If you are only going to do one “extra” thing on your trip to Siesta Key, make it a boat trip. The barrier islands, the mangrove tunnels, the dolphins that seem to show up on cue and the sunsets that turn the sky the color of a mango are all best experienced from the water. Here are the main types of boat tours around Sarasota and Siesta Key, and how to pick the right one.
Boat tours at a glance
| Tour type | Best for | Typical length | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset cruise | Couples, first-time visitors, everyone | About 2 hours | Late afternoon into sunset |
| Sandbar trip | Groups, families, swimmers | 2 to 4 hours | Midday, at lower tide |
| Dolphin and wildlife cruise | Families, nature lovers | 1.5 to 2 hours | Morning |
| Private charter | Celebrations, bachelorettes, groups who want their own plan | Flexible | Any time |
| Kayak or paddleboard tour | Active travelers, kids 8+ | 1.5 to 3 hours | Morning, calm water |
Sunset cruises
A sunset cruise is the easiest, lowest-commitment way to get on the water, and almost every visitor should do one. Most trips run about two hours, leave in the late afternoon, and time the return so you are out for the last thirty minutes of daylight. Many pass dolphins on the way out, so it often doubles as a wildlife tour. Read how a Siesta Key sunset cruise works, or see the most romantic sunsets in Sarasota if you are planning something special.
Sandbar trips
Sarasota Bay is full of shallow sand flats where boats anchor in warm, waist-deep water and everyone floats, swims and relaxes. A sandbar trip is the classic local afternoon and the best choice for groups. Timing with the tide matters, so let your captain pick the spot. Our sandbar guide covers what to expect and what to bring.
Dolphin and wildlife cruises
About 170 bottlenose dolphins live in Sarasota Bay year-round, so sightings are common on almost any trip. A morning departure on calm water gives you the best odds, along with manatees, rays and seabirds. A good captain keeps a respectful distance. See dolphin watching in Sarasota Bay for where and when.
Private charters
A private charter means your group has the boat to itself and can mix sunset, sandbar and dolphin time however you like. It is the go-to for birthdays, proposals, family reunions, bachelor parties, company outings and bachelorette weekends. Our public beach vs. private charter guide explains when a charter is worth it.
Full disclosure: Siesta Key Things To Do is written by the team behind Barefoot Tiki Tours, so we know that boat well. We point you to other good options too. More about us.
Kayak and paddleboard tours
For something quieter, paddle through the shaded mangrove tunnels off Lido Key or the calm back bays behind Siesta Key. Guided tours handle the route and the wildlife spotting; rentals let you explore on your own. Start with our Lido Key mangrove tunnels guide.
Tiki boat cruises with Barefoot Tiki
For a laid-back mix of all of the above, Barefoot Tiki runs tiki boat cruises from downtown Sarasota, minutes from Siesta Key: Siesta Key sunset cruises, public sandbar, dolphin and sunset cruises, Lido Key sunset cruises, private sunset charters, the Sandbar Fun cruise and the Dolphin & Mimosa cruise. This fall there is also the new Boos Cruise for Halloween. See our Halloween guide.
How to choose and book
- Pick the time first. Sunset for views, morning for dolphins, midday for the sandbar.
- Shared or private? Shared tours cost less per person; private charters make sense for groups of six or more or a special occasion.
- Book ahead in season. January to April and holiday weekends sell out, especially sunset slots.
- Ask about weather. Most operators reschedule if storms or high wind cancel a trip.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, a towel if you plan to swim, and a light layer for the ride back.
Frequently asked questions
For most visitors, a sunset cruise. It takes about two hours, works for every age, and often includes dolphin sightings. Groups who want to swim should choose a sandbar trip.
Most sunset cruises run about two hours, leaving in the late afternoon and returning just after sunset.
Morning, when the water is calm and dolphins are often feeding. Sunset cruises are a good second choice.
In peak season (January to April) and on holiday weekends, yes. Sunset departures sell out first.