaks with an expert guide while watching for manatees, dolphins, seabirds, and other coastal wildlife.
Where does the Coastal Island Kayak Tour launch?
The Coastal Island Kayak Tour launches from our private kayak launch at the north end of Longboat Key, with easy access to the calm waters of Bishop's Bayou and the wildlife-rich channel between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Exact launch details and directions are provided in your confirmation email after booking.
Will we see manatees and dolphins on the Coastal Island Kayak Tour?
Manatees and dolphins are frequently seen on the Coastal Island Kayak Tour, especially during the warmer months when they are very active in this area. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, this location is known as a major gathering area for coastal wildlife and offers excellent chances to see manatees, dolphins, and many species of birds.
Is the Coastal Island Kayak Tour good for beginners?
Yes. The Coastal Island Kayak Tour is beginner-friendly and perfect for first-time paddlers, families, and guests of most ages and experience levels. Your guide will provide a relaxed on-shore paddling lesson, safety briefing, and ongoing support throughout the trip.
How long does the Coastal Island Kayak Tour last?
The Coastal Island Kayak Tour typically lasts about 2.5 hours on the water. The exact route and duration may vary slightly based on conditions, tides, and wildlife activity so that your guide can provide the best possible experience.
What should I bring on the Coastal Island Kayak Tour?
We recommend bringing sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen, as well as water to drink, a small snack if desired, and footwear that can get wet. Quick-dry clothing is ideal. Your kayak, paddle, life jacket, and an experienced guide are all included with your Coastal Island Kayak Tour reservation.
Are children allowed on the Coastal Island Kayak Tour?
Yes, the Coastal Island Kayak Tour is family-friendly. Younger children typically ride in a tandem kayak with an adult. If you’re unsure about age requirements, paddling comfort, or the best kayak setup for your family, Happy Paddler can provide personalized guidance before booking.
How do I book the Coastal Island Kayak Tour?
You can reserve your spot securely online through the Happy Paddler website using the “Book Now” option on the tour page. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak season and holiday periods, as tours frequently sell out.
Already enjoyed this tour?
share a Review
of your Coastal Island Tour experience:
Still looking for your perfect adventure?
Here are some other kayak trips you might like:
