Sarasota 4-Hour Private Boat Tour — Siesta Key, Lido & Sandbar Adventure
Slide off the dock and spend four private hours exploring Siesta Key’s sandbars, Lido’s wooded shores, and the fishing-rich Venice jetties. This family-friendly charter mixes swimming, wildlife viewing, and local stops for a true Gulf Coast half-day.
The Experience
Before You Go
Check tides and timing
Low tide exposes sandbars and shallow flats — coordinate with the captain for the best beaching and swimming windows.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The Florida sun is intense and reflection from water increases exposure; use SPF 30+ and reapply after swimming.
Secure soft bags
Use dry bags for electronics and pack soft-sided coolers so gear can be stowed safely in the boat’s lockers.
Mind boarding and disembarking
Boat ladders and low freeboard can be slippery; wear non-marking shoes and follow crew instructions to avoid slips.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Quiet sandbars near the South Lido entrance for shallow-water wading
- •The small mangrove channels off Beer Can Island where juvenile fish and shorebirds concentrate
Wildlife
- •bottlenose dolphin
- •shorebirds (willets, sandpipers)
Conservation Note
Use reef-safe sunscreen and pack out all waste; the area’s seagrass beds and bird rookeries are sensitive to anchoring and litter.
The bay was long used by Indigenous peoples and later by fishermen; small islands and jetties supported local fishing communities and seafood trade.
What to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects marine life and prevents intense sunburn while on reflective water surfaces.
Dry bagEssential
Keeps phone, keys, and extra layers dry during waves, splashes, and beach stops.
Non-marking water shoesEssential
Provides grip on wet docks, sandbars, and rocky jetties while protecting feet from hot decks and shells.
Light windbreaker
Blocks spray and cool breezes on early-morning or winter outings without bulk.
Common Questions
Can we bring children and infants?
Yes — infant seats are available and strollers can be accommodated; indicate ages at booking so the captain can prepare safety gear.
Is fishing included?
Fishing can be added upon request; check with the operator about bait, licenses, and target species before your trip.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Trips are cancellable for full refund at least 24 hours prior; the operator may cancel for unsafe conditions and offer rebooking or refund.
Are pets allowed?
Service animals are permitted and small pets are generally welcome — confirm boat size and any restrictions when booking.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Siesta Key, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light to moderate — must be able to step on/off the boat and manage short beach walks
Ready to Explore Siesta Key?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now