What Happens When You Kayak Through the Mangroves

Siesta Key is sensational. Adventurers will crave the possibilities of kayaking through the mangroves.

There are tons of Florida mangrove kayak tours to choose from, many of them conveniently located near our premier Siesta Key vacation accommodations. On a kayak tour, you will always be guaranteed a great time and a gorgeous view.

Getting Started

Never been kayaking before? Don’t worry!

Many of the tour companies have mangrove explorations that are perfect for kayakers of all ages and skill levels. Your guide will get you comfortable right from the parking lot.

You don’t have to worry about leaving someone out just because it’s their first time kayaking or paddle boarding. Often, your tour guide will give a demonstration and lesson at the beginning of your tour, and you won’t head off until everyone feels fully capable.

Once you hit the water, you will stay in the initial area for a period of time. Once the crew is a little cozy, everyone will follow the guide. He or she will warn you of kayak “traffic” patterns, and point at popular spots to see wildlife, including manatee coves or even otters.

Of course, you are free to embark by kayaking and paddle boarding in Florida on your own, but having a tour guide ensures that you are safe, lets you learn more about the area and all it has to offer, and gives you an extra level of fun!

General Information

There are some essential items you should bring with you when you kayak through the mangroves. First, you’ll definitely need water! The Florida sunshine beats down even harder when you’re in the water, and it’s important to stay hydrated. You’ll also want to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your skin and eyes. Finally, don’t forget your camera! Many companies provide plastic bags to store your belongings.

As you’ll be doing physical activity, you’ll want to dress comfortably. In the warmer months, you can choose shorts and a t-shirt or a bathing suit. You may want to add a light jacket in the cooler seasons. For shoes, just select a comfortable pair that you don’t mind getting wet.

Touring the Mangroves

Multiple companies around the area offer mangrove tours, giving you a beautiful afternoon with an experienced guide. You can choose to kayak or paddleboard to explore the breathtaking wildlife in Florida mangroves.

One top tour company is Adventure Kayak Outfitters. Their Siesta Key tour takes you through the gorgeous Turtle Beach area for 2.5-3 hours. You’ll get to experience the Jim Neville Marine Preserve and all the manatees, birds, and other wildlife that live there. It is truly a one-of-a-kind trip that is hard to beat. Florida mangrove kayak tours with Adventure Kayak cost $45 for a single kayak or $85 for a double.

Another popular option is Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures. Their tour of the mangrove tunnels starts at Ted Sperling Nature Park. From there, you will paddle through the gorgeous mangroves for over two hours of stunning wildlife. Your tour guide will help point out the native Floridian plants and animals, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or two!

Finally, Siesta Paddle Sports is a great option for booking your Florida mangrove kayak tours. For $55 per person, you can choose from single or tandem kayaks to explore the breathtaking nature. The meeting point is in the Turtle Beach Park on the Key’s south end. There are over 100 acres to venture through, and visitors often report seeing manatees and dolphins! Everyone six years old and above is welcome to embark on this amazing tour.

As many fun things as there are to do in Siesta Key, you just can’t leave without taking a kayak through the mangroves. It is one of the best ways to experience Florida, leaving you with a fun and unique story to tell.

Contact us today for more information and to learn about our Siesta Key vacation rentals. We take pride in putting you in the ideal rental home for your budget and special needs, and we would love to tell you more about the exciting mangrove tours in the area.