> Contact Us
> Travel Trade
> Media

From kite surfing to shark hunting, there is a wide range of activities for thrill-seekers. Expert sailors can enjoy the extensive sailing area while newcomers to the water can try a Kayak eco tour. Or for some underwater action try diving with dolphins.
 
KITE SURFING

Extreme sports fan’s who seek the thrill of “big air’’ by being launched into the air 20 feet or higher, can usually be found on Lido Key when the wind is really howling.
This three-mile beach, located just to the north of Siesta Key, is a favourite haunt for board riders who harness the wind with help of a kite instead of a sail.

Kite surfing, as it is called, requires a high level of fitness and technical skill. Riders usually master the kite, which acts as a suspended sail and pulls surfers across the water, on land before attempting to fly it over the water.

On a windy day, a kite surfer can reach speeds up to 25 mph and can launch the board more than 30 feet in the air. That is why many consider kite surfing the ultimate board sport. If you are looking for a unique adrenalin rush lessons are widely available.    
 
Kite Surfing

PARASAILING

Take to the skies and fly single, double or triple for incredible views of Florida’s west coast. From 500 feet or higher you can see dolphins, turtles and sting rays. All this and no need to get wet – unless you want to! There are many Parasailing schools across the region.
 
Parasailing in Florida's Gulf Islands
Parasailing in Sarasota
 
KAYAK ADVENTURES
 
Explore the many miles of Sarasota and Bradenton waterways by Sea kayak. If you head south and start at Venice you can try your hand at a little kayak surfing. Alternatively paddle north up the Intercostals Waterway.
If you take the inshore route, don’t forget to visit the Bird Keys (south of Turtle Beach) and the Jim Neville Wildlife Preserve. Take the time to stop and explore. You’ll see every wading bird imaginable, including flamingos
 
The best kayak trip on the West Coast of Florida is the paddle around Lido Key, at the south end of the key you’ll find a protected mangrove area that looks like something from a Tarzan movie.

Be sure to paddle through the “tunnels” before heading north and crossing under the bridge that leads from downtown Sarasota to Lido Key. The picnic tables at Ken Thompson Park on City Island offer a good place to stop for lunch. If time allows, you can also visit nearby Mote Aquarium, before heading out to New Pass and back down the beach.  
 
Further north in Florida’s gulf islands it is possible to take a kayak eco-tour, illustrating some of Florida's significant natural habitats and ecosystems. Or for something really different try a shark hunt using a tandem kayak. They guarantee you will see a shark.  
 
There are a wide range of operators offering hourly/daily/weekly and residential packages, for more details follow the links bellow.  
 
Kayaking in Sarasota
Kayaking in Florida's Gulf Islands
 
PARKS & FORESTS

There are many parks across the region however the most extensive is Myakka River, this park is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. The "Florida Wild and Scenic" Myakka River flows through 53 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands. Activities available in the park include horse riding, cycling, hiking and camping. For detailed information go to www.myakkariver.org
 
Hikers will relish the solitude found along the 39 miles of trails that snake through the 28,850-acres of wilderness. Backpackers can choose from six primitive campsites, each nestled in its own unique environment. Alternatively explore nature 70-plus feet in the air on the Myakka Canopy Walkway.
 
DIVING  

There is a wide choice of diving schools across the region. In Sarasota it is also possible to go diving with dolphins. At the centres you’ll find scuba diving, fishing and kayaking readily available. Lessons and courses are also available.  
 
Diving in Florida's Gulf Islands
Diving in Sarasota
 
SAILING   
 
Boat lovers have a wide range of options to choose from, with pontoons, powerboats and charters widely available. Fans of fishing can rent the necessary tools to reel in some of the grouper or mahi mahi inhabiting local waterways.
 
Sailors can enjoy the extensive turquoise waterways and barrier islands, with a wide choice of charter companies to choose from.  
 
Sailing in Sarasota
Sailing in Florida's Gulf Islands