Looking for Super Fun Things to do in Sarasota?
Sarasota Bay Explorers offers family-friendly eco-tours, dolphin watching cruises, and hands-on marine life encounters that showcase the natural beauty of Sarasota Bay. Located at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, we provide one of the most exciting and educational experiences on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Our expert guides lead boat tours where guests can spot dolphins, manatees, learn about local wildlife, and enjoy breath-taking sunsets. Whether you’re a local or visiting, Sarasota Bay Explorers is a must-do for anyone searching for fun, educational, and nature-filled things to do in Sarasota. Book your adventure today and explore the waters with us!
Wildlife You May Encounter During One of Our Boat Tours
Please Note: While our boat tours offer fantastic opportunities to observe dolphins, manatees, and other local wildlife, these animals are wild and free to roam—just as nature intended. We cannot guarantee sightings on every trip, but we always strive to provide a fun, educational, and memorable experience on the waters of Sarasota Bay. Keep scrolling right to see more of the local wildlife.
Most Popular!
One of the Top Things to Do in Sarasota: Join a Sea Life Encounter Cruise on Sarasota Bay
From $39
Looking for unforgettable things to do in Sarasota? Set sail on our eco-friendly Sea Life Encounter Cruise, a two-hour educational adventure through the stunning waters of Sarasota and Roberts Bays. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and curious explorers of all ages, this immersive boat tour offers a unique way to experience Sarasota’s natural beauty.
Led by a knowledgeable marine biologist, this interactive Sarasota Bay boat tour highlights the area’s rich marine life, including sightings of Florida manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and a variety of native bird species. As you cruise around bird rookery islands, keep an eye out for pelicans, herons, ibis, and egrets—making this tour a must for birdwatching enthusiasts.
You’ll also step ashore on an uninhabited island to explore local flora and fauna up close, making this one of the most unique eco tours in Sarasota. A tour highlight includes collecting and examining marine life using a trawl net, giving guests a hands-on look at the fascinating creatures living on the bay floor.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local looking for family-friendly Sarasota activities, this eco tour in Sarasota Bay is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Sarasota Bay Explorers Gift Cards
Give the Gift of Adventure on the Water!
Looking for a unique, unforgettable gift? A Sarasota Bay Explorers Gift Card is the perfect way to treat your friends or family to an experience they’ll never forget. From dolphin-watching cruises to guided nature tours, it’s more than a gift—it’s a memory in the making.
About Sarasota Bay Explorers
Embark on an fun and educational journey through the clear waters of Sarasota, Florida, and discover the wonders of marine science and eco-conservation on one of our unforgettable boat tours.
Our expert guides will take you on a thrilling adventure, showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty of Sarasota Bay while teaching you about the local marine life and the efforts to preserve it.
We are located in beautiful Sarasota, Florida and work in conjunction with Mote Marine Laboratory to provide interactive marine science boat trips for both public and private use.
We offer several types of eco-tours including our renowned Sea Life Encounter Cruise and private charters aboard the Miss Explorer.
In addition to our regular cruises, you may charter a trip on one of our 40-foot pontoon boats for a private group. Private charters are available for anything from school field trips to company outings to birthday parties.
