Boating and Paddling
Launch your kayak, boat, paddleboard or kiteboard!
Get out and explore Sarasota’s beautiful waterways and coastal environment. Home to numerous bird and marine species, our waterways and coastal environment offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing.
You can boat, swim, paddleboard, fish, waterski, wakeboard, tube, kiteboard or paddle your way around the waterways of Sarasota County. Be sure to use the Blueways Paddling Guide as you get into the flow of Sarasota’s kayak, canoe and paddleboard trails.
Rentals and Tours
Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent at South Lido Nature Park (Ted Sperling Park) or Turtle Beach Park: explore on your own or through a scheduled guided tour. The best part? No need to worry about transporting a kayak or paddleboard around. Vendors will meet you on-site to set you up with all of the supplies you need. Be sure to tag your favorite photos and experiences by using the hashtag #SRQCountyParks.
Rentals are available through permitted vendors onsite. Ready to go? Contact one of our vendors here.
Fun Facts
- Sarasota County offers many different water access locations including, 13 motorized boat launches and 29 non-motorized (kayak) launches.
- Bird viewing opportunities! Rookeries are home to Roseate Spoonbills, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Brown Pelicans, Ospreys and many other birds.
- Wildlife includes manatees, dolphins and a wide variety of marine fish.
- Sarasota County is home to many artificial reefs site including 8 bay sites and thirty-one gulf sites.
- Amenities:
- Boat Ramp
- Boat Ramps for Motorized Vessels
- Boat Ramps for Non-motorized Vessels
- Canoe/Kayak Launch
- Dog-Friendly (Leash Required)
- Fishing
- Fishing Pier
- Grills
- Outdoor Fitness Equipment
- Picnic Shelter / Pavilion
- Picnicking
- Restroom
- Rowing Facility
- Trail - Paved
- Trail - Unpaved
- Amenities:
- Boat Ramp
- Boat Ramps for Motorized Vessels
- Boat Ramps for Non-motorized Vessels
- Canoe/Kayak Launch
- Grills
- Picnic Shelter / Pavilion
- Picnicking
- Restroom
- Amenities:
- Birding
- Boat Ramp
- Boat Ramps for Motorized Vessels
- Boat Ramps for Non-motorized Vessels
- Canoe/Kayak Launch
- Dog-Friendly (Leash Required)
- Fishing
- Grills
- Historical / Cultural Resource
- Picnic Shelter / Pavilion
- Picnicking
- Restroom
- Swimming
- Amenities:
- Boat Ramp
- Boat Ramps for Motorized Vessels
- Dog-Friendly (Leash Required)
- Amenities:
- Beach Access
- Birding
- Boat Ramp
- Boat Ramps for Motorized Vessels
- Boat Ramps for Non-motorized Vessels
- Canoe/Kayak Wash Station
- Fishing
- Grills
- Lifeguard
- Picnic Shelter / Pavilion
- Picnicking
- Restroom
- Swimming
- Wildlife Viewing
- Amenities:
- Boat Ramp
- Boat Ramps for Motorized Vessels
- Picnic Shelter / Pavilion
- Picnicking
- Amenities:
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Boat Ramp
- Canoe/Kayak Launch
- Dog-Friendly (Leash Required)
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Restroom
- Rowing Facility
- Trail - Paved
- Trail - Unpaved
- Amenities:
- Beach Access
- Birding
- Boat Ramp
- Boat Ramps for Motorized Vessels
- Boat Ramps for Non-motorized Vessels
- Canoe/Kayak Launch
- Canoe/Kayak Wash Station
- Concession/Restaurant
- Fishing
- Fishing Pier
- Grills
- Historical / Cultural Resource
- Indoor Rental Space
- Lifeguard
- Picnic Shelter / Pavilion
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Restroom
- Swimming
- Volleyball Court (Sand)
- Wildlife Viewing
- Amenities:
- Beach Access
- Birding
- Boat Ramp
- Boat Ramps for Motorized Vessels
- Boat Ramps for Non-motorized Vessels
- Canoe/Kayak Launch
- Canoe/Kayak Launch (Accessible)
- Canoe/Kayak Wash Station
- Fishing
- Fishing Pier
- Grills
- Picnic Shelter / Pavilion
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Restroom
- Swimming
- Wildlife Viewing