Sarasota Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Sarasota tours and things to do on Florida’s Gulf Coast: cruise the bay to spot playful dolphins off Anna Maria Island, paddle a clear kayak through mangrove tunnels in search of manatees, sink your toes into the powder-white quartz sand of Siesta Key, glide over an LED-lit bay by night, spot alligators on a Myakka River safari, and sail into a Gulf sunset. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Sarasota by interest
Whatever brings you to Sarasota — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Sarasota
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Dolphins
Bay cruises.
Mangrove Tunnels
Kayak eco-tour.
Siesta Key
White sand.
Parasailing
Gulf views.
Myakka
Alligators.
Sunset Sail
Gulf sunsets.
Ringling Museum
Art & circus.
Fishing
Gulf charters.
North awayAnna Maria Island
Dolphin cruises.
West awaySiesta Key
White sand.
East awayMyakka Park
Alligators.
Bay awayMangrove Tunnels
Kayak eco-tour.
Bayfront awayRingling Museum
Art & circus.
Bay awaySunset Sail
Gulf sunsets.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Sarasota visitor asks before booking.
Winter (Dec–Mar)
Warm, sunny and dry — the best time to visit.
Spring (Apr–May)
Warm and pleasant, with fewer crowds.
For manatees
Cooler months are best for manatee sightings.
Summer (Jun–Sep)
Hot and humid, with afternoon storms.
For value
Late summer is quieter and cheaper.
Best overall
December to April is ideal.
One day
A dolphin cruise and Siesta Key.
Two days
Add a Myakka safari and a sunset sail.
Three days
Add the Ringling Museum and fishing.
For the sea
Dolphin cruises and sunset sails.
For nature
Mangrove kayaks and Myakka safaris.
With kids
Dolphins, Siesta Key and clear kayaks.
By boat
Cruises and kayaks explore the bay and islands.
Trolley & tours
Trolley tours cover the city sights.
By car
A car reaches Siesta Key, Myakka and the keys.
On foot
Downtown and St Armands Circle are walkable.
Where to stay
Stay downtown, on Siesta Key or Longboat Key.
US dollar
The US uses the dollar; cards widely accepted.
Dolphin cruise
Book a bay cruise to spot wild dolphins.
Mangrove kayak
Paddle the tunnels for manatees and birds.
Siesta Key
Enjoy the cool, soft quartz-white sand.
Myakka safari
See alligators on an e-bike or airboat tour.
Sunset sail
Book a Gulf sunset cruise on the bay.
Sun protection
The Florida sun is strong — bring sunscreen.
Dolphin cruises
Popular cruises sell out — book ahead.
Kayak tours
Mangrove eco-tours fill up — reserve early.
Sunset sails
Sunset cruises sell out — book ahead.
Myakka safaris
E-bike and airboat tours fill up — reserve early.
Fishing charters
Private charters fill up — book ahead.
Winter season
December to April is busiest — book ahead.
Dolphin cruise
Around $35–65 for a dolphin sightseeing cruise.
Kayak tour
About $45–75 for a mangrove kayak eco-tour.
Parasailing
Roughly $60–100 for a parasailing adventure.
Myakka safari
Around $50–90 for a Myakka wildlife tour.
Sunset sail
About $45–80 for a sunset sailing cruise.
How to save
Join group cruises and tours to cut costs.
Sarasota through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Warm & dry.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Pleasant.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely.
- Best for
- Beaches.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Quiet & warm.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Fine.