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Outdoor Activities in the Sarasota Area

Beaches

Lido Beach – On Ben Franklin Drive in Lido Key (5-10-minute drive, closest to Downtown)
South Lido Park is located at the southern tip of Lido Key, bordered by four bodies of water: the Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay and Brushy Bayou. At a separate facility at the north end of the park, visitors can enjoy a nature trail with scenic overlooks and boardwalks. The southern area offers views of the Downtown Sarasota skyline and the Gulf, with a picnic area shaded by Australian pines.

Siesta Beach – On Beach Road in Siesta Key (10-15 minute drive)
Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Siesta Beach has been recognized as having the "whitest and finest sand in the world." Unlike mostly coral beaches, Siesta Beach's sand is 99% quartz. Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot. The sands of Siesta Beach are estimated to be millions of years old, flowing down rivers from the Appalachians and eventually deposited on the shores of Siesta Key. Shallow water depth in the near shore and year-round lifeguard protection make this one of the safest beaches in the county and great for children.

Turtle Beach – On Midnight Pass Road near the south end of Siesta Key.
The beach features a large picnic shelter and is very popular for family outings. In the center of the park is Blind Pass Lagoon, which connects to Little Sarasota Bay. Free boat ramps allow easy access to and from the Bay. Although the sand at Turtle Beach isn't as fine as it is farther up the key, it makes up the difference in privacy. Here you'll be able to walk for miles down the beach. Since the closing of Midnight Pass, you can walk all the way down Casey Key. Look carefully in the sand to find prehistoric petrified shark teeth that are millions of years old.

Nokomis Beach – On Casey Key, west of the Albee Road Bridge
The park includes 22 acres with 1,700 feet on the Gulf and 3,200 feet on the Intracoastal.

Venice Beach – At the west end of Venice Avenue, one mile west of Business Route 41
If you're a SCUBA diver, a reef containing fossilized  material is located a ¼ mile offshore. You can also find fossilized shark teeth along the beach.

back to top »Sightseeing on the Bay

Le Barge Tropical Cruises
Marina Jack
941-366-6116
A narrated sightseeing cruise combining Sarasota's abundant wildlife, history and spectacular shoreline homes or a dolphin encounter cruise narrated by a naturalist/marine biologist. Sunset cruise featuring live entertainment, dancing and a gulf sunset. Two full bars and a light menu available. Reservations recommended.

back to top »Bike Rentals

Iguana Have Fun Motorscooter & Bike Rentals
13 Avenue of the Flowers, Longboat Key
941-387-2100
Tour Sarasota and the Islands by motorscooter or bike. Featuring clean, top-brand products and free delivery and pick-up at most locations.

Midnite Pass Bike & Kayak
1216 Old Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key
941-346-0891
Offers a wide selection of bicycles, electric bicycles and kayaks.

Siesta Sports Rentals
6551 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key
941-346-1797
Rentals include bikes, bike seats, trail bikes, karts, single or double jogging/beach strollers, kayaks, motor scooters, scooter cars, beach chairs, beach wheelchairs, umbrellas and more. Kayak tours available. Pickup and delivery service.

back to top »Fishing

There are several public and commercial fishing piers in the area. The Tony Saprito Pier (free admission) is located at the northeast foot of the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota. City Pier (commercial) is located on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island and just into Tampa Bay. The Venice Pier (commercial) is located on the Gulf of Mexico, about 2 miles south of Venice Inlet. Point of Rocks, Turtle Beach and Sunset Beach, all located on Siesta Key, are great spots for beach fishing. A saltwater fishing license is required for all nonresidents age 16 and older. Licenses are $7 for three days, $17 for one week and $32 for an annual permit. Snook and crawfish stamps ($2.50 each) are optional. However, nonresidents fishing with a licensed charter skipper are exempt.

Big Catch
Marina Jack
941-366-3373
Relax onboard their new 41-ft sportfishing boat for a fun day of fishing in the gulf. Air-conditioned cabin, clean restroom, flybridge and cockpit. The boat carries up to six passengers and can "split" charters. US Coast Guard-licensed captain and professional crew onboard. Four-, six- and eight-hour trips. Extended trips also available. Bait, tackle, ice and license included.

CB's ORVIS® Endorsed Saltwater Outfitters
1249 Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key
941-349-4400
Fly and light-tackle angling for snook, redfish and speckled trout year-round. Fish for tarpon mid-May through mid-July, and snook at night around the lighted docks. Professional ORVIS® endorsed outfitter guides fish the back country of Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

Catch the Spirit Sportfishing
2 Marina Plaza
941-376-8669

Flying Fish Fleet
Marina Jack
941-366-3373
Half-day, six-hour or all-day deep-sea fishing trips. Grouper and snapper caught daily. Bait, tackle and license provided. Half-day trips daily, as well as sunset trips (Memorial Day-Labor Day). Six-hour trips daily (except Wed. & Sat.) and day trips on Wed. & Sat. Cabins with color TVs. Sun decks, snack bars, restrooms and experienced, friendly crew.

Fishing with Capt. Bob
The 26-foot console Grady White is one of the largest guide boats in the Sarasota area that can fish all the skinny eater and backwater on Sarasota Bay, plus the deep offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Room to move around, lounge or get some sun!

Hart's Landing
920 John Ringling Blvd.
941-955-0011

Reel Dreams
941-780-8992

Rodbender Fishing Charters
941-925-8171

Shark Sport Fishing
941-365-2161

Top Notch Fishing
941-809-5793

back to top »Watersports

Dolphin Dive & Kayak Center
6018 S Tamiami Trail
941-924-2785
Scuba, kayaks, and more.

