On the Water
Sarasota Bay, by boat and paddle
Private sunset charters, sandbar afternoons, dolphin mornings and quiet paddles through the mangroves. The best views of Sarasota are from the water.
Private charters
A private sunset charter
For a birthday, an anniversary, a proposal or simply a beautiful evening with your group, reserve the whole boat. Barefoot Tiki Tours runs private sunset charters for up to 16 guests aboard a shaded, thatched-roof tiki boat with an onboard restroom, and the evening is paced around you.
Charters depart from 1101 10th Street in downtown Sarasota, minutes from Lido Key, St. Armands and Longboat Key, and run about two hours. Guests 21 and over may bring their own drinks.
Sandbars and dolphins
Prefer to join a small group? Barefoot Tiki’s public cruises leave from the same downtown dock, with free parking beside it.
About 3 hours
Sandbar afternoon
Anchor at a sandbar in warm, shallow water to swim and wade, then shade under the tiki roof. BYOB for guests 21 and over.
About 1.5 hours
Dolphins & mimosas
A morning cruise past the bay’s resident bottlenose dolphins, with a complimentary mimosa toast for guests 21 and over.
About 2 hours
Dolphin & sunset cruise
An evening cruise timed for golden hour, with the chance to see dolphins along the way.
Sailing and fishing
Sail the bay, or cast a line
Beyond a private charter, Sarasota Bay has a floating tiki island, quiet sailing catamarans and some of the best inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast.
Marina Jack, downtown
LeBarge Tropical Cruises
A floating island on Sarasota Bay, with real palm trees and two full bars, departing from Marina Jack at 2 Marina Plaza. Choose a tropical sunset cruise, a sightseeing and nature trip, a dolphin and manatee watch, or Rhythm on the Bay with live island music.
Sailing
Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans
American-built sailing catamarans that sail flat and steady, so even first-timers relax. Public sails leave from Sarasota, with a two-hour dolphin watch, a three-hour true sail, a four-hour Big Pass adventure and a two-hour sunset sail. Private sails run from Sarasota and Longboat Key.
Fishing charter
Drag-On Charters with Capt. Eric Paquin
Our pick for a private fishing trip. Captain Eric has run inshore and offshore charters out of Sarasota since 2014, with four, six and eight hour trips for up to six guests, and more than 200 five-star reviews. Snook, redfish and trout inside; grouper and snapper offshore.
Party boat fishing
Flying Fish Fleet
A Marina Jack institution for more than 60 years. Join a four and a half, six or eight hour party boat, or book a private or split charter.
Paddling
Kayak the mangrove tunnels
At South Lido Park, a marked kayak trail leads into narrow tunnels of red mangroves, where you may spot herons, rays and manatees in the shallows. Guided tours launch from the park, and outfitters on Lido and Siesta Key rent kayaks and paddleboards.
Go at mid to high tide, when the channels are deepest, and in the morning, when the water is calm and the light is soft.
On the water, answered
What is the best time of year for a boat trip in Sarasota?
Boating is good year-round. Winter and spring bring the calmest, clearest days; summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms, so morning and sunset trips are the safest bet.
Will we see dolphins?
Sarasota Bay is home to a resident community of bottlenose dolphins, so sightings are common, though never guaranteed.
Can I bring my own drinks on a charter?
On Barefoot Tiki cruises and charters, guests 21 and over may bring their own drinks, and food and snacks are welcome.