TOP-RATED
Get Up And Go Kayaking is the number 1 rated activity in the world on Trip Advisor!
USA TODAY also ranks our tours as the best in the USA!
We’ve received over 35,000 raving five-star reviews!
SMALL GROUPS
Our max group size is 10 paddlers – the perfect size to hear our guides and enjoy conversations along the way.
GREAT VIEWS
Don’t let a normal kayak hinder your view! Our clear kayaks are the absolute best way to view the surroundings and there’s plenty of opportunities to snag some Reels or videos for TikTok!
GIVING BACK
We’re passionate about the outdoors and conservation! We believe in being good stewards of the environment, which is why we donate a portion of each tour to manatee conservation!
BEST GUIDES
Soak up the sights – and some knowledge! Learn unique facts along the paddle about the local waterways, wildlife and more from our team of certified Guardian Guides with the Save the Manatee Club!
GUARANTEED ACCESS
Booking a tour with us gets you guaranteed access to the beautiful Robinson Preserve! By booking ahead of time you’ll guarantee your spot on the tour.
↠ JIM NEVILLE PRESERVE ↞
Join us on a clear kayak tour through Siesta Key’s hidden gem: the Jim Neville Marine Preserve! Nestled between Siesta Key and Casey Key in the Midnight Pass area, this 1,120-acre preserve offers a captivating blend of mangroves and beach dunes restored to their natural splendor.
Once overlooked, this area has undergone a remarkable transformation through native plantings and the removal of invasive species. The revitalized ecosystem now thrives with vibrant tidal flows from Sarasota Bay, supporting an incredible array of plant and animal life.
The preserve invites you to explore its serene waterways by kayak, where you can witness the natural beauty up close. Engage in wildlife observation or take a refreshing swim at the pristine beach. Birdwatchers may be thrilled to spot a variety of species, including egrets, herons, eagles, and ospreys. Nature enthusiasts will find joy in observing manatees, dolphins, rays, fish, turtles, raccoons, and even sharks and crabs in their natural habitats.
The highlight of the Jim Neville Preserve is its tranquil environment, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life. Whether you’re interested in a leisurely paddle through its crystal-clear waters or a calming hike along the beach, the preserve delivers an authentic Florida experience that immerses you in nature’s beauty. Discover the serene side of Siesta Key and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting sanctuary!
↠ PRIVATE TOUR OPTION ↞
Take a fully private tour at Sarasota with one of our amazing guides!
From 1-12 people fill this private party with you or you and your friends!
Paddle at your group’s speed + explore places we don’t usually go!
If you have an uneven ratio of adults to kids or need our guide to paddle someone in your group this is the tour for you!
Want to make your adventure extra special- we can add drone photos to your tour!
Private Sarasota Tour
FROM $535.50TOP-RATED SARASOTA KAYAK TOURS
★★★★★
↠ OUR SARASOTA STICKER ↞
Collect the exclusive Sarasota sticker on the day of your tour from your guide! Collecting more location stickers can unlock some great rewards. Learn more about our loyalty program
↠ MEET OUR TEAM ↞
Taylor
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An avid outdoors woman, paddler, adventurer and conservationist; Taylor loves all the birds, wildlife and lush vegetation that Florida has to offer (but manatees and ospreys are most probably her favorite)! She loves connecting people to nature by sharing the local ecology, and human impact on the flora and fauna of Florida! She holds an Advanced Florida Master Naturalist designation and draws on this depth of knowledge and experience as a former journalist, teacher and professional storyteller to create engaging stories for all ages. Taylor is passionate about infusing her tours with her love of nature and all things Florida! Just an hour south of Sarasota she can’t wait to show you how to search the beautiful beach paradise of Don Pedro Island for fossilized shark teeth and shells! When she’s not leading clear kayak tours you can find her exploring Florida by paddle or on foot with her partner, Danny and their two dogs, Sam and River, doing yoga and continuing to learn more about Florida! She is an active volunteer with Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch, Eagle Watch and Save the Manatees. In addition to her Naturalist designation, Taylor is a Manatee Guardian Guide certified through Save the Manatees and is CPR/BLS certified with the American Heart Association. Explore Florida with her on IG @taylorinthelandofflowers
Danny
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Danny’s love of all things water began at a young age. Growing up in Miami he spent every spare moment on the beach. He went from running into waves as they rolled on the beach as a kid to riding them as an amateur skim boarder, surfer and paddler of all water crafts. Danny’s father, a former competitive paddler for the Cuban National Team introduced him to the sport of kayaking at a young age. His parents nurtured and encouraged his love of nature and all things outdoors. As a Florida Master Naturalist an avid nature lover, adventurer and explorer his passion for the environment and conservation drives him to introduce more people to the joy of these experiences through offering unique clear kayak ecotours on the Weeki Wachee River and Pine Island an hour north of Tampa and at Don Pedro Island just south of Sarasota. Danny also shares his love for all things Florida flora and fauna as an avid content creator with a focus on storytelling and videography. In addition to his certification as a Naturalist, Danny is CPR and ACA certified, a Guardian guide with Save the Manatees Club, volunteers with Eagle Watch and participates in Florida Springs advocacy. Follow along on his adventures at @danenriquez on IG.
