Our Locations

The BEST places to kayak and paddleboard around Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Sarasota, and Bradenton

Come see our happy places!

We launch tours from several locations on Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Sarasota, and Bradenton depending on the conditions and wildlife trending at each area. A lifetime of paddling these waters has narrowed it down to these as the best places to paddle in the area. Each location has its own special quality and we pride ourselves on knowing them all very well! We’re not present at each location on a daily basis and reservations are required for all tours and rentals, with exact departure location confirmed at time of booking. Click on the map to check out some of our most common launch sites:

1. Longboat Pass

We are the only outfitter with easy access to the beautiful waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key – an area that is locally famous for its clear water and very active marine life. Because it is the only place along an 18-mile stretch of barrier islands where the Gulf meets the Bay, it functions as a major intersection where marine animals gather to feed, mate, and play. You can see why it’s so much fun to paddle here! There are several sandbars and beaches where you can get out and explore, look for shells, go for a swim, and find more fun critters. This is our primary location where the majority of our tours launch from. There are full restrooms, a hot-water shower, and plenty of parking available. Back to map

Driftwood trees in crystal clear water on secluded beach in Longboat Key Florida

2. Bayfront Park - Longboat Key

We are the only paddling outfitter allowed access to the pristine mangrove islands adjacent to Bayfront Park on Longboat Key. We are so proud that the Town of Longboat Key selected us to operate the only kayak concession on the island! From this beautiful location, paddlers can explore the mangrove fringe, spot wildlife, and paddle around the Audubon Sanctuary Islands for a fantastic view of the birds. The seagrass beds here are phenomenal, giving us lots of chances to spot manatees, along with loads of other amazing creatures. This area is known to be loaded with fish, which also makes it a fantastic place to spot dolphins! There are full restrooms, a rinse station, and parking available at this location. Back to map

Paddlers on a kayak tour in front of mangroves at Bayfront Park Longboat Key

3. Robinson Preserve

Home to nearly 700 acres of stunningly restored coastal wetlands, including mangrove forests and tidal salt marsh habitats, Robinson Preserve is on of the best places in the area to get a glimpse of what coastal Florida looked like before the development boom in the 1950s. Round out your paddling adventure with a hike along one of the many paths and then climb up the 50+ foot observation tower to take in the phenomenal views of Tampa Bay and the surrounding waterways. Parking, restrooms, and a rinse area are located near the kayak launch at the main entrance to the Preserve. Back to map

Four paddlers kayaking at Robinson Preserve

4. Ted Sperling Park

Ted Sperling Nature Park has an amazing network of mangrove forests and tunnels for you to explore! This is a very popular and family-friendly place, with calm, shallow waters and all tunnels leading back to our starting point. We often see dolphins playing, manatees foraging the seagrass, and cormorants diving in search of their next meal. Restrooms, a rinse shower, and parking are available at the park. Back to map

Single kayaker paddling through the mangrove tunnels in Sarasota Florida

4. Bayfront Park - Anna Maria

On the northern tip of Anna Maria Island sits beautiful Bayfront Park. Views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key on the horizon create the perfect backdrop for your adventure. Located just off of Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, this is a great place to enjoy once you’re off the water, too… stroll the shops, eat at one of the local cafes, or bring your own lunch and have a picnic right at the park! There are full restrooms, a rinse station, and parking available at the park. Back to map

Giant hermit crab on white sandy beach on Beer Can Island, Longboat Key, Florida

5. Coquina Bayside

This newly renovated boat launch area is popular with boaters, jet skiers, and paddlers alike. Nearby, if you know where to look, dolphins and manatees may be sighted. Directly across the street are the gorgeous white sands of Coquina Beach, along with showers, restrooms, and additional parking. Back to map

Manatee approaching paddlers on the Coastal Island Tour at Longboat Pass, Florida

6. Kingfish landing

This location offers paddlers access to the tranquil world of a tropical mangrove forest. The routes we paddle give plenty of opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees, and a host of birds. Parking is available but restroom facilities are limited, so plan accordingly! Back to map

White Ibis and Night heron birds sitting together in mangrove trees