Guide to Kayaking & Paddleboarding Sarasota’s Waterways

Whether you’re gliding through enchanting mangrove tunnels, paddling across glassy bays or finding your balance on a standup paddleboard (or SUP), you’ll have a blast exploring Sarasota’s waterways. 

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about kayaking and paddleboarding along our 35+ miles of coastline and beyond—including the best parks to launch from, where to rent your vessel, recommended guided tours and local tips for a fun, stress-free day.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding Spots in Sarasota

If you're new to paddling, your local guide can take you to great spots. But if you're venturing out on your own, here are some of Sarasota’s best kayaking and paddleboarding spots. 

Blackburn Point Park

With a convenient kayak/canoe launch, Blackburn Point Park in Osprey is a true hidden gem for paddlers. Many locals enjoy this 15-acre water access park destination for low boat traffic, quiet surroundings and easy launch process.

Overlook Park

Overlook Park on Longboat Key gives paddlers prime access to one of Sarasota’s secret spots – the Cove. The shallow, quiet waters extending from Overlook Park serve as a safe haven for the SUP crew, and many paddleboarding tours begin there. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, mullet and conch.

Jim Neville Marine Preserve

This small island in Little Sarasota Bay features mangroves teeming with marine life, including many fish and aquatic birds. Tucked between Osprey and Turtle Beach, Jim Neville Marine Preserve encompasses 35 acres of pristine coastal habitat, home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins and endangered smalltooth sawfish.

Ken Thompson Park

At the end of Lido Key on City Island, you’ll find Ken Thompson Park, an ideal spot for a quiet paddle. Launch your kayak or canoe from one of the launches, paddle with unobstructed views of the John Ringling Bridge and watch the marine life teeming all around you.

The Bay Park

The community park along Sarasota Bay is a great place to launch or enjoy a free guided kayak tour, available seasonally. The paddle launch at The Bay Park is ADA-accessible and provides direct access to the bayou and the bay, plus a spray station and a drying rack. Rent a single or double kayak or paddleboard from Ride & Paddle, or take one of their two-hour guided tours.

Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center

Located farther south in Englewood, Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center features stunning views of Lemon Bay, from a black mangrove forest to pine and scrubby flatwoods. Easily launch your kayak or canoe, and cruise through 210 acres of natural habitats. After you’ve had your fill of adventure, explore the nature trails and butterfly garden.

Ted Sperling Nature Park

Kayakers and paddleboarders are sure to enjoy the water trails through mangrove tunnels at Ted Sperling Nature Park in South Lido. This park is located at the convergence of four bodies of water, which means that currents can run pretty swiftly in some areas of the shoreline.

Oscar Scherer State Park

Located in Osprey, Oscar Scherer State Park is one of the best places in southwest Florida to go birdwatching—or to canoe or kayak. Paddle along South Creek, a tidal blackwater stream, where you'll find an abundance of wildlife and native plants.

Phillippi Creek

Launch your kayak or paddleboard from Pinecraft Park or Phillippi Estate Park for a six-mile trip down Phillippi Creek. This narrow strip of water travels from Roberts Bay near the Gulf, with plenty of old Florida vibes—untouched and nearly void of tourists.

North Port Blueways

The name refers to 80 miles of bluewater canals and natural waterways available in south Sarasota County – yes, 80 miles! Enjoy a peaceful kayaking or standup paddleboarding journey along the Myakka River or the Myakkahatchee Creek.

Alligator Creek

This hidden gem in Venice is perfect for standup paddleboarders seeking a bit of tranquility. Park and launch at the South Venice Beach Ferry and Boat Ramp. Listen to the gentle sounds of the creek, mullet jumping and herons calling, and enjoy your journey through natural Florida.

Deer Prairie Creek Preserve

Launch and paddle through rugged Old Florida wetlands and wildlife along the banks of the Myakka River and Deer Prairie Creek at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve. The preserve has two entrances, but only the South entrance on South Tamiami Trail offers kayak launches—an accessible launch that enters Deer Prairie Creek north of the dam and another south of it.

Guided Tours & Rentals

Whether you're looking to rent a kayak, canoe or standup paddleboard, stock up on bait for a kayak fishing trip or let a local guide lead the way, here's everything you need to get out on the water.

Get Up & Go Kayaking

Explore the stunning waters of Midnight Pass and Siesta's popular white-sand beaches in a 100% clear kayak with Get Up & Go Kayaking. Take a fully guided tour or book a private party of up to 12 people for you and your friends. If you want to make your adventure extra special, add drone photos to your tour!

Photo courtesy of Get Up & Go Kayaking

Dolphin Paddlesports

As the name implies, if you're interested in dolphins and paddlesports like kayaking or standup paddleboarding, Dolphin Paddlesports is the place to go. It’s located in Economy Tackle, a great place to stock up on fishing line and bait for kayak fishing. This local landmark both rents and sells quality single and double kayaks, and also offers a launch pad for self-guided tours out of Phillippi Creek Park.

Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures

Whether you want a guided tour of Sarasota's unique ecosystems or just some independent exploration around Sarasota Bay, the Happy Paddler offers something for every kind of water adventurer. They host a Coastal Island Tour, Sunset Kayak Tour and Mangrove Kayak Tour, all designed to explore Longboat Key, Lido Key and Anna Maria Island.

Kayaking SRQ Tours & Rentals

According to Kayaking SRQ, "Paradise Awaits," and we wholeheartedly agree. With more than 40 years of experience, the folks at Kayaking SRQ are ready to take you and your whole family on a tour through the mangrove tunnels in Lido Key or Siesta Key. Kayaking SRQ also rents kayaks in Lido Key—perfect for exploring the water at your own pace.

Ride and Paddle

Located in the heart of Siesta Key, Ride and Paddle offers kayak rentals (in addition to standup paddleboards, scooters, bikes and other recreational equipment). If you prefer a guided tour, book one to launch from the Turtle Beach Public Boat Ramp and explore Jim Neville Marine Preserve.

Tips for Paddling in Sarasota

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, a little prep goes a long way on Sarasota's waterways. Keep these tips in mind before you head out:

• Pack the essentials: Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, a lifejacket, a hat and shoes that you don't mind getting wet. You'll likely have to walk in water to get into the kayak. Bug spray is a must, especially if you're paddling through Sarasota's mangrove tunnels, where insects can be thick. Snacks are always a good idea on longer paddles, and most rental companies provide a dry bag for your phone, keys and camera. Note that dry bags are water-resistant, not waterproof, so pack accordingly.
• Expect wildlife – but don’t count on it: Sarasota's bays, estuaries and preserves are home to dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and a wide variety of native shorebirds and wading birds. Wildlife sightings are common, but never guaranteed—that's part of the magic of paddling in a natural environment.
• Consider a guided tour: Sarasota's local kayak and paddleboard tour operators know the best launch times, tidal conditions and wildlife hotspots. A guide takes the guesswork out of navigation and can make for a much richer experience, especially for first-time visitors.