Cheyann
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Hello, my name is Cheyann and I can’t wait to meet you out on the water. If I am not out on the water I am most likely at the beach, gardening, hiking, hanging out with my cats, cleaning my fish or frog tanks, painting, or on some new adventure. Despite growing up in the DFW area in Texas, I have always had a love for nature and an even deeper fascination with the sea. Dolphins have had my heart for as long as I can remember. This curiosity lead me on the path to obtain a bachelor’s of science in coastal biology and a minor in animal behavior psychology from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Go Ospreys! SWOOP! While in my studies I discovered a passion for ecology, always wanting to learn more about our delicate ecosystem and how all living things are connected and dependent on one another. As a plant enthusiast and an animal advocate I feel so incredibly grateful to be able to share my love and knowledge about our environment in which we and many other species call home. Let’s have an adventure!
↠ RELATED LOCATION ↞
↠ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ↞
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We launch our clear kayak tours from The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast located at 400 Palmetto Avenue in Osprey! Minutes from downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key + Venice!
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We would love for everyone to enjoy the beauty of the unique ecosystem during the clear kayak tour. Clear kayaks differ from others you may have paddled and support a lower weight limit. There is a weight limit for individual kayaks and tandem kayaks.
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Due to the unique materials and shape of the clear kayaks, our manufacturer has provided a strict limit of 250 lbs per person.
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There can be no more than 425 lbs of combined weight per kayak—2 people.
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Please call with questions concerning the weight restrictions. Depending on the number of kayaks available per tour, we may be able to accommodate single paddlers to accommodate the 425 combined limit. (Single paddlers can still not exceed the 250-weight limit.)
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Sharing a tandem kayaking adventure can create lasting memories and build a lifelong love of being on the water!
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Each of our kayaks is tandem (made for 2 paddlers). Bookings for even numbers of guests will be in tandem kayaks.
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However, the seats are removable, and if your party has an odd number of paddlers, we can accommodate the kayak as a single.
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Remember, the same 250-pound PER-PERSON weight limit applies even if you are taking a kayak out as a single person.
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We want to ensure you enjoy your time on the water, and a little planning will go a long way! We encourage you to bring the following:
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Water (preferably in a reusable water bottle)
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Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are a must, as most of the time is spent exploring grass coves or white beaches with direct sunlight. Sunscreen must be applied 20 minutes before departure.
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For evening tours, use deet-free bug repellent/spray.
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Clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet.
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Dress for cooler nights with layers.
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Towel for after the trip.
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Any extra gear you’d like! We provide one dry bag per kayak.
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The tours are a great family experience, and we are confident you will capture the perfect family photos of your vacation!
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The tours are a great family experience, and we are confident you will capture the perfect family photos of your vacation!
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Our tours are family-friendly, and children ages 3+ are welcome on our public daytime, sunset, and glow tours. Children of all ages are welcome when a private tour is reserved.
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We require children 30 pounds or under to bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jackets, as the size is very specific, and safety is paramount.
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Children 6 and under are legally required to wear a life jacket while on the water. We provide lifejackets for children over 30 pounds.
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We require children 30 pounds or under to bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jackets, as the size is very specific, and safety is paramount.
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One adult must attend for every child aged 14 and under. Children under 15 cannot paddle without an adult. We recommend a moderate fitness level for those kayaking with children, as the adult will do all the work.
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We require one adult per teen, 15-17, to attend the experience and sign waivers. However, there does not have to be a one-to-one adult ratio, as required for children 14 and under. We rely upon the adult to determine if a single teen has the physical ability to navigate the kayak in various tides and winds.
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Getting your whole family on the adventure is important, so please call with any questions.
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We love furry friends, too, and know they are family members.
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However, pets cannot go on tours to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the spoil islands.
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Exceptions are allowed for “true” service dogs.
You must call to book tours that may include a service dog.
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Overall, tandem kayaking is a multifaceted activity that offers physical, mental, social, and environmental benefits, making it a rewarding pursuit for people of all ages and skill levels.
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We welcome paddlers of all skill levels; however, kayaking can be a physically demanding activity. Winds, tides, and weather can all impact the difficulty of the paddle. Adults paddling with a child and solo paddles require moderate physicality as you will do all the work.
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Beginners are welcome on Paddleboard tours, but moderate physicality is required.
Please reach out to us to discuss further if you have questions. Call now!
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Yes, large groups have the option of a private tour. We close the booking to guests outside of your crew!
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Being on the water is a great way to celebrate a bachelorette party, family reunion, or friends gathering!
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If you have more than 10 crew members, please call to check availability.
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Our guides will take plenty of photos to share at the end of the tour! Or add a drone photo package for extra special memories!
Call now to reserve your tour or if you have additional questions!
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Our guides are passionate about their work and will do their best to ensure you have a great experience.
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There are several ways you can show appreciation to your guide. Of course, tips are greatly appreciated.
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Your guides will receive 100% of your online or in-person tip.
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If your guide provided a 5-star adventure, please share your experience by writing a Google or Trip Advisor review.
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We are a small family-owned business; our tours are limited to 5 kayaks. When you book, the seats are held and are no longer available to the general public. Late changes, cancellations, and no-shows make it impossible for us to refill the seats reserved for your party.
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Tours booked without trip protection can be canceled up to 48 hours before the start of the tour for a full refund. No refunds/reschedule within 48 hours of the tour.
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Tours booked with trip protection can be canceled or rescheduled for any reason up to 12 hours before the scheduled tour time. This protects you against unforeseen changes to your plans and provides a full refund, less the cost of the trip protection.
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Trip protection is calculated at 10% of each reservation.
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If Get Up and Go Kayaking cancels a tour due to inclement weather, guests will be offered the choice of rescheduling, a refund, or a gift certificate.
We are happy to answer any questions about the cancellation policy. Call now!
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Our Clear Kayak Eco tour provides an unobstructed, 360-degree view above and below the water while exploring salt marshes, remote sand beaches, and hidden coves.
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You will learn about local ecology and wildlife from our passionate, expert, CPR-certified guides.
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Your experience will be personal, as tours are limited to 5 kayaks.
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An ecosystem like no other in Florida!
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You are contributing to preserving this unique ecosystem as a portion of each tour is donated to manatee conservation!
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Make unforgettable memories with family and friends, or even embark on a solo adventure while exploring the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors.
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You are supporting a small, woman-owned business.
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While the area is home to many species of fish, crabs, rays, pelicans, birds, and occasionally dolphins + manatees, we can not guarantee they will appear during the tour. It is always a hope but never a guarantee! Even if wildlife does not appear during the tour, our experienced guides will make it fun as they search for wildlife, stop for photo opportunities, and take swim breaks- conditions permitting!
↠ GET IN TOUCH ↞
Send Us a Message
Call or Text Us
941-300-0832
(Available from 8:00am – 5:00pm)
↠ GET IN TOUCH ↞
Just minutes from downtown Sarasota + Siesta Key explore mangroves + secluded beaches in a 100% clear kayak on a guided ecotour like no other!
Kayak with dolphins, manatees, pelicans, rays, sharks, crabs + so much more as we explore the Jim Neville Preserve + Turtle Beach!
We meet beneath the shaded canopy of oaks at the picturesque Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.
Learn about the Florida’s wild spaces + why conservation of places like the Jim Neville Preserve is important to wildlife + ecosystems from your knowledgable eco-tour guide!
Your guide will welcome you + provide a brief paddling tutorial + safety instructions! Follow us on adventure as we explore mangrove tunnels through the shallows you never know who you might see so don’t forget to look below your kayak for any marine life! Before we head back we stretch our legs for a break at Turtle Beach! Take a stroll while you look for shells + shark teeth or take a swim in Siesta Key’s sparkling blue waters while surrounded by nature. Your guide will be happy to take photos and make sure you have fun along the way!