SURFit USA is a leading provider of kayak and stand up paddleboard eco-tours and rental equipment in Sarasota, Florida, with locations on Lido Key and Siesta Key. They offer guided tours through mangrove tunnels, wildlife encounters, paddleboard and kayak rentals for self-exploration, and multi-day adventures including hiking, surfing, and paddling in various locations. Owners Karla and Aaron, transplants from Hawaii, emphasize safety, fun, and sharing Sarasota's beautiful waterways since 2012.

Kayaking SRQ is a well-established kayaking business located in Sarasota, Florida, with over 40 years of experience guiding visitors through the region’s unique waterways. Specializing in exploring the mangrove tunnels of Lido Key, the company offers both guided tours and kayak rentals for those who prefer to navigate independently using provided maps. What sets this business apart is its deep local knowledge and passion for sharing Sarasota’s natural beauty, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for paddlers of all ages and skill levels. The company’s commitment to education and environmental appreciation enhances each outing, making it a standout choice in Florida’s premier kayak park. The offerings include guided kayak tours that highlight the local ecology, wildlife, and history, appealing to nature enthusiasts, photographers, families, and individuals seeking relaxation or exercise. Experienced guides provide informative commentary and personalized attention, accommodating groups ranging from young children to older adults. Rentals are also available for those who want to explore at their own pace, with all necessary equipment supplied. Customers consistently praise the knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to encounter diverse marine life while paddling through scenic mangrove tunnels, making the experience both memorable and enriching.

LeBarge Tropical Cruises offers unique boat tours and cruises in Sarasota, FL, aboard the LeBarge, a floating tropical island with palm trees and mermaids. Services include narrated Dolphin & Manatee Watch Cruises with marine biologists, Sightseeing & Nature Cruises, Tropical Sunset Cruises with live entertainment, Rhythm on The Bay, Full Moon Cruises, private charters for events like weddings and parties, and special holiday cruises. Features full bar, specialty cocktails, beer on tap, light food menu, and views of Sarasota Bay wildlife and shoreline.

Low Tide Tours is a locally owned watersports company based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in unique and memorable experiences along the Gulf Coast. With extensive knowledge of the region’s waterways, the company offers a blend of adventure and relaxation through its floating tiki boat tours, captained pontoon cruises, and parasailing flights—the longest available in Southwest Florida. Operating seven days a week, Low Tide Tours stands out for its combination of expert captains, high-quality equipment, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere that allows guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including frequent sightings of dolphins and manatees. The company’s offerings include private and group charters across popular locations such as Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Venice, and North Sarasota. Guests can choose from two-hour private cruises or extended 4.5-hour excursions that feature stops at scenic sandbars, waterfront bars, and opportunities for swimming and wildlife viewing. The floating tiki bar experience is particularly notable, providing a festive atmosphere with tiki torches and coolers for guests to bring their own beverages. These tours cater to all ages and group sizes, emphasizing personalized service and a relaxed pace that highlights the stunning coastal scenery and vibrant marine life.

Situated inside Big Pass on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota Yacht Club offers a historic yet modern setting for boating and leisure enthusiasts in Sarasota, Florida. Established in 1926, the club combines a century of tradition with contemporary amenities, including an expansive marina, fitness center, heated pool, and private event venues. Its unique location provides sheltered waters ideal for year-round boating and watersports, while the club’s commitment to community engagement and world-class experiences distinguishes it among regional yacht clubs. The club’s offerings cater to a diverse membership interested in sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and social activities. Members enjoy access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities with group classes and personal training, as well as award-winning dining featuring locally sourced, seasonal menus. Social events range from elegant wine tastings to lively parties with live entertainment, and the club hosts an annual invitational regatta with races for various fleets. Additionally, the waterfront location serves as a luxurious venue for weddings and private events, providing panoramic views and exceptional service.

Located in Sarasota, Florida, Lido Mangrove Tours offers an immersive experience exploring the region’s pristine and uncrowded mangrove ecosystems. Operated by the Sarasota Paddleboard Company, the business emphasizes small group sizes and expert guides to provide a personalized and informative adventure. With a focus on natural beauty and environmental appreciation, the tours navigate through intricate mangrove mazes using high-quality equipment. The company’s reservation-only policy ensures an intimate and well-organized outing for all participants. The tours include new electric stand-up paddleboard (E-SUP) and electric kayak (E-Kayak) options, catering to a range of skill levels and preferences. These guided excursions are designed for individuals seeking a unique outdoor activity that combines gentle exercise with wildlife observation. Guests can expect a peaceful journey through calm waters surrounded by lush mangrove forests, making it ideal for nature lovers and those interested in eco-tourism. The combination of experienced guides, top-tier equipment, and carefully managed group sizes creates a memorable and accessible paddling experience.

Sarasota Bay Explorers is a marine eco-tourism company based in Sarasota, Florida, located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, the former site of Mote Marine Aquarium. With a strong partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory, the company offers expertly guided boat tours led by knowledgeable marine biologists. These tours provide an educational and interactive experience focused on the natural beauty and wildlife of Sarasota Bay, including opportunities to observe dolphins, manatees, and native bird species. The company’s commitment to hands-on learning and eco-conservation makes it a distinctive choice for visitors seeking an immersive marine adventure on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The business offers a variety of tours and private charters tailored to different interests and group sizes. Popular options include the Sea Life Encounter Cruise, a 1.75-hour educational journey featuring wildlife observation and a visit to an uninhabited island, and the Sarasota Sunset Cruise, which showcases stunning coastal sunsets over the Gulf. Private charters accommodate both small and large groups, making them ideal for special events, school field trips, and corporate outings. Guests can expect a relaxed yet informative experience aboard spacious 40-foot pontoon boats, with opportunities to engage directly with marine life and enjoy the scenic waters of Sarasota Bay.

Discover Sarasota Tours is a locally owned tour company based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in air-conditioned trolley tours that showcase the rich cultural history and vibrant communities of Sarasota and Venice. With extensive experience in providing engaging and informative excursions, the company offers a unique way to explore the region’s most notable landmarks, neighborhoods, and stories. Their fleet includes Dolly The Trolley, a 31-seat enclosed vehicle designed for comfort and convenience, allowing guests to enjoy the sights year-round. What sets this company apart is its diverse range of interactive and themed tours, combining entertainment with education to create memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike. The company’s offerings include a variety of specialized tours such as the Sarasota City Sightseeing Tour, the interactive Murder Mystery Trolley, and behind-the-scenes access to the Sarasota Opera House. Other popular experiences feature art crawls, wine tastings at local vineyards, historical explorations of circus heritage, and seasonal events like haunted tours and musical cabarets. These tours cater to a wide audience, including families, groups, and cultural enthusiasts, providing opportunities to learn about local history, architecture, and the arts in an engaging setting. Each tour is carefully curated to highlight the unique aspects of the area, often incorporating live performances, guided commentary, and exclusive access to venues, ensuring a rich and enjoyable outing for all participants.

Located in Sarasota, Florida, Liquid Blue Outfitters is the area's exclusive provider of guided pedal kayak tours, offering a unique way to explore the region's coastal waters and mangrove tunnels. With no prior experience required, guests can enjoy an accessible and engaging adventure through shallow sandbars, seagrass beds, and diverse habitats rich with native flora and fauna. The company stands out by using advanced pedal kayaks from Old Town Kayaks, allowing for efficient travel powered by the legs, which enables participants to cover more ground than traditional kayaking methods. Certified guides, trained through the American Canoe Association and equipped with life support skills, ensure a safe and informative experience for all visitors. The outfitter offers a variety of tours across Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Palmetto, and nearby Bradenton, catering to small groups of up to ten people to maintain an intimate and personalized atmosphere. Participants can expect to encounter local wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, and a variety of bird species, while learning about the unique ecosystems of the area. In addition to sightseeing tours, Liquid Blue Outfitters provides guided pedal kayak fishing trips for anglers aged ten and older, complete with all necessary gear and native guides. Whether seeking a peaceful paddle through Florida’s natural beauty or an active fishing excursion, guests can enjoy premium equipment and expert guidance throughout their adventure.

Florida Underwater Sports, located in Sarasota, Florida, is a premier dive center known for its comprehensive scuba training, equipment sales, and travel services. With a strong reputation as a Scubapro Platinum and PADI 5 Star Dive Center, it caters to divers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The center distinguishes itself through personalized attention, flexible scheduling, and on-site pool training, providing a controlled environment for skill development. Its commitment to quality and detail makes it a trusted choice for those seeking to advance their diving education or enjoy recreational diving. The dive center offers a wide range of services including PADI certification courses such as Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Enriched Air Nitrox training, as well as refresher and private classes. Customers can also access equipment servicing, tank fills, and guided dives. Additionally, Florida Underwater Sports organizes dive travel adventures to destinations like the Philippines, Iceland, Cayman Brac, the Sea of Cortez, and Fiji, appealing to divers interested in exploring diverse underwater environments. The experience is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, supporting divers in all aspects of their underwater pursuits.

Kayaking SRQ is a family-owned business located in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in guided kayak tours through the region’s unique mangrove tunnels and protected bay waters. With over 40 years of local experience, the company offers a personalized approach led by passionate guides who share deep knowledge of the area’s ecology and history. Founded by Greg and Kim Gregory, who have a lifelong connection to Sarasota Bay, the business emphasizes safety and enjoyment for paddlers of all ages and skill levels. Its distinctive focus on exploring hidden natural gems and providing an authentic Florida kayaking experience sets it apart in the local outdoor recreation scene. The company offers a range of services including guided mangrove tours and kayak rentals with maps for self-guided exploration, catering to families, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and casual adventurers alike. All equipment is modern and well-maintained, with life jackets and dry bags provided to ensure comfort and safety. Tours begin with a brief paddle lesson and are designed to accommodate beginners through experienced kayakers, with opportunities to observe wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, birds, and fish. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who tailor each outing to the group’s interests, making every excursion both educational and memorable.

HydroCats operates in Sarasota, Florida, offering a distinctive boating experience aboard the world’s only compact power catamaran of its kind, the CraigCat. Known for its smooth ride and high-performance capabilities, this unique watercraft provides an exhilarating way to explore Sarasota Bay and its surrounding keys. With expert guides leading the tours, HydroCats combines adventure with sightseeing, allowing guests to enjoy both the thrill of speed and the beauty of the local marine environment. The company emphasizes responsible tourism and inclusivity, ensuring a memorable and respectful experience for all visitors. The business specializes in two-hour guided tours that accommodate up to ten people, featuring a mix of slow cruising and faster speeds to enhance the adventure. Participants drive their own two-seater catamarans, following a lead boat and stopping at sandbars or beaches for breaks and driver switches. Wildlife sightings such as dolphins, manatees, and turtles are common highlights, though not guaranteed. HydroCats provides essential gear including waterproof dry bags, coolers with water and fruit, and dry jackets in colder months. The tours are suitable for a wide range of customers, including families with children aged five and older, and require drivers to hold a Florida temporary boater’s safety card if born after 1988.