PRIVATE MANGROVE TUNNEL TOUR
Exclusive Tour For Your GroupVIP Lido Eco Tour
Quick Details
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Ages: All Ages (Ideal for families, couples, and private groups)
- Skill Level: Perfect for all skill levels (Customized to your group’s pace and preferences)
- Meeting Location: Ted Sperling Nature Park (190 Taft Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236)
- Group Size: Minimum 2 guests (Large groups up to 80 paddlers welcome)
Your Exclusive Journey in Lido Key, FL
Your dedicated local guide will lead your group away from the crowds and into serene, winding mangrove channels. Along the way, you will visit local nature hotspots including Otter Key and the newly formed Kelly’s Spring. Keep your eyes open for wild manatees, graceful bottlenose dolphins, coastal birds, rays, sea stars, and mangrove crabs.
Because this tour is completely private, you control the experience. Want to focus more on learning about the local ecosystem, spend extra time photographing wildlife, or take a relaxed break near the water? Your guide adjusts the route, commentary, and speed to match exactly what your group wants most.
Private Tour Highlights
- 100% Dedicated Guide: Enjoy undivided attention, hands-on instruction, and personalized local knowledge from an expert naturalist guide.
- Tailored Route & Pace: Move at your own speed with complete flexibility to stop for photos, wildlife viewing, or extra paddling instruction.
- Hidden Sanctuaries: Paddle through shaded mangrove cathedrals, Otter Key channels, and Kelly’s Spring without feeling rushed
- Intimate Wildlife Encounters: Get up close with Sarasota Bay’s marine life while maintaining quiet, passive observation
What’s Included & What to Bring
Included with Every Booking:
- Private expert eco-tour guide exclusive to your group
- Your choice of single kayaks or tandem (2-person) kayaks.
- Lightweight fiberglass paddles
- US Coast Guard approved life jackets
- Waterproof dry bags for personal belongings
- Pre-launch safety and paddling lesson tailored to your experience level
What to Bring:
- Drinking water (reusable water bottle recommended)
- Sun protection (polarized sunglasses, wide-brim hat, sunscreen)
- Clothes that can get wet (swimsuits, athletic shirts/shorts)
- Water shoes or sandals with back straps
- Camera or smartphone to capture your private adventure
To protect Lido Key’s delicate ecosystem and marine life, our tours follow strict passive observation guidelines:
Manatee Protection Rule
Guides will not allow guests to approach, touch, feed, or encroach on wild manatees.
Leave No Trace
We practice quiet, respectful paddling through bird nesting areas and shallow grass flats.
Address
The launch address for your private tour is 190 Taft Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236.
How to Find Us
Enter through the gate into Ted Sperling Nature Park. Look for our aluminum open kayak trailer featuring a white Paradise Adventures sign and bright orange kayaks, parked next to our white GMC Sierra support truck.
Meeting Our Crew
Staff members Chris, Josh, Skye, or Orlando will greet you at the trailer to check you in, organize your equipment, and introduce your private guide.
Arrival Time
Please arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to secure parking, check in, and fit your safety gear.
Parking Tip
Parking at Ted Sperling Nature Park is free. On weekends and peak season hours (10:30 AM to 2:00 PM), parking fills up quickly, so arriving early ensures a smooth start to your trip.
Full Refunds (48+ Hours Notice)
Customers receive a full refund if they cancel at least 48 hours before their scheduled launch time.
Cancellations under 48 Hours
Reservations canceled less than 48 hours prior to launch will be rescheduled at no additional cost or issued a gift card rain check for future use (no cash refunds).
Weather & Operator Cancellations
Customers receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to unsafe weather or unforeseen water conditions.
No-Shows
Guests who fail to show up for their scheduled departure will not be refunded.
Need to Change Booking?
Contact us by phone or text at (941) 275-2971 to adjust your reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The safety of our guests comes first. We constantly assess weather conditions. If it is light rain, we still go out for our adventure. But, if there is thunder and lightning we will wait for the storm to pass before we head out. If we need to cancel we will try to reschedule you to later in the day or another day. If we need to cancel due to storms and you cannot attend another tour you will be refunded.
Private tours require a minimum of 2 guests. We can easily accommodate large family reunions, corporate retreats, and special events up to 80 paddlers. For groups larger than 12 guests, please call us directly for special group arrangements.
Sarasota Bay is a thriving natural ecosystem, and wildlife swims freely on its own schedule. While our private guides know the best spots around Otter Key and Kelly’s Spring, sightings can never be 100% guaranteed. However, private tours offer maximum flexibility to linger in active wildlife areas!
We love pets, but for safety reasons and to avoid startling wild manatees, dolphins, and nesting birds, pets and dogs are not permitted on our tours or rentals.
The park is located on South Lido Key, just 5 minutes from St. Armands Circle, 2 minutes from Lido Beach, 10 minutes from downtown Sarasota, and approximately 20 minutes from Siesta Key.