Watersports in the Intracoastal Waterway

A jet skiing adventure on the bay, a kayaking tour through the swamplands or a fishing excursion on the Intracoastal Waterway—these are all part of the Florida outdoor experience which, in Sarasota, is particularly unique.

Dolphin Paddlesports

New to Southwest Florida on-the-water exploration and not sure where to begin? Start with Dolphin Paddlesports and scout out the ideal gear for the day’s scheduled outings. Will the chosen item be a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or snorkel? Will there be spear fishing or fly fishing involved? Tackle experts at Dolphin guide patrons to the perfect equipment and even host “demo days” for a “try before you buy” experience. The 1948-founded company has on-staff captains that know exactly where, when and how to recreate in the local waters.

Outriggers Charter Fishing

Amateur anglers, learn about the primo fishing spots with Outriggers Charter Fishing. Locate the best grouper, snapper, cobia, tuna and amber jack during customized half-day or full-day deep-sea hunts in the Gulf of Mexico.

Siesta Key Fishing Adventures

Siesta Key Fishing Adventures takes attendees out on an offshore center console fishing boat in the bay waters around Siesta Key and the general Sarasota area. Looking for kingfish, grouper, permit, snapper, sharks, barracuda and wahoo in the Gulf, or redfish, trout, flounder, snook and tarpon inshore and along the beaches? There is a fish for every flavor, so let the professional guides do all the mapping and guesswork. Just sit back, await the catches, reel them in and unwind.

Solo or Group Trips (Without Fishing)

Not into fishing? Rent a wave runner, pedal board, paddleboard, aqua cycle, canoe or sailboat at Enticer Watersports and cruise out into the bay for a solo or group trip. Embark on a dolphin-watching or sunset-sailing voyage with Kathleen D. Sailing Catamarans, and take a pristine vessel out for a day of shelling and snorkeling.

Paddleboarding

Curious about mastering the art of stand-up paddle boarding (also known as SUP)? Try WhatSUP and learn from a World Paddle Association-certified instructor about the fast-growing sport. Take a self-guided or professionally led tour, or book an individual rental at Ted Sperling Park on South Lido Beach (just paddling distance from the Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels and Otter Key).

Key Sailing

Key Sailing takes revelers out on a yacht for sunset charters under the John Ringling Causeway toward the Ca’d’Zan. Climb aboard the Marina Jack II with Marina Jack II Cruises and take a narrated sightseeing lunch tour through Lido and Bird Keys into North Sarasota Bay. There is even a fresh buffet with salads, entrées and desserts on this decadent cruise.

Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club

Then, after an al fresco expedition, check into the Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club on Siesta Key’s Crescent Beach. The spot has the area’s only clay courts, along with four tennis courts, two heated pools and a beach pavilion.

Relax

Relax, reflect and recharge for the following day’s outdoorsy itinerary. All it takes is a phone booking of a professional tour, a rental of a new piece of equipment, or a visit to a fishing demonstration to get acquainted with the trove of water-sporting alternatives in Sarasota County.