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Want to add a couple of Siesta Key boat tours to your travel itinerary? You don’t even have to be a tourist to enjoy the fun boat tours in Siesta Key. I’m a Florida local and I love getting out onto the water and exploring the area!
There are so many Siesta Key boat tours to choose from. Whether you want to look for marine wildlife, try out some water sports, or go on a private cruise, you’ve got options. So, here’s a roundup of what I think are the 12 best Siesta Key boat island tours, as well as a few nearby ones. I’ve compiled all the relevant info you need to make the best choice for your trip.
Best Siesta Key Boat Tours
Below are my favorite Siesta Key boat tours within walking distance or just a short drive away.
1. Siesta Key Kayak Tour
⭐ Rated: 4.5 out of 5 (34 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours
What better way to journey around Siesta Key than on a kayak? You can also use a stand up paddleboard as you explore one of Sarasota’s most interesting ecosystems: mangrove islands. You’ll spot tons of wildlife, including a dolphin or manatee if you’re lucky! This tour also includes a stop at a tranquil area of Turtle Beach that can only be accessed by boat.
I’ve been boating in this area for over a decade. It’s some of the best crystal clear water in Florida.
Read what others are saying about this kayak tour:
“We saw a beautiful dolphin in the channel and different types of birds. It was my friend’s first ever time kayaking, and she loved it!”
– Kimberly, Siesta Key Boat Tour Review
PROS
- Equipment and safety gear provided
- Two departure times to choose from
- Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior
CONS
- Food and drinks not provided
☑︎ Departure Location: 8701 Blind Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242, USA
2. Private Siesta Funship Adventure & Dolphin Cruise
⭐ Rated: 5 out of 5 (17 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours
If you’re interested in Siesta Key boat tours but want to avoid crowds, then Siesta Key private boat tours are the way to go.
On this tour, the captain will take your group to look for dolphins and manatees. There is also a stop at a sandbar to lounge, swim, or use the slide that’s onboard. If you’d like, the captain can also take you to get drinks or a quick bite.
Useful Adventure Dolphin Tour Information
- The tour involves just your group of up to 6 people.
- BYOB — a cooler is supplied with ice.
PROS
- Private tour
- Beach chairs and toys provided
- Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior
CONS
- Pricier than most tours in the area
- Food and drinks not provided
☑︎ Departure Location: 946 Siesta Dr, Sarasota, FL 34242, USA
3. Dolphins & Donuts Tour
⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours
Many of the best Siesta Key boat island tours involve looking for dolphins, but how many of them also serve you donuts? Just this one! It combines two of my favorite things, food and time outdoors seeing wildlife!
On this dolphin tour by Fun Boat Tours, you can leisurely munch away on donuts and coffee as you sail the Intracoastal Waterway. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees, and marine birds.
PROS
- One of the best priced dolphin tours in Siesta Key
- Food and drinks provided
- Military discount available
CONS
- Parking nearby can be pricey
☑︎ Departure Location: 1265 Old Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
4. Efoil Watersport Experience in Sarasota
⭐ Rated: 5 out of 5 (20 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hours
Ever heard of an electricity-powered surfboard? It might sound like a hazard, but riding an Efoil can be perfectly safe and fun.
I realize an Efoil is not a boat, but since it’s in a class of its own, I had to include it in the best boat tours near Siesta Key.
Even if you’re new to this watersport, the instructors will have you flying over the Gulf of Mexico or Sarasota Bay in no time!
Useful Tips for the Efoil Watersport Experience
- Anyone of any Efoil skill level can participate, but it’s recommended that you be moderately physically fit.
PROS
- Private boat tour
- Equipment and safety gear provided
- Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior
CONS
- Not ideal for people with serious medical issues, especially heart problems
- Not recommended for pregnant women
☑︎ Departure Location: varies depending on weather conditions
5. Private Sunset Boat Tour
⭐ Rated: 5 out of 5 (7 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2.5 hours
You have a few options when it comes to Siesta Key private boat tours, including this sunset charter through Little Sarasota Bay. You might just see a dolphin or manatee as you ride the waves and head to a sandbar where you can pop out for a swim as the day shifts to night.
Useful Private Sunset Charter Information
- Up to 6 guests are allowed in your group.
- This is a BYO tour. A cooler with water and ice is provided.
PROS
- Pet-friendly boat
- Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior
- Private Tour
CONS
- Food and drinks not provided
☑︎ Departure Location: 7660 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231, USA
6. Parasailing Adventure in Anna Maria Island
⭐ Rated: 5 out of 5 (58 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 30 minutes
Anna Maria Island is a 25-mile drive from Siesta Key, but it’s worth it for this experience! Once you’re out on the water, you’ll get strapped into your parachute and sent flying. You’ll be in the air for about 10 minutes. The whole experience lasts just 30 minutes, making it a quick adventure that can easily be squeezed into any itinerary.
Useful Parasailing Boat Tour Tips
- Parking here can be a challenge during peak season. Aim to arrive about 15 or 20 minutes early.
- The boat leaves at the scheduled time whether you’re on it or not!
PROS
- Small group boat tour (12 persons maximum)
- Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior
CONS
- Those who are pregnant or have medical conditions should avoid
- Not for those with a fear of heights
☑︎ Departure Location: 63rd St, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, USA
7. 4-Hour Private Inshore Fishing Trip in Sarasota
⭐ Rated: 5 out of 5 (11 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours
Want to see what you can reel in around Siesta Key? Siesta Key boat tours are a perfect opportunity to do just that!
The captain of this boat tour specializes in several native Florida species, including redfish, tarpon, and snook. It’s a very personalized experience, and the captain can help you get the hang of fishing if you’ve never tried it before.
PROS
- Private, personalized tour
- Fishing equipment and license provided
- Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior
CONS
- Food and drinks not provided
☑︎ Departure Location: 920 John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota, FL 34236
8. 4-Hour Private Boat Tour with Wildlife Watching
⭐ Rated: 5 out of 5 (65 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours
This is, no doubt, one of the best Siesta Key private boat tours! It departs from the marina in Sarasota, with an itinerary that includes Siesta Key, Casey Key, Venice, and Nokomis.
Not only will you be keeping your eyes out for wildlife but you’ll also see historical sights such as Historic Spanish Point in Casey Key. This tour is highly customizable. You can go shelling, visit a tiki bar, grab a bite to eat, or all of the above!
PROS
- Private, personalized tour
- Two departure times to choose from
- Snacks and water provided
- Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior
CONS
- Pricey
☑︎ Departure Location: 7700 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34231
9. Kayak Tour through Mangrove Tunnels
⭐ Rated: 5 out of 5 (431 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours
The mangroves in and around Siesta Key harbor tons of marine wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, crabs, starfish, and birds! The mangrove forests you’ll venture into on this tour have grown into tunnels, which you can explore on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Useful Kayak Tour Information
- This tour departs from Lido Key, north of Siesta Key.
- If you choose to go kayaking, you’ll have the choice of either a single or double kayak.
PROS
- Equipment and safety gear provided
- Small group tour (maximum 15 persons)
- Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior
CONS
- Food and drinks not provided
☑︎ Departure Location: 190 Taft Dr, Sarasota, Florida 34236
10. Sharkey’s LED Illuminated Night & Sunset Tour on Glass Bottom Kayaks
⭐ Rated: 4 out of 5 (47 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hours
To see Sarasota in a new light (literally), consider Sharkey’s LED-illuminated kayak tour! This is, hands-down, one of the most unique and fun boat tours in Siesta Key.
You’ll venture into the mangroves and grass flats in an LED-fitted, glass-bottom kayak. You’ll not only have a spectacular view of the marine wildlife below but also of the Sarasota skyline.
Additional Kayak Tour Information
- You can feed fish on this tour but only in specific areas and only using the fish food given to you.
Read the Rave Reviews on Kayak Sunset Tours
“Great relaxing experience….saw fish, crabs, manatee, and a shark. Very comfortable and relaxing. The guide gives good local and environmental information.”
– Jeff, LED Night Kayak Boat Tour
PROS
- Small group tour (maximum 18 persons)
- Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior
CONS
- Food and drinks not provided
☑︎ Departure Location: 1708 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
11. Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals at Siesta Key
⭐ Rated: 5 out of 5 (11 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours
This kayak and paddleboard rental comes with all the necessary equipment you need, as well as tips on where to go to have the best chance of encountering aquatic wildlife. You can expect to see plenty of fish and birds, potentially a few dolphins and manatees, and (if you’re lucky) sea turtles!
“The instructor was nice and helpful. The area is beautiful and easy to navigate and there are a lot of awesome animals to see!”
– Sara, Siesta Key Kayak Tour Review
Additional Kayak and Paddleboard Rental Information
- You can rent both single and double kayaks and paddleboards.
- You’re provided with a map and a dry bag for your belongings.
PROS
- Equipment and safety gear provided
- Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior
CONS
- Food and drinks not provided
☑︎ Departure Location: 8701 Blind Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
12. Siesta Key Tiki Boat Tour
⭐ Rated: 5 out of 5 (11 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours
Last but not least, this is one of the most fun boat tours in Siesta Key! You can ride in a tiki bar-themed party boat as you cruise along Florida’s gorgeous coastline. Note, however, that the boat itself doesn’t function as a tiki bar. You BYOB and food, but there will be coolers on board with ice.
This is one of my favorite outings for adult birthday parties or wedding events. It’s a fun way to casually hang out as a group and enjoy the gorgeous sunset!
PROS
- Two departure times to choose from
- Adults-only tiki boat tour
CONS
- Food and drinks not provided
- Tour will be canceled if minimum guest count (6 persons) isn’t reached
☑︎ Departure Location: 8865 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, FL 34242
