Kayak Tours & Kayak Rentals in Sarasota
Take a guided kayak tour from our knowledgeable staff!
Book NowMeet Orlando Cano
Founder of Paradise Adventures
Sometimes the best things in life come from the moments you never saw coming.
I graduated from the University of Florida in 2008 and went straight into the corporate world, working as a Business Systems Analyst. I spent years building my career and doing everything I thought I was supposed to do. Then, in 2014, I was laid off due to budget cuts. After years of hard work, I was suddenly reminded just how expendable anyone can be in the corporate world.
It was one of the hardest moments of my life, but it gave me clarity: I wanted to build something meaningful of my own. About a week after being laid off, I took a kayak out on Sarasota Bay to clear my head. Floating on the quiet water, an idea clicked. I realized this was what I wanted to do next, and Paradise Adventures was born.
Nearly 12 years later, we are still taking guests out on Sarasota Bay and through the incredible mangrove tunnels that made me fall in love with paddling in the first place. Over the years, we have introduced thousands of visitors to this coastal sanctuary. Getting laid off was not in my plan, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed.
When I moved to Sarasota, I fell in love with the calm waters of the bay and the wild beauty of Lido Key. I created Paradise Adventures to share that feeling with every guest, whether it is your first time holding a paddle or you are an experienced outdoor enthusiast.
We offer guided mangrove tunnel tours, private group excursions, and self-guided kayak rentals. My goal is simple: to give you an incredible day on the water with the perfect mix of fun, safety, and local insight. From your first paddle stroke, our crew ensures you feel relaxed, prepared, and confident.
Every visitor experiences Sarasota differently. Some guests prefer the structure and educational insights of a local guide, while others want an exclusive private tour for their family or the total freedom of a 3-hour rental. By offering multiple ways to get on the water, we ensure everyone can explore Lido Key’s coastal channels at their own preferred pace.
Sarasota, FLThe Lido Key Experience Sarasota’s Hidden Gem
At Paradise Adventures, we believe there are places so special that they stay with you long after your vacation ends. While Sarasota’s white sand beaches get most of the attention, the winding mangrove tunnels on Lido Key are the area’s true hidden gem. We take pride in showing you a peaceful side of Florida that many tourists miss.
At Paradise Adventures, our number one concern is making sure you have the time of your life on your kayak tours in Sarasota, Florida. We like to say that we handle everything for you except the actual kayaking! We provide fully equipped, top-notch kayaks, US Coast Guard approved safety equipment, waterproof dry bags, laminated route maps of the area, and everything else you need to make awesome memories with your family on the beautiful waters of Sarasota Bay.
Our Quality & Safety Standards
We could not call ourselves Paradise Adventures if we were offering you anything less than our name implies.
The mangrove tunnels on Lido Key are Sarasota’s true hidden gem.
Although Sarasota’s white sand beaches get all the attention, we call this remarkable stretch of water home — and we want you to experience it the way we do.
You receive clean, highly stable single or tandem kayaks, US Coast Guard approved life vests, and clear land-based paddling lessons so you feel comfortable before stepping into the water.
We prepare every craft with lightweight paddles, dry bags to protect your keys and phone, laminated waterproof route maps for rental paddlers, and complimentary bottled water.
Because Sarasota Bay is a living marine sanctuary, no two outings are ever identical. On any given day, you might glide under a shaded tree canopy, watch wading herons hunt in shallow grass flats, or spot wild dolphins and gentle manatees swimming along open channels.
We offer top-rated guided tours and self-guided kayak rentals at Ted Sperling Nature Park. Let our team handle the details for an unforgettable outing on Sarasota Bay.
The only thing we don’t do for you is paddle!
Meet Our Guides
Friendly, knowledgeable locals who help guests of all ages feel comfortable from the moment you launch — and make every mangrove tour unforgettable.
Jacob Scott
Lead Guide & Safety Specialist
I’ve always had a love for being outdoors and on the water, so getting to share that with people every day is something I’m pretty blessed to do. As an experienced kayak guide with professional training in safety, environmental education, and emergency response, I enjoy taking people out and showing them what makes Sarasota’s waterways so special. I love teaching guests about the wildlife, ecosystems, and unique history of the area, while hopefully making it fun along the way. For me, the best part of guiding is seeing someone get excited about something they’ve never seen before and leaving with a greater appreciation for the incredible place we get to call home.
Frequently praised in reviews for his humor, deep local knowledge, and patient instruction, Patrick leads safe, unforgettable kayak tours through Lido Key’s famous mangrove tunnels.
Known for his keen eye for marine life, Jordan shares rich insights into Sarasota Bay’s ecosystem, helping guests spot camouflaged birds, manatees, and wildlife in the mangroves.
Launch Operations & Crew
Look for our aluminum open kayak trailer and white GMC Sierra support truck when you arrive at Ted Sperling Nature Park. Chris, Josh, Skye, and our launch staff will greet you, assist with gear, and ensure a smooth check-in.