Enticer Water Sports
5 Bayfront Drive, Adjacent to Oleary's Grill
941-724-4SKI (4754)
Kayaks, paddleboats, jet skis, sail boats, surf bikes.

Island Style Wind & Watersport
2433 N Tamiami Trail
941-954-1009

Mote Marine Aquarium Guided Tours
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
941-388-4200
An exciting kayak adventure takes you to remote areas to see Florida as it was 1,000 years ago. Tour with captain/naturalist or marine biologist mate through areas with spectacular scenery and wildlife for wonderful photo opportunities. They'll teach you to kayak, which is easier and safer than canoeing. Great for the whole family.

Scuba Quest
603 School Ave.
941-365-4787

Siesta Key Jet Ski Rental
1249 Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key
941-346-3000

Siesta Key Parasailing
1265 Old Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key
941-586-1972
Enjoy spectacular views sailing over the Gulf of Mexico on the ride of your life. Dry take-off and landing makes it safe and fun for all ages.

A Silent Sports Outfitter
2301 N. Tamiami Trail
941-966-5477
For a fun day on the water, visit A Silent Sports Outfitter, the area's "sit-on top" kayak specialists. Kayak sales and rentals are available for you to explore Sarasota's beautiful waterways. Delivery and pick-up offered.

Under Water Sports add & link:
Florida Underwater Sports
7670 South Tamiami Trail
941-870-4461

back to top »Boat Rentals

CB's Boat Rentals
1249 Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key
941-349-4400
Featuring 17- and 19-foot runabouts, 24-foot deck boats, pontoon boat rentals and jet ski rentals. Full-service tackle shop, live and frozen bait, snorkeling gear plus a wide variety of travel and casual outdoor sportswear. Orvis® endorsed fly shop, guide service and fishing charters

Enticer Water Sports
5 Bayfront Drive, Adjacent to Oleary's Grill
941-724-4SKI (4754)
Kayaks, paddleboats, sail boats, surf bikes

Enterprise Sailing Charters
Marina Jack
941-951-1833
Sail Sarasota's turquoise waterways and barrier islands aboard the Enterprise with USCG Captain Kirk. A 41-foot masted vessel with three sails. See celebrity homes, dolphins & wildlife on one of the daytime or romantic sunset sails. Food and beverages included. Individual seating. Private parties available.

Key Sailing
Marina Jack
941-346-7245
Sarasota's newest and largest sailing vessel. Appetizers and beverages included. Watch the dolphins play in the bay or gulf as the sun sets in the west. Sailing lessons included on request.

Miss Explorer Private Charters
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Mote Marine Aquarium
941-388-4200
Get a luxurious 24-foot Sea Ray deck boat with a captain/naturalist to take you on a full- or half-day trip exploring Sarasota Bay or the Gulf of Mexico. Select from activities such as shelling remote beaches, snorkeling tropical reefs, day-tripping to exotic Egmont Key, dolphin and manatee searches and more. The boat has a covered area and restroom.

Nature Safari Cruise
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Mote Marine Aquarium
941-388-4200
Cruise with a guide/biologist for a beach and trail walk spotting a variety of sea life, native plants and animals. Next, it's off to a sand bar to explore the grass flats (personal nets available) and find live shells, sea stars, crabs, sand dollars and even seahorses. Box lunch included.

Sarasota Bay Explorers Charters
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Mote Marine Aquarium
941-388-4200
Design your own cruise! Whatever your whim, they'll take you there: shelling, looking for sharks' teeth, dolphin and manatee watching or even a picnic on a deserted island. Call with your cruise ideas; they'll do the rest. Your personal captain will escort you. Groups up to 49.

Sarasota Boat Rental
Marina Jack
941-365-4232
Rental boats equipped for gulf waters and intracoastal cruising. Deck boats, dual consoles, center consoles and pontoon boats for up to 10 guests. Charts, marine radios, safety equipment and special features included. Trip-planning assistance, guide service, skis, kneeboards and fishing rod rentals are available.

Sealife Encounter Cruise
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Mote Marine Aquarium
941-388-4200
Travel Sarasota and Robert's Bays with a marine biologist looking for dolphins and manatees. Visit the Bird Rookery, home to pelicans, herons, ibises and egrets. View fascinating marine life gathered in their trawl net. Hands-on, fun and informative for all ages.

Siesta Key Boat Rentals
1265 Old Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key
941-349-8880
Come cruise Sarasota's Intracoastal Waterway. See dolphins swim beside your boat. Pick up snacks and beverages from their waterfront convenience store, or stop at one of the waterfront restaurants. Their rental boats, ranging from 15 to 24 feet, are available daily.

back to top »Other Recreation

Sarasota Kennel Club
5400 Bradenton Road
941-355-7744

Florida Ever-Glides Segway Tours
200 South Washington Blvd., Towles Court Artist Colony
941-363-9556
Glide through scenic/historic downtown Sarasota and explore the beautiful bayfront at Island Park. Don't miss out on the fun!

back to top »Golf Courses in Sarasota

back to top »Golf Courses in Bradenton

back to top »Parks

Mote Marine Aquarium

Historic Spanish Point

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Ringling Museum
CÀ D'Zan

Ringling Bridge

Fishing Charter

Lido Beach

Youth Sailing Program

Sunset

Arrival:
200620072008

Nights:Adults:Kids: