Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

Top 5 Wildlife Sightings on a Clear Kayak Tour in Sarasota

Two people kayaking near mangroves with pelicans flying overhead on a sunny day.

Photo Credit: Cheyann Eder

If you’re planning a trip to Sarasota and Siesta Key, there’s no better way to experience the region’s natural beauty than on a clear kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking Sarasota. Located in Osprey, Florida, this eco-friendly adventure takes you through pristine mangrove tunnels, shallow estuaries, and the famous Midnight Pass, offering an unparalleled view of Florida’s coastal wildlife.

Unlike traditional kayaking or boat tours, clear kayak tours in Sarasota let you see the underwater world beneath your paddle—everything from small fish to dolphins. Check out this guide to the top 5 wildlife species you’re likely to encounter on your Sarasota clear kayak adventure.

Shadow of a large fish visible beneath clear green water near the surface.

1. Manatees: Florida’s Gentle Giants

Manatees are one of the most iconic species in Sarasota’s waters. These gentle sea cows are often spotted grazing on seagrass in shallow estuaries. Kayaking quietly through their habitats on a clear kayak tour allows you to watch them from afar while staying safe and respectful of their space.

Two kayakers watching a dolphin in a body of water with a distant shore in background.

2. Dolphins: Playful and Curious

One of the most thrilling sights on a Sarasota kayaking tour are dolphins swimming and hunting for fish near you! These intelligent mammals are common in the Gulf of Mexico waters near Siesta Key and often follow kayaks, surfacing to greet paddlers. Fun Fact: The dolphins of Sarasota waters have been studied over 70 years! Our guide Cheyann is an intern with the Sarasota Dolphin Research Project– so if you love learning about dolphins, a tour with this expert is a must!

Horseshoe crab partially submerged in shallow water with shells on the sandy bottom.

Photo Credit: Cheyann Eder

3. Rays and Small Sharks: Hidden Treasures Beneath the Surface

On your clear kayak tour through the Midnight Pass area you might spot stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and small sharks gliding along sandy bottoms. The clarity of the water at Midnight Pass and surrounding estuary makes it easy to observe these amazing animals without disturbing them.

Bird landing on treetop with a cloudy sky background.

Photo Credit: Cheyann Eder

4. Coastal Birds: A Sky Full of Color

Sarasota and Siesta Key are home to an impressive variety of coastal and migratory birds! Depending on the season you visit expect to see egrets, herons, ospreys, pelicans, and terns as you paddle through mangrove-lined waterways. Birdwatchers and nature photographers will find plenty to capture on this Siesta Key eco-tour.

Person crouches in shallow water, holding a phone, wearing a cap and t-shirt, sunlight reflects on the surface.

Photo Credit: Cheyann Eder

5. Crabs, Conchs, and Other Small Marine Life

Look closely along the shallow edges of the mangroves and along the shorelines and you might spot blue crabs, hermit crabs, conchs, and other small marine species. The clear kayak offers the perfect opportunity for observing these little wonders, giving you a true up-close experience of Florida’s coastal ecosystem.

Why Choose a Clear Kayak Tour in Sarasota

  • Eco-Friendly Exploration: Paddle quietly without disturbing wildlife and practice Leave No Trace for an ethical kayaking experience.
  • Up-Close Encounters: See manatees, dolphins, rays, and more from above and below the water.
  • Educational: Learn about Sarasota’s mangroves, seagrass beds, and wildlife from experienced guides that have completed the voluntary education program, Guardian Guides, through Save the Manatee Club.
  • Adventure for All Ages: Family-friendly tours make it easy for children and adults to enjoy Sarasota’s nature.

Tips for Your Sarasota Wildlife Kayak Adventure

Person observing a small turtle on rocky shore near water.

Photo Credit: Cheyann Eder

  1. Book Early: Popular tours times fill quickly, especially during peak wildlife seasons like fall migration-spring!
  2. Bring Essentials: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a dry bag for personal items.
  3. Stay Quiet: Wildlife is most active when paddlers move gently and avoid loud noises.
  4. Camera Ready: Clear kayaks give you perfect views for photography.
  5. Respect Wildlife: Observe, don’t touch, and follow guide instructions for a safe viewing experience.

From manatees and dolphins to rays, birds, and tiny coastal critters, a clear kayak tour in Sarasota offers a wildlife experience you can’t get anywhere else. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or family looking for a memorable adventure, paddling through Osprey and Siesta Key’s waterways is an unforgettable way to see Florida’s natural beauty up close.

Book your Get Up and Go Kayaking Sarasota tour today and discover why clear kayaking is the ultimate way to explore Sarasota’s wildlife!

 

Previous Post Next Post