Park & nature
Sarasota Bay
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
Sarasota Bay is a protected lagoon estuary that serves as the heart of the region's outdoor recreation. Visitors can launch a kayak or boat from several public parks to explore calm waters teeming with fish, dolphins, and birds. Fishing from piers or shorelines is a favorite pastime, while kayakers can paddle through mangrove tunnels and seagrass beds. The bay's shoreline parks, like Ken Thompson Park and Bayfront Park, offer picnic areas and walking paths with constant water views, making it a serene escape from the city.
Don't miss
- Kayak through mangrove tunnels and seagrass beds to spot dolphins and manatees
- Fish from the piers at Ken Thompson Park or along the bayfront
- Picnic at Bayfront Park while watching sailboats and pelicans glide by
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Sarasota Bay
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inSarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour5★ · 2,695 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$59 per personSee dates →
Most bookedSarasota Mangrove Tunnel Guided Kayak Adventure4.9★ · 1,275 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$65 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Tour — Lido Key4.9★ · 82 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$85 per personSee dates →More attractions in Sarasota